Be There When I Return: A Memoir of Epilepsy, Love, and Success

For fans of rags-to-riches stories, Be There When I Return is not just about overcoming epilepsy and finding success--it is also for those who are looking for a celebration of love in its purest form.

When thirty-one-year-old Michael starts to act out of character, it gets the attention of his roommate and a woman he has started dating. After denying anything is wrong with him, Michael finally decides to visit a neurologist. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a life-altering diagnosis of epilepsy. What follows is a five-year saga of navigating the unpredictable terrain of seizures and the relentless pursuit of control. During this time, he finds a lifeline in the unwavering support of a new love. This powerful bond fuels his resilience and determination to reclaim his life.

At thirty-seven, Michael takes a daring leap to undergo surgery, the first of its kind at the hospital. The procedure’s success sparks a profound transformation in his life. Just nine months later, a chance encounter with an old friend opens the door to an unexpected career in Silicon Valley. Leaving behind his bartending job in LA, Michael dives headfirst into the tech recruiting world, where he builds a career against all odds.

Be There When I Return is a testament to courage, love, and the pursuit of dreams. It celebrates second chances and the triumph over life’s greatest challenges. Michael’s journey will inspire you to believe in the impossible and seize the moments that can change everything.

Michael King was born and raised in Daly City, California. He is an epilepsy survivor and the founder and CEO of King Recruiting. When he’s not placing marketers at top tech companies in Silicon Valley, you can find him chasing a little white ball on the golf course. He lives in Sammamish, Washington with his wife and daughter.