Fort Liard (Aug 01/03) - When Al Harris collapsed in a Fort Nelson, B.C. grocery store last year, it would have a dramatic impact on his life.

Harris suffered a seizure, his first, in December. He still doesn't remember the incident and said he didn't believe the ambulance attendants who insisted he had lost consciousness.

Shortly thereafter he would endure two more spastic attacks.

He said his doctor has told him the convulsions likely stem from a serious snowmobile accident he had on January 19, 1991. He jarred his brain on that day and was warned that seizures may occur years later.

In accordance with the law, Harris's licence was medically suspended for one year.

Those who suffer seizures are considered a risk on the road. As a safety officer for Beaver Enterprises and a coroner, Harris said he wasn't about to argue.

"Being a coroner, that would be pretty bad for me to ignore something that's physically wrong with myself and perhaps have a seizure while I'm driving," he reasoned. "Other people's lives are just as important as mine. If I could put somebody else's life in danger by my driving, then no, I definitely shouldn't be (behind the wheel)."

The biggest hurdle was that Harris, 48, relied heavily on his ability to drive to do his job, a position he's held for over four years. Was his livelihood at stake?

"Yes, I was very concerned," he admitted.

He presented his circumstances to company management and was relieved to hear that they would find a way to retain his services.

Andrea LocHan, executive director for the Acho Dene Koe First Nation, which owns Beaver Enterprises, said Harris is a valued employee.

"He's always been such an asset," she said. "Beaver Enterprises (management) said, 'You take care of yourself because we want you back.'"

From a work standpoint, things became easier in April when Boris Sanguez was re-hired as safety supervisor, Harris noted. Not only does Sanguez carry out his duties professionally, he has been able to do the driving to work sites.

The day-to-day adjustment of not being able to operate a vehicle was almost unbearable at first, Harris conceded.

"I had a hell of a hard time with it," he said.

Since then, he said he's found community members have been very supportive in offering him rides wherever he needs to go. Sometimes he declines just to enjoy the walk, he added.

"It's been healthier for me," he said. "You've got to try and find anything positive you can in any situation to keep yourself going forward."

He is now taking medication that has controlled the seizures over the past several months.

Despite adapting well to the situation, Harris admitted that he's looking forward to the independence of getting behind the wheel again -- on Dec. 5 -- should his health hold up.

"It's about 128 days, I might be out a day or two," he said, laughing. "I just can't wait to get (my licence) back. I do truly miss it."