Hang Tough!
On December 22, 1991 I was involved in an incident that would alter the course of my life and change me forever. In the early morning hours of that day, I sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident. It is 20 some years later and I have now lived with a brain injury, longer than I did without one.
I will forever be grateful for the recovery that I have been blessed to receive. I do not believe that 100% recovery from any injury is possible – but good rehabilitation, hard work, and a loving support network are factors that can make the difference in a life disrupted by catastrophic injury. Continued “maintenance” and wellness are also crucial to being the BEST you can be. (That’s true about everyone, but even more important when you live with some type of disability).
Unfortunately, depending on the extent of the damage, serious disability is a real possibility. In the very least, a brain injury changes and challenges who you thought you were and who you will become.
Survivors of Brain Injury are usually much more concerned with day to day survival than writing about their experience into what can be a dark, scary, and unfamiliar world. Some survivors are not even capable of the fine motor control needed, or the memory capacity for events to write them down. I’ve finally gotten around to it!
I believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle – in one way or another. I also believe that everything happens for a reason. We may or may not know what those reasons are.
Hang in there. You are here because you are supposed to be. Stay tuned for my next installment dealing with brain injury-related fatigue. If you’ve got it, you’ll totally relate – if you don’t, well consider yourself lucky and perhaps educate yourself about what it would be like to deal with fatigue every day of your life… forever.
Until we meet again!
Barb