There is a deep darkness—because I live a life behind a veil of being able to “write well” and yet that leaves my traumatic brain injury forgotten by most, if not all. People run over …
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The Hidden Visage of Traumatic Brain Injury
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One Step Changed My Life
Two years ago today.I fell. It was a Saturday and I was headed to the third survivor event of the day. The week had been jammed full of survivor speaking engagements, conferences, trainings, and mentoring—just …
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Riding a Dragon during a Panic Attack (partial)
One year ago, tonight, there wasn’t a support person who could be present with me in the hospital. I was hallucinating from a bad response to the drugs and since no one could be with …
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The Chrysalis Dance and Emergency Spinal Surgery
As I prepare to write today, I carry my iPad and a pack of gum to the table that has the Bluetooth keyboard. It’s about twelve steps away, but it is a maze of creativity …
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Imminent Spinal Surgery and the Poop-Apocalypse
One year ago today, I was supposed to be speaking at an Arizona coalition’s state conference in the west valley. I had been invited to give a presentation on the importance of training first responders …
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Internal Decapitation and the Morphine Dance
One year ago today, my world tumbled out of control. I had been clinging to a hope that my life would go back to what I had known. But the last grips on that world …
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Friends, MRIs, and Perfect Breasts — Oh my!
One year ago today, Leesha and I headed toward the second attempt to get the MRI completed. This time I had an ally on my arm and a letter in my hand from my therapist …
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The Day I Heard My Nerves Scream
One year ago today, I helplessly clutched my injured arm to my chest, desperately trying to press the pain out of existence. I could taste and hear the pain; I could smell the pain amidst …
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The Love of Driving: Mourning Freedom’s Road after Spinal Cord Injury
As of yesterday, it’s been one year since I’ve driven. I loved to drive. The freedom. The alone time in silence. Sometimes hours as I drove across the city. My favorite spot to drive to …
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When Being Uninsured Nearly Cost My Life
Today I want to stop and honor what one year ago meant for me. I was on the fifth day of being in mysterious pain from seemingly nowhere. At first, I thought I slept wrong. …
