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 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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Once Upon a Fall: How I Became ‘Nearly Headless’
March 9th. It’s been one year. Today. I remember the dirty pavement. On my hands and knees, stunned, a group of women near me gasped. I ignored the flutter sensation up my arm, and paid …
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81 Days Since My Life Was Saved
Emergency spinal surgery was 81 days ago (11.57 weeks) Home from acute rehab 66 days ago (9.43 weeks) Through this journey, my badass friends have helped me relearn to swallow, chew, talk, walk, sit, brush …
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