Hello, my awesome followers!
We started out, Veronica and I, 16 years ago with brain injuries from a car accident. Veronica came so close to death, learning everything over from babyhood. We were told to find a nursing home for her, as she would likely remain in a vegetative state. Me, being taken care of and parented by my 17-year-old daughter, Kylie. Greg, my husband, was devastated by our new life, without mine and Veronica’s recognition of it. I grew into the role of being Veronica’s caregiver. I don’t always have the patience I wish I did, but apologies go a long way.
We have grieved, been lonely, learned, accepted, and grown so much more than was ever expected, believing that the power of prayer carried us when we could not carry ourselves. We have thrived throughout the years. This year, 2024 has been a spectacular year full of joy, sadness, anxiety, depression, but mostly JOY.
We have done things that took us out of our comfort zone, as you might have read in my past blogs. Veronica and I traveled alone and have gotten where we intended to go, and Veronica got a job for a short time. Although it didn’t work out it was a huge win. Having the will and capability to try at all was an accomplishment, and we were so incredibly proud of her. Trying new things is the only way to recognize growth. It’s not about failing; it’s about getting back up.
I often want to accomplish more than I do, but sometimes I am held back by my memory and lack of energy. I don’t consider that a loss, however. I do what I can, when I can, and rest when it’s necessary, which is often. This year, I have been on podcasts, and radio shows. Veronica and I have taught about brain injuries in High Schools, making this our fourth year. The teachers are astonished by Veronica’s cognitive growth, her better impulse control, and the broadening of knowledge we are able to share. We have been told by so many that our healing and recovery will end at a certain point, but that has not been our experience.
2024, 16 years post injury, seems like it has been a year of growth and challenges. I want everyone to know that as bad as things get, crisis mode does not last forever. We can learn to manage our new normal. Everything we go through is slow, but we are still learning new things all the time. The gift is, we are still here, so we must not stop. We must not stand in our own way. Some of these grueling stages are horrific. Accepting that has been part of the journey for us.
Our positive attitude toward our new life certainly doesn’t mean we haven’t gone through the same torcher you have. Life is about perspective, and we have never given up hope.
We do not get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose how we handle it.
Don’t be afraid of the journey.
A Miracle a Day, One Day at a Time: Hope After Traumatic Brain Injury
Happy 2025!!!
Dawn Corbelli 