Wednesday, 02/12

     With heartfelt gratitude Caren and her family would like to say THANK YOU!  The incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support have blessed us, and continue to uphold and encourage us during this difficult time.  We have a long journey ahead of us this year, and together we can only proceed one step at a time - together in prayer!

     Yesterday Austin was home sick with a gnarly cough.  His doctor's appointment was at 1:45 pm.   Rick's car had been acting rather funky due to the ice build-up on tire wells.  It was no surprise to me when the car was shimmying and shaking - until it became noticeably different.  Austin and I pulled into the 76th Street Truck Stop.  Flat tire!  Really?!  Flat tire!!
First I had to call the doctor's office to cancel Austin's appointment, then I called Rick.
     Miraculously I was able to contact Anna Maria.  Hooray, she was at home!  Anna Maria came to our rescue, even picking up Nich and Benjamin from school and driving us all home.
Anna Maria stayed for tea.   What an incredible blessing!  I've truly missed our times of friendship visits and fellowship.  We enjoyed after-school snack with the boys.
     THEN, THEN - Anna Maria went to visit Caren, taking some items with her that I couldn't deliver.  What a joy it was to Caren to visit with an old friend (no pun intended, Anna -LOL) Caren told Anna Maria that she felt forgotten, and how blest she was for Anna Maria's visit.
By the way, yesterday Caren walked from the gym all the way to her room, over 500 feet, with her cane and not her walker!  That girl is working hard to get
home, :-)  

     Anna Maria, thank you for sharing your special gift of love and compassion and comfort with Caren!
      Today the boys and I are hanging out downstairs while I post on Caren's behalf.  Bill and Dar have arranged to have Rick's car towed in, and repaired.  Thanks a million, Bill and DAr!
      Wednesday shower day is postponed again.  There is a difference this time.  Personally I feel that I've been granted an extra measure of grace.  I am in a space of peace and harmony, no upset, no frustration, no exhaustion.  Thank you, God!

     "Life after brain injury can be like a scene from the movie “The Parent Trap.” You look like the same person, but you are not.

• Cognitive changes may affect memory, judgment, reasoning, learning, processing speech and vision. 
• Physical changes may affect gait, vision, hearing, . . . , energy level, weakness, smell, taste, etc. 
• Behavioral and psychiatric changes may include mood swings, . . . agitation, sadness, depression, anxiety, . . . ; life very difficult and feelings of isolation often occur.

The topics, ideas, suggestions, and information listed throughout this website are being provided as a look into the life of a person after brain injury. It is important to remember that the person is as unique as the injury and life post-injury will be as well.

The “what now” works both ways; how does the family make it work and how does the survivor make it work."  (https://www.facebook.com/BIRCofWI)

     Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support!

     Jehovah-Misqabbi

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     Today Caren walked from her room to therapy.  Also, she's been changed from a 2-person transfer to a 1-person transfer.  Speech therapy still troubles her.  Apparently Caren was playing Uno with the therapist, lol