Gratitude

Here was a man facing mortality and in tremendous pain, with complete attention on me and my rather insignificant troubles. As we embraced and I prepared to head out, gratitude for his friendship filled me. Driving home I found my sadness from the news overcome with profound wonder at David’s caring heart that he shared with so many.

I’ve got one school saying that the key to satisfaction and internal peace is keen awareness of the world in which I live while another instructs that I’m actually existing in a mirage with the only realm that matters being an invisible or spiritual one.

Originally intended at filling a void in societal knowledge, each March highlights research, prevention and aids available to brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers. 

While in no way am I proud of all the choices I’ve made or even neutral on the way I’ve lived my life; with time I’m finally seeing that the past does not have to dictate the future. It seems that to be truly grateful for my life today means having gratitude for everything that has led up to this point.

How further reflection on the answer to a common question from various audiences shows my biggest challenge has evolved over time.

Fortunately for me, I was welcomed with open arms; and what do you know, after 18 years, I’m still hanging out! I shudder to think what my life would look like without my involvement with KBIC, and thankfully, I don’t have to. All In know is that the community of members, staff, and interns have been my foundation for a “New Life After Brain Injury”.