Life Goes On

Northeast Passage’s (NEP) involvement in the King Challenge really makes it possible for the Doc King Adaptive Ride to happen. I can’t remember if it was at Krempels Center, where NEP frequently offers physical activity groups for members, that I was introduced to this wonderful non-profit; or when my brother played sled hockey while at UNH. Begun in 1990 as a private non-profit, after years of successful collaboration, NEP officially merged with UNH’s College of Health and Human Services.

After learning of Jim’s accident, Kathy and Jim reconnected. In 2013, Jim started speaking to some of Kathy’s classes where she now taught in Westborough High School in Westborough, MA. Now in 2021, Jim and Kathy decided to share their reflections on their journey from starting out as student and teacher to becoming colleagues and friends.

As I sit here typing 15 years to the day after my car crash, the fact that I’m typing a new blog post leaves me full of gratitude, let alone that I can sit up on my own in a chair. Just the possibility that sharing my experience along this TBI recovery journey can help someone in their own life, or provide even a positive thought, gives me joy!

This was exactly the challenging situation faced by Dr. Martin and Marilyn Spivack, who in 1980 meet with five family members to discuss the need for an organization “to effect change for individuals with brain injury.”

As we make our way through the 3rd month of 2020, a quick scroll through my news feed on social media this morning reminded me of two unrelated facts: March is Brain Injury Awareness month and it has been about a year since the Pandemic altered all our lives.

At the risk of sounding dramatic and perhaps taking an overly simplistic view on things at this moment, I believe that brain injured or not, we all must choose between living life on life’s terms with, its’ oftentimes uncomfortable acceptance, or constant struggle.