LISA

PHOTO BY RANDY BACON

LISA

“Always Possible”

When I was young, I was just a carefree girl like any other kid. The summer after I turned 12 years old I was in a horrible car accident that killed my mother, minimally injured my brother, and left me in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. I was in a coma for about 2 1/2 months and I was in the hospital for about 4 months. I had to relearn how to do everything.

I came home and started rehabilitation and intensive outpatient therapy for my injuries. Learning to deal with my emotions and feelings were a big part of my injury. I had mental therapies for the emotional troubles and PTSD.

It was so hard, I didn’t feel like I could talk to anyone and when I did, tears of frustration and fear would take over because I couldn’t get the right words out. It was difficult growing up without a mother that I could ask female questions. I missed her, she was so kind and devoted to her children. I know now that I am a much better person because I had her influence and love for as long as I did. My lack of communication skills and abilities left me in isolation much of the time. I spent a lot of time alone and struggled with depression. I still struggle with depression from time to time, but typically I do a pretty decent job of talking to friends and family and working through my emotional issues on my own.

I graduated high school and college with top grades. It was very challenging, but I think it would be so much harder and less fulfilling if I didn’t face challenges that require actively growing and seeking differences. Now I live independently in my own home with two cats. I cook and clean on my own and continue physical therapy, exercise, swimming, reading, crafting, writing, volunteering, knitting, sewing, etc.

My confidence has improved because I am always trying new things like improv and I challenge myself to do more and more things independently. When I start feeling down, I ask myself, “how can I make this a more fun thing to do?” This adds a fun perspective to my daily tasks etc. A lot of my motivation comes from the pleasure I get from overcoming adversity.

Every now and again I will still have a panic attack and I am overwhelmed with feelings of sadness. Sometimes it gets so hard with my social difficulties, problems with communication, and my inability to keep up with others that my brain injury and depression want me to resort to isolation and negative feelings. There are little routines that I have found to help me overcome these feelings. Although I will probably always have issues with feelings and interactions, staying positive is the biggest helper of all. I’m so thankful that I have such a better awareness now than what I used to. And that medically what was once impossible, with hard work, dedication, and positivity, is now far from impossible.

I work to make life easier for others through volunteering and being the best person I can be. I feel fortunate that I am still making progress and making big strides in my recovery. It is hard to see there is a bright side when things are so difficult and life seems to be resisting you. It might take years to find your peace and position in life, but good things do happen and change is always possible.