I originally wrote the post below nearly two years ago; March 2015. Today is the fifth anniversary of that worst day of my life. As you can see from the timeline, he recovered----we were blessed with a miracle.
So what is he doing on this fifth year, after those days when we had no idea what his future would look like?---exploring Antarctica. He is experiencing yet another trip of a lifetime, on his quest to step foot on every continent.
Life's roller coaster. Even at its very lowest point, we must keep in mind----it goes back up.
So what is he doing on this fifth year, after those days when we had no idea what his future would look like?---exploring Antarctica. He is experiencing yet another trip of a lifetime, on his quest to step foot on every continent.
Life's roller coaster. Even at its very lowest point, we must keep in mind----it goes back up.
My Son - My Hero
From severe traumatic brain injury to complete recovery.
Was he changed? Of course he was. Who wouldn't be. (We all were.)
We were blessed with such an amazing recovery
and inspired by his direction forward.
From severe traumatic brain injury to complete recovery.
Was he changed? Of course he was. Who wouldn't be. (We all were.)
We were blessed with such an amazing recovery
and inspired by his direction forward.
| From day 1 when I was told, "We are treating his body in case he wakes up."  |  To day 16 when he was transferred to rehab. | To day 27 his first day home.  |
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Extensive testing 5 months after "that day" had the evaluator asking, "Are you sure he had a brain injury?" No cognitive, speech, or motor deficits. No memory loss (other than the accident and most of the two weeks in the hospital) and no pain.
Personality?--the same!
Personality?--the same!
 Siem Reap Cambodia | From Recovery to BeyondTraveling halfway across the world - solo.  And jumping out of an airplane. (I think I should make him buy my gray covering hair dye, don't you think? lol) |
I always believed Michael would recover. My faith may have dimmed at times, but I just knew.
I thank God every day. And I thank Him for my amazing family.
My son may be the hero in these photos, but I also discovered what true heroes his sisters are; such amazing strength and support every step of the way.
And my husband - by my side and my son's throughout. We were all so supportive of each other, including Michael's dad and his step-mom. We truly were all "Team Michael."
And, of course, I learned so much about myself--my own strength and my faith.
I thank God every day. And I thank Him for my amazing family.
My son may be the hero in these photos, but I also discovered what true heroes his sisters are; such amazing strength and support every step of the way.
And my husband - by my side and my son's throughout. We were all so supportive of each other, including Michael's dad and his step-mom. We truly were all "Team Michael."
And, of course, I learned so much about myself--my own strength and my faith.
Writing was my therapy. Putting it all on paper was my way of relieving those memories rather than reliving them. This is the result:
The Syrup Maze: An Inspirational Journey
Through Recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury
The Syrup Maze: An Inspirational Journey
Through Recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury
This book includes updates written by both my son and his friend/passenger 3 1/2 years after the accident. They both severe brain injuries, and they both experienced amazing (beyond what was ever expected) recoveries. Truly, truly amazing!
 | Included are the struggles we faced with gluten free in the hospital and in rehab, and how a forever change was made in that particular rehab facility. Mistakes were made. We should be able to expect safe food in the hospital when a patient has a medically required special diet---but too often, this isn't the case. |  |
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