Categories: uncategorized
Date: 04 January 2010 13:12:40
it was years ago, a lifetime really - and it impacted the trajectory of my life in ways I may never understand. Which is fine - because we all are dealt certain cards, and these were mine.
Recently, when considering a career change, I've been thinking about working in the medical setting... which would include neurological injury (stroke, aphasia, closed head injury, etc.) I've also been thinking that I may bring a new perspective and understanding to my clients as I was involved in a car accident when I was 17. It was a single car accident, and there's a lot to the story of that night - but when it all boils down we think I went into anaphylactic shock (am allertic to nuts - may have eaten something containing nuts just before driving home) and thus lost control of the car... so my body went into respiratory arrest (injury 1) and there was the injury from the impact of the car (injury 2) in the same accident.
Through trials and struggle (all of the things associated with recovery from head injuries) I went on to finish high school, then attended college... then graduate school, and am so lucky the accident happened when it did. The mere fact that I had to utilize my brain's executive function by organizing & attending lectures & writing papers and organize my time was probably the best rehab one could receive... that and the fact that brains are still fairly plastic until age 21-ish.
So I hardly ever think about it (was a lifetime ago), but when there is a crisis or someone has a loved one with some sort of brain injury, I have empathy and know a little what it's like on their end, and know from personal experience that our bodies & brains are amazing things - they recover when possible/able. I wonder if I could be a blessing to others by doing my job and doing it well in that kind of environment? I'm thinking...
In other news, I have successfully changed the batteries in two *beeping* smoke detectors... and changed a light bulb while up on the ladder. Maybe I should get out of my pajamas and go to the post office & grocery store... maybe I will - after making a tempeh-reuben sandwich. Time to go heat up the skillet.
p.s. hello friend from Mountain View, CA :D