Survivor adjusting to her new normal courageously shares here story with us as she was hit head on by another driver who was able to walk away with no injuries. I was airlifted to the nearest trauma center where my husband was told that if I lived, I would no longer be who I was and probably in a vegetated state at best. Well my husband had a talk with God and decided he wasn’t giving up on me. My skull was completely shattered and there were too many bruises to count. I was in a coma for several weeks and after my stay in the Intensive Care Unit, I was sent to a rehabilitation center for people with little to no hope of recovery.
I had to learn to walk, talk, eat and do everything all over again like a baby. Everyday has been a struggle. People see me but they cannot see my injuries as my traumatic brain injury is invisible to many. I have had bouts of anger, frustration and guilt for feeling like a burden. I watch everyone else enjoying things and I have to step back and reflect on my blessings. I am a survivor adjusting.
I am here and I am different now. The old me is not even much of a memory. I have lost some of my vision and suffer from memory loss, including short term but I’m here. God allowed me to be here and for that I am grateful. I have three beautiful girls. My youngest was born just a month before my accident. I am thankful I was alone in my car that day. I was a nursing student, finishing up my final year.
Know that you are not alone and it’s okay to be different. I struggle a lot emotionally and find it hard many days. I do not have friends anymore that I can talk to but that’s okay because I have found this online support group to be a great outlet to discuss with others who actually understand. “Hey I struggle too and that’s ok.” ❤️
By writing my story, it has helped me by allowing me to reflect. I hate to have this in common with so many others because that means there are so many of us suffering but I find comfort in having somewhere to turn.
Submitted by Melanie
Melanie is a such a courageous and inspiring woman who lives in Mississippi. We thank her for being a member of our online support group and wish her continued positive healing in her ongoing recovery. It’s not just a matter of surviving the collision, it’s also the months and years that follow.
