How did you acquire your brain injury?
It was in the late 70’s and I was living with my boyfriend on the east side of Maui in the lush Keanae Valley. It had been raining for many days and EMI (East Maui Irrigation) had opened up the flood gates and the stream beside us was very full as well as the waterfall just above where we were living was big with a wonderful pool below it. Usually there is just a trickle and we used it as our shower. We were excited to swim in the newly formed pool but I forgot about the big rock, now submerged in water.
In my elated state I took a dive and boom, my head found the rock. I popped up out of the water and blood was gushing. Fortunately my boyfriend was there and somehow he helped me walk a 1/4 mile out and he drove me to the doctor to get stitched up. I don’t remember most of it. 40 stitches later and a face that blew up 4 X the size, I was deeply disoriented. I had no help and didn’t know I could ask or what was available for a frontal lobe injury. Noises were the worst. Hammering and loud noises affected me greatly. I was already sensitive but looking back this indeed affected my communication, understanding. Emotionally I felt very disconnected and couldn’t express it. I am so glad there is more help with this and I wish I had that. Thank you for letting me share my story, it’s so good to hear about others.
What are some things that have helped you throughout the recovery journey?
My connection with G-d. Soon after my injury I got involved with healing and became a Massage Therapist and an acupuncturist. I was also very young and determined. I had already gone through a lot of trauma and I was a resilient survivor. Looking back, I hid a lot of my pain and didn’t get the help I truly needed.
If you could go back to when you first acquired your brain injury and tell yourself one thing, what would that be?
I can ask for help and don’t deny how you really feel. I am safe to talk about it and receive what I need.
