My brain injury happened when I was out on business for my cosmetic studio. I was in a dark hallway and fell head first down 15 stairs to a basement where supplies were kept. My head struck against a steel-plated door at the bottom.
It took many years before I became well enough to learn about life and understand who I was. Determined to survive, I took to self-teaching as I had forgotten everything I had previously learned. I went to libraries and studied several subjects. I made tons of notes and tried to memorize them. Unfortunately, I could only remember a few things and am still left with recent recall disability.
I believe I awoke dormant neurons due to the intensity and frequency of my task, which enabled me to write my memoir “From Tragedy to Triumph: Journey Back from the Edge.” Though writing about my experiences was itself traumatic, it helped me move on.
What would you like people who don’t have a brain injury to know?
Never tell a brain injury survivor he or she is stupid. Never say “I told you that several times’.” Try to understand his or her disability and give lots of love. Help that person as much as possible but also give plenty of encouragement. If the survivor is walking down steps slowly or walking slowly, ask if you can help. Do not give negative comments to make the person feel small.
If you could go back to when you first acquired your brain injury and tell yourself one thing, what would that be?
I was comatose at first but when I could speak and hear what was said, it would have helped me more had someone taught me to meditate and learn to be positive. Learning to keep positive and never give up is what ultimately helped me the most. A busy mind has to be quieted through meditation. Understanding that you are not alone helps a great deal.
