I Have a What? A Guide for Coping with Moderate-to-Severe TBI

RRTC ON COMMUNITY INTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH TBIby Jason FergusonAs I look in the mirror, I see the results of my actions. To many, the scars are apparentand to others, they’re not there. I touch my scars lightly, remembering the story behindthem. Thoughts run through my mind and my pulse beats a little faster. My heart isfull but not heavy. I am alive.I roll down the window of my truck as the dawn of a new day greets me. I feel God’swarmth with every sunray. The soft wind blows gently, enhancing the cool morning. A birdflies by and sings his song of joy for a new day, as the sky is streaked with pink and lightblue. I am well.Another reminder of how blessed I am to see another day. I am so thankful that Godhas more for me to do. December 17, 2008 marks the sixth birthday of my new life. Thereare so many people who I would like to give a special thank you on this day. First andforemost I thank God above for all the blessings He has given and all of the blessings Hecontinues to give. I thank Susannah, my best friend and my beautiful wife for all of hersupport. I am thankful for the men’s bible study and everyone there. And I am thankful foreveryone I have met and continue to meet.To think of how much I took for granted makes me want to cry but I don’t because Iknow He wants me to rejoice and be happy. The happiness is in abundance, more than isshown to the outside world. Lurking, but seen by few. I love Jesus, I love life, I am lovedand I have much to give. I try to give back a scraping of the blessing that has been given tome. I am still recovering and will be for the rest of my life.I have learned, no matter what I have or don’t have I can still do God’s work.Sometimes a simple smile or kind word will change someone’s day.Page 77