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Brain Go BOOM!
Author/Survivor: John Cooper
Chapter 27: The Party Couldn’t Have Come at a Better Time.
I
n a time where total darkness surrounded me, a blinding light suddenly appeared.
Unbeknownst to me, my family and friends were putting a special event together which I like
to refer to as my 40 th Birthday Party. Simply put, it was amazing! They had a band, auction
items, baskets of goodies and various activities for everyone in attendance. I couldn’t believe
how many friends and family members were involved in putting it together.
For the first time since being home, I didn’t feel uncomfortable
wearing my helmet. I did feel a little sad here and there because I noticed
that some people were looking at me and saying to themselves, I feel so sorry
for you, Coop. A lot of people who I hadn’t seen in a long time had
concerned facial expressions. I probably would have reacted the same way if
I hadn’t seen a friend or family member in a long time and then, BOOM!,
they were wearing a big, white helmet and had suffered brain damage. That
must have been a little shocking to them. I was a tired-looking, slower-walking and slowerthinking
Coop which was something that people weren’t accustomed to.
I ran into people I hadn’t seen in weeks, months and even years. Some were there
because I had worked with them, some were friends and some were family. Some were even
people who I had somehow touched them in their life. Everyone had a drink in their hand and
smiles on their faces—including me! It was in that moment I thought to capture the names of
everyone who came to see me so I could remember. I grabbed a black Sharpie marker from one
of the tables and sat down to rest.
I was completely overwhelmed, emotionally drained
and mentally whooped, but there was no way in hell I was
going to leave. My body told me it was time leave, but my
heart said No way! I just needed a break. I didn’t want to
appear weak to anyone, so I succumbed to sitting. Most
people had never seen the beat-down, tired and post-brain-injury-annihilated Coop. I took
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