Tuesday, March 10, 2015
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. For those living with brain injury there is no one month, no one season that brain injury is most prevalent. It is always there. In recognition of the 5.3 million Americans living with TBI-related illnesses, the Brain Injury Association of America has chosen for its theme for 2015-2017; Not Alone.
It is a difficult road to travel and one which can be made easier with the availability of support.
There is something very special and comforting about being “with” someone who knows. Someone who knows you don't need mindless chatter to fill the quiet space or that you just need someone to hold your hand. Someone who knows that look in your eye – knows when you are too tired to go on but you will because that is what you do. Someone who knows better than to tell you not to stay up all night or don't cancel your plans but instead, gets you a pillow, a blanket and makes sure you have something to eat and something to help pass the time.
And, if you are not fortunate enough to be able to reach out and touch that someone who “gets” you and “gets” it in that conventional way…then it is just as comforting to know they are right there…across the keyboard…watching, waiting, thinking and pulling for you. In return, you have been able to bear virtual witness to their life and to experience the essence of who they are and for what they stand. You have seen each other through the good times and the bad. And when you log on and check in and see a notification confirming they are “there” – your heart knows you were never alone. For your kindred soul, your keyboard connection, your online friend is just a stroke away.
