Our Alive Day

This Sunday is the 11th anniversary of the accident that gave John this last TBI and other ailments. It is our “alive day.”

I sometimes feel like this blog is missing its mark because I try to show here that our lives post-TBI have challenges certainly but that we are actually able to have a loving, warm, and supportive life besides it all. That it is possible for a marriage/relationship to make it through a TBI. John and I are thriving both individually as well as together, still married and going strong 11 years post-accident and 16 years total together. That’s in a world where statistically speaking that shouldn’t happen. Marriages or partnerships do not tend to make it through a brain injury. We are further beating the odds because John was in law enforcement from soon after we met until he was medically retired due to his TBI, about 5 or 6 years.

Our life is by far more positive than negative. John is my foundation and supports me and allows me to thrive in ways I wouldn’t even imagine without his insights. He is my cheerleader. We laugh regularly. We tease and flirt with each other. We are affectionate. We share in the responsibilities of raising our daughter. We learn together and share victories, joys, new experiences, sadness, and fears.

5 joys that we have because of the TBI:

• John spends more time with family. Before he was desperately driven to work overtime and provide.
• I know where he is each night. I don’t have to worry as much if he’ll walk back through the door.
• He is able to spend a significant amount of time with his daughter. He wouldn’t have that ability if he were working full-time. Eva is blessed to have her dad home each morning to snuggle with and then get up and get ready for school. Then, the added family time in the evenings.
• We have both had to slow down. Something I have really learned to appreciate.
• We have more quiet time. (Less stimulation)

Here’s to many future decades with my honey.

Sending love out to all.