Where Do We Go from Here?: Katie’s Story, Part Twenty-Five

Katie’s Motto

Katie’s life before her TBI was full of profoundly meaningful activity.  Katie was dedicated to helping others in a multitude of ways.  (See “The Plan” Katie’s Story Part Six.)

Katie’s life now revolves around her daily care.

Additionally, however, there has been significant improvement in her social interaction.  She is able to go to church.  Friends come to visit, and together they enjoy activities like dinner and movies and games.

But I’ve been thinking about ways to rekindle the element of altruism that was once integral to Katie’s objective in life.

I asked Katie if she would like have a pen pal, and suggested
Gabrielle Giffords http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielle_Giffords  or
Sharon Budd http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/10/victim_of_i-80_rock-throwing_s.html
The idea did not pique her interest.

I talked to Sam about joining a support group so that he and Katie could have the opportunity to both give and receive encouragement by sharing common challenges with other brain injury patients.

Sam did not discount the idea entirely, so I think I will bring it up with Katie at our next visit.

Sam did say, however, that he is not personally under a lot of stress, and although that is probably not entirely true, I will say that his demeanor has improved greatly.  Sam appears to be doing better than I have seen him for more than two years.

When I asked Sam specifically if life has improved for him since Katie came home, he replied, “Yes.” This I was obviously pleased to hear.

NO BIG NEWS
A GOOD thing!

I’ve been struggling somewhat over continuing to blog Katie’s Story.  There is no longer any “big” news to report—and that is a good thing.

So, although I will leave the door open for future posts about Katie, I would like to sum up Katie’s Story with the following observation.

Life is unpredictable and sometimes catastrophic.  What happened to Katie was tragic and overwhelming.  Although Katie’s life will never be the same as it was before her brain surgery, it is better.  Arriving at this place was improbable, but every effort has been worthwhile.

I would recommend to others in crisis to think creatively, to be optimistic, and to have perseverance.  Sometimes you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

And finally—