I am a survivor of a near-death car accident. Also, one of my 4 children had survived that car accident, in Aug 2008, when he was 15mos old. We both ended up with traumatic brain injury and had to participate in different rehabilitation therapies to regain skills. These included psysiotherapy for co-ordination & mobility issues, speech therapy, mental health assistance and occupational therapy for problem-solving, appropriate social skills, comprehension and other cognitive issues. We had to re-learn various skills such as eating, drinking, talking, walking, grooming and other life skills, along with mental, emotional and social skills.

My boy had seizures as a result of his TBI. He was a child of special needs. In Oct 2015, at 8yrs old, he was crossing the street when his dad had parked & was run over by a garbage truck that didn't see him. He succumbed to his injuries and died. I am ever grateful to not have been there for that horrid ordeal.

As for my condition, which is on-going, I take medication to prevent certain health problems & keep certain things under control such as the regulation of my emotions, keeping my impulsivity and blood pressure under control. It has been a challenge and a struggle but also a humbling experience.

An injury to a person's head can seriously alter one's personality, moods, finances, even the role that person had before the injury, including employment, freedom, friendships, independance and other areas. In spite of the TBI, with research, resources, support, feedback, effort and not giving up, I have made remarkable progress. I wrote a book with my story; managing to become inspired enough to write and include several poems.

I believe that the mind is the most powerful tool that a human has and that people don't realize the potential, possibilities and abilities that are available with that kind of power. If a person chooses not to abuse that power but to use it to benefit oneseself and others, very remarkable things can happen. There is a way to progress and get the things desired, if one chooses to seek it out.