For some reason, the video is no longer available. To see it, copy the link: https://youtu.be/1FV0DArKcLM
I’m just going admit something right up front—I got the videos mixed up (gasp!) So, if you read last week’s post, and watched the video, you were actually watching the last video rather than the fourth. Hopefully, I didn’t confuse things too much. In today’s video (the last in this promo series), I asked Nikki if she found blessings in the aftermath of brain injury.
So often when we’re in the midst of challenging circumstances, we’re too deep in the minutia of survival to step back and get the big picture. As a Christian, I don’t think things just “happen.” I believe God allows things into our lives (sometimes consequences of our own actions) for a very specific reason. I touched on this last week. It took some time for Nikki to find the good in her circumstances, which is understandable. Her accident was just that—it was not a consequence of her actions—and, at times, it’s hard to come to terms with that. Often, we can make more sense of a tragedy if we can see how doing A resulted in B.
Understandably, Nikki was angry when she first came home. Her therapists wanted to check her into another inpatient program where she’d be put through daily activities under the care of therapists and staff. She needed 24/7 supervision, and the other facility could give her that. She didn’t want to go, and I didn’t want her to go. Because I was a credentialed teacher and able to get catastrophic leave, they allowed her to come home instead. The first thing we did was speak to the owners of the pizza parlor where she worked prior to her accident. We told them that if they’d allow Nikki to come back as an employee, they wouldn’t have to pay her—it would be part of her therapy. They agreed, which was a huge help to Nikki’s re-entry into “real” life.
But the true blessing came in the form of volunteer work at the hospital—months after she was released from inpatient care. She needed to complete at least 30 hours of volunteer work before they’d release her to return to college. She wanted to volunteer at the animal shelter or the library—both of which required finger printing and a commitment of at least three months. But our local hospital was happy to allow her to volunteer in their senior rehabilitation department—a glorified nursing home. I signed her up, and as we left, she glared at me and asked, “How long do I have to do this?” When I told her 30 hours, she said she’d quit as soon as that 30 hours was up.
Imagine my surprise when she not only enjoyed her volunteer time there, she actually went in extra hours if they needed more help. She fell in love with the elderly patients and often came home telling me all about them. Nikki learned what compassion was, and it’s been a character trait she’s continued to exhibit since then.
I clearly remember a phone call I received one day from her. She’d been back at college and was working part time. She’d just heard about a thirteen-year-old girl who’d been murdered by her mother’s ex-boyfriend. Nikki was in tears as she relayed this story to me.
“Why would God allow me to live, but take the life of some poor, innocent child?” Of course, I told her I had no idea what God was doing, but she was alive for a specific purpose. I urged her not to go through life aimlessly, but rather be sensitive to His plan. This is a life-long journey for all of us. Even when we know we’re in God’s will, it can change at any time. None of us grows in comfort.
You’ll be happy to know that Nikki eventually finished college, got married and has worked successfully in a few different jobs. Right now, she’s applying for a library assistant position with plans to work toward her Master’s. Is it easy? No. She continues to struggle with short-term memory loss, difficulty focusing, and fatigue. But she doesn’t let that stop her.
Do I sound like a proud mama? Well, I am. I’m excited to see how her life pans out, because I have no doubt she’ll continue to be amazing.
If you want a glimpse at Nikki as a teen (fictionalized, of course), be sure to get your copy of Illusions when it comes out in April.
If you, or someone you love, is struggling with traumatic brain injury (or are unsure if you have TBI), you can find help here.
Comments 2
I can relate with Nikki about noise being an irritant. I can’t have music too loud and if someone is talking to me I need the radio turned down lower or off. I have occipital neuralgia. Not any where nearly as bad as Nikki’s automobile accident. I just slipped on ice and hit my head a few times. The biggest blessing I received from the injury was being able to be with and care for my husband. I am so glad that Nikki is doing so well. She is such a wonderful and sweet person. Love you both.
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Love you, too, sweet sis!