Just the other day I had the opportunity to visit a person who had just started getting their services from CDR. At first, I was a little surprised by her frankness. Then I remembered this person was a survivor of a Traumatic Brain Injury, and I had to recall all of my training and experience and remember it was her nature to be forthcoming with her feelings, and that I should not take anything personally.

Once I got back into the office, I did some additional information about the person that we had just left. This woman only slightly older than I am, she had been through an incredibly difficult time during the past several years, not only with her brain injury, but severe physical changes, as well as some emotional issues in addition to family/social problems.

I went home that night remembering how at any point in time our lives can be instantly changed from a car accident, stroke, swimming accident or almost anything. From the moment of onset of injury a survivor of a TBI has their lives turned upside down. Life as they knew it no longer exists.

The recovery is long and hard. You probably pass people with brain injuries on the street often, but their cognitive disabilities may not be apparent to you. You would not know the daily struggles that a person with a TBI faces, until you are involved.

Just today I went back to see her. We had a short visit, it might have lasted 45 minutes or so. We had the opportunity to get to know each other a little better in a one on one situation. When I was getting ready to leave she asked me to come near her and she hugged me.

This is why we do what we do.

A smile of happiness.

A tear of gratitude.

A gentle touch on the hand.