I feel like a veteran compared to other TBI'ers here. I was involved in a MVA January 28, 1985. I slid on black ice. I had left home to attend my local college to write an exam. A month later I returned home to a husband and two small children. None of us knew at that time that we were all living with a different person.

When I first arrived home from the hospital, I could not reach for the plates in the cupboard and could not remember how to cook. Some physiotherapy was required for my muscles. The children were my other therapy. I literally fell through the cracks for rehab with my insurance company. They did not tell us what was available.

At that time I was still lying to myself that I had many deficits that required attention. It was six years until I even met another Brain Injury Survivor. I was very isolated knowing about my injuries but very inquisitive about what was happening to my body and brain. I thought I was going crazy, not good with a family involved.

Life was very tough for my marriage for some time. My children went through hell. We all went through hell. It was like riding a roller coaster in our home. No one knew if we were going to be up, down or on an even stretch on a daily basis.

Life is much better for all of us now. I am still married (25 years). I thought my daughter and I was never going to associate with each other. Now she is a wonderful person, daughter, and most of all my friend. She has blessed us with a grandchild also. (I helped with her delivery). My son had completed college and is now married to a wonderful woman. Now that he has moved out, I think I see him more often. ( think he keeps an eye on Mom).

It seems like a lifetime ago that I slid on that black ice. But then again it was just like yesterday.

I have learned many things about myself and others in my journey of recovery and will for the rest of my life. I wake every morning and go to bed very thankful for each new day.

Leah Bateman (Cat1)

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