Back from a trip to visit my family in Israel, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. On my first day back, I was exhausted, which was only to be expected. After all, I was jet lagged and combined with the usual bloody brain-related fatigue… The bloody brain has taught me long ago that … Read more
20100321 Car Accident 004 photo credit: cygnus921 I asked Sarah to alert me when I got too close to the side of the garage door. I slammed on the breaks when I heard the crunch. “You’re too close.” We both burst into laughter. It was hilarious, and the car… I shrugged internally—was already embellished with … Read more
Body of Sternum Frontal en:Anatomography I remember hearing myself yell and the box of books shifting as the corner slammed into my chest. I don’t remember much else about the actual fall. I knew I didn’t hit my head—was that my first thought? Did I yell because of my fear of another brain injury? I … Read more
Yes, I admit to using the five second rule—if a pretzel falls on the floor and I pick it up within five seconds, I deem it still edible. As long as the floor isn’t too horrifically dirty. When I read my friend’s post about the five second rule, I was confused. What did the rule … Read more
I suffered many losses to the Bloody Brain. But I feel as if for every loss there was a gain. In fact, I feel that the gains far outweigh the losses. After the bleeds, I had to take a crash course in asking for help. Learning to share my vulnerabilities did not come easily to … Read more
I admire these women, these accomplished artists who struggled against the shackles society placed on them. In order to achieve success, many felt the need to work within those restrictions, ignoring a yen to be treated as their male counterparts during the period of impressionism. Some struggled against those bonds, defying societal norms, forging a … Read more
I hesitate before I bite into it—it doesn’t look very appetizing—the skin is lackluster and brown. But it’s a pear. And pears are okay. I sink my teeth into it. I jerk back— It is like pear, but not. Almost like an apple but not quite. I chew experimentally—it is okay, better than okay; the … Read more
As I crossed the threshold into the hospital my inner voice chanted, “Dead man walking.” Did I actually say it out loud? During the early days after the bleeds and surgeries, I relied on my sense of humor to keep me sane. Right after I set dates for the first two surgeries, I phoned Cindy. … Read more
“I was particularly riveted by the chapter on your scars. You suddenly went through this period when you had to see them.” Kit surmised that my journey was not only of healing, but also of acceptance. “Would you talk about that a little bit?” As Kit spoke, as if on its own accord, my hand … Read more
What prompted me to look up the messages people sent me while I was in hospital for the brain surgeries? I sit here, tears streaming down my cheeks. I’ve read these messages several times already. And each time, I’ve become emotional, inconsolable. I always remain fraginle for the rest of the day. Sometimes it lasts … Read more