Excerpts

My story...

I live in Mesa, Arizona, where I have resided for the last 23 years. My husband, Tim, and I are currently raising the three youngest of our combined family of five children. Our family also includes our two dogs, a four-year-old Pekinese and a thirteen-year-old American Eskimo.

Prior to my brain injury, much of my career centered around children. My experiences range from working with children with developmental disabilities to dealing with teenagers involved in the juvenile justice system to running a home-based preschool when my children were growing up. My work with children has been varied, but always rewarding.

Four weeks before my brain injury, I received my degree in criminal justice with a 4.0 gradepoint average. I was in the process of interviewing, when my injury put my career path on hold.

I sustained my brain injury on January 28th, 1999 from a fall. I was knocked unconscious and my brain literally bounced around within my skull. Many areas of my brain were damaged and I spent many months in daily intense rehabilitation, learning everything from how to walk and talk correctly, to working on cognitive skills. I still struggle with an ongoing executive function disorder, some sensory and memory deficits, as well as almost daily headaches. I also have a seizure disorder, but have been seizure free for over 2 years now.

While many of my abilities and skills are different now than before my brain injury, I have found ways to compensate for my difficulties. I have regained my life and it is filled with meaning and purpose.

A note from the publisher...

A parent is the most central and important person in the world of a young child. The physical, cognitive, communicative and behavioral changes in a parent that may occur after a brain injury can be confusing, upsetting and frightening to a child. Too often, young children are comforted with well meaning platitudes and shuffled among relatives and friends who act as temporary caregivers. But protecting children by not talking with them or avoiding their questions can lead to even more confusion.

Young children may or may not be able to visit a parent who is in the hospital. If they do visit, it is important to prepare them ahead of time for how a parent will look, act and communicate. Even young children can be involved by simple actions such as holding hands, singing a song, or drawing get well cards. Children will have many questions and it is important to give them time and the opportunity to ask them - as well as the assurance that no question is too silly. Yet giving information to a child about a parent’s brain injury must be done in language that the child can understand - otherwise, it can be even more confusing. Young children need very concrete explanations and all children need many opportunities to ask questions, express their fears and worries, and have time to absorb what has happened.

A parent’s return home after a brain injury is a big event for the family. It can also become frustrating when life does not return to "normal". Children need a lot of help and support as they adjust to this next stage of recovery. They may show signs of regression and become more dependent or demand more attention. Feelings of anger, blame and jealousy are common and can be directed at anyone - siblings, playmates, or the world in general.

The Get Well Soon Balloon is a story that can be used by families, clinicians, and educators to help pre-school and elementary school age children understand their emotions and reactions.