TBI – Survivors, Caregivers, Family, and Friends

Posts tagged ‘Itty-Bitty Giant Steps’

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

 

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for BlogSPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Yourself-Hugged-John Bell (survivor)…I hugged three of my four kids – the oldest couldn’t make it to dinner. (There is no school tomorrow for the two still in grade school because of the weather conditions.) I got in a pre-lunch run, and I plan another run tomorrow night with a run group. (The temperature is predicted to be in the low single digit range; with wind chill, it should feel like -25.) Firewood use has been nonstop. I’m trying to replenish the stock, but I need help to try to keep up with the demand. I just got back from skiing in Colorado with an old friend, but now it’s time to get back to work.

April Snyder Bomysoad (caregiver)…My husband went from having pneumonia to being more aware – all in a week. I am amazed! I can talk to him about my day, and the next day, he would ask me about it. The aide told me about how aware my husband is and how well he is doing. I said you would know, since I see him only once a week. My car has died, so I’ve got to save money to fix it. My husband asked me about it and instructed me on what I should do. It’s so weird – I feel like my husband has returned!

Jonathan Curtis (survivor)…Got friends, got a job, got dates, got transportation, got a nice view of the city, got spending money. I am loving life! I also got a past that22072823-origpic-ba2d02 I find to be remarkable – reminds me that I’m capable of so much more.

Jonathan Curtis (survivor)…I was given a tremendous blessing this morning. I was reunited with a wonderful ex-girlfriend. I haven’t communicated with her for twenty years, yet we chatted like we just dated yesterday!

Joshua Edward Daniel (survivor)…I joined a gym today. I have a hard time running now. I get lightheaded, but it should get better. 🙂

Michael Montepara (survivor)…I’ve had a few nice Itty-Bitty Giant Steps this week.graphics-laundry-basket-181953 I scheduled a follow-up with the vision surgical team for Friday morning. I washed clothes, swept floors, did some shopping, tried several times to contact my Ex, and kept sane for another week! Yippee!

Cindy McFaden Samartino (caregiver)…Good news today! My husband and I won a Cindy McFaden Samartinosweetheart photo contest with this picture from our December wedding. And, I had a preliminary part-time job interview, with a follow-up on Sunday. AND, I was finally able to get the stubborn stain off the shower floor.

 

Jim Ward (survivor)…Friday I had the second interview for a job. The position is with an environmental consulting company in the Madison, Wisconsin area. The interviewGot a Job lasted a whole fifteen minutes! It took longer to drive there through the drifting snow! I was asked a few questions. The last question was, “When can you start?” I almost blurted out, “Where is my office?” :} (LOL) I didn’t though. I start next week! I feel so blessed, and I am very thankful. I want to thank everyone for the prayers, the good wishes, and the positive thoughts to help with the outcome. People told me after I left the hospital, “You won’t be able to work again.” Well, thankfully, they were wrong! Work hard at it, have faith, and believe in yourself!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

 

 

 

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Scott M. Chapman (survivor)…I walked almost a mile without my walker or a cane.One Mile Sign th

Michele Dempsey (survivor)…Sometimes doctors tell you that you will never walk, talk, or do other things again. They told me that when I was first injured seven years ago. I think they don’t want to give anyone false hope or something. In my case, I believed what they said. I came home in a wheelchair, and I couldn’t speak well. They said that I wouldn’t walk or talk. Now I do both! Some days, I don’t do either well. If I am tired, it is worse, but I walk with a cane, and I can talk pretty well. When I was tested, I did poorly on everything four years in a row. They said I that I would not be able to handle my own money, have a checking account, or shop on my own. It took time, but I slowly got better at the things they said I couldn’t do.

I shop and pay my own bills, and I recently got a checking account! Checkbook2I was excited, but scared, to do it, but I finally did it. I wrote my first checks yesterday. This morning, my nurse went over everything, and I did it right! I know it is a small thing, but it feels good to be able to do this on my own. I guess what I am learning over all these years is that, if people – even doctors – and testing say you can’t, keep trying. Try again and again and don’t give up! I am proud of myself today over something that might be a little thing to others, and I like it.

Megan Erikson (survivor)…I found a support group! I had to put my pride aside and say, “I do need help and support.” 🙂

Sue R. Hannah (survivor)…I went back to physical therapy today. Not only did I have an awesome session, but I also learned a very valuable lesson. My most recent acupuncturists and my vision therapist assumed that they knew what was best for me. I believe their heart was in the right place, but not so much, their awareness. Emily, my physical therapist, recognized that I needed to work towards MY level of functioning – not anyone else’s. Giving me skills that I’ve never had is a pretty silly goal. I have been impaired since I was so young that I have adapted and developed lots of work-arounds. What the other practitioners didn’t realize is that I didn’t lose skills. I NEVER had them! I guess part of this occurred because I didn’t stress how early my trauma happened, and they assumed that I fit in a box, which I don’t. It’s hard for me to tell people how I got hurt because often they are traumatized by hearing my story. I’ve learned that I need to be careful about whose advice to take, regardless of what their training has been. Can anyone relate?

Michael Lee Savage (survivor)…My wife, Patty, “threw me under the bus” this morning by sayinTreadmill1-483-x-600g I would walk “cane-free” into my therapist’s office. Well, I’m never one to back down from a challenge, so I walked from the outside deck, over the threshold, and up and down the hallway in front of my physical therapist. He said, “Looks like we have a new starting point.” Back at home, I hit the treadmill for 35 minutes and then looped the downstairs hallway four times “cane-free.” For the first time in six years, I felt human again.

Susan Shacka (survivor)…My Itty-Bitty Giant Step is trying to be calmer.

Damian Sill (survivor)…I am a person who has overcome TBI. Almost eighteen years ago, I was nearly dead. Today I am fully alive. I am living a wonderful life. I have a great job as a nurse. I own my own home. I am in a beautiful relationship with a great future ahead of me. I look forward to life today. Initially, I was so confused. My life was difficult. But, I kept working away one day at a time, and today I reap the rewards. Thanks to all who helped me along my way.   – Feeling Blessed

if_you_need_someone_to_shovel_snow_flyer-r830f727a107247489fac6587395693ab_vgvyf_8byvr_324Laurinda A. Sousa (survivor)…I got my car out of a giant snowdrift in my parking lot. I did it all with my right arm because I have a frozen left shoulder right now.

Dana Wiedenmann (survivor)…I flew to San Diego at Christmas.

Sandra Williams (survivor)…I am able to maintain my job. Huge! Absolutely huge! I attended an early morning DAC (Disability Action Center) meeting, and I am helping my husband start a business. I am ditzy, but I will press on. I can’t find words; my ears ring; I am seeing double; and I cry a lot, but I will not stop. I will not be beaten!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

DeWayne Banner  (survivor)…I fixed the lights on my Jeep. I am proud of myself. I loved working on cars when I was younger, but I have not been able to do much since my accident. I think I’ll try some more.

Driving a carGlenda Gale Coker (survivor)…I survived a TBI when I was six years old. Post TBI, I had regular classes in school, got a college degree, got married, and learned to drive. And, I’ve had the same job for two years.

Jenni Flores (survivor)…I like “Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.” Last week, I continued using my manual wheelchair, even after I got out of the hospital; I took all my pills on time; and twice I made my own arrangements (and trusted people) to go and see my husband.

award_certificate_w_stampShell Lawson  (survivor)…I thought I’d share this – not to boast, but to encourage. I have a severe TBI and I just made the Honor Society. I did it all on my own, with a couple of exceptions: during my first semester, I had friends help me with a couple of essays via the ‘net, and I get extra time on my tests. I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. 🙂

Michael Montepara (survivor)…A pleasant “Good morning,” Donna. I had a semi-good week this week. I have been cleared from mental health, and I met with my lawyer about my SSI (Supplemental Security Income) hearing next week. Maybe 2015 will finally turn that corner, and things will iron out…MAYBE.Susan Cursive

Susan Shacka  (survivor)…I made it through three weeks of bible. (For me, it’s hard to read and concentrate.) Also, I wrote my name in cursive at occupational therapy.

Daniel Wondercheck (survivor)…I received my TBI on July 23, 1991. I live in Kansas. I have a personal assistant for 26.5 hours per week. I use a wheelchair (full-time) as a result of the TBI. In October 1993, the Social Security Administration eBay Power Seller TRSdeclared me totally and permanently disabled. In August 2003, I started selling collectibles on eBay for something to do. Selling collectibles on eBay morphed into a full-time business. I am now an eBay Power Seller with 100% positive feedback.

 

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Dan Gregory  (caregiver)…I want to share some wonderful news. My wife, Nichole Gregory, after suffering a TBI due to a motorcycle accident in 2010, has just finished an accelerated course in drug and alcohol counseling and behavioral science. She was able to make the Dean’s List and graduate after only eighteen months of school. huge.61.305531She now has her Bachelor’s Degree, and she is getting a job with the State of Nebraska. She will be working with high-risk, troubled youth in a crossover youth position. (The program is designed to keep young people from “crossing over” into the judicial system.) I am so very proud of her. She does what she can in spite of her TBI. She is an amazing woman and an inspiration, not just to me, but also to everyone around her. Unfortunately, long hours at school leave her emotionally and physically drained, but I am proud of her for not giving up the fight.

Timothy Guetling (survivor)…I want to tell you about my greatest TBI survival success. I had my TBI at 16. Next was acceptance; the fog lifted at 25. I adopted the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle at that time, and I was receptive to what that did to keep me healthy and to be alert to compassion for myself and all life. At 32, I was given the opportunity to realize the Master/Soul/God/Self-Inside through daily meditation of the Light/Sound principle. Since my acceptance, receptivity, and realization, though I have the repercussive effects of my TBI and always will, my life has been nothing but blissful “recovery evolution,” and it continues.

Sophia Hill Kusderci  (caregiver)…I have an incredible, happy moment I want to share. Anyone who knows us 11954302561011212002liftarn_Pillows.svg.hiunderstands that pillow-arranging was a huge thing in our marriage. It was our nightly ritual. My husband, Ahmet, did it to show me that he cared, even when he was angry. For twelve years, he did it. It stopped after the accident, and I just accepted it as another change about Ahmet. I simply thought that it was something I couldn’t have anymore. But…in the past couple of weeks, he’s been randomly doing it. It’s become a habit again – arranging my pillows only for ME to show me HIS love. I’m blessed by life’s small gifts. This, I believe, is a huge part of the lesson from his accident. Thank you.

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

 

 

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Anonymous (survivor)…I have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step for you. My husband and I were traveling on the freeway, so the bathroom stops were infrequent. I had to make a restroom stop really bad, and I was able to hold it for about twenty minutes until we could stop at a Rest Area. It is HUGE for me – a “Huge-er,” HUGE step!

Jimi Cunning (survivor)…I joined some MeetUp groups and a church I really like. It was very hard for me to climb out of my cocoon and get back into socializing in a healthy manner.

Grays Harbor Brain Injury Support Group…Our town is in a real crisis. Flooding and mudslides have taken homes and messed up lives. While hundreds hrow of 10 cartoon kids holding handsave been displaced, NO lives have been lost. Our brain-injury support-group has pulled together – doing laundry, taking household items, cooking meals, and shopping for our neighbors. Just because we have an injury does not mean that we are not able to help. In this endeavor, our friendships have grown.

Barry Hughes (survivor)…Yay! Hi, Donna!! Yesterday my best friend in life became my girlfriend! This joyous event brought me to the momentous conclusion that my injury is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life!! Finding my dream woman and my life-partner after forty-four years was only made possible because we are both survivors!

Barry Hughes (survivor)…I was thinking that I wish every survivor could know such great joy as mine. It suddenly struck me that I needed to make it my goal and focus in life to create a Facebook friendship and dating group for survivors. It is desperately needed, since so many survivors are in utter despair, as I was until yesterday. I could find no such group, so I created https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrainInjuryConfidential/, so survivors all across the Facebook world can meet in one group and find friendships, relationships, and possibly dates. It will meet our basic human need and end the loneliness almost every survivor experiences when he or she is alone.

Jodi Jizmejian (survivor)…Hi, Donna! Here’s an Itty-Bitty Giant Step: Today I drove. It was just a wee little bit, but I did it! When my husband and I returned from visiting my folks, I asked him to let me drive into the parking lot of where we live. He let me, and then he – yes, he, not me – told me to drive out onto the road, through the parking lot of a nearby mall, and back to “our” parking lot. Boy, do I feel “mature”!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

 

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

 

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Sara Catherine Birch (caregiver)…An Itty-Bitty Giant Step this week – hubby is going back to his old job on Thursday. He will try a short shift to see if he could build up his hours slowly and get back his deputy title. Fingers crossed. His boss is keeping his hours low for the first couple of weeks so that his schedule won’t affect our benefits and he won’t have to worry about money.

Sara Catherine Birch (caregiver)…I’m very proud of hubby. I came home from work yesterday to find out how hubby’s looking after both kids (for the first time) went. As I walked in the door, I could hear the washing machine going. He had gotten both kids to bed, emptied and refilled the dishwasher, emptied the tumble-dryer, and put a wash on. Yeah, he definitely deserved the Domino’s pizza I was carrying.

Michelle Lee Bonnenfant (survivor)…Today I went to Walmart with my daughter and husband, despite the setbacks caused by my PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I only panicked once! I got separated and forgot where I was in the store. Thank god, I had my cell phone! Small step, but I’m trying. Any store is bad for me. I can’t believe that I did a big, busy store! Needless to say, I’m exhausted and have a pounding headache. No pain, no gain!

Sidney Chronister (survivor)…I’m feeling super PROUD of myself. Today has been the first time ever (since my TBI four years ago) that I managed to cook all by myself. I even read a recipe all by myself (LOL)! I’m progressing very slowly. Let’s just hope I can do the same thing tomorrow – or in a week. Let’s pray for that. Thank you all once again for all the ENCOURAGING words you give me DAILY (especially in the days of bad weather). May God give us all more strength (He knows we have it), more patience (we NEED IT), and less crazy anger-outbursts. God bless you all, and have a blessed New Year’s. Happy 2015!!!

Ellie K. Payton (caregiver)…Today Claus Nowell, my 20-year-old, 10-months-post son, took his first steps in a walking frame. There were nurses and therapists “acheerin’.”

This is a huge Itty-Bitty Giant Step – one I’ve been waiting for with so much hope.

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

 

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Jodi Jizmejian (survivor)…This morning, I used my right hand without thinking about using it. I’m right-handed naturally, but this act was not planned. It seemed like “natural.” Mind you, I’m still experiencing numbness and heaviness in my right hand/arm, but I realized that I automatically started using my right hand to do something that I’ve been using my left hand to do. Oh, the silly, little things that excite me.

Carmen Gaarder Kumm (survivor)…Be proud of me. I didn’t call anyone, nor did I check the Internet until afterwards. I was making a salad, and I didn’t have sour cream. So, I substituted cottage cheese for it!!! Then I checked the Internet. Yep, I did it exactly right! Yay, me!

Sandra Williams (survivor)…I just finished my second round of speech therapy. Now I have coping strategies to help me keep my job. This confidence has allowed me to control flashbacks as I work. I can’t control the fatigue, but I do feel I have a much better shot at working from home. I will never be hired to work outside the home, so it is so important for me to keep this job. I feel like I have some hope.

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

 

 

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Alicia Gilman (survivor)…Five years out from my stroke, I’m again trying occupational therapy for my hand. The neurologist actually discouraged me from trying and said not to expect any improvement, but I’m trying anyway. I picked up 25 foam balls and put them into a crate with e-stim (electrical muscle stimulation) assistance, but still it’s more than I’ve done in 5 years. Yay, me! I like my neurologist a lot. I’m sure he meant well when he told me that, but I’ve decided that no one will put limits on me – not even an awesome doctor with lots more education than I’ll ever have. I would rather hope for the best, expect the best, and receive what the good Lord decides He wants for me, than not to try and fall victim to apathy – just because my doctor said it’s not worth the effort. It is ALWAYS worth the effort! Thank you for doing what you’re doing here. It is great encouragement.

Debbie Madison (survivor)…I allowed myself a break during the craziness! Took a nap when I became overwhelmed. I think my Itty-Bitty Giant Step is to remember to listen to my body and give it a break. If I don’t, the results can be catastrophic!

Lessia G. Malloy  (survivor)…My new doctor actually added some fish oil to my diet. I do feel better.

Tracy McDonald (caregiver)…I told you all several months ago that my 27-year-old son, Charles, decided to get off the Duragesic pain patches. Well, before he discontinued the patches, he weighed 118 lbs. on his 6 ft. 1 in. frame – very underweight. He just weighed himself before showering and hollered, “Mom! My weight is now 135!” The worry of his low weight had been a great concern of his doctors. To know that Charles made the choice to stop taking that patch and now endures more pain – I am very proud of him. He wears long thermal underwear under his jeans to help with pain. He meditates. He is able to walk for hours out in the woods with his dog Cali. His agitation is less now too! I just wanted to share with my friends here. It has been 5 years since his accident. A big accomplishment – always believe!!

Lc Sossaman  (survivor)…Today I had two things to do – one was for my husband. I didn’t write them down and didn’t take a note, but I remembered them, so it was a good day. I got goat food, but that was an easy one to remember. I could remember goats – it was easy – they are my pets. My husband asked me to get a certain bucket and remember to get the lid. I did. Woo, hoo! I know it sounds so small, but not writing it down and actually doing it was good for me. Just a piddly thing, I know.

Kimberly June West (survivor)…I have been working on the “ab and butt” challenge. One of the exercises is lunges. Two years ago, I could not have done one lunge without losing balance and falling. I did 15!!! Yay, me!!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Itty-Bitty GIant Steps for Blog

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Karen Hubbard Allen (survivor)…I have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step story. I just suffered another hard blow – to my forehead this time. This will be my third concussion. I fell backwards on ice in 2008, hitting my head. November 18th is when I had the most recent one. It proved to me that the brain controls different things. I just started up with a heel issue, called plantar fasciitis. Getting out of bed in the morning is when the pain hurts the most. I got out of bed, and my knee buckled, causing me to fall into the dresser and the wall and hitting my forehead. I have been a smoker since 2003. Well, whatever part of my brain I hit this time – I no longer smoke; it makes me sick. Sad that this is what made me quit smoking. Yet, it’s a big accomplishment for me.

Derrick Roy Clements (survivor)…I did a Snoopy dance today when I left the eye doctor. I was able to ditch the prism glasses and go to regular glasses. I was also told that they would not be doing any more surgery on my eye orbital and that the plate they put in for it was good. I have permanent nerve damage, such that when I look down, my vision will always be double. One step closer. What everyone, including me, will know is the “final” new me. I still can’t drive yet, but in time I hope to. I know I will never be able to drive an 18-wheeler again, but I am OK with this. I just want to ride my Harley-Davidson, for my heart longs for this. I feel free and alive when I ride. But, today was a victory, and the fight continues. Strength to all.

I live by my motto – Never give up, and never give in.

Natalie Elliott (survivor)…I watched a movie with subtitles. My brain was exhausted afterwards, but I watched the whole thing.

10805531_10152948796301834_531981836_nJo Emery (caregiver)…Luke built me some bookshelves for our lounge room. I designed what I 1502486_10152948796241834_3069128791965391225_nwanted, gave him all the measurements needed, and worked out the timber required. He bought the timber, cut the shelves, and put it together inside, as it was so big. It took about two weeks for him to make it. I love how it turned out, and Luke is very pleased (as he should be). He loves his woodworking and has great ideas, although the difficulty he has is going from his ideas to carrying them out.

Monica Rowe Foutz (family member)…My mother-in-law, Wanda McGuffin, is 5 months post TBI. Today she stood from a seated position without using her hands. It’s itty-bitty to some, but it’s huge to us.

Barb George (survivor) Alrighty! I have been working with an old friend to develop a “Different-Ability Walk, Roll and Stroll.” We have a date (May 16, 2015, in Hoquiam, WA)! I’m VERY excited. It was put together by Grays Harbor Brain Injury Support Group and ME, their insane leader (grin). We have had GREAT response already!

Orpha Harber-Blanchat (caregiver)…I’m happy to report my husband gets his G-tube out tomorrow. His accident was on June 25th. He was coming home from work and was hit by a semi that didn’t stop at a red light. David was in a self-induced coma for 30 days and in hospitals for 80. He is now at a rehab center doing well.

Richard Johnson (survivor)…Shoveling snow…I hate it, hate it, hate it. But I did it, did it, did it. Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Carmen Gaarder Kumm (survivor)…I spent a day at a craft retreat with friends this weekend, and then I came home. I worked three days, and then I cleaned the church the next day. I’m proud that I didn’t have a meltdown.

Michelle Casto Lyons (caregiver)…An Itty-Bitty Giant Step accomplishment: my hubby has been seizure-free for 7 days, AND he made dinner TWICE this week!

Sandra-Madden-Hearts-All-Around-us~~element78Sandy Smachetti Madden (survivor)…I am a published author. My book shipped from the publisher today!! Check it out. Hearts All Around Us. Thanks!!

Corina Mendoza (survivor)…My Itty-Bitty Giant Step is a major step in a positive direction for me. I started my teacher certification in Special Ed, with a focus on blind/visually impaired students and family/consumer sciences for my degree in Hospitality Management.

Scott Sheehan (survivor)…I am building a soundproof fort for my female rescue cat. I also bought a drum set after 6 years of pain, and I am going to train to break a record – 84 hours of play. Gotta take step one. That I’ve learned. Besides being hit by a car three times, having my head smashed into a pipe, and diving into a 4-ft. pool, I walk, talk, and basically defy death EVERY day. (The doctors said that the same injury took Christopher Reeve.) My 18-month rescue cat, Milo, dropped dead in front of me and Babie, his sister. That pain makes the rest nothing. I bought a drum set with his colors and dedicate this to him. Now it gets hard. I play like no other – in a way that “can’t be done.” I’m always underestimated because of my TBI. Now the impossible – 1600 songs with the focus to spin and flip a stick every beat. In front of millions, billions, I hope. The best show ever played! Ambitious? Ha! Easy! The training, choreography, and practice – that’s the hard part. Always said they will laugh and say you can’t do it. But, do the impossible. You are special. Here to change the world. For 84 hours.

Lc Sossaman (survivor)…Every day is a challenge. I went to the grocery store and got the two things on my list (LOL), cleaned the house, and fed the goats and animals. I woke up to snow, but I was still able to get these things done. Cold days are usually hard on me, due to arthritis in places after the wreck, but today went fine. I try to keep discouragement and negativity away.

Amanda Spencer (caregiver)…Ed and I are celebrating 1 year together today!

Danielle Virden (caregiver)…Mine is about my 2-year-old son. Nathan started saying “mommy” and laughing, and he’s learning to sit up.

Sandra Williams (survivor)…I just learned that my organization and memory increased from very low to 90th percentile. The therapies paid off! I still struggle with perception and cognition, but I am working on that too.

Next goal is to begin running again. I want to run a marathon.

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

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Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at donnaodonnellfigurski@gmail.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

 

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

David Figurski…I assembled Donna’s new office chair. It came as 12 pieces with 13 screws. The Allen screws made it possible to use my non-ataxic left hand. Because the instructions were written with two good hands in mind, I sometimes had to devise my own way of assembling the parts. It took me twice as long, but I felt good about doing it.

Jodi Mannon…I was hit and thrown down stairs in January by my ex-roommate. I don’t remember a lot in the past 8 1/2 months. Yesterday I became friends with a lot of people who also have a TBI. I spoke with one on Facebook Messenger for a couple of hours. We chatted for a moment today, and he is going to call me tonight. I was shocked! He made me truly happy for once because we were able to talk the way we did and share our lives. I haven’t done that with anyone because I’ve never even thought about it before. I just had a lot of issues in dealing with getting better. It’s the greatest feeling to have people who have been through the same thing understand me!! Not that my parents and friends haven’t been nice, but they just don’t understand the things I go through. My new friends do. I feel so blessed to have them in my life, and I look forward to keeping these new friendships for the rest of my life!!!

Carmen Gaarder Kumm…I passed the test that allows me to keep my job!!! I needed a 70, and I got 73.7 – not much, but I PASSED! Better yet, I found my car after going out a different door than the one I went in. (Also, I was parked on the street in a college city that I’ve only been to once before.) I walked around for a half an hour looking for it – but I was still within 2 hours! LOL!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

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Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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