The anniversary of the accident has rolled around for the first time, some things seem like they are going by so quickly while other things seem to be moving at a snail's pace. When I got to thinking about the fact that it has been a full year since the accident that changed my life I decided there were two ways of looking at it:
1) I could be sad and cry and spend the day feeling sorry for myself OR 2) I could spend the time with my family and close friends, having fun and being grateful that I am still here to be a part of every one's lives. My therapist told me that alot of brain injury patients are calling the anniversary of their accident their "live day" - because they lived through something horrific. I like that and we are celebrating my live day with a summer BBQ and decorating somewhat Hawaiian-style!
 |
| with Caryn and Janet |
 |
| Laura, Ruth and William |
 |
| Dick, Gail and Beth |
 |
| Ruth, William, Matt and I |
 |
| Dana and Bryn |
 |
| John, Dana and Jack (due in November) |
 |
| Ruth, Caryn, Janet and Laura |
 |
| Kate, William and I |
 |
| Dad and Scott - grill masters! |
Luckily my parents are very encouraging of me and my hopes to spend time with my friends. We spent a fair amount of time shopping for decorations and groceries, cleaned up the house and the yard, and prepped all the food AND tried to make sure that everyone had a nice time. Whewww, I definitely still get worn out easier than I used to and it takes me longer to recuperate than it once did but it was worth it! I loved planning the party, creating the menu, prepping the food and watching it all come to fruition. I think everyone had a good time and it was so nice to get everyone together and thank them for their kind thoughts and generous words during the roughest time of my life. Plus, I just love feeding people - I am most comfortable in the kitchen and I find it gratifying that you know immediately if guests are happy with their food. Yes, I do know that people think its crazy that I love to cook, go to the grocery store and read cook books and culinary magazines ~ to each his own and if you are benefiting from my quirky love of cooking than might I suggest that you just sit back and enjoy it?!
This quote was on the hospital wall in Hawaii and we all fell in love with it ~ it makes sense and it matters, I hope you take it to heart!
Do what makes you happy...
Be with those who make you Smile..
Laugh as much as you Breathe...
Love as long as you Live...
author unknown
To my loved ones who could not be here for the Live Day party I send you big hugs and thoughts of love and light. Your prayers and your diligence are so appreciated and I want you to know that I adore you for it! Thank you for being such an important part of my life, I hope I get to see you again soon!
To my loved ones who could not be here for the Live Day party I send you big hugs and thoughts of love and light. Your prayers and your diligence are so appreciated and I want you to know that I adore you for it! Thank you for being such an important part of my life, I hope I get to see you again soon!
Hi Nikki! I've been reading your blog and am amazed and what you've been doing. I had no idea about your accident, but what you have done to heal and get through this past year is incredible. I have subscribed to your blog and invited a bunch of people to it because I'm so moved at what you are doing. I've been through a lot medically, nothing near as much as you have, but I understand how frustrating it is having to be so patient wanting your body to just feel almost normal. You will be in my prayers and I'll be sending you good, loving, healing energy as much as I can.
ReplyDelete