City/State:  Atlanta, GA

Brain Injury:  Multiple Concussions

Explanation of Mask:

I have multiple concussions, including crowbar to the head.

I’m a different person now; “Old Me” is part gone, but not dead.

I’m wearing a mask at most times, including with those close to me.

Don’t wanna be “TBI Gal” ~ wanna be defined diff’rently.

I have problems remembering ~ if new, or not seen in a while.

Some are words, numbers, or items ~ worst was forgetting my own child.

I’m no longer as “abled” now, though to most I still look “normal”.

Some days are good, and some are not; some hours okay, some not at all.

I have a sensitivity ~ visually and too with sound.

I get so freakin’ overwhelmed; stimulation is all around(!)

I’m tired of being so anxious; it’s hard to navigate harsh seas.

It affects my unfiltered mood, “Brain Drain”, and my abilities.

I have a wish to not be “poor” ~ though I’m spiritu’lly wealthy.

“Affordable Housing”‘s too much;

“Home is where your heart is”: that’s me…

I’m grateful to kind-hearted souls ~ they sure make journey friendlier;

I continue to work on me, to be beyond “TBI’er”.

I have different coping skills, where I try to hide the new me.

Guess wanna stay independent, so I can still feel somewhat free.

I’m just doing a disservice, to my own self and to others:

Not truly living in one’s truth separates one from another.

I have attitude of Dory: I keep smiling and keep swimming.

I like Oprah’s and Eckhart’s view: Live in “Now” to keep soul singing.

I’m thankful for silver linings I do find eventually;

Please see me more than brain injured…please see and accept ALL of me.