I knew that it was important to raise awareness and understanding of brain injury. That’s why I started this blog. Not to be liked or make friends, although I do enjoy the positive vibe I get from many of you, and have “virtually” met some amazing people.  But that is a fringe benefit, not the motivating factor for why I do this. I realised my understanding of brain injury before my accident was woeful, as was that of most people I know. And I believe that we are a fair reflection of the general public’s knowledge on the subject. But I confess I probably didn’t anticipate the level of responsibility I was bestowing on myself. I’m not going to stop, as the subject is more important than me as an individual. I’m just asking for your forgiveness for times I don’t meet your expectations.

Trying to reach out to others.

I’m not Mother Theresa, and I’m definitely not looking for thanks. Actually many send me their thanks, which is lovely of them. But I hope in some small way to help families affected by brain injury by blogging about my experience. My family really didn’t understand it, even though my Aunt suffered a very serious brain injury 30 years ago. But as my parents had moved miles away, they didn’t really experience what that meant for her on a daily basis. So when I had my accident it was a confusing time for all of us. I know that was difficult for me, and I can only imagine how distressing it was/is for them.

But I confess I have my limitations.

I’m not an expert in any stretch of the imagination, so whilst I give suggestions to help, they will not always help everyone. I think most people understand that and many offer their own suggestions too, which is great. The thing I find harder to deal with are those who don’t understand who or what I am. Some people expect me to be on a more personal level with them. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy our honesty with each other and I think it’s really helpful. But there just isn’t enough of me to go round for me to start phoning people. A handful of people are generously offering their friendship in the form of telephone conversations. Whilst I appreciate how this is offered out of the goodness of their hearts, I have to decline each time. I just don’t have the energy. It was a long time before I even opened up to my “real world friends”, as I explained in Friends agony of my brain injury I didn’t let her help with. So please don’t take it personally when I decline.