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Attitude

wet cement

kermit

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GOOD NEW FRIENDS

Jennifer Sabih is a journalist, television reporter (sometimes), and student of spirituality (every moment).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-sabih

She wrote a special blog entry that is very personal and important for all of us who are recovering from Traumatic Injuries - please let her know your thoughts.

Beyond The Battlefield... Into The Bedroom CLICK HERE.

Posted: 03/21/2012 2:30 pm

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GOOD FRIENDS

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.

As he was driving the last nail into the
post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked
down into the eyes of a little boy..

"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your
puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer.

"I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chainlink fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence,the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.

Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up...

"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.

In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup.

Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

"How much?" asked the little boy... "No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love.."

The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

It's National Friendship Week.

Show your friends how much you care.
Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. as well as those who WERE!!!
If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.<Yupyoull.gif>
WHEN YOU READ THIS, YOU'RE REQUESTED TO SEND IT TO AT LEAST 4 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU

www.petfinder.com
www.hua.org
Every time I lose a dog he takes a piece of my heart. Every new dog gifts me with a piece of his. Someday my heart will be total dog, and maybe then I will be just as generous, loving and forgiving. – Unknown

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Overcoming Barriers

Overcoming Barriers Click here

 Walking Aids

I recently switched from a cane to a walking stick.

Benefits:

· walking upright with straighter posture

· allows me to improve my gait with better left leg control

· better balance, particularly on sloped ground

· able to see surroundings while walking better

Choosing a walking stick:

· adjustable height

· able to adjust with one hand - closures are not screw-type, but flip-type

· sturdy, supporting your body height and weight.

· I purchased black Diamond Trekking Poles - they have a better grip, can be adjusted with one hand, are 3 ounces lighter than most other brands, can be reduced to separate shorter sections for easy storage, slide into the other sections for easy carrying when needed, and the bottom piece of

· the pole stays locked in place, I glued a rubber cap over the metal point so as to not deface indoor

· floors.

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Driving a Car: Post-TBI Notes

I regained my driver's license about 13 months ago, and drive on LA freeways. Being very anal, I try to follow the same regimen every time, so as to be prepared:

Put important phone numbers in your cell phone. Such as having your AAA
roadside assistance number when your car stops in the middle of a freeway offramp. Very stressful with diesel trucks trying to squeeze around your car. Luckily, the AAA phone number and AAA account number were in the phone.
I also have the police numbers in my phone to the cities that I frequently drive through.
If you are in an accident, be prepared to know where you keep your insurance and registration. There are forms available for you to write down the other parties information. It's a stressful time
When returning to driving, try to drive in good weather, during the day and when there are less traffic and pedestrians.
Avoid driving when fatigued, stressed, or not feeling well. Be aware of the side effects of medications. Those that cause drowsiness might be taken at night before bed.

Give yourself extra time.[so you don't have to rush].

· Print out a MapQuest map to where you’re going so you can visualize the route.

· Call ahead to find out the parking situation and accessibility.

· Also having the speaking GPS for areas that you're not familiar with.

· Check the outside [tires, mirrors, any damage] when walking to the car.

· Enter the car and check inside [mirrors, turn signal crossover bar, spinner

· knob, lights, tissues, windows, GPS/map directions, hazards, etc.],

· Then I stretch my neck and arms – left and right - check left leg placement, put

· On my seat belt, re-check mirrors/fields of view.

· Start the engine, re-check mirrors for other cars, people, hazards

· Re-check for obstacles, and then put car in gear.

Following this routine makes it much safer as I begin my drive, as well as my being more prepared as I drive.

Although it is not recommended for most people, I have my radio on at a low volume [the sound helps me be calm, and more-focused]. Traffic reports help me prepare when there are slow areas or to avoid stopped traffic.

Ask passengers to keep down the conversation [similar to you having the radio on low so you can

concentrate on driving].

As I drive, I remind myself to look beyond the car directly in front of me so as to have a wider view of the traffic situation [this allows gradual slowing to maintain safe between car distance]

Keep more distance between vehicles to allow for more time to react and stop.

Always keep 1/4 to 1/2 tank of gas so you don't have an emergency by running out of gas.

When I stop at an intersection, I count oncoming cars and pedestrians

[plus bicyclists, dogs, children playing, school zone signs, etc.] so as to not miss any [makes it safer to make a turn or to move ahead through an intersection], then re-check the signal lights before moving ahead.

After moving, I check rear and side mirrors [to ensure I’m centered in my driving lane, and moving at the correct speed with the flow of traffic].

I use my cruise control much of the time to ensure I’m not exceeding the posted speed limit.

[special thanks to Gayle and Sandra for all of their helpful hints that keep me safe while I’m driving.]

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One-handed Shoelace Tie

The first step in my becoming independent was learning how to tie my shoelaces with one hand. This meant that I could wear almost any shoe, without the flimsy elastic laces, and most dress shoes don’t have Velcro ties.

Boots don’t usually have Velcro ties either. The key was that I could tie my shoes wherever I am.

The freedom from this simple process, taught to me by a very special OT at Northridge Hospital, began my ability to become more independent and able to resume many functions. This is the key – finding ways to become safely self-sufficient, so that I can do more without waiting on other people for all support [driving, dressing, cooking, etc.]

video of how to do the one-handed shoelace tie

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 Using a public restroom

When you’re confronted with this problem, learn to adapt to the circumstances. To pull your pants up and re-zip them, try leaning against a wall to hold them in place while tightening your belt and closing your zipper.

This solution may seem obvious, but may not be for an impaired person. Plan ahead for restroom stops. And for how to re-dress yourself. Again, the freedom from this simple process is critical when resuming normal social activities.

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 Understanding and Treating medical conditions

A few months ago, my ankle swelled significantly on my impaired side. The urgent care physician had no idea what caused this swelling, but prescribed diuretics. The consequence was that the diuretic would exacerbate any urinary issues.

My OT checked the back of my knee and found my hamstring to be exceedingly tight, and taught me several exercises to reduce the tension. After two days, the swelling was completely resolved. It is critical that patients think clearly about causes, effects and consequences, and how their bodies are reacting to various stimuli. Don’t assume that doctors and nurses know “everything”, nor that they understand what specifically is happening to you, even years following a TBI. Question everything. Become your own active advocate.

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Amazing Pathways

May the path your life takes this year lead you to fun and adventure, good health, love and peace.