Dear Grady Lady,

What a story you have, thank you so much for sharing it with me. You sound at peace with things which is inspiring and helpful for me at the begining of this journey.

My first concussion was at the age of 10 on a bike as well. Also before helmets. I wasn’t doing anything as cool as popping a wheelie though.

It was just after Mount St. Helens blew up – got some volcano ash in my eyes and wiped out. went down sideways and Hit my head on the curb. Mom was running frantically house to house trying to get help like your friend did.

Since then no head injuries until 4 months ago. I’m so thankful for that helmet. When I bought it I always knew I’d wear it but never in a million did I think I’d actually need it.

Now I’m on a leave of absence from work, no driving, and living a quiet life at home as well. This is a 180 for me. I was out there living the go, go, go lifestyle for all my life focused most of all on work. When I got injured all I could think about was getting back to work. Now I’ve realized there are much bigger and more important things to think about. Like my recovery!

Before the accident I couldn’t imagine finding contentment in spending all this time by myself. I’m thankful for the growing and changing I’ve done.

I can’t imagine all that you’ve been through. When living this quiet life at home there is so much time to think. I don’t want anymore concussions.

There is so little understanding out there of how dangerous this can be for kids. I was just told yesterday about a boy who is 17 already has 9 concussions from lacrosse and football.

I’m finding myself wanting to better understand all of this as well. If I was 20 years younger I would go back to school to learn about our brains and how they function.

I’ll post again when I track down the film. Maybe its on you tube.

Peace to you as well,
Marilee