To frame this, I'll first quote my neurosurgeon, who on my follow up appointment after release from the hospital told me: "I consider you my miracle patient. I didn't tell your family this the night of the accident, but I didn't think you were going to make it"

I have a much more profound appreciation for life, while at the same time no longer have a fear of death.

My relationship with my spouse and erstwhile caregiver has grown deeper. I have learned it's OK to depend on and accept loving care from her and others.

Friends who visited me during my hospital stay and after showed me how much people really care for others.

I appreciate the power of prayer. I believe that without the prayers, heartfelt concern, and kindness of friends and family my neurosurgeon's initial fears would have been the outcome. Instead I can more forward and enjoy life.

Prayers for peace to all of you.

I have given up my anger toward others. The people who have stayed have qualities in them others don't have. I don't blame anyone. I think it's very hard for a lot of people.

I am changed as u mentioned. My compassion for others has increased. I am also so much more sensitive to others tragedies. Anxiety and stress wise.

One of my dear friends took me to a beautiful quiet lunch today. I love her immensely. I am so blessed.

I hope everyone here has someone.

Jenna

my friends all hit the road in years ago lol my family doesn't believe I have a brain injury they think I'm addicted to drugs or alcohol or both lol

Sorry to hear about what happened. The brain is a strange and complicated organ.

I believe sometimes to get a fresh glass of water, you have to empty your cup of the stale water.

When those close to me betray me, I learn how to be loyal.

Easier said than done, but chin up!

I laugh a lot more. Life can be so hilarous now. Am I like I child? I have the child pov.

I know God is in my life and I belive angels help me and really helped me at my darkest times.

I embrace my artist side now. No more conflicts there. I write, love to write, am a writer, am a poet and proud of it. Writing and rhyme is easier and more fun now. I play more,

I could care less what people think about me now. I just live and let live. I try not to be too blunt -- sometimes my filter needs adjustments, but that was true before. i try not to be harsh in my forthrightness.

Life is a gift. I get that. Every day has a blessing and I just have to still myself to find it.

Anger is a waste of time and I try not to indulge in it. It's OK to be intese, but I try to focus that intensity on postitivity.

I can relax more now because I can live more in the moment. Goes along with not caring what others think.

Better listener now.

have averted course from becoming a negative person. Prior to the accident I was becoming a very unhappy person even I didn't like. That girl is gone and I am pretty sure she died inthe accident. Go new me! Go!

Profound new interest in nutrition and chemicals in our food and everything. Awarness of food.

Found new friends on line and good places like this.

I can say with pride now, I am a brain injury survivor. I am writing about that. Have a memoire in the works about that. Want to connect with others on this path.

I probably could say more, but this is enough for now.

I think the best thing is that I have come to realize just how serious concussions are... my 5 year old plays hockey and learning signs and issues from a concussion may become valuable the more he plays...

Everyday I list 3 things I did and 5 blessings in my life.. there are days when my 3 things consist of brushing my teeth, brushing my hair and getting out of bed... other days where my 3 things are bigger like grocery shopping and getting everything on the list, cleaning a bathroom or cooking dinner... a journal of these things helps me realize how far i have come...

I am definetely trying to balance the good with the bad in all of this mess.

I have found three positives:
I've learned to appreciate and shrink my inner circle. I'm a giver and have run myself ragged over the years being there for people. Seeing the people who bailed while I am hurting well, I'm not blinking to cut them off and I don't feel one bit of guilt over it. I guess that sounds negative but its really a positive because in the past, I felt immense guilt if I lost relationships but now, I'm not letting people take advantage of me. It's also led me to really appreciate the people who really love and care for me.

I'm learning to say "no" which is very hard for me, see above.

I'm taking things a lot slower and being more organized. My life was pretty chaotic before. I'm learning to relax and take things one at a time.

Wow, then I go back and reread everyone's responses and realize how not alone I am. So many references to the people who disappeared and appreciating the ones who've stayed!!