One of the aspects of Shelley's brain injury that was unexpected is how it has affected her thinking processes, especially when she is tired. I can usually tell how exhausted she is from the number of times she uses the word stupid.
The other day Shelley was telling me how humbling this experience has been, for therapy that day she had to label items in her room. "They made me write on these stupid cards and label everything in my room. I feel so stupid. But, I will admit it is nice to not have to think about what things are called."
This morning we were texting during her break between therapy sessions:
Heather: So what are you doing for therapy today?
Shelley: It already started. On leisure/ rest time for a minute. Then into memory games. They aren't even fun. Just stupid.... and frustrating.
Growing up the use of the word stupid was frowned upon, and my mom never really complained about hard work. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame her for being frustrated. I would be angry too if I had to concentrate so hard to relearn how to write and retrain my brain how to remember even the simplest of things. I just think it is funny to hear my educated mother use the word stupid so often to describe cognitive and physical therapy.
Shelley, I hope you are following on this and so will see this comment. I have always admired your staying power. The wreck couldn't take that from you. It's in your DNA. Hang in there because no matter how "stupid" everything may seem, we here at home are seeing improvement. You are my hero. You can do this.
ReplyDeleteI have started emailing her all of the comments.
DeleteShe is so much like my mother.
ReplyDeletethis is carrie
ReplyDelete