One of my dearest friends (Crazy Aunt Nan') of over 25 years was recently in a car accident. She suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Truth be told, being a little kooky is part of her endless charm so we aren't always sure where one stops and the TBI begins. Not really. It's pretty obvious when you've known someone this long. While not totally off her rocker, it's clear that recovery isn't a fast or predictable process. Plagued with headaches and short term memory challenges, this thing has slowed down my friend who spends most of her days pouring into others. While we agree that God's clearly in charge and definitely has a plan, slowing down hasn't come easy. But since the alternative is a debilitating headache and much slower healing, she's doing her best to slow down and ask for help. If you're a middle-aged mama who would give the moon to your besties, you know this is a real booger.
I'm her Type-A, problem-solving friend who loves to work, cook, eat and exercise to keep it all in check. I love Jesus to, so I'm right there with CAN in believing we are all broken even though we go through our days acting like we're not and that God does his best work during times of trauma and catastrophe to help us eventually get that we need HIM everyday.
As I mentioned, short term memory and lots of stimuli is a problem for my TBI inflicted friend. This makes the most basic processes a challenge. Take getting ready in the morning. Up, dress, teeth, hair, shower, underpants....you get the idea. Checklist for that? Check. Another is meal preparation. Nutrition is one of the top three CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS to healing a TBI. But, how is one with one going to plan, make a list, shop (can't drive!), unload, organize meals, make the meals, etc.? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
My mission! Beat the crud out of this TBI, one meal at time. She's sending me the list of TBI beating foods. I'm going to build the plan. We'll begin a week from Thursday. Join us for the ride and see how it goes. Best case scenario, TBI is faster to being on it's way out or much improved. At a minimum, I have no doubt my friend of a million years and I will learn plenty about asking for help, the gift of community, leaning in, trust, loving and letting go. Go, God, go!
Stay tuned.....
I'm her Type-A, problem-solving friend who loves to work, cook, eat and exercise to keep it all in check. I love Jesus to, so I'm right there with CAN in believing we are all broken even though we go through our days acting like we're not and that God does his best work during times of trauma and catastrophe to help us eventually get that we need HIM everyday.
As I mentioned, short term memory and lots of stimuli is a problem for my TBI inflicted friend. This makes the most basic processes a challenge. Take getting ready in the morning. Up, dress, teeth, hair, shower, underpants....you get the idea. Checklist for that? Check. Another is meal preparation. Nutrition is one of the top three CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS to healing a TBI. But, how is one with one going to plan, make a list, shop (can't drive!), unload, organize meals, make the meals, etc.? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
My mission! Beat the crud out of this TBI, one meal at time. She's sending me the list of TBI beating foods. I'm going to build the plan. We'll begin a week from Thursday. Join us for the ride and see how it goes. Best case scenario, TBI is faster to being on it's way out or much improved. At a minimum, I have no doubt my friend of a million years and I will learn plenty about asking for help, the gift of community, leaning in, trust, loving and letting go. Go, God, go!
Stay tuned.....
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