I had a stroke in 2005 and was left with some deficits. At first, I was hesitant and unsure of what to expect when I went to Kootenay Brain Injury Association. I remember at the first meeting the worker went around the table and asked how everyone was doing. I thought to myself, “I’m not sharing to a group of strangers.”
After three people shared, I found myself relating to total strangers and joined in conversation. Many years have passed since my first encounter with KBIA and hundreds of meetings and hours of support since.
I am considered the mother goose of the group and have done call outs for years. It’s my way of staying connected and helping so the worker has more time to spend one on one with those that need it.
I recently turned 65 years old and I was told that I am discharged from the health authority funding. I was shocked; I have a brain injury, it’s not like you get over that! Brain injury is life long and ongoing.
As you can tell, I was very upset by this and the KBIA worker assured me that I would still be allowed to attend groups and receive support through Brain Injury Alliance funding.
My brain injury family has rallied around me at the most vulnerable times in my life: through the death of my sister, moves, fractured bones, relationship breakdowns, just to name a few.
We keep connected through the weekly groups and support each other through the hard times. I love to do acronyms to help me remember things.
The one I would like to share with you is for the word STRESS: Start Taking Risks Emotionally Smile Sense.
Sincerely,
Eve Reddicopp
