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Sunday, January 9, 2011

A conversation with my dad . . .

Dad: Hi Jennifer? Jennifer Mosher? This is your dad . . . in Minneapolis (insert laughter) .

Me: Yeah Dad, it's me! (insert eye roll)
* * *
This is always how my dad and I start our phone conversations (read pg. 79 in my book for another example) and tonight was no different. It's kind of silly that we've been doing this for years - ha ha ha. Anyway, I don't know why I started with that other than it came to my mind as I just got off the phone with my dad. As usual, Dad made an insightful and somewhat philosophical comment . . . this time about recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury.

He's been reading a lot about the healing capabilities of yoga and meditation. I practice a lot of yoga (maybe "a lot" is not the best word since I usually only make it to a class twice per week. However, let it be known that I am a committed gym-goer, and I do faithfully attend some sort of fitness class 4 times per week). Dad read about a film called Spiritual Revolution (all about the healing powers of meditation). Daniel Davis, who contributed to the film, was also the Activities Coordinator with the Jan Berry Center For The Brain Injured. I don't know much about Mr. Davis' practices, besides the fact that he began developing mindfulness, drumming and other creative practices for people with serious brain trauma.

So, then my dad asked my thoughts on why I've done so well in my recovery.

Luck? Medication? Vitamins? Studying books about Brain Injury?

AND this is where he made the insightful and somewhat philosophical comment. He said, "It's like anything else. You have to work at it to get better." Then he threw in the golf analogy (if you know my dad, you know that in his earlier life, he was obsessed with golf and did anything he could to improve his game).

"It's like golf. If you want to become a better golfer, you have to constantly practice."

I think he's right (don't tell him I said that)! Recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury is a lifelong endeavor. It doesn't happen over night and it takes a lot of hard work. Which reminds me of a favorite quote from Maya Angelou (also in my book on page 93):

Nothing will work unless you do.


4 comments:

Kate said...

I'm glad I read this, Jen. I'm not recovering from a TBI, but I am recovering from 3 broken vertebrae and some other major injuries from last summer. It's been almost 7 months and I am frustrated about how long my recovery is taking. You're right... I need to work at it, even "practice" so to speak. Thanks for the great post. Oh, and when I'm strong enough, I plan on starting yoga.

Dennis & Jodi said...

I so agree with what you have posted! After Sam's accident we had A LOT of people praying for him but we also told him that unless he put the effort in there would be no progress... and he worked (and still does) hard everyday to get to where he is now. we still have major struggles with sam, family and teachers but that comes with the fact that he doesnt "LOOK" like there is anything wrong! B4 i get in to a tirade about that---I just want to thank you for your postings. I really enjoy them! I was wondering if your book is available in ebook version?! My kindle is due to arrive on Monday and I want to order it... otherwise I will get a hard copy!

Jennifer Mosher said...

Thanks Kate!!! YEAH YOGA!!

Thanks Jodi!! (I enjoy your postings too)
You CAN get my book as an ebook. Download it from my website www.Jennifermosher.com (there is a link that says "click to order")
LMK if you get this because I don't know if you guys will see my response on this post!

Dennis & Jodi said...

Thanks Jenn! I got it (and the email)