The lessons I've learned...

I learned about the strength you can get from a close family life. I learned to keep going, even in bad times. I learned not to despair, even when my world was falling apart. I learned that there are no free lunches. And I learned the value of hard work.
(Lee Iacocca on Determination)

As I read this quote from Mr. Iacocca, I think wow! He’s been through a few things. Or else, how could he possibly know so much about what I’m feeling? And then, I wonder – Did he have an aneurysm too? Did he wake up from a coma, and have to face all his poor choices head on? Just like me? I am learning all the lessons Lee Iacocca learned this time around, and for this, I’m grateful.

My family
My brother and his wife have made such a sacrifice for me in my time of need. They are the most incredible people for the way they put my needs before their own. The two of them packed my things, put everything they could carry into storage as they tried to salvage what I owned. (I was in jeopardy of losing everything because I hadn’t paid my rent yet and hadn’t called my landlord to explain, since I was in the coma and couldn’t have. By the time my brother and his wife had gotten to my apartment, there was a notice on the door which was the notice of eviction).

I’ve enjoyed being single for many years, and may never have appreciated the value of a close family life had I not witnessed this for myself. Although, I appreciate marriage and children, I always felt I could wait a little longer for my Mr. Right. I am the middle child of eight brothers and sisters, and I’ve always taken pride in being there when members of my family needed me, but I still didn’t get it – maybe its because, I never foresaw me being the one in need. It took me needing them, to learn this lesson.

Its very clear to me, there is no way, I could have progressed the way I have without the support of my family. I’ve been living with them since being discharged from Emory and it hasn’t been easy for any of us and yet, they have stood by me. God has used my family to give me the strength to go on with my life.

Now that I’m so much better, He’s putting other family members in my life to show their support as well. All of my younger brothers have without hesitation offered to drive with me back to NY. This is significant, because I do have a large family, and I understand that people do what they can. While the part of the family that was able to make the sacrifice to take me in, did. I understand not everyone else could. The fact that my other brothers want to take this drive with me is huge, because it’s what they can do. And, it fills my heart with joy.

My sister, who lives in Pennsylvania, wasn’t able to come to Atlanta while I was in the coma – and it broke her heart, but as soon as she was able to come to Virginia to see me, she came.

These are all various components of Gods blessings, and the important part my family is playing in my journey. Who knows, it’s possible, I’m being used as a way to bring my family closer together. (It would be nice, but we’ll just have to see…)

Keep going, even in bad times
Since leaving Emory, I’ve been diligent about getting my life back through everything from therapy, to getting my driving privileges back (and all the other things in between, including school, doctor’s visits, exercise, social-networking online, dealing with my finances, lining up legal counsel in case I need to appeal social security’s decision, and getting my driving privileges back…).

I’ve applied for social security over six months ago, and still waiting for an answer (on average the percentage of people who get denied is as high as 65 –67%… In the meantime, my long term disability continues to threaten to cut me off. I don’t have the best insurance; therefore everything is magnified when dealing with the neurologists. This experience has made me a fighter more than ever before.

Don’t despair, even when my world was falling apart
God has fought for me to wake up from the coma, with my brain in tact - my speech, motor skills, creativity, and my sense of humor, ability to reason, solve problems, and dream…

There are no free lunches
Despite everything that’s happened, I can still go to work, and take care of myself. The job market may be tight, but I believe there’s a job out there for me still. I’m casting a wide net, and leaving no stone unturned… I’ll get back on my feet to pay my own way!

There is value in hard work
My speedy recovery is proof that my efforts have paid off. Although God is managing everything, and He deserves all the glory and praise, He helps those who help themselves. Seven months ago, I couldn’t stand, eat without a feeding tube, or breathe without a tracheotomy… The doctors at Emory, didn’t think I’d be able to care for myself, or live independently (much less, drive a car, strategize about how I’ll make a living going forward, or start a blog to share my testimony and inspire others).