TBI effects everyone 4-6-08

TBI effects everyone 4-6-08
Peter Macdonald 465 Packersfalls rd Lee NH 03824 603-659-6217
I had dinner with a friend last night whom suffered a Stroke 5 years ago, Also referred to as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A retired engineer Bob was active all the time. After the stroke he was paralyzed on the left side and could not remember things. When I visited him in the hospital so many years ago my words were of encouragement that he would be better than he was before because this injury would give him a chance to see life differently. The part that he would have to work on was remembering to turn difficult times into fun events. Bob’s depression from his limited use of his left side and the fact that he had no short term memory ended his relationships and caused him to isolate himself more and more. Bob bought a little camper and a piece of property in a small town about 20 miles north of Durham NH. Bob decided to build a house and live out his life alone. A man paralyzed on the left side and a limited memory building a house, no matter how small would be a conquest. I discovered the location of Bob’s property one day as he was starting the roof. For the next couple of hours we walked around as he explained his dream. The difference in Bob’s mental and physical condition screamed of success. Bob still did not want company as he made it clear to me but as I was leaving Bob remembered he again forgot the measurement. He explained this was his third time up the ladder for the same number. Then he amaze me as he said that forgetting, he believes is his way or remembering to exercise his left side more. Bob told me looking for the good in every thing makes his days fun.
Bob built a beautiful house. After the shell was weather tight Bob started going places because being alone for so long was getting to him. His physical condition from building the house was normal in appearance. His short term memory gave him difficulty in holding a conversation but he made that into fun. He still can not remember numbers but he now writes them down. Bob carries a note book as a solution to his memory. Bob met a beautiful woman and together finished the inside of the house.
Bob knew that I suffered TBI from a car accident just out of Parris Island. Unknowingly, I used the Marine Corps as Bob used the house. My wife, Bob his girl friend and I had a great time last night. The conversation was fun as both Bob and I would forget things in the middle of conversations. I guess my entire point of this letter is that no matter what happens to you make the best of it. Don’t get angry, mad or violent. A fun solution will make your day and life so much better. Others will some day see that a stroke or any other difficulties life throws at you can be beneficial by your setting an example and having fun.
Peter Macdonald Sgt USMC Semper Fi