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Dr. Deborah D. Jenkins's avatar

Thank you Dr. Marshall for sharing your experience with us. The big takeaway for me was, "And when life is returned, it must be lived — differently." I'm trying to do that as well.

Steven Evangelista's avatar

It is powerful for you to share about this traumatic experience!

I work closely with someone who recently completed her doctorate several years after suffering from something similar, an unbidden traumatic brain injury. The amount of extra work she has had to do just to get to the level of functioning that was effortless before is staggering, and makes her achievement and persistences (like yours) so much more remarkable!

Dr. Mary M. Marshall's avatar

Thank you, Steven. It is a journey like no other. I’ve written about it here and there, but now realize I never put “me” into the narrative but rather the person I knew at the time. Events in recent years have triggered memories I didn’t know I had. As a historian, especially of our family history, I’ve discovered I documented that period more than I knew. That is good. As a result, I am able to see who I was then, who I became, and who I am now. I am interesting even to me :). In time I will share more as I now feel free. Didn’t know I felt bound, but there were strings attached in ways I didn’t see. I feel good. Thanks for reading and seeing 🤗.

Louise Haynes's avatar

I’m glad you’re here, Dr. Marshall.

Krystal's avatar

Thank you for sharing this with us Dr. Marshall . Your lived experience will definitely help others . Time is so precious and you have reminded me to live my life to the fullest ! 🫶🏾

Dr. Mary M. Marshall's avatar

Thank you 🙏🏽, Krystal. Yes, live every minute in the present. Do the thing now.

Jill Swenson's avatar

In the blink of an eye. A day you can't forget, even if you tried, Dr. Marshall.

Dr. Mary M. Marshall's avatar

I don’t try; however, there’ve been years when a few days pass and I remember “it” has slipped past me. Writing about it this year made it feel so less invasive. Perhaps I’m finding a peace about it I didn’t know was missing.

Jill Swenson's avatar

Writing is a good way to process and make peace with the past. Anniversaries bring up memories and each year there is a re-membering of the memory. Peace!

Jane Chapman's avatar

Short, to the point and powerful ... One incident--a chance happening--can change everything.

Roberta Harris's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your personal story. You have made such an amazing come back and journey since then! I am so grateful you have documented it and it has made you free. Accidents change lives. One of our grandsons was in a horrific crash when his car was smashed by a hit and run. An acquired brain injury will either make or break a person. You and he chose to make it. When he awakened from a 30 day coma with multiple injuries he was determined to walk and talk again. Now he is married to a beautiful wife and the father of 2 dear children. Life just has to adjust and take new paths.

I am looking forward to more of your writings.

Dr. Mary M. Marshall's avatar

Awesome news about your grandson. I’m sure he, his family, especially the children, bring so much joy to all of you. Having supportive family and friends really helps the healing. Understanding and receptive strangers along the way increase motivation to continue, to get back into life. Sometimes, not too often, I wonder what I might have become had the accident not happened. I’m super proud of the work I’ve accomplished and the life I made. Mentoring was part of my life pre-accident. I’m overjoyed that my mentoring continued and increased. Humbled by those whom I’ve been able to share knowledge with. I think your grandson probably feels a similar joy in his life.