The lighter side...

[Randy]

First, I would NEVER trivialize TBIs. As a survivor, I understand all too well the challenges of living with such an injury.

That said, I had to share a story with you all about my recovery.

Recently, my wife and I were talking about my hospital stay and the days immediately following my accident. I have very limited memory of the events but I do have some vivid memories. One thing that I did remember was that my wife stayed with me at the hospital for several days. What I did not know was that for the three weeks that I was in recovery, she went home and I was on my own every evening. But she would always be there when I awoke.

So I had many questions about my one and only hospital stay. Especially during the evening hours when I was left alone.

In her words, when she sensed that I was ready to call it a day, she would "tuck me in, kiss me goodnight, and strap me to the bed." She said this so matter-of-factly that I cracked up at the visual image that she had just described.

Being restrained is something that many of us go through during our recovery. It was serious business then and "for my safety" I was being told. Apparently, I wanted to roam and "escape". Now I can laugh about it. I could be depressed and down about the reasons that I had to be restrained, but I choose not to be.

This is all part of the healing process.