Melinda's Story: I'm A Survivor, Not A Victim
Wow, it's hard to believe my own story at times when I start thinking back. Many have known and seen me through the years with numerous injuries resulting in broken bones, although most people just thought I was either a bit wild or clumsy. Maybe a little of both, but the truth is I have a Bone Disease, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and have broken over a 100, out of the 204, bones throughout my body in my 48 years.
This is a genetic disease and I broke my first bone at 1. I have fought hard and beat the many obstacles and odds that I have been up against since birth. This would not of happened without tears, sacrifice, loss, growth and with some determination. Most of which have caused mental and emotional struggles along with the physical pain.
I've always been different than all the others. I'm very short, was 4'10 once upon a time, petite, fragile, etc. The metal holding my body together should make me bionic. I have fought the tears, dealt with the extreme pain and been humbled so much by every break, not just one but most of them life altering somehow. BUT.... it's the silent injuries that are the ones that are the hardest and hurt all aspects of life the deepest. They hurt the most, heal the slowest, and make you feel the loneliest.
I have had 2 TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) that I am aware of. Once back 20 years ago when I fell down a flight of stairs, (fracturing both wrist terribly and having a huge black eye) having quite the impact on the noggin. The second in November 2013 when I fell about 6 feet onto concrete. I was only able to take 2 weeks off work due to being a single mom with kiddos at home.
Life changed but never heard the term TBI, traumatic brain injury. Went to counseling for depression with some relief and just chalked up how I was feeling to the obstacles I have faced in life getting the best of me slowly. September 2016 is the night that changed my life as I knew it. I fractured my skull, broke many bones in my face (eye sockets, nose, jaw...) and a brain bleed. I spent 4 days in the hospital ICU. I was blessed as they were shocked how my brain bleed resolved itself so quickly. Still at this point had never heard the word TBI. I was sent home with the instructions, from what I gather, I will have some headaches and may be a little emotional. With them saying that, my amazing daughters were relieved and hopeful, but that was not the reality of my recovery.
After coming home, began the uncontrollable emotions, outburst of anger, inability to get up for days, extreme weight loss, I could go on and on... I lost everything it seemed. My jobs, my friends, my home, my cars and so much more. Slowly loosing everything and I couldn't stop it. So, here I am almost 4 1/2 years later and I am still struggling but haven't given up the fight. I am a work in progress and every day is a new one with new blessings and new obstacles. I'm still seeing specialist with many unanswered/unresolved concerns and issues that need some work.
I found Beautiful Disaster through social media. This brand means a lot to me and I am honored to be a part of it. I am gradually getting as many pieces from various collections as possible. I have chosen that I am not a victim of this brain injury. I choose to be a survivor as well as a Beautiful Disaster that is Perfectly Imperfect.