By: Ken Stowell

Ken Stowell — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:01:01 +0000

Great letters and comment; For me, I have a hard time remembering what life was like before my wife’s brain injury. Like Forrest Gump said; Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get. When she gets over one obsession she will start another. Hard to catch, so I have to be on guard for the next one. But once I realize what is happening I coach her about what she is doing, not telling her not to, that doesn’t work, but talking about it in a rational way, about a totally irrational issue (which is still rational to her) takes time and patience, which is something that an RN would not have the time, they would just remove the items that cause the issue. That type of attitude doesn’t work as it doesn’t teach or reach the underlying problems. Do you dare to invite the likes of Cristy Clark, Stephanie Cadieux, MLA’s or MP’s to Outside Noise?

By: Jeanette

Jeanette — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:07:25 +0000

First I would like to say thank you Dawn.
Now, the whole piece of “rings” of volunteer support…WOW this is definately an uneducated response! Again it goes back to, if you don’t live the life you have no idea of the actual substance of the issues.
Many families are torn apart when there is not enough supports/services. Divorce is common, other family members go astray & the majority in society just do not want to deal with the issues/concerns. THIS IS REALITY! We are segregated still…we are alone and we do feel knowone understands.
What we see and hear in the media and in public forums from many who do not live this life makes us feel more segregated and alone!
My daughter was born healthy with her whole future ahead of her until one night everything changed…I will admit I had no idea what families went through until I was thrown into the lions den. Thank goodness I was able to climb the den and Fight the Fight to ensure that my daughter recieved the supports/services she needs to have the best quality of life possible…but many are still in the pit fighting for their lives every day.
My god, we never asked to be “client” within our system.
We are the experts when it comes to understanding disability and needs. When I was searching for education on brain injury I asked to speak with someone who has/is going through the journey to get the facts versus a person with an RN certificate who really has no idea about brain injury…I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Why spend more tax payers money on uneducated sources when we would offer information and ideas for free.
Just a few things on my mind. I hope I don’t offen anyone.
Jeanette (my daughter’s voice)

Comments on: Starting a discussion: How do we guide change in community living?

By: Ken Stowell

By: Jeanette