Jonathan has a TBI (11 mins)

Jonathan has an ABI.
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Watch Jonathan's story on the video.

Some things to keep in mind are:

Characteristics

People with an ABI:

• Remember they once had all their brain functioning reasonably well. Now they don't.
• Can not recover from these effects with a good night's sleep, a new job or operation
• Work very hard for many years to overcome these effects
• May not fully recover from their brain injury.
• Can not always control themselves like they used to or would like to.
• Get frustrated with themselves and take it out on others.

Challenges

Challenges they face include:

• Lack of community awareness and discrimination
• Access to social activities
• Relationship changes
• Access to work and training opportunities
• Long term support
  

Based on material from: Brain Injury Association of NSW - www.biansw.org.au

Jonathan's Mother & Father - Paper Cranes (3 min 45 sec)

Paper Cranes

Cheryl Koenig, Paper Cranes, A Mother's Story of Hope, Courage and Determination, An Hourglass book, 2008

Cheryl Koenig's life changed forever the day her 12 year old son Jonathan was involved in a car accident. Jonathan was given very little chance of survival. Now, more than ten years since the accident Jonathan lives a rich and fulfilling life. Paper Cranes draws on the diary Cheryl kept during the rehabilitation process.

This video talks about the writing of Paper Cranes.

 

A poem

Living with a brain injury

Generally the public are ignorant of how life changes for someone with a new mind.
The waters are unchartered.
Rationality is hampered and delayed,
Impulsiveness is rampant and,
Thought doesn't have a barrage of filtration and tact to sift through…..

Smell and taste are non-existent,
Hearing and balance are affected.

Suicide is hovering with open doors,
Depression is constant,
Life's beauty has faded.

One doesn't have the safe guiding of survival fear any more.
The ability to tell a white lie to resolve or comfort a situation has gone.
Truth is said without haste or filtration,
It's how it is.

Your family doesn't take your new mind with ease,
My family has gone.

Management of money is disastrous,
A day by day struggle.

Confidence is small - nearly non-existent.
How do I manage a job every day? I wonder and I can't…..

Forgetfulness is daily,
Keys are gone, my teeth are greasy and furry,
Where's my toothbrush?

My tiredness is now a battle.
I used to have so much energy and spirit.

Who do I turn to?
I am craving for love.

(“Bernard”, 2000 )