One of my students was proud to have her dad join us at school. She had a huge smile on her face as she introduced him. He was hurt in a car accident four years ago. He underwent 11 months of hospitalization and rehabilitation due to damage to his neck and skull, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke like symptoms on the ride side of his body.
Our guest shared the challenges of being in a hospital for so long and how difficult it was to learn how to do everyday tasks all over again. He had to learn how to eat, swallow, walk, read and write.
I loved how well he communicated to five year-olds and the enthusiasm he had for perseverance. He shared how you can't give up and you just keep moving forward. He also shared his dreams for the future. It was great to see such a spark in his eye as he shared those dreams. No doubt the journey has been hard and exhausting, but he only had positive things to say.
In addition, our special guest shared how he looks at people with disabilities differently now. They aren't different than anyone else and they need our support.
I hope the kids will remember the great examples they have had this month of endurance, perseverance, and a positive attitude. We have already met people who have endured a lot on their journey, but they are stronger and more compassionate as a result.
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