Dear Brain Injury,
I really can’t remember May 3rd, 2012 but I know that's the day you met my wife, my two kids, and many of my other friends and family. I actually don’t recall meeting you until a few weeks later.
I really didn't understand who you were at first and I certainly didn't realize how much you’d change my life - but you changed nearly everything about me. There are many days I have a hard time recognizing the man in the mirror looking back at me, the man I've suddenly become.
Now, I’m grateful to be doing as well as I am because I know you have left so many others far worse off than me. But I was really hoping that one day we'd be able to go our separate ways. However, as I was sitting here writing you this “goodbye” letter, I realized that you aren't going anywhere anytime soon so I guess I better get used to having you around.
Yes, there's still going to be many days I’ll get tired of dealing with you. Yes, there will be days I'll just want and even tell you to leave. But I'm going to start trying my very best to make you feel more welcome. Because, you know what, and I know it's going to sound absolutely crazy for me to say this, but I'm beginning to think you might’ve changed my life for the better.
You see, before I met you, I really thought I was something. I felt like I had a good handle on my life and could deal with most things thrown my way. But after you showed up, it was a much different story. I couldn't do it all anymore and I had to start getting help from many, many other people. Most importantly, it wasn't until after we met that I finally understood how much I needed Jesus. I finally started learning how much I needed His help.
I began to see Jesus for who he truly is and came to realize who I was not. I'd spent most my life so busy trying to please God and earn my salvation with all my "good" behavior, but I finally began to understand that I can never do enough, that Jesus has already done it all, and that He’s really all I’ll ever need.
So, brain injury, I know you have changed me in many ways, ways that I never imagined or ever wanted, but I'm actually glad we met. That’s because you led me to the real Jesus. And He has changed me in more ways than you ever could have.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Genesis 50:20