A medical, legal, and
informational resource
for persons dealing with
traumatic brain injury.

STORIES OF AMAZING RECOVERIES

Submitted By: Kay-Cee Lloyd
Submitted On: June 20, 2005
Contact Via: kc_lloyd@hotmail.com

Easter Sunday 2001, my daughter Kristina had slept at her best friends house, who happened to live next door to us in a condo complex. Kristina called me in the late hours of the morning asking when we were going to paint eggs. I told Kristie the eggs were boiling, and it would be in the next hour. Kristie, who was 12 at the time, decided to play with her friends at the complex. I'm not sure why. Kristie decided to climb a tree, I guess just cause she was 12. Her friends were all up there as well, but the branch Kristie was standing on was dry and brittle, and the branch broke from underneath her.

That horrible day is a blur to me, it was so unbelievable. When her friends came to the door to tell me she was hurt, all I could think was maybe a scrape, possibly a broken arm or leg. When I reached Kristie, she was unconscious. I kneeled down beside her and Kristie vomited. I knew right then that something was seriously wrong. 911 was called and Kristie was taken to the University of Alberta Hospital. She lay in a coma for 6 long days, doctors said Kristie had a severe frontal lobe injury and advised me that possible surgery could occur due to pressure in the brain. We were lucky in that respect.

My Partner, myself, and Kristie's father stayed by her side throughout. What a moment it was when she spoke her first few words, "hi daddy". She would make it. Kristie was transferred to the Glenrose hospital a few days later, and went through 6 weeks of rehabilitation. Her balance was off, she had memory problems, anger issues -lots and lots of anger, but I have to say the most difficult challenge was the personality changes in my daughter. No longer was she the child I once knew, she was someone different, and it took many years to adapt to this new young girl. The happy energetic, smiling face, is now sad, angry and misunderstood.

It has been over four years since her accident. Kristie has overcome so many obstacles. She is a fighter, however, her lack of confidence stands in the ay of what I know she can accomplish. Hopefully in time she will come to see how special she is. After four schools, and being out of the school system, Kristie will starting Holy Trinity High School in a special program that will adapt to her needs. I can only pray that this will guide her and bring her back the confidence she has lost.

At this moment Kristie is living with her father due to not agreeing to the rules. I guess you could say I'm using the "tough love" techniques. As a parent I hate it, but I know that regardless of her disability, Kristie will have to learn many things the hard way in order to understand. It kills me not to have her by my side, but Kristie knows my door is always open provided she follow some rules. I miss her immensely and it's been a long road, but we are going to counseling together and I pray in time we come to some sort of balance. She will be 17 on August 1, 2005, and I thank God everyday for her life.

Kristie continues to have mood swings and anger issues. But through life experiences she is learning slowly how to cope. She is working part time at a mall kiosk, has a boyfriend, and is maturing day by day. She is a beautiful girl, and smart too. I can only hope that she will be able to see that in herself. As a parent, this has been the hardest situation I have ever had to deal with. However, it has brought me to realize that time here is precious, use it to the best of your ability, and Never, Never Give Up Hope. As a parent, there are many guilts I carry with me regarding what happened to my daughter. But as time goes on, I know I did the best that I could do, and will continue to do so, and no matter what, my daughter Kristie, will always know how very much I love her and believe she can do anything. , maybe one day she will see what I see.

And to all the parents going through this pain, please know you are not alone, all you can do is your best. ITS PAINFULLY HARD, I KNOW, just be there and tell your kids everyday that you love them.

GOD BLESS