One of the most difficult things for me to accept was an offhand remark from, I think it was my occupational therapist about two months after my injury: the person you were is gone.

I suppose I became rather defensive.

I think my response was something along the lines of, “I have all of the memories of self from a full lifetime, how can he be gone?! I’m right effing here!”

Now, looking back after two and a half years, I don’t think that she or any of the other therapists, nurses, neurologists, or physicians were quite as clear about how true and profound that statement was.

Yes, it hurt emotionally to hear it as if she was speaking of me as if I were dead. But thinking back, it was, for me, exactly what I needed to hear.

It should have been repeated.

I haven’t had the mental or physical capability since this whole ordeal began a full year ago to go for a run. I used to run twice a week.

I’m just now back from one.

I was only out for about 20 minutes and, yes, it was a bit of a run/walk. It consisted of more running than walking.

Provided I don’t encounter any other significant/life-threatening injuries or setbacks, then I’ll also see about planning and preparing for an actual, organized 5K race as well.

Walking, jogging, running. I don’t care which.

But I will do one.