My Goals & Dreams

**mombottoo** · 03-15-2008, 04:06 PM

My goals & dreams may be a little different from most. My main goal over the past several years has been to help my son with his recovery process since his accident in 2001...which isn't easy. My dream is that someday he will be able to live on his own (with supports in place). Another dream is that someday he will realize that he is not the burden he thinks he is and that the second chance he has been given is a gift, not a punishment.

When you go from having a "normal" (whatever that means) 17 year old teenager to having to adjust to the changes a severe traumatic brain injury can bring it is devastating. Not only to the person who suffered the injury, but to family and friends as well. This son, is our youngest child, we were a hairs breadth away from his 18th birthday and high school graduation. We were so looking forward to an empty nest, since we planned out exactly what we were going to do. But, life is what happens while you are busy making other plans...so, when life handed us lemons we learned how to make lemonade.

He had earned a scholarship and was all set to start college that Fall and we were so proud of him for his decision to go on to college. Now, several years later he has progressed enough that he is able to take one class a semester through our local career tech training center

! Although he's not thrilled that his dad or I have to drive him to his class.

The one thing I have learned from all of this, is that it doesn't matter where you live or how much money you have. As long as you have a family that loves you and can care for you, it doesn't matter if you don't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of. I would give up every single copper penny I have or have had, if I could make my son's dream come true and make him "normal" again.

**emily_hope** · 03-15-2008, 08:11 PM

What a heartwarming post. We never know what life has in store for us. I hope things continue to improve for your son and that your dreams and his come true. (((HUGS)))

**hmcart** · 03-15-2008, 08:30 PM

very good goals. I use to take for granted that my kids would always be healthy but then life happened to us also. Our 2 year old son has had many medical obstacles in that last 1 1/2 years and I think my one goal for him is his health and happiness! Good luck!

**peanut** · 03-16-2008, 05:35 PM

I can so relate to this! I think this is a great goal and you, your family, and your son are to be congratulated on his progress to date. Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair, but if we take up the challenges it throws at it, we stand to gain so much from the experience.

Jean

**bee9984** · 03-17-2008, 01:39 AM

I can feel the emotion and love through your post. It really is true how we just never know what life will bring our way. You must be so proud of your Son

I can see you and your son's dreams and goals coming true he has come a long ways.

**cissylu** · 03-17-2008, 02:01 AM

mombottoo this a very heart warming story. I am so sorry this happened to your son.It is good he can take a class
each semester.
I`m sure it`s very hard for both of you.I wish I could give both of you dream. I hope he can live on his own one day.
we never know what each day has in store for us. hug`s to both of you.

**mombottoo** · 03-17-2008, 02:15 PM

Thank you ladies for your support and well wishes. He has done quite well considering he wasn't supposed to even live...much less recover as well as he has. Things can happen in a split second that can change lives forever and no matter how you plan or organize your life, I suppose that is the one thing we can't plan for ahead of time.

**G'MaDebbie** · 03-17-2008, 03:30 PM

The one thing I have learned from all of this, is that it doesn't matter where you live or how much money you have. As long as you have a family that loves you and can care for you, it doesn't matter if you don't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of. I would give up every single copper penny I have or have had, if I could make my son's dream come true and make him "normal" again.[/QUOTE]

AMEN!!! God has a plan for all of us. You are such an awesome lady...your son is lucky to have you.

**M55FF** · 03-17-2008, 03:35 PM

Working as nurse for so many years I saw all kinds of people ( both kids and adults) who had all types of injury and illness... I am ever so grateful each day for the health of my family and myself.

I saw things that would make your skin crawl as a result of accidents and illness.
I'm also glad I'm not doing that anymore ( being a nurse) as its way to depressing to see every day for years and years and years.
I am enjoying life away from sickness and death. It's like a new life for me and I love it, maybe more than most because I know how things can be and get.

**prairiewife** · 03-17-2008, 07:00 PM

The minute I read your son was 17 when he had his accident it brought back memories of my own ds. We was in a bad accident at 17, ended up being thrown from his pu and having it land on top of him. We were lucky, and he recovered quickly. I always think about what could have happened.

My heart goes out to you and what you and your family have been through. I think it's a wonderful goal to help him with his recovery and see that he can someday be on his own.

Keep posting his progress, he sounds like a very courageous young man.