As I get older, I find myself looking back and thinking about the path my life has taken. About a year ago I began writing down my thoughts, the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. Then I went electronic and started typing my thoughts into one long document. I decided to get brave, and I posted one of my writings on Facebook. I was amazed by the responses I had. People were moved by my story. This seemed odd to me. People thought I had something unique to share. Sure, I’ve had some unfortunate circumstances, but you deal with it. That’s just what you do. My family always says you have to pull up your big girl panties and move on. So that’s what I did. I dealt with it and moved on. When friends read my posts they were surprised because they didn’t know some of the difficulties I had faced. They didn’t know the challenges…because I didn’t let people see that. I didn’t let people into my world. I dealt with it, leaning on the love of God and the love and devotion of my family to see me through. He has, and they did. Now it feels like it’s time to share a part of me with you. I don’t know if anyone will learn from what I write, but from the few pieces I have shared, I’ve learned more about myself. I’ve healed  wounds that I thought were permanent scabs. So I’m braving the electronic era and starting my own blog.

This blog, Embracing Change…Accepting a brain injury, living with epilepsy and learning to thrive in my own skin; this is my story, how my life changed drastically and how I learned to make the best of it, appreciate each day and make it count. It’s my story from the sandwich generation, sandwiched between my children, my Mother and my Grandmother. It’s my story of growing, sharing and caring with those that I love. This is my story of how my greatest pain unleashed my greatest gifts. I’m thankful for the gift of sharing and for the gift of those that will take the time to read my story.

© Gatewood Campbell, June 2011