Jane Concato: Thank You
December 21, 2011
Thank You
by: Jane Concato
Two simple words in an attempt to express the debt of gratitude that can never be re-paid.
For the skill, knowledge and understanding of emergency services and medical teams from those who first responded to my home following the accident to those who made it possible for me to walk out of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation as I headed home
For the care, compassion and professionalism of the occupational, physical and cognitive therapists as they challenged me do the tasks I thought I could not do, those tasks they knew I could, and, through their insistence, am now doing. Through their efforts, I am now even able to perform tasks I could not do in the past
For all the actions, love, support, thoughts and prayers of family and friends. The so many things that were done; Dog feeding/walking/sitting/bringing on visits, shopping for food and clothes, the meals, the many cards, flowers, gifts, letters and visits, and most of all the things that were done that allowed those who spent time with me to do just that
As this phase of the ordeal that began on March 15, 2004, (a day I cannot remember, but one that will never be forgotten), comes to an end, I want to share these few words, but so much more. I learned a lot, (certainly more than I ever expected to know), about Traumatic Brain Injury and the therapy for the body and the mind that goes along with it.
Although I look and act like the person everyone remembers, while they may not be noticeable, there are differences. I still have some word finding, reading comprehension and short-term memory issues. I get overwhelmed very easily. There are some things I cannot remember or do. There may be others I will never do. This is all OK. I understand and accept this. It is not uncommon for those with Traumatic Brain Injury. I am so very thankful for all that has been done for me and all that I have already been able to do. I will continue to take advantage of everything life has to offer. I expect continued improvement and will not rest until I can do all that I could in the past. I look forward to learning and doing many new and exciting things that the future holds.
As I continue down the road now in front of me there are many new paths to explore. Although it was not the way I expected or desired, the difficult decision of not returning to work as a dental hygienist has been made. I have already returned to some of the things that were a part of my life. I plan on returning to the many others that are and will be possible. Our dream to move to our Lexington NY, Catskill Mountain log home may be a lot closer than we know. I have made many new friends where we can all relate and share the common bond of brain injury. New tasks that are being undertaken will make Lucy a therapy dog for visiting various care facilities including the NJ Veterans Home and Kessler. Volunteering as part of the Westwood Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will continue. It will be expanded into our newfound Lutheran community with assistance to those who are homebound, need help with meals or transportation, or just need a companion or someone to talk and share with in their time of need. I will be working toward a day where I will be sharing my experiences in recovering from and living with Traumatic Brain Injury with recent sufferers to show them all that is possible.
With the passage of Thanksgiving and as the holiday season approaches and we give thanks for all we are blessed with, I could not think of a better time to share these thanks and thoughts with all of you.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You All So Very Much.
You will never know how much your actions, friendship, love and prayers have meant. It is something I will never forget for all the days of my life.
For the skill, knowledge and understanding of emergency services and medical teams from those who first responded to my home following the accident to those who made it possible for me to walk out of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation as I headed home
For the care, compassion and professionalism of the occupational, physical and cognitive therapists as they challenged me do the tasks I thought I could not do, those tasks they knew I could, and, through their insistence, am now doing. Through their efforts, I am now even able to perform tasks I could not do in the past
For all the actions, love, support, thoughts and prayers of family and friends. The so many things that were done; Dog feeding/walking/sitting/bringing on visits, shopping for food and clothes, the meals, the many cards, flowers, gifts, letters and visits, and most of all the things that were done that allowed those who spent time with me to do just that
As this phase of the ordeal that began on March 15, 2004, (a day I cannot remember, but one that will never be forgotten), comes to an end, I want to share these few words, but so much more. I learned a lot, (certainly more than I ever expected to know), about Traumatic Brain Injury and the therapy for the body and the mind that goes along with it.
Although I look and act like the person everyone remembers, while they may not be noticeable, there are differences. I still have some word finding, reading comprehension and short-term memory issues. I get overwhelmed very easily. There are some things I cannot remember or do. There may be others I will never do. This is all OK. I understand and accept this. It is not uncommon for those with Traumatic Brain Injury. I am so very thankful for all that has been done for me and all that I have already been able to do. I will continue to take advantage of everything life has to offer. I expect continued improvement and will not rest until I can do all that I could in the past. I look forward to learning and doing many new and exciting things that the future holds.
As I continue down the road now in front of me there are many new paths to explore. Although it was not the way I expected or desired, the difficult decision of not returning to work as a dental hygienist has been made. I have already returned to some of the things that were a part of my life. I plan on returning to the many others that are and will be possible. Our dream to move to our Lexington NY, Catskill Mountain log home may be a lot closer than we know. I have made many new friends where we can all relate and share the common bond of brain injury. New tasks that are being undertaken will make Lucy a therapy dog for visiting various care facilities including the NJ Veterans Home and Kessler. Volunteering as part of the Westwood Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will continue. It will be expanded into our newfound Lutheran community with assistance to those who are homebound, need help with meals or transportation, or just need a companion or someone to talk and share with in their time of need. I will be working toward a day where I will be sharing my experiences in recovering from and living with Traumatic Brain Injury with recent sufferers to show them all that is possible.
With the passage of Thanksgiving and as the holiday season approaches and we give thanks for all we are blessed with, I could not think of a better time to share these thanks and thoughts with all of you.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You All So Very Much.
You will never know how much your actions, friendship, love and prayers have meant. It is something I will never forget for all the days of my life.
