And, Still I Rise...

The above picture is a new tattoo I have, "And, Still I Rise".

I have taken Lent off from social media - firstly, because I wasn't doing so good with depression and I really didn't want to have a lot to do with anyone; and secondly, I figured the time away would give me some time to get over the depression and mostly what can I do now with the brain injury.  Now, I wish I could tell all of you that I'm doing much better and I know where I'm "going" now...but alas, I can't.  I'm still somewhat depressed, mostly because I still don't know what to do with myself.  Plus in my mind (yes, I know it is wrong as well), if I can't get "paid" - it feels like I am not a contributing member of society (again, I KNOW this is not right to think).  I am volunteering with the Edmonton Humane Society and I really enjoy it.  But it bother's me that I can find a part-time PAYING job to contribute to our monthly bills (but that is the way it is today, and hopefully, it won't be forever).

Anyways, back to my tattoo - it says a lot.  I had it placed on my right side of my clavicle so I could see it everyday when I get out of the shower...and, still I rise.  My sister-in-law, Terry, saw it and she started tearing up when she saw it (and that means the world to me because amid it all - my family and friends still keep me going 💕).  It means a lot to me, as well, because really, even on days when I am feeling a bit bummed out about things, I still have the gumption to get up, do the homework I have to improve myself, I am continuing to look for some sort of "paying" job and I'm doing all I can to keep the depression away.  It's a journey that's for sure, and I will keep on going through the good times and the not so good times!

Abuse

 

I spend some of my time with different groups that have something to do with brain injuries whether it be for support, therapy or how to do things differently now that I have had a stroke.  I'm going to share this from one of the groups - I won't tell you which group or anything like that - because it is supposed to be confidential but I also believe people should know about it and that they should report it, if it does happen to someone you know.

I was at one of the groups and there was a woman who has a brain injury.  She can't say very many words and it can be difficult to get things out when she needs to tell someone something.  You really have to be patient with her, and that's all right!  She started telling the group that there was a call on her answering machine - it was from the police.  They were wondering if she could come down to the Police station and do a video recording session with them.  She went on to say "it was good that they are taking an interest in her".  As she kept talking (I finally realized), she had suffered a sexual assault by her neighbor (the person that lives on the floor above her).  She was more emotional about the fact that the police wanted her statement that what actually happened to her!  She spoke a bit more and told all of us, that this was the SECOND time (I couldn't believe it), it happened.  Now the group leaders with this group, know her very well, and they are helping privately with her to get some help with all of this (I want all of you to know this).

I think about child sexual abuse and senior sexual abuse that goes on, because it is in the news and everything; but also it goes on with the disabled, too.  It must have been very difficult when it happened to her, who does she go to and what to do afterwards.  I really must give my support and kudos to this woman - firstly because she told all of us in the group and because even in her current state, she is thinking about her next steps with what she should do and how she should do it.  I think she is an amazing woman to share this!