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Rolling with It

Janna
Janna Hockenjos blogs about growing up with her father's TBI

My name is Janna Hockenjos, and my father has a traumatic brain injury. Growing up with a parent who has a brain injury is not divorce or death or abuse. It’s no one’s fault and when you try to tack blame on a place or a person, it doesn’t work. Family dynamics flip, roles change, relationships dissolve — the confusion is paralyzing. At some point you realize you have a choice: roll with it and grow up into someone you didn’t know you’d be or isolate yourself and get the heck outta Dodge as soon as you can. 

I chose to roll.

Now, I’m fresh into my thirties. I’ve suffered and survived my strange loss of innocence. I’ve discovered how to find acceptance and love. I’ve learned there are no guarantees and there is always change. I’m still here, and I invite you to roll with me. Learn more about Janna >

 

The Latest from Janna

Faith

Faith

BrainLine blogger Janna Leyde talks about the ongoing struggles of growing up with a father — and family — that changed because of a brain injury.

All About My Mother

All About My Mother

"My mother is amazing. Sometimes I tell people she’s an alien because there is no one I know like her," says Janna Leyde about her mother in the wake of a TBI that changed their family.

Daughter Love

Daughter Love

Janna Leyde talks about a big puzzle piece that fell into place when her injured father realized he had to love himself in order to love others more fully.

He Never Liked Cake

He Never Liked Cake

A brain injury can turn a family's life upside down. Add in adolescence. Read an excerpt from Janna Leyde's coming-of-age story — raw, honest, funny, heart-breaking and heart-affirming.

Unfreezing Grief

Unfreezing Grief

"Growing up with a father with a TBI is complicated, un-ending grief without closure. It’s the opposite of resolution. It’s missing someone like hell who’s still alive and with you."