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Living the Survivor Life: 11 Years Out

A photo of David Grant in a dark blue t-shirt and his wife in a heather rose t-shirt in front of tall bamboo and palm trees

My early year look-backs were filled with profound sadness, and a sense of loss so overwhelming that I felt smothered by it. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. It’s been long enough that I’ve all but forgotten who I was before my brain injury; that person no longer exists. The very fact that I’m no longer bothered by this is a sure sign that my soul is growing. 

Mental Health Challenges After Brain Injury

David Grant and his wife smiling in front of a cloudy sky over a body of water

As my 60th birthday approaches, the internal emotions are ramping up. Over the years, I’ve heard the saying that health is one of those things you never fully appreciate until it’s gone. While this is definitely true, most often it’s used in reference to physical health. But what happens when your mental health is compromised?  

Living That PTSD Life

David Grant and his wife smiling at the seashore, Living That PTSD Life

While packing for our trip, I never suspected that PTSD would steal a ride with us, but two of our four nights away found me with the type of horrifying PTSD episodes reminiscent of the early years after my accident.

Thanks For the Memories?

David Grant and his wife smiling at the camera, surrounded by snow.

Every year since my 2010 traumatic brain injury, I’ve taken the time to reflect back on changes that have come to pass during the prior year. This past year was no different, although what my reflection showed was not what some may call progress. Progress is not always measured with tangible facts.

Thanks to Our First Responders

David Grant and his wife smiling at the camera.

Members of the medical community literally take their lives in their hands every day they go to work. It’s hard not to feel a bit humbled by that courage. My first face-to-face encounter with First Responders was just over a decade ago. In November of 2010 fate saw fit that most of the First Responders from our Main Street Fire Station and I would meet. 

Getting Off the Struggle Bus

David Grant and his wife smiling at the camera.

In just a few days, the ten year anniversary of my cycling accident will be here. I have come a long way since everything changed in 2010. But just because things are okay most of the time does not mean that my brain injury disappeared.

2,802 Days: My Son, His Truck, and TBI Seizures

Nicole and her son Taylor smiling at the camera.

Taylor’s pickup truck represented Taylor’s work ethic, his expression of masculinity, his love for country music, and a space of fun memories and experiences. Perhaps most glaringly, it represented something Taylor feels he has lost — his freedom. The decision to sell it came after another night of seizures.

Three Truths

Nicole Bingaman and her son Taylor

My blog is titled Permission to Tell the Truth in an effort of honoring my feelings, not denying them. The actual act of truth telling is challenging. It hurts. Here we’ve established a relationship of trusting support. I’d like your continued permission to be open and real. 

PTSD & TBI: Seven Life-Changing Letters

David Grant and his wife smiling at camera

When I was struck by a teenage driver back in 2010, I sustained a traumatic brain injury. In addition to my TBI, four new letters became forever intertwined with my brain injury: PTSD. Over the years, PTSD has proven to be harder to live with than a brain injury.

Depression After Brain Injury – An Unexpected Outcome

David Grant and his wife smiling at camera

My brain injury journey has come with many unexpected twists and turns, making it an experience that is truly stranger than fiction. Many of the changes that came to pass after my brain injury were incredibly painful and life-changing. But not all the changes were difficult. Some were – dare I say – simply wonderful.

The Greatest Gifts

Taylor Bingaman with plaques showing pine tree carvings

As I moved throughout 2019 I asked myself, “What could people give survivors that would actually feel meaningful? What kinds of offerings and interactions provide a lasting impression?”

Hugs and Hard Truths

Nicole Bingaman smiling at camera

My name is Nicole Bingaman. I am a mother to three sons, all in their twenties. Our oldest son, Taylor, suffered a catastrophic brain injury seven years ago. There are some hard truths I’ve discovered about myself over the years. Please know some of them require great courage to share with you.