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Thank You Rehab Nurses for the Lessons Along the Way

Nicole looking into camera with pals together in front of her chest.

COVID-19 has left many caregivers struggling with the emotional pressures of isolation. Nicole remembers a pivotal conversation about the inevitability of change and offers some advice on ways to find some comfort and calm in these difficult times.

Remapping the Neural Pathways of Humanity

David Grant and his wife smiling at the camera.

The pandemic has changed the daily lives of everyone. How we work, how we shop, and how we interact with each other are all shifting. Comparing life as it is now with how it used to be can lead to sadness or despair and what's called "ambiguous loss."

Heart Lifters, Light Bearers, and Hope Givers

Nicole Bingaman standing on a rock with one foot lifted and resting on her knee in a P shape.

What an awful, scary, and painful time it has been. I’ve wondered what (if anything) I should share. Some things seem so small now, and others so big...In this time of uncertainty it is important to tap into things that have previously helped you, and remind yourself of the goodness within you and around you.

Social Distancing & Isolation — A Survivor’s Perspective

David and his wife smiling at the camera

David talks about the social isolation caused by the coronavirus and how those in the brain injury community have been coping with it for years.

An Overwhelmed Inspiration

Someone recently told me these kind words, “You inspire me.” I looked in the mirror feeling anything but inspiring...The word was OVERWHELMED.

Enjoying Life In Spite of a Brain Injury

David Grant and his wife smiling at camera

Blogger David Grant talks about celebrating the progress he's made, but also recognizing that his journey isn't over yet.

Three Truths

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

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

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.

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Feeling a Part of – Not Apart From: The Power of TBI Support Groups

Creating a feeling of community, inclusion, and understanding is part of the power of support groups. The holiday season illustrates just how impactful that support can be.

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?”

The Far Reaches of Traumatic Brain Injury and Grief

While my thoughts should have been carefree during our summer vacation at our favorite North Carolina beach, each day as I took in the vastness of the ocean, I was reminded of the far reaches of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and grief.

Hugs and Hard Truths

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.

Brain Injury – A Family Affair

David Grant, his mother, and his wife smiling at camera

David Grant honors the memory of his mother who recently passed from an acquired brain injury. He reflects on the love and support she gave him before and after his own brain injury.

The Compassionate Equation

If there is a root to my pain, it is in this … I miss my son. I miss who Taylor was, and who we were as a mother and son. I am grieving someone who lives with me, who I see everyday. I felt as if I was losing more of Taylor, day by day.

Some Things May Always be ‘Wrong’ with Me ...

You'll probably be different ... but you will make it. Here are some of the 'things' which I still struggle with.

Learning to Ignore the Inner Voice After Brain Injury

“I was introduced to you back in 2011. When you spoke to me, it was nothing but gibberish,” he said, much to my surprise. “Someone pulled me aside and told me that you had had a bad head injury.”

In a single tick of the clock, I felt humiliated.

5 Important Qualities of My Son’s TBI Healthcare Team

Nicole Bingaman three-quarter black and white photo

A gentleman asked me, “Looking back at the beginning of your journey, what could have been done on the healthcare team's end to help you?” Taking a deep breath, I realized the question was an open door. I wasn’t sure I felt fully prepared to walk through it. I’ve pondered this question since then and want to share five qualities of healthcare providers that left an impression on me.

I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know

Something that I talk less about these days is how brain injury still affects me. And there are times, times like I am about to share, that brain injury still rears its ugly head, and leaves me completely bewildered and baffled.

Dear Fellow Caregivers

Nicole standing with fellow caregiver Danielle and young girl. All of them are smiling.

These words are part of my caregiving truth. Even though they are messy and imperfect, they are full of love. For you. For me. For the caregivers dealing with moments they can’t bring themselves to share, or those who want to cry, but find their tears have run dry.

Staying Healthy Beyond Brain Injury

For close to nine years, I’ve been working on navigating life as a brain injury survivor. Thankfully, as time passes, my life as a brain injury survivor has gotten easier. Like any human being with a heartbeat, though, I have other health issues. These are health issues that need my attention and constant care. It is at the intersection of brain injury and some of my other health concerns where things can get very dicey.

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Acceptance

Finding acceptance after a brain injury isn't easy. "For a long while, I bucked against our reality. I found myself caught between what I had once known and an uncertain future. The in-between caused marked turmoil. As much as I didn’t want to accept Taylor’s brain injury as part of our lives, it is. As much as I wish it didn’t affect Taylor and our family … it does."

Laughing at Life After Brain Injury

Learning to laugh at challenges means that they don’t own me. It means that I am not going to let them drag me down.

Taisha Rios on Supporting Her Son with a Brain Injury

Taisha Rios shares her story about loving and raising her son Yael and how their lives were dramatically changed by an accident. She discusses behavioral challenges, the impact on Yael's confidence, school accommodations and more.

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The Way We Provide and Ask for Support: Life After Brain Injury

Recovering from a horrific accident, brain injury and defying all expectations, Ben Clench tells his story and shares important lessons around the way we provide and ask for support.