The Crigler family. From left: Monica, Jason, Marjorie, Lynn and Carol.
Barbara asks: Was music therapy involved in your recovery process, Jason? If so, when did the therapy begin?
Carol: I strongly believe that the importance of music — and not just any music — in Jason's return to the world was of enormous significance. Music is a "language," as are our spoken English words. We know that Jason was mentally processing music during the time that he appeared to be non-responsive to other forms of "language." Apparently music is capable of stimulating pleasure chemicals in the brain, and of course Jason, being a musician himself, was used to seeking the "highs" that people who enjoy music know so well. Our initial goal was to stimulate his brain (how often do you hear about the brain: "use it or lose it"), and music seems to have succeeded nicely in doing that, and perhaps opened doors to receiving verbal communication. Although after Jason left Spaulding I suggested to the folks there that a music therapist on the staff would be a good thing, I also have some reservations. It probably wouldn't be possible for a therapist to choose music as carefully as we did, and be on hand to share it many times during the day and into the evening.
Jason: I feel like my family was really good about exposing me to as much music as possible while I was an inpatient. Of course, I say this based on what I've been told — I don't have any clear memories of my time as an inpatient. I know, for example, that certain friends of mine sang to me or would bring mix CDs in for me. My family was very selective about the music that was played in my various rooms. Later, when I was deemed well enough to go on short visits to nearby locations outside the hospital, my family took me to some concerts. I went to hear Ralph Stanley, which made such an impression that I have a dim memory of it even now.
Marjorie: In addition to our playing some of Jason's favorite music for him every day, I also brought in a pocket metronome and would play it for 5 to 20 minutes while Jason was sleeping. The hospital environment is pretty banal and formless. Sonically, there's not much to grab onto. A patient is not exposed to the music and rhythm of the outside world (birds chirping, children's shouts and laughter, footsteps of a person climbing a flight of stairs, even car alarms and the song on the ice cream truck). A metronome seemed to me a good way to artificially provide part of a stimulus that Jason wasn't getting.
Chris asks: Did religion and faith play a role in Jason's recovery?
Monica: From the first moment of this journey, I turned to my own form of prayer. I spoke to God pretty constantly, asking for strength and guidance for myself and for everyone. I think this helped me stay focused when I most needed to stay strong — when there was a surgery coming up or some other really difficult event. Then there were times when I felt so lost that I didn't know how to pray. This is when I would call friends to help me formulate my prayers. Carol was also great source of spiritual strength and provided many great insights that she had learned in her studies of Buddhism.
I also visualized Jason healthy as much as I could. And I would ask Jason to visualize himself up and about, playing the guitar. I would ask him to keep trying to bring that image in his mind closer and closer to his body.
Lynn: If you define faith as the sheer conviction that there will be a certain outcome, then faith certainly played a big part in Jason's recovery.
Carol: I also found that when anxiety interfered with my ability to meditate and focus purposely, I turned to others for help. One notable experience was when Jason ran a high fever for a long time — too long — and exploratory surgery was in the works. I called a Buddhist friend and said that I needed help. As luck would have it, she had a Buddhist spiritual leader as a houseguest, and they told me to come right over. The lama gave me something to do — that Jason's friends and I should make acts of kindness for animals. I relayed this to the family, and we sent out dozens of emails to friends, who immediately went to work going out of their way to be kind to animals. For instance, some feral cats were adopted, and a lot of animals got hugs and treats that they hardly expected. Soon thereafter Jason came through surgery just fine, and the fever subsided. The point isn't whether or not there was a direct connection, but rather that faith and belief, in the face of dire circumstances, need action and connections. It's important to reach out for help.
Marjorie: I prayed every day, often several times a day, for God to help Jason. I have heard the phrase "turn your troubles over to God"; there were days I not only turned my troubles over, I hurled them. I prayed for the strength to do everything I could to help Jason and for the acceptance that ultimately whatever happened was beyond our control. I tried to take the situation one day at a time.
Jill asks: What originally inspired you to play the guitar?
Jason: I grew up in a musical household. Both my parents are musicians. My dad worked for years as the musical director at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, and my mom would play the cello in the pit orchestra there. My childhood summers were spent watching and listening over and over again to various musical revivals. When I got to high school, I started playing the drums. I was in a couple of bands, which was fun — but I would always look over at the guitar player and be sort of envious. Playing the guitar just looked like a lot of fun — plus as the guitar player you got to walk around on the stage while you played! I switched to playing the guitar and quickly became obsessed with it.
Leah asks: What did you find most helpful to hear from your doctors? What do you wish they had or hadn't told you at the time? And do you have any advice for medical practitioners in terms of how to approach discussions with patients and their families?
Monica: As a family, one thing we did not allow was for any medical staff to talk about Jason as if he wasn't there. One time a nurse asked us, "What did Jason used to do?" Talking about a patient as if they are not there, and talking about them in the past tense was absolutely out of the question. We had that nurse removed within minutes.
Lynn: Honesty from the doctors was much appreciated, but the mindset of giving the worst case scenario was not helpful. While we had a number of doctors who were extremely supportive and encouraging, we also experienced some who seemed to give the most dire prognosis as a sort of rote response. This seems to be the difficult balancing act for both families and doctors. A family doesn't want to be naive, but also doesn't want to give up hope. A doctor wants to be honest, but wants to be supportive as well. I think laying out all possibilities in a prognosis is the best. That way the family can hope for a favorable outcome and deal with the less favorable when they have to.
Marjorie: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital offers a class on the brain and brain injury to family members of new patients. The class was incredibly helpful — not only in understanding the nature of the injury, but also in communicating effectively with doctors and thinking creatively about rehabilitation.
Carol: As they are able, physicians should make themselves available and visible during crises. One neurosurgeon, for example, gave us his cell phone number, called us, and was often in the ICU with nurses and checking on Jason. If there was no news and we passed him in the hall, he would say, "Have faith," providing a much needed connection. We didn't have to wait for daily (or in one case, weekly) rounds to ask important questions.
Scott asks: Is there one thing that stands out as the most valuable tool, brain exercise, dietary change or alternative therapy which helped the most towards your recovery?
Monica: Once Jason had been home for some time, he started a vigorous course of acupuncture. I swear this put im on a while new level of recovery in all aspects of his well being.
Lynn: In addition to a regimen of exercises that covered most of Jason's physical needs, he started swimming therapy and continues swimming as much as he can to this day.
Marjorie: Love, in all of its various manifestations, was key.
John asks: Jason, were there times when you felt your family was not being understanding of your situation? Did you get frustrated once you started realizing your limitations? What was the main thing that helped you push through your frustrations?
Jason: I have had feelings throughout my recovery of feeling alone. It's weird to say that, because I have been surrounded by my family all along. But there's something inherently isolating about recovery from a brain injury. There's so much that no one can tell you, because it's different for everyone. There's so much that's just unknown. So I would feel frustrated, at times — and I would feel like I couldn't really express these feelings of loneliness to my family. At the same time, I knew how well intentioned they were. So that would cause me some anguish.
It's also extremely frustrating to be thirty-five years old and to be taken care of so much. I couldn't go anywhere by myself for the longest time. In fact, the first thing I was "allowed" to do on my own was to go to the corner store in the morning and buy the paper. I was so thrilled to finally be on my own, even if it was just for one city block. Much later I was told that my dad actually followed me to the store and back! Looking back on it now, I think it's kind of cool that he did that.
I think when I first came home, I was not aware enough to feel true frustration at my limitations. My mind was operating only in the present moment — I didn't have much ability to retain information for very long. So I just didn't think to get frustrated at that time — I just went from thing to thing — exercises, eat, nap, therapy, eat, nap, doctor, eat, tv, bed. I had no sense of the big picture of the whole thing. Later, when I recovered more awareness, I would get very frustrated at my limitations. My issues with fatigue drove me crazy — they still do! The fact that I often had to just stop what I was doing to go lie down and take a nap was a real drag to me. My issues with my eyes — the strabismus, double images — made it so that I couldn't drive for a long time. So I always needed to be taken places by someone. That kind of dependency really drove me crazy.
Getting through the frustration — there were always different approaches to dealing with it. Always at the end of the day I would come back to realizing that I was surrounded by a lot of people who really cared about me. I would try just getting out of my head, switching gears, doing something else, putting on some music, calling a friend — anything to not dwell on the frustration. Because deep down I always believed, and I still do, that any limitation I have is temporary. Some of the darkest moments for me were when I would have little "fear attacks" — when I would all of a sudden freak out and think "what if I can't recover anymore? What if this is the best I can do?" And then inevitably it would change; I would get determined again — it's something about how I'm wired. So the real answer to this part of your question is that I think there was something in me that refused to let any frustration I was feeling impede my recovery. If I felt frustrated, I had to let it go after a certain amount of time, because it was ultimately unproductive.
And humor. My family and I can be pretty insanely ridiculous when it's just us around. I can't explain it, because it won't make any sense. Just trust that it's true. Humor was, and is, a huge salvation!
Talk About This
The Crigler family answered select viewer questions about the role of faith, music therapy and the most valuable tool in Jason's recovery.Jason -
Are sure this is the best way to break into the movies?
Sevra
by Bob Sevra
July 7, 2009, 12:40 PM
Was a music therapist involved in the recovery process? If so, when did the therapy begin?
by Barbara
July 7, 2009, 10:22 PM
Not being Religious, do you think God had a part in Jason's recovery, and if so why.
by James
July 7, 2009, 11:30 PM
Thank You! Thank You! I suffer from a neuro disease, and at times, feel my life is slipping away. I feel alone at times, most people can't truly understand the power the brain has on the body. This film enabled a much needed discussion with my children, it gave them insight and all of us hope!!! My question to the family. During this film I did not see or hear much mention of faith in God or of a higher power. Was faith intertwined or gained or lost during Jasons recovery?
by Chris
July 7, 2009, 11:48 PM
You are an inspiration!!No matter what keep your head up. My son had a brain injury, Faith got us through it.That song "Books on the Shelf" is wonderful.Is playing the guitar a natural gift? What inspired you to play?
by Jill
July 7, 2009, 11:48 PM
I'm a neurology resident have many interactions with patients in our neuro ICU. Having had many patients with devastating brain injuries, I've had my fair share of family discussions in which the patient's prognosis is grim and the future is uncertain. What did you find most helpful to hear from the doctors? What do you wish they had/hadn't told you? Do you have any advice about how to approach discussing such topics with patients and their families?
Your story was absolutely inspiring; seeing so much of the acuity of the initial event in the hospital, it's a joy to see somebody so well-recovered with the support of amazing family, friends, and medical rehabilitation.
by Leah
July 7, 2009, 11:49 PM
Our son's brain was affected by schizophrenia, not a stroke. His musical ability is still there, but his drive to get better is on hold because of his disorder. He sees it as just too difficult to do the work needed to get back what was there before his illness.
Do you ever speak in the Albany, NY area? I so want Josef to hear about the struggles and pain...but the results and rewards of doing the hard work.
by Donna Orlyk
July 7, 2009, 11:53 PM
I am changed for having happened upon your story. Eleven years ago I had a severe toxic reaction to Zoloft and was stuporous for 18 months. My injuries are not as apparent as Jason's; not as physically challenging. My family was too afraid to participate in my rehab and most of my friends. I hated doctors for telling me I would never be who I was and to set my goals lower. It is so important for someone to remember and carry who one is when one is seperated from that memory. All of your love, courage, faith helped me grow bigger than my self pity today. Language is inadequate. I wish I could send you music.
Gratitude, Alex Alexander
by Alexandra Alexander
July 8, 2009, 12:07 AM
Utterly fantastic documentary. Thank you for your work, your love and care in your creation.
Jason and family: you rock....Love your spirit,soul and tenacity. Thank you for sharing your story.
Just. So. Awesome.
I won't forget.
Beth
by Beth Dwiggins Ritchason
July 8, 2009, 12:23 AM
I work in an LTACH in Sycamore Il as a CriticalCare/Inf disease PA-It can be so stressful/disheartening and sad-we try to wean off the vent and rehab and in our institution if doing well patients go to a neuro center-hardly ever do we then know the outcome. You ALL were so inspirational-so blessed and loving that i hope that everyone who watched your production from practitioner to patient to family to casual observer was inspired-GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
by dave sutton pa-c
July 8, 2009, 12:27 AM
we watch the video you had on pbs and it was very interesting did they ever say why this happened? or what cause it? just wondering....
by DJ
July 8, 2009, 12:29 AM
My husband and I saw the documentary of your recovery and were moved spiritually and inspired by you and your family's love. We feel a sense of longing to do more than we have and spend less time on things that don't really matter. Your music is beautiful. I heard your song "Books on the Shelf" and it touched me having seen all that you and your family underwent and overcame- it truly showed me that with determination the spirit can be an endless source of hope. I am inspired by the devotion your wife had in your times of uncertainty. That is truly what marriage is all about. You are a beautiful family, God Bless you all.
-Monica
by Monica
July 8, 2009, 1:02 AM
In March, 2005, my 87-year-old father, Sam, was Jason's roommate at Spaulding. My sister and I met and talked with Carol, Lynn, and Monica; I shared a train ride back to New York with Lynn; Ellie was born then. My father doesn't remember those weeks at Spaulding, but my sister and I will never forget it. We remember Jason's condition back then--his recovery is just astounding. We've talked about him and all of you in the years since, and are so glad to know how well things turned out.
by Anne Kostick
July 8, 2009, 2:07 AM
Marjorie, do you believe in love at first sight?
The story was so meaningful , and the love so true and powerful, nothing is out of our reach or impossible, sometimes we win sometimes we loose.
I lost my best friend to cancer in 7 months, leaving behind a loving 6 year old daughter and a community who loved him like a son. We did our best to fight it, im glad your fight was victorious
by chips
July 8, 2009, 2:17 AM
Great story !!! Amist all the negative news and stories in the world today this shines through with AUWSOME inspiration and dedication. The love and comittment this family shows should be an inspiration for us all.
Jason is a true warrior, through all the therapy. -watching the documentary you could see the courage and fight in is his eyes...
brought me to tears
by Lance
July 8, 2009, 4:14 AM
Girgler family your story makes TV a crime not to watch. I hear people don't watch tv, but psb is my link to your passion for love and communication. Jason your recovery story unfolding from the film makers perspective blended in your home movies of recovery and that amazing birth of baby Alley, what a beautiful slice of live you allowed me. It is art within art within art. Fantastic documentary. Was the film maker a long time friend or a new friend or someone who adopted you in your beautiful road to recovery? I was so moved by your wife, your entire family. Thank you for faith in love. Your love and caring for oneanother and finally for jason's music for us just people that don't know you but love you!!!
I imagine your CD is avalible on this site..have not looked for it yet...I want to buy your music to enjoy and invest in your body or work. Ultimately you made me home sick for my family. thank you
by ellen ercegovich
July 8, 2009, 5:52 AM
Just a simple "thank you" for reminding me not to take every day for granted. What a gift you and your family are to us all.
by Leanne
July 8, 2009, 10:14 AM
I have and am dealing with nero problems with two of my kids.One from birth and one 26 year old, out of the blue. I have taken their treatment in my own hands. It is working well, and like you no one can tell me, we can't. I am truly inspired bu your story, and love Jason's music.
I am going to buy his music, not to just send some cash your way. I truly love it. It's kinda got a Jerry Garcia, Kingfish, sound to it. I am going to get some high range, speakers to ad to my woffers, and blast it where I will. When they ask, wow, that's cool music, I will say with pride, Jason Crigler with a smile. No story, no woulda, coulda, just the guys a natural. For the family, thank's for the inspiration, I was strong, now I'm stronger, Thank You.
by Alex Halstead
July 8, 2009, 10:27 AM
As a health care provider myself, it is an amazing thing to see Jason come all the way to where he is today. There is no doubt in my mind that the love of his family and friends is what saved him today. I am sure overwhelming inundation of people around you telling you that it is hopeless was very difficult to bear.
This story has changed me, and hopefully I will be a better person, and health care professional because of it. I thank you for sharing your story.
by Dean
July 8, 2009, 11:37 AM
Wonderful film with a wonderful outcome. I see how much the family gave Jason, but I wonder did the family receive any help or support? Were you offerred access to therapy or support for coping when you did take him home?
by Julie
July 8, 2009, 12:33 PM
As the mother of a son with a TBI, I noticed that eventually Jason was no longer wearing glasses. My son still struggles with vision problems and I'm wondering if Jason has been able to get both eyes working together to eliminate the double vision and if so, how did you do it? It looked like you had tape or something on the bottom of your left lense. We've done hours of occluding and exercises but nothing really solved the problem.
by Ann Stephens
July 8, 2009, 2:25 PM
My wife suffered a traumatic brain injury 5 years ago when she was shot in the head during a robbery attempt while we were traveling in Brazil. Both her right arm and leg remain paralyzed, and she has Aphasia and cannot speak very well. She understands everything perfectly, but the words just don't come out properly. She can still walk with a cane by moving her leg from the hip. Her right arm has no movement at all. Physical, Occupation, and Speech therapies have be ongoing since the beginning. Is there one thing that stands out as the most valuable tool, brain exercise, dietary change, or alternative therapy which you feel helped the most towards your recovery?
Thanks so much
by Scott
July 8, 2009, 2:33 PM
Dear Crigler's, I was one of the nurses who helped to care for Jason while at MGH. I have often wondered about his recovery and was thrilled to have stumbled across the showing of this documentary on PBS. I warmly remeber your family speaking of wanting to make a movie of your time in recovery and wanted to Thank you for sharing your story. It is not often in our profession to be able to know the full outcome of our patients. And it warms my heart to see you back playing the guitar and living life.
by Erin Foley
July 8, 2009, 4:44 PM
My mother was a stroke victim and I knew in my heart she was trapped in an unresponsive body and with proper care she would have found her way back. Unfortunaly insurance was the nemesis and thus she was placed in a home. My father took her out and kept her close taking care of her for nine years. She was amazing to talk to because she communicated with her eyes and gestures. There was a sense of true understanding to the point I felt her needs and communicated well. But my father stayed in Florida instead of moving back to NY so she stayed pretty much in the same state until she passed. You prove what all the insurance companies refuse to acknowledge and fund, is that with stimulation and proper therapy one can find their way back. I pray that our health system will fund this, there is no research needed the proof is in the survivors. Thank you for sharing this. This documentary will help others and maybe that was you and your family’s mission on earth. Love you all for doing this
by Cindy
July 8, 2009, 4:57 PM
My questions are for Jason. Were there times that you felt that your family was not being understanding of your situation? Did you get frustrated once you started realizing the limitations your were having and what was the main thing that helped you push thru?
by John
July 8, 2009, 9:35 PM
Jason,
I want to thank you for sharing your amazing story. I am a critical care nurse and I am shocked and amazed at your recovery. As I watched I kept thinking your condition was going to worsen - I could not have predicted that outcome! I have no doubt that without the increidble family that you are blessed with, your outcome would not have been the same. Marjorie, you are an inspiration of what love and commitment really are! I am changed after seeing this story. I love the song "The Books On The Shelf" and I bought the whole album. Jason, you are an inspiration to so many and you have a great talent! Best wishes to you and all of your famiy!
Lora
by Lora
July 8, 2009, 11:39 PM
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. Three years ago my boyfriend Jason also had an AVM rupture. Many times through the years we have both felt very alone in our new lives. It was amazing to feel such a connection to others who have been through the same journey. Everyday I am inspired by my Jason and while watching this documentary my heart was all at once broken and overjoyed. I truely know the pain of watching someone you love, respect, rely on in such a helpless and empty place. But like your family I also know the true joy of little moments that accumulate into finding that person again and realizing that love burns brighter than anything lost. If you are interested we would love to have further communications with your family.
by Jodall
July 9, 2009, 2:23 AM
Back in fall of 1993 my best friend Thom suffered a severe head trauma that resulted in a massive skull fracture, then followed by a stroke from a blood clot that had dislodged from the initial injury. Watching that video last night on your family's journey really conjured up a lot of memories and experiences I thought I had forgotten. When Thom awoke from his coma, it was a very gradual process. He could not even focus on any particular thing, and cognition came back quite slowly. He still does not remember that last 2 years of his life before the accident. The struggle of recovery is still ongoing for my friend, I think he was a little unluckier than Jason in some regards based on the severity of his injury, and he was around 23 at the time, so no wife and child to help him carry through.
Your family's struggle is very inspirational, I was moved to tears last night.
by Stephen
July 9, 2009, 1:48 PM
Dear Jason and Family,
I was so moved and inspired by your story last night. I believe I experienced every emotion possible. With that being said, I appreciate your willingness to share yourself, your family, and recovery on film. As someone who has recently had two close friends suffer brain hemmorage, you captured the daily struggle towards wellness the way it truly feels to the families and friends involved. I love the story, your music and wish you much success in the future.
by Lisa Elliott
July 9, 2009, 2:52 PM
Dear Jason,
Thank you for sharing your story. I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm 9 years ago (at age 31) and have first hand experience as to what your journey has been like. As demonstrated in the film, you had to come back from an impossible place and I congratulate you and your family on your recovery.
I write today with the hopes of helping to improve your quality of life even more. Please know that I recognize what an incredible feat you have accomplished. But I wanted to tell you that there might be even more out there for you to achieve - that your cognition and mental abilities have the same plasticity as your physical self - and there are therapies to be tried that might totally change your life. I encourage you to research The Tomatis Method, neurofeedback or eeg biofeedback, rolfing, acupuncture, sensory integration therapy and to look into neuroendocrine complications following a brain bleed or traumatic brain injury. Doing all these things allowed me to restore brain function and allowed the "return to me" that everyone told me was impossible.
I wonder how many times you and your family have heard the phrase "happy to be alive." How does that phrase make you feel? Even though it's been 9 years for me, this phrase still makes me angry because it is still accompanied by a doctor telling me to stop asking questions about having a better quality of life. We both have decades of living before us and deserve for it to be as meaningful and fulfilling as possible.
I never accepted anyone saying that I had to grieve my loss. I never accepted that I could not be the person I was before my brain bleed. And Jason, I got "me" back - memories, feelings, my life - improved by the experience of being a survivor. I wish the same for you. Please let me know how I might help.
Your journey isn't over. Thank you for sharing this part with us. Follow the music and you will find the pieces of yourself still missing.
by Kimberly Aikman
July 10, 2009, 6:07 PM
What an amazing family! Although your story began with an AVM, ours began with my son suffering a severe TBI from falling asleep at the wheel when he was 18. We are now in our third year of rehabilitation. We don't usually watch much TV, but my husband ran accross this story the other night and we could not stop watching it. It was like reliving the past three years. In fact we would speak aloud and finish many of your sentences. It brought back a lot of emotions but at the same time re confirms how far we have come, how fortunate and blessed we are and yes - like you, we have a responsibility to help others. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your story with others and we wish you continued success, love, joy and hapiness..........The Alcorns
by Ronda Alcorn
July 11, 2009, 1:12 AM
I forgot to ask - what kind of splints Jason wears on his hands. I am assuming it is for the "tone/plasticity" and was curious about them.
Ronda Alcorn
by Ronda Alcorn
July 11, 2009, 12:10 PM
Thank you for your film, Jason. I cried all the way through it. It was 1986 when I had a brain hemmorhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Mis-diagnosed in the E.R., my husband found me in a corner turning grey, bleeding to death. Ten hours of surgery ultimately saved my life, but it wasn't expected that I'd live this long, nor this well. I don't remember a lot of the early years, but I've managed to learn it. I was studied by my neurologist for a decade--he'd said he wanted to find out why I lived--until he died. But despite all the attention of the doctors, despite the rehab to teach me how to deal with the cognitive deficits and the psychological counselling to help me through the emotional turmoil over the loss of my identity, it was my husband who gave me the support I needed to get my "self" back. Our families were all on the east coast and pretty much stayed there. All that your family did, my hub did alone, until he died.
And so for ten years now, I'm on my own, having defied the odds, having come back to where I once was...almost...but not quite, and yet somehow better. Nevertheless, I'll never stop wondering whether my hub would still be alive today if he'd had his own support.
Thank you for doing what you're doing. I know how much it will help people. Your film is titled perfectly.
by Gail Esola
July 11, 2009, 10:21 PM
I just want to say that I love Jason's music! What a beautiful voice! I was so moved by your story. Monica's love for Jason is amazing, a true love story. I, fortunately, have not experienced anything like this in my family and hope that I never do. I have 2 young children, a wonderful husband, 3 siblings and both of my parents who I am extremely close to, I cannot imagine having something like that happen to any of them. I hope that I never do, but your story will help me if ever something traumatic does happen! I am so happy for you being able to see your baby! Keep the great music coming! Thanks so much!
by Mary Smith
July 12, 2009, 9:03 AM
'Books on the Shelf' is great. Thanks for that and for sharing this amazing story and your continued recovery as seen in the recent update. I chanced on the show last night and am grateful for the gift of this film. Best to everyone involved - always -
by DJ Kwiatkowski
July 13, 2009, 2:06 PM
Hi Jason and Monica,
My husband had an unexplained brain bleed in 2001, our son was 4 at the time. It seems that everything in the documentary resonated with our experiences; especially the need for family to take a strong role. We live in Canada, with a different medical system, but the difficulties were the same, just not enough good, proactive rehab. Hopefully your courage in letting people see your struggle to improve will help change the outlook of those who would say there is no hope.
The footage of Jason at his lowest point didn't upset me (been there), but I was moved to tears when he began to pick up his guitar again.
Good luck Jason, Monica, and Ellie. I hope that the path of your lives from here on in are enviably smooth.
Kathy C.
by Kathy Christenson
July 13, 2009, 3:05 PM
Thank you for the story of hope that you have given to others in our journey of life. I am impressed with all of you-your courage and ability to embrace life when challenges can be discouraging. As a family, you are to be commended for your support, love and honor of Jason. And Jason, you are awesome! I was thinking about your story today during worktime and just shaking my head in amazement! Truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
by Kimberly Griffin
July 13, 2009, 9:33 PM
Dear Jason & Monica,
I am inspired by your story and thank you for sharing it. I would really like to find out more about how you obtained additional insurance coverage for Jason's continued therapy. My husband suffered a brain aneurysm 7 months ago, while I was 8 months pregnant at the time, and I really related quite a bit to your story. Unfortunately our insurance stopped his therapy and I feel like he has so much more that he can regain with continued therapy. I am appealing every way I can think of without success, yet. Additionally, he struggles to/won't do exercises with me. Having had to go back to work full time, and with a 2 1/2 year old and now 5 month old at home, I don't fight him on it. Anyway, I would really value any advice you can offer on obtaining additional therapy/insurance coverage (Medicaid, etc).
Thank you again for sharing your inspirational story.
Linda
by Linda Doyle
July 15, 2009, 4:55 PM
Hi Criglers, one and all,
We happened upon your film on PBS last week and were very touched by the strength of your family's communication portrayed in the film. Jason's recovery is astounding and I'm sure could not have happened with your family's persistence, as individuals and as teams. Carol, I'm with you when you say that Monica's love for Jason is an inspiration for all of us. We struggled through our younger daughter's diagnosis of cancer when she was 2. Laura is now a healthy lovely woman who runs marathons and teaches yoga. But our struggle was minor compared to your experience in bringing Jason back to health. We applaud you and are glad to have made a reconnection with your family 45 years post-UOP!
by Phillip and Connie (Neville) Gale
July 21, 2009, 12:08 AM
I came across this inspiring story via a google search on "Lynn Crigler". I'm wondering if he is the person of the same name who was my classmate in Webster Groves, Missouri, many long years ago?
by Judith Crowe Renwick from Pekin, IN
November 1, 2009, 5:31 PM