Audience Question: It's a very big group up there, and I have to think that with family dynamics being what they generally are, there must have been some points where there were conflicts, or when people weren't agreeing on what the best thing to do was. How did you work through those episodes?
Marjorie Crigler (Jason's sister): There definitely were difficult times, times of disagreements or discomfort, people dealing with difficult emotions. But I think we all had the same priorities. So we had that in common. We also had Dr. Carter, once we got to Spaulding. When we met with him, he said, "Let's go around the circle and everybody say what you can do and what you can't do." And that helped clarify the roles on the team. Again, our priority was Jason's recovery; the other stuff — family dynamic stuff — just wasn't as important.
The Crigler family. From left: Monica, Jason, Marjorie, Lynn and Carol.
Carol Crigler (Jason's mother): We had what we called "family conference time" quite frequently. Everybody would get together, and we got pretty good at cutting to the chase and solving problems. Often the problems were family dynamics, or logistics, so family conference time was helpful.
Lou Cohen (Monica's father): There's also an extended family that supported the efforts of the Criglers. That included me, my ex-wife, Phyllis, her husband and other members of the family. Everybody came together. This was really a huge effort, and I remember at one point in the film Marjorie says that I'm practically a member of this family. I couldn't agree more. At that dinner we were all talking, and it was really quite a celebration because we had gone on a huge journey together. Many of us had never spoken to each other before Jason got ill. But now, the family has come together in a way that's kind of unbelievable.
In 2005, soon after he returned home from a year-long stay in the hospital, Jason's family (his daughter, wife and father) take him for a walk in the woods.
Lynn Crigler (Jason's father): One of the things that we were guided by was Dr. Carter's advice. He said, "You should all find what you're comfortable doing, what you feel you can do that will let you contribute in your own way." That minimized differences and conflicts, because we all did feel comfortable. Everybody in the family had different things to contribute.
For Jason's treatment, Spaulding was incredible, and a number of the therapists at Spaulding never gave up. If something was tried — some device that could strengthen his hands, for example — and the therapist didn't feel that it was working properly, they'd try something else, and then something else. So that gave us faith that the therapists were doing everything they could. There was never an attitude of "Well, that didn't work, too bad"; it was always "Well, that didn't work — let's try something else." That was the Spaulding approach.
Audience Question: Jason, can you tell us more about your music?
Jason Crigler: I have a lot of attachment to the most recent CD, because I worked on this record for nine years and it's finally done. It's a collection of my songs, and they're all sung by various different artists that I love, a lot of whom I've worked with. When I was in New York, I was playing a lot with different singers and writers. The song in the film that I sing, "The Books on the Shelf" is on this record, and that was an important song for me because it was the first song I wrote after the accident. In addition to all the physical stuff that I had to relearn and remind myself how to do, there was a huge mental component to my rehabilitation. In the beginning, it was very difficult to play the guitar, and I thought, "Can I still write music? Can I still play music?" It was really terrifying. There was a period where I was very insecure about that. And this song, which I wrote and which is in the film, "The Books on the Shelf," put those fears to bed, because I thought, "This song is good, and I can still do this."
In the days when I couldn't play the guitar yet, because my hands were so tensed up, when I could only play for five or 10 minutes before I would just be in pain, it was very frustrating. But I could resume work on this record that I had already started before the injury. I could call up people I wanted to sing certain songs and I could have them come over and record them. So it was a way for me to get involved again in the music without having physically to play the guitar. So this record means a lot to me.
Hear tracks from Jason's albums in The Music of Jason Crigler.
Audience Question: My question is for the filmmaker. Was it clear when you started this project that Jason's recovery was going to be so wonderful? And had you considered where this film or project was going to go if his recovery was not so successful?
Eric Daniel Metzgar: When I started filming I hadn't seen Jason for 20 months. I saw him the morning after his injury, and then I didn't see him for 20 months or so, if not longer. By then, he was a different person. It was really depressing, personally, to be around him. I was fully aware of the family's optimism and how far he'd come, so there was a lot to celebrate, but I was also struck by the sense of loss. And I thought, "Well, then I will center the film around how far he's come and the family's optimism in the face of all this and how many struggles they'd gotten through." So I kind of thought where he was when I saw him again was where he was going to be for the rest of his life, and that the film would be retroactive, that it would be a kind of editing project and involve putting together all these materials about what had happened.
But Jason kept improving, and one of the first things I filmed was that concert where he connects with the music again for the first time. So immediately things were happening, and Jason was making subtle progress, very internal stuff, like connecting to music, bonding with Ellie, becoming a husband again. So I just kept filming and I wasn't sure when it was going to end. And then Jason and I talked about putting this big concert together at the end as a kind of culmination, which seemed like a really great place to end the film. I loved his reflection at the end about how if strength doesn't come out of thin air, then where does it come from? It's an open-ended question on what fills our reservoirs of strength. I like that the film ends on that sentiment.
Jason Crigler: I wanted to add something. It's not so apparent to a lot of people when you look at me or talk to me, but this whole thing is still ongoing for me every day. I still have exercises I do for my hands and for my eyes. I still have a lot of issues with fatigue, which I think is common for people who have a brain injury for many years after the injury. I'm told my brain is still, in fact, recovering. As my life gets busier and I start to work more and get involved in projects more, it becomes harder and harder to take the time every day to do the exercises, but I try the best I can to do them. I still feel that motivation to do them.
Audience Question: This is a question for Jason and his family. When you were actually brought to the realization that finances were possibly going to have impact on Jason's existence, how did you deal with that? And then, Jason, did you feel that music was the catalyst to help you improve? Or was it Ellie?
Jason Crigler: I'll just answer my portion of the question first. Both those things that you named were important for my recovery. I was really, really hell-bent on playing the guitar again. And I learned early on that Ellie had a special power to help me that was incredible. I could be feeling down about everything, and she would walk into the room and my feelings would just vanish.
Both of those things were like having a buoy to hold on to, to keep yourself afloat, to keep yourself from sinking down into the depths of your mind, because that space can be very lonely. But, yes, those two things were really primary. That and having the rest of my family — Monica and my parents and Marjorie and everybody in my family — close to me. It was all these things.
Lou Cohen: I'll respond in terms of the money issue. My wife, Jane, who is taking care of Ellie right now and so isn't here, used to work for a law firm that handled Medicaid issues, so she already had a great deal of experience with what happens when you run out of money and you still need medical care. So, long before Jason used up all of his insurance, we were already beginning to plan for what would be the next phase. We were prepared for a transition to Medicaid when it was needed.
When Jason got sick, he and Monica lived in New York, My wife and I lived in Boston, and the Criglers lived in New York. But Monica was about to have a baby, and there was no way that she could handle child care, hold down a job and be in the hospital all the time in New York. So everybody had to move to Boston, and Monica moved in with us. We had to transition from commercial insurance to New York Medicaid to Massachusetts Medicaid, and we had a lot of help along the way, but we also had to do a lot of preparation. All the legal experience that my wife had, plus lots of legal help along the way, made a huge difference. Also, the family was very fortunate in having received some financial gifts — from the benefit concerts — that made a big difference, not to the medical expenses, but for all the living expenses during that time and afterward. Finally, Monica was able to get a job early on, when Ellie was two months old, and that has made a huge difference as well. There were many different pieces to the financial package, but probably the most important was the government's safety net of Medicaid. Without that, I don't see how the recovery could have happened. It was one of the crucial elements.
Audience Question: My question is for Jason. Do you feel like your music has changed since the injury? Do you approach writing music differently? Do different things sound right to you?
Jason Crigler: I've been asked this question before, and it's always tricky for me to answer. I always say that it would be better to ask somebody who has heard me before and who hears me now. But I can say that the experience of playing and writing music, for me, now, is definitely different than it was. And by that I mean I feel more connected to what I'm doing. There's a stronger connection between what's in my head and what comes out of my hands. There's less interference somehow, and I feel a lot more satisfied with my playing in general. I think in the old days I was very hard on myself a lot of the time. I would always think that I could do better or play better. Now, I still have things I want to get to musically that I haven't done yet, but I don't come down on myself in the way that I did as much.
Hear tracks from Jason's albums and read more from Jason about his music in The Music of Jason Crigler.
Audience Question: I have a question for Jason and Monica. It struck me, watching the film, how grateful you must be to have this film as sort of a time capsule, not only for your family but especially for Ellie. I was wondering how old she is now, and what, if any, awareness she has of the circumstances of her very early life.
Jason Crigler: It's interesting that you ask that question now. Ellie likes to jump around a lot, and sometimes we all jump around on the bed. Sometimes she'll get a little too rough, and she'll knock my head or something, and we've told her that she has to be careful and gentle with Daddy's head because there's a boo-boo on my head — the bump in my head that still has a shunt in it, which the doctors put in there to drain the fluid after the injury. So last week, Ellie was having a tough time going to bed. Finally, after a while, I lay down on the floor with her. She asked me, "Daddy, how did you get the bump on your head?" It was the first time I ever actually just told her about it. I said, "Well, I had a really bad boo-boo that happened to me a few years ago. It was scary, but I'm okay now." So, in very broad terms I told her that something happened to me and we talked about it a little bit. I said that I was at a gig playing when it happened, and that Mommy was there and got me an ambulance. She asked me what was it like being in the ambulance. So I think Ellie knows. She knows I see a lot of doctors. She knows I have exercises I do. She knows my hands don't open up and that there's this bump on my head. It could very well be that she knows more than we think she knows, because that often seems to be the case with other things. I think she'll learn over time what it is. I'm excited about the day when we can actually sit down and show her the film. That's a ways off, but that will be a cool time.
Audience Question: I have a question for Dr. Carter. How has working with Jason changed the way you continue to do what you do?
Dr. Carter: Working with Jason was a pretty humbling experience in the end. I'd been practicing for about 15 years when Jason's case came along. As a doctor, you can get caught up in believing that you know everything there is to know and that you're the expert. Then you get a case like Jason's, and it reminds you that when we're talking about the brain, we really don't know very much at all about what's happening.
The work that we do can be very depressing: We have a lot of stories like Jason's. Tragedy happens to young, vibrant people through no fault of their own; their futures look bleak and grim. Often the families of these patients hear, from neurologists and doctors, that they should give up hope for the future and think about things like organ donation. So by the time these families come to us at Spaulding, they are desperate. While Jason's story is not the typical story, it's a reminder of what's possible, and so I think working with Jason has changed the way I talk with families and patients about the future. The big questions that they always ask are "What's going to happen? Am I going to go back to the life that I led? How long is it going to take? Where are we going to go from here?" Working with Jason has made it a lot easier for me to say, "I don't know where you're going to go. I don't know how it's going to turn out."
We see the full range of what can happen. We know that the brain is a lot more dynamic and flexible than we used to think it was, and there is the idea that the brain can heal itself. But now I'm able to sit down and talk with the families about where they want things to go. I ask them, "What do you want it to look like? Create a vision." Because that's what the Criglers really did. They came and they said, "We don't care what you think. We don't care what the professionals are telling us the future's going to be. This is the future that we want." They were able to pull themselves together. They organized in a fantastic way and they never let go of their vision. They kept pushing, and Jason got to the point where he could become a dynamic part of that process and hold on to that vision. They didn't give up, and I think that's probably the biggest vehicle that got Jason where he is.
I can't guarantee the families anything. I can't say, "Well, you just do what they did and it can turn out like this," because it doesn't happen all the time. But what else are you going to do? If you do give up, then it won't turn out that way; if you stop working, a recovery like Jason's definitely isn't going to happen.
Marjorie Crigler: The concept of a doctor saying, "I don't know," strikes me as very interesting. Early on, when Jason was not communicative, a doctor said to us, "We don't really know what it's like in that twilight state." It was an offhand comment, but it encouraged us to keep doing what we were doing, which was reading to him, talking to him, playing music even when he wasn't responding. Hearing that doctor's "We don't know," I understood that a door was still open and the book was still being written on what was possible for Jason's recovery and he still had a chance.
Lynn Crigler: Marjorie very simply said one night, "At the end of the day, as far as the family's concerned, regardless of the outcome, you want to feel like you've done everything you can." That really is what it is in a nutshell.
Talk About This
God Bless You... we are on our 32nd day with my Dad with a similar story.... we know exactly what you are going through... Have Faith, Hope, and Love... peace... God works miracles...my Dad had 7 surgeries in 18 days and 4 of them were in the brain...one of them was 7 hours... We keep praying for his health and recovery... I am watching your story...and I got on my hands and knees and started praying for Jason and his family... God Bless
by William Kubofcik
July 7, 2009, 10:27 PM
I just finished watching the documentary and was moved to tears. Your story is a truly amazing one of incredible hardship, and even more incredible recovery. I was struck most by the love shared by the whole family during the recovery, but particularly Monica. Your selfless approach and enduring love is truly inspiring to see. I feel so hopeful after watching this. Kudos to Mr. Metzgar for his compassionate and moving portrayal of such a wonderful success story. What a phenomenal documentary... Thank you so much!
by SongsForABlueGuitar
July 7, 2009, 11:34 PM
Many thanks for such an inspiring example of LOVE and humbleness. Life is so fragile and so beautiful. Jason's thoughts and vision are the most wonderful proof of the flame each of us have within. You made me reflect about how any unpredictable event can any moment put out my flame.There are people who will never forget "today" and that is why tomorrow I will sing music with you. Thanks Jason.
by damian gutierrez
July 8, 2009, 12:30 AM
This is the most beautiful story of love, hope and strength I've ever seen. Thank you all for sharing.
Chuck
by Chuck Stricker
July 8, 2009, 12:37 AM
Very moving story. Watching this taught me something about myself I never admitted to. Something I never knew I was thankful for. I am thanful for you Dad!! I am thankful you survived that accident. I'm sorry I never realized this before. I love you, and I know you know this...
At this time I am wheeping heavily. But it feels wonderful. Tearful. And most of Heart Breaking!!
By tomorrow I hope to know you better than I have since I was 6. Today I am 38 and ready to admit how scared I was.
I love you Mr. deVille
Your son..
by Steve d..
July 8, 2009, 3:09 AM
I was so moved and inspired by your story -- Thank You!! There is a song "Streets of London" by Ralph McTell that says "How can you tell me you're lonely, and say for you that the sun don't shine? Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London, I'll show you something that will make you change your mind."
Well, that's how this film made me feel, like you had taken me through your streets of London. Life's hard knocks and fears can be so overwhelming. Now you have reminded me that there is strength and faith and hope and music to draw from, even if at first we don't know they are there. This film is such a blessing!
by Sandy Lynn
July 8, 2009, 3:19 AM
What a fantastic story of recovery from a very life threatening situation. I watched with tears in my eyes, but with gladness in my heart with every change for the better as it appeared. I'm glad to see you are able to play and sing to the world and your family and that you were able to overcome the difficulties of your medical system with all their support when you needed it the most. I think one of the best outcomes of your unfortunate injury is that you have been able to spend time with others recovering from brain injuries, and give them some hope for the future as well. Work hard on your therapy and keep on playing with all your heart.
Brian
by Brian Newman
July 8, 2009, 4:38 AM
I know it's trite, but this miraculous story was very inspirational. It gives perspective to the true importance of the irritations and struggles of daily life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the multitude of reasons for approaching each day of wholeness and health as the blessing it is, with sincere gratitude. If it was said, I missed it, but certainly Jason's own strength was a large part of his amazing recovery. Well done, Jason, glad you're coming from behind the clouds!
by Lauren Johnson
July 8, 2009, 8:50 AM
Beautiful and very moving. I am praying that you make a full recoverary. I loved the total commitment of your family most families would of given up, sure glad that they haven't. Best Wishes.
by connie
July 8, 2009, 9:04 AM
I was glued to my seat, wanting to know what the outcome would be. But unlike your family, I only had to wait an hour to learn Jason was going to find his way back. I am in awe of your family's courage and perserverance over the many months of his recovery. A beautiful story, beautifully told! Thank you.
by rosanne
July 8, 2009, 10:21 AM
Call me Icarus. Thank you for making an impression with someone like me who you will never meet. 30 years ago, I was an impetuous, plastered 21-year old & I got in a tiny car with a very drunk friend. Roughly quoting John Callahan, in hind sight I kind of wish I had not done that. As a consequence, my body is numb and paralyzed from the waist down. I found out just a few years ago that I have a TBI. I must be very high functioning as this was never a big issue until the past few years. Jason, your story is exquisite in its honesty and loving care, a coexistence of joy and pain. I think your grasp and honest acceptance of your limitations combined with you and your family's desire to grasp life can show a veteran how to acknowledge my own voids in my own self-awareness.
by Denis
July 8, 2009, 11:02 AM
God Bless this family and Jason's will to play music again. The love of his Wife Monica...AMAZING. I shared the link on my facebook because more and more people need to watch this! Great job to the ones putting it together. And thank you for sharing. very very moving!
by Mallory
July 8, 2009, 11:55 AM
I also watched the film last night and was moved by its powerful messages. Lynn Crigler's observation on faith is one that I will return to. All of those involved seemed to be trusting in something beyond themselves to keep going. The power of the love of the extended family, the empathy and concern of the medical staff, the musical community that lent its financial and emotional support; I believe that all these are manifestations of the power of the spirit. In all our lives, the opportunity to be moved to action, filled with hope, faith, and love, is always there but not always fulfilled.
I am inspired and awed by the story and grateful to Jason and Monica for letting the world see it. God bless you all.
by Barbara Byrne
July 8, 2009, 1:26 PM
This was a fantastic film! Such an inspiring family. I stumbled upon the film last night and couldn't change the channel. Today I am still thinking about the story and all the possible outcomes at each stage. Wow!
All good wishes for Jason and his loved ones!
by Spring Garrett
July 8, 2009, 1:52 PM
I watched it last night and I am still crying. Good tears. Tears of hope.
by Deb
July 8, 2009, 1:53 PM
Wow. I was deeply affected by this documentary. While watching it, I wondered if I would have held on to hope and faith the same way Jason's family did. Now I think I would because they have all demonstrated the power of love and hope and determination. Very inspiring. Thank you!
by Julie
July 8, 2009, 2:32 PM
This story hits home for me in a big way. My younger brother, Mark, was also a patient at Spaulding with a brain injury. While watching this movie i saw so many parallels to my family's story and cried the whole time. I know how hard this was, how amazing each little improvement is, and how grateful you become for every breath. All the love in my heart goes to Jason and his family.
by Catherine Dimond
July 8, 2009, 4:43 PM
My husband and I are musicians and I am a songwriter. We laid in bed last night brought to tears watching this story. So much admiration we have for Jason and his family for their stamina through this ordeal. Keeping the faith and love stronger than all being tossed in their laps is incredible. We loved the story....were inspired by the people. You are all hero's on some level. Your gift of telling this story so others can try to heal and keep pushing for progress is amazing. Thank you, Thank you, for sharing it with millions. You have undoubtedly given hope to many who are in your shows. As musicians, we just can not imagine what Jason was going through, when music is your life and all is taken away....well, there are just no words. Again, our thanks for your story of love and family! Kim and Mike Monson....the Fish Heads
by Kim Curtis-Monson
July 8, 2009, 7:13 PM
Honestly I feel terrible about how things had happened for him. I hope only for the best for him and his family. I am however dissapointed with the way that medicare would just drop someone who severly needed care. He clearly needed all the help he could have gotten. This world is begining to crumble at the seems. Life is becoming more about material possessions and money than about love and common welfare. Until we learn to love everyone equally, we will continue to ignore the needs of those in need, than the needs of those with money. To often do those without money not get the treatment they need. Life is Love. You need Love to create Life. And Life cannot be lived happily without love.
by Joseph Votoupal
July 8, 2009, 8:36 PM
I saw this program on PBS today and was so inspired! There were several times that I found it difficult to stop crying! What an amazing person Jason is --and his wife, even more!
I've worked in Occupational Therapy at the Rehab Institute of St. Louis / Barnes-Jewish Hospital in an inpatient & outpatient neurorehab program for 9+ years. Helping people is wonderful, but I've learned that we, as clinicians, are really just a catalyst and the patient's hard work is what truly makes the difference in their progress. This was so clearly demonstrated in your documentary.
The fact that Jason is taking the time to witness his story to others facing the struggles and challenges he faced, is one of the best gifts anyone could give. I've seen it give hope to the hopeless (families and survivors, alike).
What an inspiration Jason is to everyone (most especially to survivors and their families)! Thank you Jason and your wonderful, loving family, for sharing the story of your struggle with all of us! As I become older and wiser, I'm seeing more clearly, that Life is truly What we Make of it!!! Jason is Proof! Thank you! Sincerely, Jennifer Greco
by Jennifer Greco
July 8, 2009, 8:44 PM
Jason, Monica, and family members--What a marvelous story of triumph through perseverence, backed by constant love and devotion. It truly has been a team triumph for your family, also supported by the able and dedicated skills of the MDs, physical therapists and others crucial to the recovery process. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. It surely will serve as an important inspiration for those patients and families facing similar challenges.
by Grace Ching
July 10, 2009, 1:30 AM
Jason, I caught your story on PBS by accident and could not change the channel. Your story is of course one of inspiration, but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel the "there but for the grace of God go I" factor. I have had multiple head injuries in my life, two involving blood clots on the brain, one requiring surgery, but have not sustained the types of injuries you have. I can't help but think of what could have been for me had things gone a little differently. If they had, I could only hope that I would have the strength, courage, and fortitude that you and your family have had. I have often thanked God for my miracles. Tonight I thank Him for yours as well. Your will and your family are just two of your many miracles. Be Well.
by Matthew Walker
July 12, 2009, 12:03 AM
one of the most beautiful stories ever.our son tim had a cancerous tumor on his heart when he was 19 ,lots of emotional recovery,not as much physical .our son ted had a cancerous brain tumor when he was 25----over the next 4yrs and 2 days ,he taught me what faith, strength courage and determination really are.after 4 differant surgeries , he went from being paralized on the left side to walking without a cane 4 times! he was my hero , he never gave up or lost his faith or his beautiful spirit! he passed away in dec. 1999----in oct. 2007 i had a stroke -i was paralized on my right side couldn't see out of my right eye , talk or anything . with alot of faith, love, encouragement, help, and determanation i can walk-it ain't pretty , but it gets me there (slowly)!i can talk -too much , sometimes and i can tell other people ---never,never give up ! my right hand hasn't come back yet---hope it does , i was a artist ---but if it doesn't , i'm thankful for where i am! jason's story should be on every channel everywhere at least once a week !!! i'm getting a copy to give the therapy dept.at the hospital where i was and also to the church library. GOD BLESS JASON ,HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY , HIS DOCTORS AND THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS FILM . thank you so very , very much!! carolyn
by carolyn harrison
July 12, 2009, 3:01 PM
Jason, I am a nurse that works with Brain Injured patients. I have followed you and your family post TBI recovery since before this film was released... Your journey is a testament as to what families can do, when determined and organized I have recommended this film to many TBI families, and am thrilled now to hear of your progress this past year. I encouraged you and your ister to continue speaking and educating.... there is no reason to ever give up...only to push onward. God Bless
by Sandy Rankin, RN. CCRN
July 12, 2009, 7:25 PM
Yesterday I was sure my mom is back. She is walking and talking to us and has her memories. 10 days ago a doctor said we should consider whether to continue medical intervension after apparent stroke from heart surgery. That was because she hadn't really woke up in 5 days. It is so curious to me that I view this documentary today. Thankyou POV. PBS is an absolute treasure!!!
by Glen Henrickson
July 13, 2009, 3:15 AM
Jason and family, I too was mesmerized personally and professionally by this family, the connection of music and healing, and the power of love and strenght of hope. I will think of you every day I care for my patients and do my best to help them with their dreams. I shared the movie with my profesional colleagues and will buy the cd for my guitar playing children.
thanks for you life affirming story
loron
by Loron Oster RN
July 13, 2009, 3:58 PM
I just watched the program. My daughter had seen it and told me it was a must see. In Febrruary 2000, my wife had the same thing as Jason. Since November 2000 I've been her caregiver. Karen hasn't recovered as well as Jason. Many of the things you went through as a family, we have gone through. I,ve tried to make her life as normal as possible. I too thought a past love would help her connect, but it frustrated her more than helped. She still requires 24 hour care, but her quality of life is good with me. I told her as long as I can take care of her she will never go into a nursing home. Thank you for your story, and never give up.
Roger & Karen Halls
by Roger Halls
July 13, 2009, 5:59 PM
Hi Jason.
I know and respect greatly your Aunt Jane. She and I spoke before your grandmother died late last year. She had always been so proud of you and your recovery story just magnified her admiration for all you've done. When I got home from Kansas City, I asked for a copy of your album for a birthday present and it was truly amazing.
All I can say is that, probably like everyone else, I'm inspired by you and your family. Last night I finally saw the PBS documentary and even though I'm a pretty old woman now, I was rivoted by your strength and beauty.
I'm not naieve (even if I can't spell it right). The ups and downs of life (and I'm sure recovery)aren't ameniable to a 60 or 90 minute documentry. I hope you can have the patience to allow yourself to be a hero and role model to those who can, in any way possible, relate to your story.
So, I hope you and your family are able to keep appreciating your amazing journey. Despite the challenges you have throughout life, you are a rich man to be loved so very well.
Please thank Jane for "turning me on" to your music and your story at a time when I was grieving myself.
Kris Locke
by kris locke
July 13, 2009, 10:24 PM
The film touched me. My son is a twin with Disprexia and he sees things from a right side of the brain. I loved the "initiate" comment. I loved that the family sacrificed so much of their time, for what I love the most, family and being there when it counts, but then staying there. This was a great story and helped me see thru the eyes of a brain injury/difference from here on out.
by cassia
July 13, 2009, 10:54 PM
Love..the real deal. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your lives. The struggles, the pain, the triumph, and the JOY. While it may seem the message you share is only for those who have TBI and the recovery that is possible, I believe the greater message is for everyone. God bless you all.
by Lee Ouellette Friesel
July 19, 2009, 9:13 AM
I was so captivated by your story that I kept forgetting to breathe. Your family's insistence on getting you out in the world brought audible cheers from me as I watched. That is what I have been doing with my husband who sustained a severe anoxic brain injury during a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Thank you for sharing your story. Know that all of us who love someone with an injured brain understand that your story could fill volumes. Thank you for re-igniting hope in our hearts!
by Sharron Witters
July 31, 2009, 5:16 PM
From Brazil visiting, my mom suffered a Brain Stem Stoke
I watched the documentary yesterday and although my mom had a different kind of brain injury, I could totally relate with what Jason and his family were going through. My mom was here visiting from Brazil like she does every summer. She comes to spend time with our two sons - her grandchildren. One day, out of the blue, she had high blood pressure, got dizzy and vomited. The next day we were driving her to the emergency room thinking she was dehydrated. When we arrived, and I went to open her door, she was unconsious, I thought she had died in the car. That night, the doctors asked if we had family in Brazil they suggested we call them because she may not make it through the night. I never thought I'd have the strength to fight the doctors, the diagnosis and most of all, the courage to fight the odds. With my husband and kids beside me and with the help of our friends who live here, we came together as one big family. There were those who brought food to my house, deposited checks in my bank account, donated their miles to my mom so we could get her back home. You see, the financial part was very difficult. My mom had no insurance, we have no means to take care of her here and we had to get her strongth enough to endure a 13 hour flight back home. There were risks with flying coach so we needed to purchase 1st class tickets (around $16,000). It was a stressful time for my family here and for my siblings back home. No one knew what was going to happen. I somehow found the courage, stregth and faith to but it also gave me the strength I needed to see my mom through this. With lots of love and care, we both made it to Brazil. Once in Brazil, there were many more obstacles to overcome. But the most important miracle is that she is alive and getting better everyday. I love her so much. She is very special to me. I thank all my friends and the people who cared for my mom and the social network from the hospital. I believe in angels and strongly believe that they worked miracles through each of my friends. They were here to enlighten us. Te amo muito minha querida mae!
by Dery Vinholi from St. Paul, Minnesota
November 16, 2009, 10:53 PM
Sister
My brother, age 34, recently suffered a major AVM rupture that nearly killed him. Since then he's had 2 brain surgeries; spent a month in ICU; nearly a month in an acute care facility in Billings MT & has since been admitted to Craig Hospital in Denver. He has had miraculous improvements & been a miracle patient. Read his story @
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/justinjimison
for details of his daily journey as the family has experienced it & how his loving communities have responded to it. I will be looking for your music & more on your story as a source of hope & encouragement in our darkest of moments.
Sincerely,
Jenni Jimison-Brady
Billings, MT 59101
by Jenni Jimison from Billings, MT
November 27, 2009, 1:13 PM