TBI Support
A Weekend Without Google
We had an amazing Labor Day weekend – we stayed at Isaak Walton Inn, an historic lodge near Glacier National Park that, to this day, lacks modern amenities such as internet and cell service. Not […]
Articles by Rod Rawls
Being a Caregiver
Finding Closure
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted. It’s been a rough few weeks. Mom passed away Saturday before last. Each time I’ve tried to write, the words have been slow to come. I’ve […]
Being a Caregiver
Changes are Coming Faster Now
Dementia can proceed slow and steady, or it can often have steep inclines. I’ve recently learned that when we’re immersed in our environment day-in and day-out, we don’t always see the continued changes as clearly […]
Being a Caregiver
A Post Respite Story
Respite stays are a true blessing to caregivers, and can help to restore depleted energy, improve our attitudes, and enhance our ability to be the very best version of ourselves with our patient. As I […]
Being a Caregiver
Making the Call to Hospice
I finally called Hospice. My girlfriend and my cousin have both been gently urging me to do this for some time now. I’m not sure why the call was so hard for me to finally […]
Being a Caregiver
3 Generations of Brain Injuries
My family has seen brain injuries in three generations. Interestingly enough, it’s been in reverse order. First was my son, then me, then my mother. I’ve learned much more than anyone (other than a doctor) […]
TBI Support
People See Me and Think I’m Fine
But I’m really not. I have good days. I have bad days. And I have a whole lot of in-between days… But my brain injury was four years ago, and I’ve adapted well. I’ve learned […]
Being a Caregiver
I’m So Very Tired…
This is one of those days. One of those days when patience is harder to find, when motivation is so very scarce… when I just want to go to bed and call it a day. […]
Being a Caregiver
“Where’s Rod?”
These two simple words had more impact on me that anything my mother has said to me in my entire life. Mom was calling for me while I worked at my computer, I came to […]
Being a Caregiver
A Downward Spiral, a Learning Curve, and a Stressful Incline
Each of these things have started. And the downward spiral of mother’s dementia, my caregiver’s learning curve, and the steady upward climb of my stress levels have one thing in common… they are all too […]