In the blink of an eye, my life was changed forever on that fateful day in November. My family and I were involved in a horrific automobile accident. My husband, the love of my life, was killed instantly. I was left paralyzed from the waist down, and my son, who was driving, has lived with witnessing this tragedy. I was unable to return to the life I knew before my accident.

My name is Carolyn, and this is how I came to live at Hosanna Community. At 50, I have had to learn a completely new way of life. The biggest adjustment is the loss of my nuclear family. In addition to losing the use of my legs, I have lost the person with whom I planned to spend the rest of my life.

Through this tragedy, I have found a new home, and I am positive about my future. I volunteer daily at Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital, and am rewarded by the sense of accomplishment I feel each day. I am the proud grandmother to two wonderful children and I am thankful everyday that I am able to hold them in my arms and see them grow. I continue to strive to achieve my goals.

For those of you who do not know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Connor, a brain injury survivor honored to be given the opportunity to share my story. My high school years were spent at McCallie School until graduation in 1988. I then moved to Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Southern Methodist University. That’s when I proved a person’s life could be shattered in the blink of an eye.

I had just signed a contract as stockbroker, agreed to remain head wrestling coach for 36 young men, and was engaged to be married. Because another man ran a red light, my life was transformed. With a traumatic brain injury came the loss of favorable employment and the loss of a loved one. I feel I am a miracle thanks to God’s grace.

Through the love of many therapists and my strong will to live, I have realized that therapy is not a part-time job but rather a lifelong commitment. Life is undoubtedly a struggle, but many difficulties in life can be overcome by will power. My home, Hosanna Community, has been a step in the right direction. It is a place where adults with differing disabilities live together and help each other. I am very happy to have built some lasting friendships at Hosanna.

As I close I’d like to quote a meaningful biblical verse, Jeremiah 29:11, which best illustrates my feelings: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I firmly believe I am on earth for a reason. While thanking God for his many blessings, I daily thank him for Hosanna Community, my hope and my future.

‘Change’ By Connor

May 26, 1997

Deep in concentration
Focusing on the past
Feelings remembered
Nonetheless, lost
Perhaps they shall return
But never the same
Possibly better results
Somehow, moods change
Concentration broken
New thoughts