SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD, SO SHE DID!

This blog post has honestly been sitting in my drafts for a while, but I believe it is finally time to publish it. With all the things going on from graduating, moving and traveling - I have not had much time to relax and unwind but here we go....

I heard on a TikTok, "The best advice anyone ever gave me was two words - you can't. My response was two words - watch me." When I heard that, I could not find a more perfect quote that has described the last decade of my traumatic brain injury journey.

What gave me a huge source of motivation is the obvious - my son, Noah. I want him to see and know that if you put your mind to something and continue to push towards those goals, then you can achieve them.

For the longest time I was self-conscious about posting the pictures that are in this blog post, but this is my story and I hope someone out there who may have a traumatic brain injury or Hydrocephalus or any type of health condition, can use this as motivation.

Not only did I become a mother at a young age (17 years), but I also suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation and Epilepsy over time.

I do live with a VP shunt, and unfortunately, cannot live without one.

Having any kind of health condition is not pretty. It is far from glamorous! It is painful with daily struggles, and many trips to doctor offices and hospitals but at the end of the day, we have to cherish every moment we have and make use of that time.

I wanted to give up several times, but I had someone who was depending on me to get better - my son, Noah. It hasn't been easy. It was very hard but if you really set your mind to it, you can accomplish any goal.

My odds weren't the best, but I overcame them - mainly, because I had no choice. I had a little boy looking up to me to get better. I not only wanted to be a great role model for him, but I wanted to prove that I could do something that others doubted.

I never thought I'd get to where I am today, but things keep falling into place - I FINALLY received my bachelor's degree. I am heading back to work after a long journey of recovery and being placed on disability to continue my career. I am moving towards the city. And I am seeing the world in between and making memories for us to remember.

I am now a part of the ETSU Alumni that graduated with Summa Cum Laude (highest honors) with a B.B.A. in Marketing and a double minor in Management and Digital Marketing.

That day was filled with love, laughter, and happy tears. Something that I thought would never happen, HAPPENED. The ones closest to my heart were by my side on my special day with some who could not make it, but I couldn't have asked for a better moment to share with the ones I love....and most importantly, my son was there.

Not only did I accomplish a major goal in life, but I continue to set out on my dreams of seeing the world. My life was almost cut short, and this world has a lot to offer and explore - hence why I made this blog - to share my experiences and hopefully, motivate others to push through their toughest battles.

Listen, if I can do it! So can anyone! If you know someone who might need a pick me up or might have the disorders I have, please show/tell them it's possible - or reach out to me through my blog or any of my social media.

As always, never give up!

With Love,

CT

"She believed she could, so she did!"