At the May meeting we will finalize plans to go to see the Nationals play the Baltimore Orioles. Make your plans to attend the meeting. Its sounds like a fun trip.

Breaking News! All is finalized for the ballgame!!. Nationals vs Orioles, 18 June 2011. 30 tickets have been purchased at $24.00 each, Infield Gallery Level, Section 308. Those who have expressd interest in going, please bring your money at the May 12th meeting. 

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As we start a brand new “never before lived in” year and a new decade let’s be thankful in the various “seasons of life” that we find ourselves. Turn up your speakers and view the following presentation. I think you will find it very beautiful and inspirational.

http://openmyeyeslord.net/theseasonsoflife.htm

A tragic car accident left Retha McPherson’s son, Aldo, in a coma. During that time, Aldo visited heaven and returned with a message from God. Click the link below to hear a modern day miracle of God.
http://www.sidroth.org/site/News2abbr=tv_&page=NewsArticle&id=9663

Remember the Fall Picnic at Smallwood State Park (Click Here) on Sunday, September 19. We will be in the same spot as last year. Food will be served between 2 and 3 pm. The camp site is reserved all day so come early and enjoy the park. It should be a great day!

The support group is planning to see a Blue Crabs baseball game with a buffet picnic at the Texas Roadhouse Corral. The event is planned for May 15, 2010 at the Regency Furniture Stadium. The buffet starts at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with game time at 6:35. The gates open at 5:35. Cost is $29.00 per ticket. Plan to go we went last year and had a ball. Charles Kelson has worked with the Blue Crabs Sales Representative to set this event up. Thank you Charles!

Remember Madisen Abramson, she is the 5-year old grand daughter of Rusty Chaney. Madisen lives in Mechanicsville. Madisen has an inoperable brain tumor. The Maryland Independent ran a good article on Friday, February 12, 2010. This article reported that there will be a big pro-am tennis clinic and exhibition event called “Madisen’s Match.” The event will be held on February 19th and 20th at the West Bay Beach and Golf Club at Estero, Florida. The event will raise money for a support fund. The fund will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Barbara’s Friends, and the Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. You can find more details on Madisen’s condition and the upcoming event by Clicking Here.

Take a look at our own Keri Douglas. She is famous. A movie star. Check out her performance on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixSXW457t7M&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fstudents%2Ecsmd%2Eedu%2Fkeri%2F&feature=player_embedded

Way to go Keri! BTW – Great family!!

The Brain Injury Association of Maryland is sponsoring its Annual Conference entitled “Gateway to Hope and Healing.” The conference is scheduled for April 16-17 2009 at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute, Linthicum Heights, Maryland. You can get a  registration brochure at the Maryland Brain Injury website.  Click Here.

Remember that at our next meeting, we will be breaking up into two sessions. One for survivors and one for caregivers so don’t miss the meeting it will be great.

Our very own Andy V. has allowed us to publish his story. He hopes he can be an encouragement to someone. Here is his story:

Andy’s Story: My Changes
[One month prior to my 19th birthday] April 1, 1984 is when the pickup truck I was riding in hit a gum tree. This accident caused me a severe closed head injury, a broken hip, and some internal injuries along with killing the old me. After six months of recuperating in the hospital I have learned to live with my handicap. I have begun a rebirth of sorts.

Before my accident, I didn’t care about anything, not even myself. I tried very hard to be “cool”, I thought the art of looking “cool” was not to be like everybody else. I had a job making what I thought was good money but wasted it all on worthless things. I lived to party and spend a large amount of my earnings on getting high. Getting up in the morning for work used to be hard for me because I partied and got high most every night. I also regretfully cared very little for the girlfriend I had at that time. In high school I did just enough to get by without doing any real work. An old Pinto station wagon was the car I owned then which I did very little for and cared even less about. I cared very little about the little things then too like brushing my teeth or the foods I ate. Now I try very hard to do what’s right for myself. This includes attending college to hopefully get a good job one day. I spend a large amount of time on my studies because I know now they’re important. Because I no longer want drugs I”m surviving on a limited amount of money. I eat the foods that are good for my body and exercise for my own improvement. I’ve found that I don’t need to drink or smoke to have a good time and be “cool.” I would love to have a girl to share my time with but I’ve had to get along without one. [Today, in 2009, Andy is happily married to a wonderful girl named Mary.]

I have a dependable little car now that I always keep filled with gas. I also take care of my personal hygiene where before I didn’t care and am independent. Even though my body will never be quite the same, I’ve learned to live with my handicap. I now enjoy doing things that are beneficial for my mind and body. I am glad the old uncaring Andy is gone. He has been replaced by a responsible adult. – JAV

Jerry Taylor sent me a link to a new website. Give it a try, I think you will like it.

Click Here.