May This Be A House Of Courage

“May this be a house of courage,

Where healing and growth are loved,

Where dignity and forgiveness prevail;

A home where patience of spirit is prized,

And the sight of the destination is never lost

Though the journey be difficult and slow.”

~ Adapted from John O’Donahue, To Bless the Space Between Us

This adapted poem by John O’Donahue has been posted by my kitchen sink for years now.  A bit of inspiration and hope for the intense effort that has been going on in my home and family to find healing for my son.

The consequences of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often subtle, yet have the potential to change a person’s life forever.  My precious son, Jordan, has been struggling to find meaningful work and a sense of community and normalcy for many years since returning home from university with a business degree in 2010.  My family and I were so hopeful that we could help him find healing.  There were many attempts at treatment in silos of neuro rehab, mental health, and alcohol treatment programs. There has been limited coordination and follow-up between these treatment programs and very little family focused care.  We have remained continually hopeful and resourceful (and weary).

My son died unexpectedly on Friday evening, December 1, 2017 as a result of an airway obstruction due to aspiration.

Illness is a family affair! A greater focus on patient and family engaged care is urgently needed to address the physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual suffering experienced by individuals and families who are dealing with serious illness, including TBI and addiction.

I am feeling peace–knowing that my son is no longer suffering, but my heart is broken.

Jordan was a gifted athlete with a passion for volleyball.

He was also a sensitive, intelligent, and deeply caring young man who was in deep despair about his life.

I also believe he died knowing he was a cherished family member.

Rest in peace, my sweet boy!