Everyday is an opportunity to celebrate impermanence and the life I nearly lost.

Having explored more than 60 countries between work stints in international education, an accident while working as a Health, Sport Science and Physical Education teacher forced stillness and exploration turned internal. More than 2 years, 7 hospitals in 3 countries, the script could not be imagined by the most iconic author. 

September 3, 2014 was cool and wet in Bavaria. Running, chasing, laughing, the teenagers were warm and eager with anticipation. Using baseball bats was like a trophy following a series of introductory lessons. The day started like any other. Minutes into the first Physical Education lesson of the day, my entire life changed in an instant. 

A baseball bat and hardball connected by the skill of a powerful athlete launched my life onto a trail that had no map. I remember the impact and wanting to sleep. Trying to be strong, mask the pain and ensure my students were safe, I knew they needed to run for help fast. 

The local hospital sent me home after mere minutes with a Black Eye, swollen shut from the moment my head stopped the linedrive. Who was I to doubt a medical professional? Stunned in every sense of the word, I was not well yet knew there was more than colour and closure. 

I reflect today with a Black Eye that never again opened, working at embracing impermanence and celebrating what I have gained from the lessons of my traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

I walked out of hospital 70% blind, with no direction. The only sign I could see pointed to mountains. 

The following 6 posts provide a more detailed  synopsis of the trail from the time a baseball changed my life to the time I found signs leading me to travel and embrace every moment and every stride.

A Collection of the Latest

Keeping my community updated with how I am navigating life's trail, where I am finding light and the goals I am working on.

Teaming Up with Mountains of My Mind

2021

As a visually impaired adventure athlete, along with unique content and inspiring goals’, contagious energy is fabricated into my story, which I would be grateful to have allies become part of.

A Story of Serendipity

From the first set of stairs to adventuring in the highest of the Himalayas, come along on a visual story of serendipity.

Lost on the Trail (6/6)

After more than 2 years, 3 countries, 7 hospitals, I was dropped at Denver airport with no direction. 70% blind, it was up to me to create a vision.

The Overseas Trail (5/6)

The comorbidity my TBI served stirred confusion within. From Germany to Canada to Colorado, no vacation, no hope.

Running on Empty (4/6)

Skull fractured and brain severely damaged, I needed fuel to heal yet I had none to give. I withered.

The Puzzling Trail (3/6)

From intensive physical training, teaching and coaching to being bedridden in an instant; how could the puzzle pieces ever come back together.

The Complex Trail (2/6)

With a Black Eye, I went home trusting the doctors. My head felt like it was going to explode. I was not too far off.

The Trailhead (1/6)

A brief synopsis of the day that started like any other; then my life changed in an instant.