chocolate cake with a gold 6 on top

Brain injury six years later

Reading Time: 11 minutes My sixth brainniversary This year the event that changed the direction of my life–my traumatic brain injury on January 5, 2017–and is the litmus test for decisions I make and activities I choose arrived silently. My brainniversary falls right after the frenzy of the holidays and just five days into January. Last year, my long-time boyfriend died in early December …

Jena with Talons Challenge completion sign

Talons Challenge: 26,226 vertical feet on two skis two years after my #TBI

Reading Time: 6 minutes Talons Challenge Two years ago, I had my sights set for participating in the Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek. I had skied 13/15 days and was in the best shape of my life. But then the Universe got my attention on January 5, 2017 and put my life on a different path—the path of recovery from a traumatic brain injury …

double diamond day, Jena at Beaver Creek

Double black diamond day

Reading Time: 2 minutes Another goal achieved Yesterday marked another “first” since my TBI over two years ago. Non-brain injured people may think I should be “recovered” by now or questioning why I still think a milestone is important. A brain injury doesn’t go away; this is an injury I will keep with me the rest of my life and I have to learn …

The Tooth Fairy shines

Reading Time: 7 minutes The day after Christmas I awoke with a tooth ache. It wasn’t minor or major but annoying enough to warrant some over-the-counter pain management medicine. I had a deadline to meet and I channeled my energy into the deadline. The next day I awoke, and the ache had subsided. I completed yet another deadline for a client and afterwards, took …

close-up picture of Jena and Lucy, a brindle Chow Chow

Second anniversary of TBI

Reading Time: 7 minutes Reflections and recap two years later Today is anniversary two of my brain injury. January 5, 2017 is a day emblazoned in my mind as it completely changed my life. I’m so grateful for my dedication to healing, my medical team that guided me, my friends who stepped up to feed me, cook for me, clean for me, drive me …