Jen’s Story

This is the true story of a TBI survivor near and dear to my heart, Jennifer Barrick.

It was November 2006 and a much anticipated evening for the Barrick family as they watched Jennifer’s first participation in a choir concert performance at church. The video of Jen singing glory to God with a radiant face turned up towards heaven is simply amazing. Following the exciting event, the busy, happy family of four grabbed a big bucket of KFC and were driving just a few miles from their home when the unthinkable happened……

Out of nowhere a drunk driver speeding away from an arrest with his lights off, hit the Barricks head-on going about 80 mph. Jen’s dad said he didn’t see him coming or have time to react. The impact of the collision was so forceful the engine of the drunk driver’s truck dropped out onto the road.

Miraculously, all four members survived the accident, but fifteen-year-old Jen was not supposed to live past that night because her injuries were just too severe….

Nothing is impossible for God, and Jen did miraculously survive that night after hundreds from their church and community gathered in prayer together, pleading to God for Jen’s life to be spared. Having received a severe traumatic brain injury, Jen remained in a coma for five weeks and in the hospital an additional five months. Jen’s mom Linda related in her devotional, that one night the on-duty nurse told her, “She’s going to be ok…..I see God in her.” And that was enough to give her distraught mother a little ray of hope.

Usually a person with a TBI wakes up from a deep coma thrashing, cursing, and screaming which is a very difficult thing to watch, but not Jen. Jen woke up with God in her soul and Jesus on her lips. She was blind, weak, and could barely form words together to speak, but when she prayed she was strong and sounded like herself again.

I think my favorite recap from her amazing story was related from Jen’s mom Linda, and her mom’s best friend Pamela. During one especially difficult moment for Jen, Linda and Pamela were sitting with Jen while singing “Silent Night.” Suddenly, Jen’s face became radiant and she, even though blind, started smiling at something and said, “Amen!” Her face was lit up with joy clearly showing that she saw something and Jen’s mom whispered, “Jen, what do you see?” Jen responded, “It’s Jesus, don’t you see him? He’s…..right…..here next to me.” Pamela said they literally cried about that experience “all day” and I have thought about that recap with awe for years!

Many years later after a long and difficult recovery Jennifer’s story has touched the lives of thousands (mine included) as she and her family reach out to those who suffer through their Christian ministry Hope Out Loud. Jen and her family speak at churches sharing their story and offering hope to the broken while sharing Jesus Christ and helping many know the riches of a life lived in Him. Linda’s book,” Beauty Marks” has been influential in helping me to heal the devastating scars of my own trauma and it also gave me the courage to begin writing.

This hope necklace my hubby bought me was designed by Jen. You can find more of her jewelry, and books at http://www.hopeoutloud.com

I highly recommend taking a moment to watch this video, which Jen’s mom has personally given me permission to share here on my blog. It is one of the most powerful stories of hope, faith and healing I have ever heard of.

Much love,

Viv

I may be slow in answering comments as I’m currently battling more TBI issues. I love you all. Hugs!🤗💜

Slowly But Surely: An Update

I’m so touched that many of my blogging family has asked how my healing is going. May I just say it means the world to me? While the recovery continues to be slow, I am certainly seeing improvements daily. The other day my oldest told me I’ve shocked her by how fast I’m walking!👍😆 (Great news because my quadriceps were starting to atrophy.) Since my legs are so much stronger I’m even able to stand up and take a shower which is a huge deal for me. Seriously, until you can’t take a shower the fact that you can deserves a celebration. So thankful for showers! The muscles on my arms and legs continue to get back to normal but the skin on my legs is thick and tough like leather…..very strange. That may be a result of the neuropathy but I’m not sure. 🤔

My nervous system is getting better as well but my body still gripes if I overdo. I’m absolutely amazed at how consistent my broken brain is…..it is very honest with it’s limitations which require respect.

Sadly, my ears continue to be an issue due to 5 weeks of 100-200 decibels of nerve-raking noise. I’m wearing earplugs at all times which is helping but my Dr. says my brain is unable to turn down the volume. It may require more healing time for this issue to settle itself.

God continues to be faithful. In all of the weakness, pain, fatigue, and uncertainty He continues to heal the broken places in me only He truly understands. He has drawn near unto me and comforts me with His Spirit at every instance and every moment of need. He always sends angels in the forms of friends at just that perfect moment to pray for and with me.

My walk through recovery seems long at times and I struggle to be patient. Not only do I struggle but my husband, kids, and even my dog are weary of it all. I honestly feel bad for them. My husband has taken on extra tasks that I can no longer do and he’s just worn out. I thank the Lord that he is strong and for God’s strength in him every day but the poor guy needs a break.

I’m going to leave you with a quote by Lee Woodruff wife of TV anchor Bob Woodruff from ABC news who suffered a horrible TBI while reporting in Afganistan in 2006. Here’s what she says about patience and TBI recovery:

Having a TBI, or being connected to someone who has suffered one, is an exercise in extreme patience. The slow process of recovery makes “watching paint dry” feel like the speed of light. Yes, it’s that slow.

Much love,

Viv 💚