Brain Miracle
Last Sunday my husband and I were driving up to Torrance CA from my place in La Jolla. We got talking and he missed the turnoff. Since we were still on I-5, on a whim, we decided to continue on up and visit Bob Schuler’s church, the Crystal Cathedral. I had never been there before, and have always wanted to see it. We pulled into the parking lot at about 3PM or so, and began to explore the place.
As we entered the newest building on the Church Campus, a lovely woman, appearing to be in her mid-70’s, was walking toward us, saw that we were pointing and talking, and realized we were ”tourists”. She approached us and offered to answer any questions. You know how some people just have that “Spark” about them? She had it.
We ended up talking for well over an hour. Her name is Patricia Nordberg, and she has just written a book about her life experience: when her son was only 6 years old, she had an aneurism on the main artery leading to the brain, as well as one on the anterior communicating artery. Thirteen years after brain surgery, Pat attained her Master’s Degree in Psychology, and became a practicing psychologist. During our talk about her recovery from aphasia, having to learn to do everything all over again, including moving, communicating, the works, I found out she is an Octegenarian! She is now embarking on a brand new speaking career!
She wrote a book, which is literally just now hot off the press, called “Reaching for Hope: My experience with Brain Rehabilitation”.
In the book she tells her amazing story, and the tips and tricks she used to be able to function again, and how she then passed on her ideas to help special education children, some of whom were basically written off. She has stories about memory, vocabulary, and learning in general. She is extremely bright. To think that in 1959, her skull was cut apart, and they operated on her brain, without the technology we have available today! Yikes. Most people would have thrown in the towel, and used their disability as an excuse to go no further.
Not Pat. This woman, because of both her experience and her education, knows so much about psychoneurology and how the brain works, and that there is really no such thing as “I can’t” or “I give up” or “There’s no hope” . All there is for us is: hope, dogged determination, faith, strength, belief, and the ability to keep moving toward your goal in the face of little or no results.
Our meeting Patricia was no mistake; I have found a new friend who believes in the miracle of the brain and pumping mental iron. I sure am glad my husband missed his turn…..who knew?
The most valuable asset you own is your brain. Please use it, take care of it, and thank God for it! Now, go Pump some Mental Iron! Keep reading….the answers are all in the books, as Charlie says!
To your success,
Coach Julia
Tags: Brain, Brain Fitness, Brain Function, Brain rehabilitation, Brainpower, Miracles, Success
