24 Comments
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Adam T's avatar

There was a famous neurologist who did studies on brain aphasia, especially the right hemisphere and he met a man who could not recognize pictures as a whole. This man saw his own foot but couldn't recognize it as such. He once picked up his hat only to realize it was his wife's head. He survived his daily routines by humming songs the full day. When the humming stopped, it was like his brain shut down. I think such diseases or accidents tell us more about how brain functions than any "normal" and functioning brain.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Yes. Dr. Oliver Sacks. In fact, he saw a bit of my work.

Adam T's avatar

No way! There’s a strange moment where someone shaped you early stops feeling like someone who lived in time. Their work feels older than it is. Being reminded he was alive, practicing, meeting people and working on your case suddenly gives him a timeline and a body.

Dianne Moritz's avatar

Yes, Oliver Sacks. All his books are fascinating.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

I agree. He saw just a bit of my work shortly before he died.

Alana Sheeren's avatar

Gorgeous and terrible. Thank goodness your words have come back, so you can share them with us.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Thank you. I am grateful for your words.

Michelle Levy's avatar

You’re the model of triumph over adversity. Thanks for showing us what this looks and feels like. May you enjoy continued healing and publishing success!

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Thank you. I believe there are many models to learn from.

Ray Van Horn, Jr.'s avatar

Hilarious title, content, far more serious. You brave soldier, you.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

I'm glad you liked the title. Me, too. More of that on my own stack, if you'd like to look.

Ray Van Horn, Jr.'s avatar

And your bird pics are spectacular. RESPECT for your lens along with your writing resume.

Judith Amanda Sullivan's avatar

Very moving - thanks for sharing, Judith.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Thank you. I am grateful for your words.

Allieway's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing!!!! So much love to u !!!

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Thank you tons. Deep bow.

Dianne Moritz's avatar

Oh, how terrible. So happy your words are back. Also, hope you got a huge accident compensation.

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

I received no compensation. She was a drunk driver, without license or insurance, driving a stolen truck.

Jerry's avatar

Simply. You are my hero. Thanks for your words.

Ain Khan's avatar

What remarkable suffering you have returned from. I know very well the experience of a TBI. My mother is still under a year from her catastrophic accident and much of what you wrote, resonates. Also, the breathless and at times intentional back-and-forthness of the way you constructed sentences paints the inside workings of a TBI brain so, so well. Kudos to you and your resilient human spirit!

Elizabeth Marro's avatar

Another brilliant piece, Judith. Your wit slays me and I always see the world, people, and my own brain differently.

Jill CampbellMason's avatar

LOVE your tenacity and HUMOR.

I am grateful to you!

Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

I am deeply grateful for your words. I don't think of "suffering" in my case, but rather of rebuilding. I love the way you "get"/"got" the "breathless intentional back-and-forthness of the way I write.

Furry's avatar

I call my Christmas cactus Charlie

I think you are doing a superb job ⛄️🌲