Katie Brinson's Silly Take on Surviving a Near-Death Experience

Katie Brinson, a verified Facebook user, recently shared a heartfelt yet humorous post about her harrowing experience of almost dying in 2022. The incident occurred when a 100lb solid wood beam from her gazebo collapsed and struck her head. Katie’s husband quickly called 911, and the ambulance rushed her to a trauma center, where she underwent emergency treatment.

The injuries were severe: Katie received 17 staples in her head, about 10 stitches, and was left with a scar on her forehead. Her teeth were busted and had to be fixed by a trauma dentist, and she suffered from a swollen forehead that gave her the appearance of a cartoon character. Katie also had black eyes, and injuries to her arm, neck, and wrist. The doctor had to cut a large chunk of her hair down to the scalp to place the staples, a look she humorously refers to as her "Britney Spears Hair."

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Katie maintains a positive outlook. She cannot turn her head fully to the left, making her reliant on sideview mirrors while driving to avoid swerving off the road. Additionally, she sustained a Grade 3 concussion and moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), resulting in a small cyst on her brain. The TBI has led to memory loss and processing mixups, making everyday tasks challenging. Katie shared a relatable moment where she confused words, asking her kids to "sweep the trash" instead of "sweep the floor."

Katie’s post resonated with many, including a user who recounted their own struggles with word recall, comparing their memory to Swiss cheese with moving holes. Another user mentioned their wife, who is a non-native English speaker, creating their own unique words, which they consider a language of love. The post also drew support from individuals who have experienced TBIs or have loved ones affected by such injuries. A commenter from the UK shared that their wife suffers from stroke fatigue and that taking naps helps manage the tiredness.

Humor is a significant coping mechanism for Katie. She candidly shared that reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to her twins shortly after her recovery was a struggle, marking the challenges she continues to face. Despite the difficulties, Katie’s ability to find humor and maintain a positive attitude has inspired many, earning her comments like "Tiny octopus thinks you're amazing and he wishes you all the success."

Katie Brinson’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of humor in overcoming life’s adversities. Her journey has not only highlighted the realities of living with a TBI but also the importance of finding laughter even in the darkest times.