Third year Day 170 - Sunday June 1, 2014

This morning before church, I talked to Bridgett about something a therapist told me long ago regarding TBI.  She said, Bridgett still has all of the information in her brain that she used to have, she just can't access it well.  She said to think back to the old library card catalog drawers.  If someone dumped them all out on the ground (there'd be LOTS of them), and then asked you to find a certain card, would it be hard to do?  Yes, and that is a somewhat simplified explanation of what has happened to Bridgett's brain (and everyone else whose had a severe TBI).  So, she is in the process of reorganizing all of those cards, to get them back in a place where she can find them again.  This takes time.  So, Bridgett and I talked about this.  She understand the concept, although I'm not sure if she can picture the card catalog boxes:)  We went to church today and had an amazing day.  Today was fast Sunday, and right away Bridgett turned to me and asked if she could go up and bear her testimony.  I told her to ask her dad (she was sitting between us).  I wanted to make sure that he approved so he wouldn't say later, why did you let her do that!  Anyway, he said that would be nice and then I panicked and thought, I will just lose it and sob while on the stand with her, so I told her to ask Mark to go up with her, which he did.  When it was her turn, she got up very composedly and greeted everyone and then bore her testimony.  It was amazing!  I was so happy and I was trying very hard not to sob out loud so that everyone would hear me (including Bridgett).  She looked beautiful up there and my heart was so full!  Afterwards, Mark bore his testimony and then they both came back.  My heart had been racing and I had been crying, but I hugged her and I was so proud of her.  Later on I got up as well, after I was more composed.  After the meeting Bridgett wanted to speak to Alicia Stanfill.  Actually during the meeting she said to me, see that women in a red jacket?  That's Sister Stanfill, I can tell from the back.  Sister Stanfill was Bridgett's seminary teacher for two years.  Anyway, Bridgett feels a special closeness with her.  They spoke for a few minutes, and then Bridgett said, I'll see you next week.  Alicia said, oh Bridgett, next week Vern and I will be in Billings (he's an area rep now), but let's do this.  I will think about you and you think about me on next Sunday, OK?  Bridgett was excited and said OK.  We told Mark and the kids later that day.  Bridgett was really excited about it.