Greetings

My husband and I were talking the other day about what it means to be an adult. It seems that now at 27 we are finally figuring that out. I hope to use this blog as an outlet for all of my true feelings and experiences. I haven't yet decided if I'll even tell anyone about it,  I'll decide that later.

"A Life Before Me"...what does that mean? Its first definition regards my parents and their life before me. As children you think you are everything our parents ever had, but as I've gotten older I realize that they had a life before me. They were children too and had all kinds of life experiences, good and bad. Its second definition is in regards to my life, now and what lies ahead. 

I plan on doing a lot of writing here. My first major topic is my dad, Dan Jones. My dad suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was in a terrible car accident on January 21, 1973. These are the details I have always known:

• He and three friends were hit by a drunk driver.
• He was in a coma for 67 days.
• He had to re-learn life.

I am eager to learn all the details about this heartbreaking period in my family's life. How amazing though that through this hardship comes joy. My dad was obliviously never the same, but he was blessed enough to have me, therefore having the three best grandbabies in the world! :)

My grandpa gave me a box today of all the stuff he and my grandma saved from my dad's accident. Reading the contents has been a very eye opening and emotional experience. I plan on writing out my grandma's journal entries and sharing the sweet, compassionate and caring letters and notes that were given to my grandparents and dad.

"May the wings of happiness never lose a feather.

March 5th, 1973

Dear Danny,

I am a sixth grade student at St. Joesph school, my name in care you were wondering who I am is Cathy Valverde. I heard what happened and I feel sorry for you and hope you will feel better. I will remember you in my prayers. My your voyage through life be as happy and free as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea.

Your Friend,
Cathy Valverde"

Reading his letters and my grandma's journal entries has made me laugh and cry. I am really looking forward to recording such amazing history.