Companionship of a Different Kind

Happy National Dog Day!!!
In my struggle with this concussion, my dogs have been a vital support for me. As I spent months home alone unable to be around any of my friends, it was very lonely. My family had one dog, Cassie, who was a very sweet, calm old lady. But I needed some energy in my life so we decided to get another dog.
We adopted a shelter puppy named Alvin. Alvin and Cassie spent their days together wrestling and cuddling with me. Unfortunately at the age of 13, Cassie did pass away a year after we got Alvin.
But Alvin has a level of companionship with me that is incredible. The two of us are inseparable and he has gotten me through some of my darkest days.
Animals are the most  sympathetic and loving creatures. They are never too busy hanging out with friends, doing school work or playing sports to stop by and say hi.
They will always be there for you in your time of need.
 I love you Cassie and Alvin!!!

Alvin and I

Alvin on the Left and Cassie on the Right

Alvin on the Left and Cassie on the Right

Dogs

Finding Friendships that will Last

One of the most important factors that I have needed in my journey with this concussion is a great group of friends to support me. It took a really long time to figure out that a lot of people I wanted to have in that group, unfortunately, did not want to be there . But there are those few people whom I know are there for me and have been an amazing support to me.

When I first found out I had the concussion, I texted all my close friends and told them that I was gonna be out school and I would love to see and hear from them. Unfortunately all my friends were understandably busy with school, sports and the social life of high school which I completely understand. The problem was, I slipped through the cracks.

I was at home for 3 months solid before I made my first attempt at going back to school. When I got to school, I got some warm welcomes and caught up with some of my friends. But for others, I was given the cold shoulder. Some of my friends had moved on without me. They felt they didn't have the time to be there for me in my hardest struggle and I was told to my face that I was no longer their friend.

I also received hurtful comments that I'm sure were never intended to hurt me. But they did. Some one said "oh Alyssa I thought you moved to a different school." It was devastating knowing that so many people I had previously called my friends did not have the time to reach out to me in my time of need. I felt invisible.

Unfortunately for that whole school year , I only had one friend come visit me once. It was really hard for me to see my friends continue on with life at a pace that I couldn't. Most didn't or couldn't be there for me and I have to say that that was probably the best thing that could have happened.

I began to develop new friends. Friends I have things in common with. One good friend of mine suffers with a migraine disorder. Another friend that I have become close with also suffered with a concussion for a long time like me. All these new friends I have made all have similar experiences of dealing with issues you can't see on the outside. My new friends have the same compassion for problems that go beyond the surface.

This concussion has kind of been a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to truly test all of my friendships. The true depths of a relationship can only be revealed during the challenges of life. So I would like to say thank you to those who left me in my time of need. I know what it is like to be turned away and I am a better person with better friends because of it now.