My name is Patina Malinalli… I am a new author planning to publish a book by the fall of 2022 about traumatic brain injury! If you are single, female, a serving in the armed forces (whether you are a recruit, active duty, or a veteran) and you love horses; this is a book for you. I will be honest upfront – I am not in the military myself. I’m was inspired to write for you though because I know you face more challenges than I do and your bravery is crucial to our battle for freedom. I sustained my traumatic brain injury in a car accident. I realize that the symptoms and challenges I face are not necessarily similar to what you are facing; but I do know what it is like to not be able to do everything I used to be able to do at the same level as I could before – like horseback riding to some extent.
I used to start young horses from scratch – when they were weaned, they spent a couple years in a field doing nothing. Then, people like me would catch them one day and start groundwork – acquainting the horse with being groomed and starting her (I usually was responsible for fillies – the young girls) on a regular work schedule in addition to my own horse. This was a privilege – not everyone got to do it & it allowed me to gain extensive experience in equine care. This was a dressage farm – the sport of dressage originated in Europe, yes; but also with the US Calvary.
In case you are not sure, NASB is the New American Standard Bible.
I am reminded of this passage – Job 39:19-25 (NASB).
“Do you give the horse his might?
Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
“Do you make him leap like the locust?
His majestic snorting is terrible.
“He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength;
He goes out to meet the weapons.
“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed;
And he does not turn back from the sword.
“The quiver rattles against him,
The flashing spear and javelin.
“With shaking and rage he races over the ground,
And he does not stand still at the voice of the trumpet.
As often as the trumpet sounds he says, ‘Aha!’
And he scents the battle from afar,
And the thunder of the captains and the war cry.
Although I have issues with my short-term memory, it does not completely incapacitate me; just as the challenges you may face do not mean you are completely incompetent. We have to do some things differently and address some situations from a different perspective.
Another passage I find greatly inspiring is Psalms 33:18-22 (NASB):
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.”
I also find Psalm 13:1-6 comforting:
“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Please feel free to follow my blog! If you have a traumatic brain injury and have a story to share, I would be happy to listen.
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