-{"Are we Victims or SURVIVORS?" by Kimberly Endicott, Survivorgrrl}-

Are We Victims or SURVIVORS?

Victims are weak and beaten.
Victims do not speak up
against the injustices committed against them.
Victims listen to the doctors,
the well meaning friends,
the total strangers,
when they are told "You will never regain what you lost"
when they are told "You will never fully heal"
or "You don't have to try to be normal, you will never be",
or "You should just give up".
Victims tolerate the stares, the smirks,
and the unkind words
said behind their back and to their face.
Victims do not fight back..
Victims believe what they are told,
and they don't try to prove them wrong.
Victims will eventually give up
on themselves,
on healing
and on living.
Victims die from the knowledge of their injuries
and from the sheer terror of living.

Survivors are strong and independent.
Survivors have an inner strength that is unbreakable.
Survivors speak up against the injustices.
Survivors speak up to continue living.
Survivors do not listen to the harsh words,
and the "professionals" prognosis.
Survivors say to those who doubt a full recovery
"I WILL SURVIVE, I WILL PROVE YOU ALL WRONG!"
"I WILL NOT GIVE UP!"
and "I WILL HAVE AS NORMAL LIFE AS POSSIBLE!"
Survivors fight back.
Survivors live on simply because they realize
life is precious
life is too short
and life is worth living.
Survivors live with their injuries
Survivors use what they have to have a better life
Survivors live on to be a better person.
Survivors live on in spite of their injuries,
short comings, and failures.
SURVIVORS SIMPLY SURVIVE

Which are you, a dying victim or a fighting SURVIVOR? Which would you rather be? It is a matter of choice for all of us, whether you have a TBI, or not, that is the one common thread with all of humanity. Some time in each of our lives, we face an obstacle in life, and we choose to be a victim of the obstacle or a survivor. Survivors unknowingly gather strength from the obstacles they face in life. Victims are broken down by the obstacles. Being a survivor is a constant struggle, but it is really the only choice you can make.

It is a matter of choice!
Now, ask yourself, "Am I a victim or a SURVIVOR?"

I AM A SURVIVOR!