# @laurelyae on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DGPJXKZROTt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63387314-laurelyae-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/16347d991c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-02-19T01:53:28.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Laurel Yae (@laurelyae) — https://gondola.cc/laurelyae

## Caption

31.

This by far this was the hardest year of my life. So much heartache and heartbreak.  I’ve been feeling not known, appreciated, valued or loved. Being ignored, forgotten, talked over, and discarded is a constant battle. Unsure if my eyes will fully heal and if I’ll ever be able to see fully again.  I feel crushed, like I was supposed to die but I missed the memo.  My stuff was all packed away like everyone wished it as well. I’m unsure what life will look like now, with the sparkle gone. Most days I wish I just died.

Currently learning to speak up and share what I’m feeling. It’s brutal. So used to not sharing so that others won’t be bothered or upset. I feel like I’m being shoved back in a box.

So many people have disappeared in the mist of this accident. I expected so much more from these people.

Brain Injuries is like I’m being held under ice water. Wear a helmet, drive responsibly, and go to therapy. Please, I beg you. For your own safety and for everyone else.

My hope for this year is that I get some sparkle back. I hope my story can educate, soften hearts, and help others who are struggling with a brain injury. It’s so so so hard. Especially when you feel alone.

Some things I was told within the last month:
After sharing how I’m feeling: “How old are you? Just so you know we all have our own shit going on and the world doesn’t revolve around you.”
“Don’t feel like you have to respond, but how is Josh? Being with you, not being the person he married?”

I’m sorry I missed the memo.

#tbi #tbisurvivor #tbiawareness #tbirecovery #severetraumaticbraininjury #braininjury #braininjuryawareness #braininjurysurvivors #braininjury #traumaticbraininjury #traumaticbraininjurysurvivors

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 272
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 35

## Tags

traumaticbraininjurysurvivors, braininjuryawareness, tbiawareness, severetraumaticbraininjury, tbirecovery, traumaticbraininjury, braininjury, tbi, braininjurysurvivors, tbisurvivor

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