What this man is trying to do is much like trying to live life with a brain injury.  He looks fairly normal; he is dressed for the day;  he is going about his daily routine; he is on the phone with a familiar voice; he is proceeding as if today is like any other day…

…but it’s not. Not for us, anyway.

Since our brain injuries, we habitually continue to place all our energy into forward motion, yet now, beneath us is a world moving against us… and in reverse. We still think that every step forward will get us to the top or at least get this backward motion to finally end. But life keeps coming at us. It is relentless and since we injured our heads, it seems to be beating us at this forward-backward motion.  For many of us, post-brain injury, the things that once sustained us and helped us survive our days – a kiss from and a conversation with our kids, a text from our husbands, wives, boyfriends or girlfriends, hugs and good chats with friends or colleagues – all of the things that once energized us and brought joy to us now seem to mistakenly exhaust us.

Every wondering – every thought – every decision – every action feels like trying to ‘go UP the down escalator.’

This site was created to give you hope, happiness and healing in the One who created all of life.  The One who promises immeasurably more than we could even think to ask for.  The One who will carry you to the top of the down escalator, when your own feet cannot.

“…for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances…”      Philippians 4:11

I firmly believe that God has a plan for our lives. He is the giver of free will and hope, not the creator of bad things. He is the knight in shining armor who arrives when the bad things have us backed into a corner.  Through this brain injury, He has slowed down my ability to achieve success in the exterior world, yet has in turn given me more quality time with my husband and children – a blessing in disguise. I am grateful for His intervention in my life. I am grateful for Him showing me the beauty in my breaking.

As many have mentored me along my path of experiencing the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is my prayer that tripping UP the DOWN escalator, will give you tools for yourself, your friends, and your family that will help you through your invisible crisis albeit TBI, MS, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, a Stroke or any other life-changing illness. Here you will find a place to bleed and a place to heal …in hopes that a collection of resources, inspiration, raw realities, humor, and plain old support will meet your needs. 

Any way you slice it, please know that this new path can be a blessing. Yes, it is a blessing well disguised, but it can be a blessing nonetheless. One of my favorite Bible verses (well…you’ll find I have a lot of favorites :)… comes from a section in the New Testament in Philippians 4.  Most interestingly it is subtitled, God’s Provision.  It is my deepest hope that what you will find embedded in this site, is His provision for YOU, no matter your circumstances.

  “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly… Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

*my life is nothing without Him…my purpose has not changed…just my angle*

 listening link ~ home page... click here to listen to the above article…

*This document is the sole property of L. Marie Drake © 2017.  Permission granted for printing copies of this page on the basis they are not used for personal profit or any financial gain. Thank you.*

This site is always under construction as the world of brain injury discovers new things each day…  and so do I!