Navigating Life with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prayer Update for Melanie

March Holidays

Hello Prayer Partners!

It is with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability that we reach out to you today for our bi-monthly family update. We hope this message finds you well and filled with the grace of God! Today, we want to shed some light on a significant aspect of our lives - the journey of my dear wife, Melanie, as she bravely navigates life with traumatic brain injury.

In December 2015, our lives took an unexpected turn when we were involved in a car accident while Melanie was eight months pregnant with our son, David. The aftermath of the accident left Melanie with a myriad of health challenges, including a shifted jaw resulting in an open bite, cervical pain, migraines, and more. When David was born, Melanie was unusually tired and forgetful, but doctors said it was “new mommy brain.”  When her conditions continued, she was sent to a sleep clinic and found she had sleep apnea, so her brain challenges were assumed to be connected with poor sleep. Despite getting medical help, her symptoms persisted, and it wasn't until 2022 that she was diagnosed with PTSD and post-concussion syndrome. Subsequently, in 2023, a neurologist confirmed the presence of traumatic brain injury.

At a recent Birthday Party!

What does this diagnosis mean for Melanie? It means that she has about 2-3 hours of functional capacity each day. For instance, Melanie dedicates her energy to welcoming people at church on Sundays, but after interacting with 80-100 individuals, she is left drained, often spending the remainder of the day in bed battling migraines and fatigue.

Social events or noisy environments are particularly challenging for Melanie. For example, Melanie does a FANTASTIC job at taking attendance for our children's outreach program, but she immediately retreats to my office when the event begins with loud and excited children! Despite the challenges of noisy environments, Melanie still shines bright in her roles! As a Pastoral family, we are thrilled to be invited to special events but Melanie prepares all day to be able to spend a couple hours out at night celebrating others.

Melanie's condition has naturally reshaped the dynamics of our daily life. We have adapted our weekly date nights to having a lunch date that is quieter and where I contain my stories to lower levels of excitement or details. We are also pursuing Brain Injury counseling twice a month to navigate the complexities of living with a brain injury. It is in these moments of vulnerability and resilience that God's love continues to shine brightly in our marriage!

Zip-lining on our March Holidays

Simple tasks that were once taken for granted now require careful planning and consideration. Melanie has a Brain Injury support worker who comes once a week to help her make a meal plan or accomplish various tasks that have now become overwhelming for her. Nonetheless, Melanie's unwavering spirit inspire us daily! She is a fantastic wife and a marvelous mom! We love her deeply! ❤️

As we continue on this journey, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. Your prayers are a source of strength and comfort for us, knowing that we are upheld by a community of love and faith! Please pray for Melanie's healing, for moments of respite amidst the daily struggles, and for wisdom as we seek the best possible care and resources to support her on this journey.

We are immensely grateful for your support and prayers! Your presence in our lives is a testament to the boundless love of God! May we continue to walk this path together, leaning on each other and lifting each other up in prayer and love! You mean the world to us! ❤️

Thank you for being a part of our lives and for journeying with us through the highs and lows. Your prayers are a beacon of hope that lights our way!

Until we meet again, or Jesus returns,

Love,  

Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, David Styles