It’s 4 a.m., it’s dark, and I’m having trouble sleeping. Eighteen weeks ago I dropped out of sight. “Overboard!” I cried. My head was fuzzy. My shoulder hurt. I bobbed around in the dark waters. As the ship sailed away, they dispatched a mediator to check on my situation. “Ms. Gulens, how are you feeling?” … Continue reading When Life of Pi saved me
Author: maragulens
Home, milestones, ping
When I return home, it’s all about directives. The occupational therapist at the hospital told me to use my bed only for sleeping. Although the trip downstairs is hell, I follow orders and head to the dining room for meals. One day, I reveal to my sister that the fall must have affected the way … Continue reading Home, milestones, ping
The accident
The first day I didn’t ride in to work was Bike to Work Day. That’s when thousands of cyclists from the east, west and north of Toronto converge at Bloor and Yonge, ride together in a long, happy mass down Yonge Street and end up at City Hall for a free pancake breakfast. Instead, I … Continue reading The accident
Postcard from my brain
Mara didn’t really pay me much attention before the accident. Then, at 4:30 AM, a week after she returned home from hospital, she scribbled in her notebook I want my brain back. Vindication! Never mind the Although, also, secret, I think it’s all too much. Her words were gold. I was not, as she correctly ascertained, completely there. … Continue reading Postcard from my brain
Postcards from my brain 