Where Did I Go? by Francene Gillis

In Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis, the author tells her story of the arduous years and months that followed a tragic accident--a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work as a high school English teacher that caused a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the symptoms of which lasted many years. Francene shares her story of the uphill battle that ensued in the hunt for the right treatments and providers at a time when the simplest task was nearly impossible due to the 'hidden' injury she suffered. It’s a story related to post concussion, post traumatic stress disorder, and what can happen when the unexpected crashes in and life takes you on a sliding, downward trajectory. Her symptoms were very real, from severe balance issues and brain fog, to speech impairment and more. Along with being a teacher, Francene was also a regular columnist for her local paper, both of which came to a halt following her injury. As she slowly regained the ability to focus for short periods of time, she began writing her story in the hope that she could help those with brain trauma and other 'hidden' injuries by sharing her research and others' stories of resilience and perseverance. The book holds seven stories plus hers to inspire those fighting battles relating to health, injury, or loss, and while raw and difficult to read at times it shows how mindset, support, and the right treatment is imperative to recovery.