The following guest column is contributed by Orillia’s Jenna Lawson, who hopes her story can inspire others to overcome life’s challenges.
My name is Jenna Lawson. I am an artist in Orillia.
But I was not always an artist. Previously, I used to run group homes for a local company.
Eight years ago, I was involved in a fatal car accident. I was hit by a lady who was texting and driving. I was stopped at a red light on a highway and she hit me (police later said) while driving at about 90 kilometres an hour.
I sustained three sprains in my spine, shattered bottom teeth on the left side which they eventually rebuilt, my eyes went in different directions and suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me with three different areas of my brain damaged (frontal left mostly, but also right temporal and both amygdaloids). This was confirmed by a SPEC scan. This did not include my post-traumatic stress disorder and all the psychological issues; I saw her coming in my review mirror when she hit me.
My rehabilitation has been a long process made possible through a lot of love and support from others.
I had to re-learn many “basics,” such as cooking, grocery shopping and so much more. I found through this that neuro plasticity allows for the neurons to re-create pathways, allowing us to relearn anything. It is harder for me, but I still can!
Within my time of rehabilitation, I was having a lot of trouble with speaking. I have aphasia, which makes it difficult for me to express the words that are in my head. The doctors (and rehab team) told me to start drawing to express myself.
I tried, but couldn’t draw very well. So, I started to paint and I felt emotions start to flood out of me. Painting has given me a way to express my feelings and emotions and people seem to be able to feel this through my paintings.
Recently, I started to sell some of my paintings at the Orillia Farmers’ Market.
I have had an outpouring of love and support from the community. Orillia has such an incredibly talented artistic community! They have gladly opened their arms to my painting, style and myself, in general. They accept my disability related to my traumatic brain injury without hesitation!
I intend to be at the farmers’ market every other weekend; my second time is today (Saturday).
I was also approached by a local gallery, Hibernation Arts Gallery. I am excited about this and start in April!
I am thrilled that I have started my journey with the Peter Street Arts District of Orillia. There couldn’t of been a better spot for me to create!
I have already made a few great connections within Orillia.
My take on all of this is never give up. Keep on keeping on and stay positive, even when the negative gets you down.
You can check out Jenna Lawson’s work on Instagram (BohoRoseCreations) or Facebook: Boho Rose Creations
