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A Life Marked By Milestones — And Hope

August 1957: Born.

June 1975: Graduated High School.
April 1981: Graduated College.
September 1983: Married.
March 1988: Became a father.
September 1989: Had my last alcoholic drink with a 12-step program.

I am a third-generation Licensed Professional Indiana Land Surveyor. I have been married for 42 years. My spouse has not divorced me, as is common in our situations. We have a son who is 37 years old.

I have an Acquired Brain Injury. Because of that, I have never been accused of faking my brain injury, and I have not lost family like many others have. I sleep. Sleep is a common problem with brain injuries. I do not suffer from PTSD, which I am grateful for.

Then came January 2016.

On January 10, 2016, my wife took me to the E.R. after two days of vomiting and horrible balance. On January 12, I lost my ability to swallow. I could not walk. I could not eat. I was diagnosed with Brain Stem Encephalitis.

I was confused. A feeding tube was surgically placed before they would transfer me to in-patient rehabilitation after 11 days. I was in the in-patient facility another 13 days before I was released home. We hired someone to continue out-patient rehab, drive me to doctors’ appointments and to work so my wife could continue working as well.

September 2016: Had throat surgery so I could swallow again.
December 2016: Feeding tube removed and surgery to repair a hernia.
April 2018: Sold half ownership in our 103-year-old family business.
October 2018: Attended my first local brain injury support group.
January 2021: Retired due to COVID-19.
January 2023: Found the BIHN Facebook Group.
January 2026: Ten-year anniversary of my brain injury.

We are not alone. No one faces a dilemma by themselves.

I believe there are no coincidences in life. Everything has a reason. We often do not know the reason, but life happens.

One has to have gratitude in their life. Someone is worse off than you. There are many things to be thankful for.

No one is perfect. I strive for progress, not perfection.

It is my desire to be a better husband.
It is my desire to be a better father.
It is my desire to be a better brother.
It is my desire to be a better advocate for brain injury.
It is my desire to be a better person.

I try my very best. And if it is not good, I will try again tomorrow.

I do not know what my path is. I have faith that I will be shown that path, and others will help, like they have done for 68 years.

I have HOPE.

 Submitted by Hans Hofer 

Comments

  1. BGFebruary 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM

    Awesome to get to know you better, Hans! You are a champion!
    All the best!
    Barb George

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hans HoferFebruary 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM

    Thanks Barb,
    I enjoyed also getting to know you better by your blog.
    I wanted to join everyone on Monday via Zoom, but my wife got a new hip a week ago yesterday. I’ve been kinda busy!
    A’s Arnold says “I’ll be back”

    ReplyDelete

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