Holly Springer is a three-time author and brain aneurysm survivor who rebuilt her life after being told it would be a tragedy. Springer continues to inspire others who have experienced brain injuries and other limitations life has thrown at them through her three memoirs. In her new memoir, “Waiting For Grace,” she discusses her mental and physical rebuilding post brain aneurysm and how her faith changed her life into a miracle. Springer reminds readers that life may not always be easy, but hard work and strong relationships can help build a full one. “Life is short and should not be taken for granted. The most influential advocate for your life is yourself,” Springer said. We had the fortunate opportunity to talk with Holly about her journey and what lessons it has brought to the table that we can all learn from.
We are so inspired by what you’ve survived. What exactly led you to write your story?
I wrote the book to further provide insight to my family and friends how I cope daily with the lingering effects of the brain aneurysm-now 15 years later. It has been a crazy journey of self-discovery and immense fortitude at times to exist in a world at odds with how I feel.
Tell us what having gone through such a transformational experience has done toward your general outlook on life?
I have learned to appreciate each day and each moment as I fully realize the fragileness of life. Each experience, be it up or down, I celebrate as it reminds me I am alive to do so. My acceptance of others has broadened as I now realize since I do not walk in their shoes, as they do not walk in mine, how they act or respond may be totally from a different plane that I can comprehend.
What are some of your thoughts for readers who may be going through a traumatic event, injury, or situation?
As the person, stay focused on your goals. Be kind to yourself. It is okay to be angry and experience self-pity for what has occurred. Just do not stay in those places long, or they will become your new environment and serve no purpose to making progress. You need to face that you no longer can do things-the same way. However, never give up exploring new ways to accomplish what you wish to do. It is hard work overcoming life-changing events. The light at the end of the tunnel may not be as you expected; however, it is there.
As a family member, take an active role in learning about what your loved one experienced or now lives with so you can guide them in their journey. My family reminds me that they love me, just the way I am, but they also will not allow me to sit passively. My family’s role was one of having “tough love” towards my recovery. They would not accept nor allow me to accept I would not recover nor thrive.
Tell us about personal strength and how much it took to recover from your brain aneurysm.
My doctors have told me that they sensed I was a perfectionist, and they felt that determination drove me throughout my recovery. I had never thought of myself as that; however, I do like things a certain way, and that included myself. I would listen to the prognosis from a doctor and then go home and say to myself-who says it has to be that way? Even the doctors would explain that although they could provide the medical rationale of any aftermath, they could not totally answer how I might recover, as I was my own advocate at recovery. All I can say is that recovering from any traumatic event takes an enormous amount of work, more than ever conceived, and to succeed, you will have to commit to it. However, only you can climb out of that hole. Others may have their hands out for you to grab and pull you up. However, unless you grab on, you will never get up.
Brain aneurysms can often be deadly-how and why do you think you may have survived yours?
There has been much speculation about this. One doctor felt my late husband pushed me back, as my being alive, let alone thriving is so far off the charts of what should have occurred. My heart had stopped twice, and by being in the care of doctors, it could be restarted. There were prayer chains for me, and I believe in the power of prayer and faith. Others tell me that knowing I was the last surviving parent for my children subconsciously drove me. Both of my children were adults at this stage, yet leaving them untethered to a parent may have been in my mind. I came out of the coma following my minister saying prayers and the 23rd Psalm, the first line of which is on my late husband’s memorial stone-you infer the significance I hold in that. I do not have an exact answer; however, I know I live life differently because I do not.
