When Brian got behind the wheel of his brand-new Kia Seltos last week, it wasn’t just about driving, it was about reclaiming a piece of independence he’d worked toward for nearly five years.
Brian had been driving for 32 years before his life changed in an instant. In 2020, just as the world was preparing to shut down for COVID, Brian suffered a stroke. He spent the early days of the pandemic in the hospital, fighting not only for his health but for the everyday freedoms so many of us take for granted.
After his initial recovery, Brian joined Living Resources’ Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program, where he continued working toward his personal goals while building meaningful friendships with others who understood his journey. His determination and positive outlook also led him to become a valued Living Resources Board Member, a role he takes great pride in. Now that he’s driving again, Brian is especially excited to attend more board meetings and community events in person.
Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital helped Brian regain strength and relearn physical skills, and two and a half years ago, he decided to test his driving aptitude. “I passed the cognitive part, but not the physical part, reflexes, muscle control. During my first test, I had a tendency to drift to the left,” he recalls. But Brian never gave up. “Everything I’ve done since my stroke, it’s been little steps that have given me a sense of accomplishment along the way. I didn’t set too lofty of a goal. If I set a big goal and didn’t hit it, I would have been disappointed. I set little goals and kept hitting them.”
Last week, those steps added up to a major milestone, Brian passed his driver’s aptitude test. The smile on his face as he picked up his Kia Seltos said it all. “I feel excited, proud,” he shared. These days, Brian loves the simple joy of driving, whether it’s heading to appointments or just hitting the open road for a taste of freedom.
Brian’s journey is a reminder that independence often comes in small victories, and when you have the right support and determination, even the biggest goals are within reach.
