In part two of this conversation, Erin and Amanda explore what it really means to redefine "normal" after a brain injury—both for their children and for the relationships that surround them. They share how life often evolves in real time, with adjustments happening moment by moment, from navigating sensory challenges to rethinking independence, clothing, and daily routines. The conversation highlights how small shifts—like offering structured choices or simplifying decisions—can open the door to more connection, confidence, and joy. Along the way, they reflect on the mutual grace required on both sides, as caregivers and survivors learn together. It's an honest, practical, and ultimately hopeful look at building a beautiful life within a new reality.

In this episode of Lights On (Part 1 of this convo), Erin and Amanda explore one of the hardest questions families face after traumatic brain injury: Who am I now?

When a brain injury changes a survivor's body, abilities, and future plans overnight, identity can feel shattered. Erin and Amanda talk about how survivors wrestle with labels like "TBI survivor," how physical changes and scars affect confidence, and why well-meaning comments like "you're so lucky" can miss the deeper grief survivors feel.

They also reflect on the delicate balance caregivers must walk between protecting their kids and being honest, learning when to encourage—and when to simply listen.

This conversation is a reminder that identity after brain injury isn't something you "get back." It's something survivors slowly rebuild.

#TBI #whoami #newnormal

In the second half, the conversation shifts into the realities of long-term partnership: neurodivergence, therapy, communication, and daily repair. MacKenzie and Eric talk candidly about ADHD traits, how understanding their brains helped them make sense of what "clicked" early on, and why therapy became a turning point. For Eric, navigating stigma and expectations around mental health was an additional challenge. They share what overstimulation can look like in real time, how they've learned to stay in hard conversations without "giving up," and why support has to be shared across a wider circle (not carried by one partner). The episode closes with grounded advice for partners, patience, keeping your voice, not becoming a caregiver, and gentle honesty about dating after TBI: hope matters, but so do boundaries, safety, and self-trust.