Water Crisis -My Impressions...

What would cause Americans to realize that there is a water crisis in the world happening right now? When we go to the sink and turn on the water, there it is! We don't have to struggle to find water. We don't have to walk miles to gather and carry our water. We have water and everyone we know in the world also has access to clean water. However, it is not that way everywhere in the world.  In parts of the world, water is in short supply. Clean drinking water that is readily available is in even shorter supply. The lack of, but need for water impacts every part of the lives of people who are in developing countries. The essential need for water causes women and girls to spend long days finding, carrying and bringing back water for their villages and tribes. They don't go to school and therefore are never educated. They risk their lives in order to find and transport water. It's a fact that in some places, ninety nine percent of the deaths can be attributed to lack of access to healthy clean water. Millions of people around the world today will spend long hours searching for water that I have waiting for me at home. I will never again take my water for granted or waste it, as I now know how lucky I am to have fresh, clean, water whenever I want it at my fingertips. 

Texting Abigail

http://www.classtools.net/SMS/92_bThM6g



This is my text conversation with Abigail about Richard and his recovery.

What is TBI-Traumatic Brain Injury?

TBI,or Traumatic Brain Injury, is a dangerous effect that can occur from a head trauma. According to the Center for Disease Control, the CDC, 1.7 million people  suffer a TBI each year and the results can be permanent disability or death. TBI can result from a fall, assault, car accident, and even  playing in a contact sport like football.When the head receives any kind of a serious hit, it can result in a TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury. This is the reason  why helmets are standard equipment for contact sports, riding a bicycle, snowboarding, skiing, and skateboarding or longboarding. A TBI can range from moderate to severe, and usually happens when someone  experiences a concussion. Protect your brain in any sport you play in and be sure to wear a helmet, too. You only get one brain and it's worth protecting!

Information sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/

Image source:
 http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/03/27/33741/size0-army.mil-33741-2009-03-31-070336.jpg

Freestyle Narrative Post-

Remember, a narrative tells a story. Today you will create your 'freestyle post' which means you can write about any personal story you would like. Follow the guide lines, have a strong topic sentence, supporting sentences and a closing sentence. You will write a 5-7 sentence well written Narrative Post.

Literary Concepts

Literary Examples:

Alliteration: Magnificient Marvelous Melodious Monday

Metaphor: Monday is a sled dog race on sand.

Simile: (like/as)

Monday is like iced coffee without ice.

Expository Writing-Instructing Abigail on How To Survive What Happened

          Going through the horrific accident and the results of living with a husband who now has a traumatic brain injury will not be easy. First, Abigail you need to be sure to take care of your own needs. It's easy to get lost in Richard's issues and forget to take care of your own life. You must be sure to get help for yourself from qualified professionals. Second, you need to create a new life for yourself, apart from your life with Richard. You have done this by buying that cottage in New York State and living with your dogs. You need to do more things that make you happy and keep you healthy. Third, you need to speak to other people who have gone through this and might have advice for you. Perhaps an on going support group will help you to deal with all the unknowns that will arise as Richard's Traumatic Brain Injury continues to affect him and you. Finally, as you come to terms with your new life keep documenting what you are learning in more books. Your knowledge and advice can help others who have just been faced with this event in their lives and are overwhelmed with the realities of where they now find themselves. As you move through this new journey, with Richard and by yourself, be sure to find the positive moments you both need to survive this new life. 

Narrative Paragraph-Richard's Posting

It happened so suddenly one minute I was walking the dog down the street and the next minute I was in a hospital and it was weeks later. They keep telling me stuff but I don't really understand things like I used to. My mind goes from understanding things one minute, to not even being able to think. When I see someone, whom I think I know, I get pictures in my mind, but not their names. What has happened to me? What has happened to my life. Snippets of time revolve in my brain. I am confused. I stare at things for long periods of time, and I don't even know why. I have no understanding of this new world where I find myself. I cannot leave this place because I cannot leave myself. I am trapped in this confusing, disoriented space where I now live and find myself. There is a door, perhaps it is a way out. My narrative doesn't even begin to explain how awful this space is where I am in New York one minute, and then with the woman who they call my wife and her dogs in a cottage the next minute. Nothing makes any sense and this maze continues to continue with dead ends at every corner.