My name is Chris Cochran, and I was supposed to be here last year. But on January 2, 1997, I was in a terrible car accident. I totaled my dad's old Explorer, and almost myself. I had a Traumatic Brain Injury. It is the most catastrophic thing that had ever happened to me. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined anything that could change my life like this has. But today I am finally here and I am graduating!
The first thing after the accident that I remember is being awake, but not being able to move or talk right. When I was in the hospital, not many people could understand me. But once I was home, not only could more people understand me, but more people were willing and eager to listen to me.
I had to re-learn so many of the little things that most of you take for granted, such as eating, and even chewing. My big step, of course, is learning to walk again, because it gives me a source of independence. And today, I am graduating!
Throughout my recovery, I have been a part of many intriguing worlds. My first world was the hospital. I remember that although the hospital helped me a lot, it was a hell-hole.
My next and present world is my home, school, family, and friends. I also have a world in the Unitarian church in Ann Arbor, where I am supported by friends and their prayers. And today, I am graduating!
On my path to recovery, there have been many people who have helped me. I would like to publicly thank all of the people who have helped and stood by me since day one. Unfortunately, there are too many people to thank them all today. However, I would like to thank the people who are here today to celebrate with me.
These people include my family, my aunts and uncle, my cousins, Frances Wright-Johnson, Tim Formigan, Kay Morrison, and all the kids and staff at Clonlara. Thank you everyone! I will never forget all you've done -- And with my short- term memory loss, that says a lot!
AND TODAY I AM GRADUATING! AND THIS IS MY COMMENCEMENT!!
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