Emails from the heart

After I speak I receive emails from students who connect with the message. This is one that stayed with me.

Hello Mr. Presnell.
My name is Jenna. Yesterday you came to my school, Cascade High, and you spoke to us. Your story is incredible. I was in tears when I was listening to it. I walked up to you with 2 of my friends, one who told you her poem about her aunt. I couldn't talk to you because I was so moved, my throat was closed.

I have a story like yours, but not as hard as yours. I have 3 diseases and will be blind in 2 years. When you talked about how painful it is to stay in one place for a long time, I knew what you meant. It hurts me to stay still. i have to constantly change the way I am sitting or standing due to the pain. I have been in and out of the hospital since I was born. It is extremely painful when your "friends" stop being around you because you aren't "normal".

I think everyone deserves a friend no matter what.

One of my best friends older brother was brain dead, and i helped take care of him until he passes away in 2007. I'm sorry if I'm just rambling, but I would like to talk to you more and be your friend. I think you are a true inspration and a true, honest hero.

I've sent your video telling your story to many of my friends in Louisiana. Thank you for never giving up and just saying "I quit" when life threw you a tough one. It gives me more strength to never give up when i lose my sight.

Thank you soo much.

Jenna

Washington D.C. pictures: Me!

Sightseeing after speaking to Congress.

After speaking to Congress we did a little site seeing.

Washington D.C. pictures: relaxing

Between speaking to Congress and the media we had time to relax.

Our favorite spot we found was on the rooftop of The W Hotel.

Wasington D.C. pictures: speaking

I am still new to this blog thing and couldn't figure out how to upload the pictures for my last post. I hope you enjoy them!

Tyler

Washington DC

A short while ago I was at home relaxing and received an invitiation to fly out and speak in Washington D.C. to both members of Congress and Senate. It got me pretty excited. Even more so when I found out that the speaking was going to take place in the Capitol building. My girlfriend, Tai, was even able to come with. My brain injury makes me feel lost each day so having her around during that trip was definitely needed. The thought of us being a part of the Safe Roads for Teens coalition was defintiely a huge part of the excitement. I had been on a mission for years prior trying to spread the word about driving safe. In fact, I made that my full time job so my name getting noticed across the country made me feel like I was doing the right thing. The flight over was smooth. Tai and I put a movie on and passed out. It felt like we were there in minutes. I've always hated flying commercial airlines. In 2006 I was a huge skydiver so now flying without a parachute sorta freaks me out. My shirts are drenched in sweat each time. Not Cool!!!

The first night was nice and relaxing. The next day we were on a mission to explore life in Washington D.C. I learned this very quikly... Horrible Drivers!!! I'm pretty sure most of us think that the drivers from outside of our areas usually aren't as good. Our favorite spot we found was on the rooftop of The W Hotel. The view was amazing. It overlooked each monument with The White House being the closest. It was literally the building just to the left. Tai and I felt like we should have been signing autographs while sitting up there on our red leather couch. We definitely recommend checking that spot out when you visit.

The day of speaking went as smooth as the plane ride over with everything going as planned. I laughed to myself as they called my name up to the podium. It was my first time speaking to a group with more cameras in the audience than people. I forgot that I was speaking at a press conference. I had never spoken at one before. That moment put more motivation in me to do what I love.

When I died at 14 and was given another shot at life, I didn't really know how to appreciate it. I was far too mentally challenged from my traumatic brain injury to even know what was going on. When my life was barely saved on an operating table at 23, I felt everything. I forget most everything in life but I'll never forget that night.

Alright, I'm rambling... :) That's the brain injury coming out. I won't post something this early that goes twenty different directions. Enjoy the pictures!

Tyler Presnell

Tyler Presnell Speaks

Along with the people I thanked in the video I would aslo like to thank Greg Sherlock, Nancy Chaffin (A Life Interrupted), Nancy Carpenter and anyone else who has helped me get started. Thank you!!!!

I'm hoping for feedback from all of my lil homies! I would actually like feedback from anyone willing to give it. Dont hesitate following me either... I'll try and update this on a regular basis. Come catch a glimpse of my random/crazy/painful/fun/meaningful adventures.

Thank you,

Tyler

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