Thanking the people in your life who have helped you develop into the person you are can be very difficult. You do not want to forget anyone and are just sure that you will no matter how hard you try. I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband, Dr Skip Grubb, for his infinite patience and love. He has been my rock for 25 years through an accident that resulted in my traumatic brain injury and lingering deficits—including a personality change. He likes to tell people he has been married to two different women with the same name. You have to love him! My parents, James and Fannie Hemby, are where my story begins. They taught me that hard work and perseverance can get you a long way. I am fortunate to still have both parents. My dad thinks my inability to control what I think and say is humorous. Brain injuries often take away your governor, that device that resembles the brake in your car. For me, if I think it, I say it—no governor between the brain and the mouth. I’m glad James Hemby thinks I’m funny. He’s my dad, so what he thinks should matter. My son, Matthew, and his sweet family—his wife, Kaiti, and my three grandsons—Benson, Cash, and Tucker, to whom I am GiGi—are my life’s greatest blessings.
Finally, I would like to thank my students. I may not be able to remember every name, but I have your faces in my memory. I often wonder where you are and how you are faring. You have taught me more than you know. I wish I could list each of you here because you deserve recognition for the smiles, grimaces, laughter, groans, and a few choice words that you brought to me or brought out in me! I believe you are all out there conquering the world and hope that you truly succeed or have succeeded in whatever you chose to do with your life.