Matthew Finds Healing in Nature

Matthew Granberg thought a lot about returning home when he fought in recent conflicts. Finally he returned to Colorado and faced changes in his life he could not have imagined. Exposed to several IED blasts, the 20-year military man began experiencing all the classic signs of traumatic brain injury (TBI). His headaches, difficulty concentrating and high levels of stress exacted a toll that eventually ended his marriage. Matthew wanted to sell his house, but the real estate slump forced a short sale. His career ended in disability, and he needed to take stock.

“I called Operation TBI Freedom not certain what the program could provide,” Matthew said. “Donya Blair, my care coordinator, was a huge help. She provided information on resources, but most importantly she listened.”

Like many people in transition, Matthew slowly came to the conclusion that trying to hang on to the life he once had “felt like riding a sinking ship.” He took a trip up to Fort Smith, Montana, a remote area near the tip of the Big Horn Mountains. The experience reminded him that nature heals. He found peace in fly fishing, watching the stars and letting go of long-held frustrations.

When Matthew returned home to Colorado Springs, he decided to build his own boat. He found a kit in Boulder for the model that best suited the fishing life. He built the boat in his Colorado Springs garage. As soon as he had the opportunity, he returned to Fort Smith with his drift boat and realized he had come to a place a healing. He decided to work toward making Fort Smith his permanent home.

The opportunity to become a fly fishing guide turned the hope into a reality. “Being in nature relaxes me. When I’m on the water, all my problems disappear.” As a guide, Matthew has to push through headaches and fatigue to meet the needs of his clients. On occasion he has to reschedule a trip, though that happens rarely.

Donya offered may practical options to help Matthew remain independent despite his TBI. A new GPS system provided the navigation support he needed. When it was clear it would be impossible to keep his house, Donya helped him find a resource to set up a short sale. A new computer and camera provided through Operation TBI Freedom provided tools for his new trade.

“I’m still adapting to all the changes in my life. I’m going back to Colorado Springs because my health care there is established. I will be spending more time in Fort Smith and making it my permanent home. I am able to live right in the Cottonwood Campgrounds where and I’m getting to know the people of Fort Smith,” Matthew explained.

“I can’t say enough about Operation TBI Freedom and the importance of Donya’s support as I made all of these changes. She empowered me, gave me courage and found real solutions to the problems I faced. I feel much more confident than I did a year ago. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity.”

For Matthew, the valleys that stretch between mountain ranges and the rivers that snake through the untamed landscape come together to create a setting that provides not only healing but the promise of a rich future. “Operation TBI Freedom helped me see new possibilities in my life as I adjusted to the changes brought on by my disabilities. I’m still healing and still learning. The help I received from Donya has been critical in my ability to move forward.”
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