The Long Run
My Son's Inspired Journey Through Traumatic Brain Injury

By Annette Whitlock

Route 222 South

On the night of June 13, 1999, everything changed for 18-year-old Jonathan Whitlock and his family. That's when wrapping his car around a telephone pole nearly took his life and "the long run" of recovery began. That was also the night that his mother began writing of the ordeal in her journal. Soon thereafter, she began writing email updates to family and friends. It is with this unique and heart-rending perspective that Jonathan's journey through a five-month coma and subsequent disability due to his brain injury is shared with the reader.

Sprinkled throughout the book are original paintings by Jonathan that reflect the different stages of recovery. Annette's love of music and the role it plays in her son's progress is also evident in the lyrics found throughout the book. So is the family's faith that shines through the darkness of despair and the tears of tragedy.

This is an intimate, unapologetically spiritual account with a clear message: Take whatever faith you have and allow it to help you navigate the trials of life with a greater hope, peace, and understanding, for "When we can get past the why and the when questions, peace of mind fills the spaces left behind in the heart and soul."





Browse Photos from the Book

Prologue

Jen & Marcus, 1998 Jonathan and his family before the accident

Part I: The Hospital

Self Portrait, 1999 Jonathan's wrecked car and friends visiting him in the hospital Jonathan in the hospital

Part II: The Nursing Home

Reflections, 2016

Family and friend Melissa visiting Jonathan in the nursing home

Jonathan in the nursing home

Part III: Coming Home

The Situation, 2000 Jonathan at home

Part IV: Home & Beyond

Self Portrait III, 2002

Jonathan working with his speech therapist

Jonathan working with his speech therapist Jonathan with friends and family

Working on standing with his physical therapist

Jonathan at home Jonathan at success rehab

Epilogue

Music & Art II, 2016

Art show at Red Raven

A sample of Jonathan's artwork Flyer for one of Jonathan's art showings

Visiting Southern Virginia University's art room (his alma mater) in 2015

Jonathan visiting his Southern Virginia University's art room (his alma mater) in 2015

Jonathan with his friend Leslie Daubert

Jonathan with his friend Leslie Daubert

Building a frame for "Discernment" with Karin Wengenroth

Building a frame for Discernment with Karin Wengenroth

Giving the artist talk at Southern Virginia University

Giving the artist talk at Southern Virginia University Family picture Jonathan's professional profile picture