Author aims to inspire with book about life with a brain injury

Walking through a dark tunnel towards a bright yellow light, Peter Lawryniuk of Cambridge remembers a deep voice calling his name. At the opposite end, his parents calling for their son. He turns around and runs back into their arms.

This is what Lawryniuk remembers from his near-death experience.

Lawryniuk, a musician, community volunteer and now author, is passionate about sharing his personal story about life with a brain injury through his first book, Miracles, My Life’s Journey.  

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Lawryniuk said. “I want to share my story and hope it helps others to not give up on life, to inspire them to think positive. You can do anything you put your mind to. Never give up when times are tough because miracles do happen. I lived.”

When he was just seven years old, Lawryniuk and a friend hopped on their bikes, and headed to a local store. Riding through a stop sign at the intersection of Franklin Boulevard. and Edward Streeet, he collided with an oncoming car. The driver was impaired, he said.

Suffering head injuries and a broken leg, Lawryniuk was in critical condition in the intensive care unit at McMaster Medical Centre in Hamilton.  

He remembers nothing before the collision.

“I was unconscious and in a coma for 11 days. When I woke up, I had to relearn everything all over again. How to walk, talk, eat and use my muscles,” Lawryniuk said.

“I was the youngest. It was a difficult time for my parents and my brother and sister.”

Born and raised in Hespeler, Lawryniuk attended Jacob Hespeler Secondary School.

“My father passed,away five years after the accident. Going through high school was tough. After he passed away, everything changed. I was confused, I was angry and so I was sent away a few times to get help,” Lawryniuk said.

“Going through life, it was just one thing after another. After my dad died, my granddad passed a way a few years later. I did go back and finish high school, but it was very difficult for me, especially without my dad and with a brain injury.”

Lawryniuk says  with no father to help and guide him in life, he still had his mother always at his side.

“She pushed me and encouraged me to do more. She had me in all kinds of things like horseback riding and private swimming lessons,” he said.

“She passed away in 2012, however, I still remember everything she taught me. She told me to think positive in life, not negative, take one day at a time, every day is a new day, and to look forward in life, not backward. You can do anything you put your mind to and never give up.”

It was these lessons Lawryniuk says made him into the person he is today.

“When writing my book, it helped me to move on, to think of all the things that happened. It helped me realize that because of all of these things, I’m a better person because of it,” Lawryniuk said.

Lawryniuk dedicated Miracles, My Life’s Journey to his mother.

“The title, I chose because of a song I wrote is called Miracles, and this is the song I dedicated to my mom. And the other reason I chose this title is because miracles happen. It happened to me. I’m still alive after that accident,” Lawryniuk said.

Lawryniuk has always had a passion for volunteering in his community.

“I was a volunteer at Peekaboo childcare centre. They no longer exist, but I was there for about 10-15 years,” Lawryniuk said.

Lawryniuk also graduated from an Early Childhood Education apprenticeship at Conestoga College.

“I volunteered at the centre while I went to school. I would sing songs to the kids. They loved it. It was supposed to be a three-and-a-half-year course, but it took me five. I took a bit of a break, which is when I did my music YouTube videos. I did come back to school and graduated,” he said.

Music continues to be his other passion.

“Music is so important to me. I went to the Opportunity Centre where they had a music program, in my 20s. We would sing and perform. I’m still connected with my music teacher. He helped me write the song Miracles,” Lawryniuk said.

“My best friend from high school is getting married. She has given me a big responsibility and has asked me to write an original song (for) her wedding.”

Lawryniuk wrote his book Miracles, My Life’s Journey two years ago. It was published in November 2021.

“I wanted to write this book for a long time. It's all from memory. There are some funny parts in there too including a time I went to Florida with my mom and brother. I got lost but had a great time on my own for hours, until I found them. I was 13. My mom did not like that. I was in a little bit of trouble,” Lawryniuk said.

“This book means so much to me because I just want to get my story out there. I notice people are struggling. Maybe they want to give up on school, or on life. I want to help other people to not give up, to read what I had gone through, and know that they can overcome anything too.”

Lawryniuk says he believes in forgiveness 38 years after the accident that changed his life.

“The person who hit me, even though they were drunk, I’m sure they were very sorry. I forgive them,” he said.  

“I have learned over the years how to deal and cope with everything, and I am still coping and dealing with things. However, I try to look at the bright and positive side of life. Life is too short to worry, to get upset and hold grudges against people.”

Miracles, My Life’s Journey can be purchased on Amazon as a soft cover or e-book.

“People who have read it say that they have really enjoyed it, and this really makes me feel good,” Lawryniuk said.

“Life is wonderful, and I thank God every day for letting me live through that accident. I’ve been given a second chance at life, so I want to live it to the fullest. Miracles really do happen.”

To purchase Miracles, My Life’s Journey, visit here.