12/22/2025
Anita Ellis Update from Brandon Ellis
One thing that’s been hard to explain is that Anita has about four weeks of memory completely gone — nothing from the hospital and nothing from her first week at home. Those days simply don’t exist for her. She has to rely on what others tell her happened, which is disorienting in itself.
She’s also pretty sure she had some strong words during that time — even if she doesn’t remember them. And knowing Anita… that checks out. 😅
She’s had to relearn words — everyday things that used to come automatically. Knowing what she wants to say, but having to stop and search for the right word has been frustrating and exhausting.
And despite being disoriented, her feisty side was fully intact.
At one point I tried to take her to her therapy appointment. She got out of the truck, took a hard right and started walking down the road, and refused to go in. I had to run inside and tell them we might be back… or we might not. Then I drove down the road following her until she finally got back in the truck and informed me she was not going to that place — but she wanted to go to Dairy Queen. So… we got ice cream instead. 🍦
Physically, her body still doesn’t quite feel ready to get back on a horse yet. That’s been one of the hardest parts. Her mind wants it. Her heart wants it. But her body hasn’t caught up — and learning to listen to that without losing hope takes real strength.
What people may not see is how hard she’s trying to remember how she used to feel… how she used to think… how life used to feel automatic. That part has been emotional and raw, but she hasn’t stopped trying.
Healing isn’t linear. It’s slow, uncomfortable, and deeply personal. But she shows up every day and does the work — even when it doesn’t look like much from the outside.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support, pray, and check in. It truly means more than you know.
🤍
PRCA ProRodeo