First Night at Home!

It is raining again but..when we left the hospital it was sunny..one of the few days since March 23 so, I choose to think it was a sign of things to come. Jen and Nick are setteled in to their room and are looking forward to thier first night of good sleep in months!

Jen was so excited to finally leave a hospital setting today..we packed up and finally were on the road by noon. We stopped to pick up some lunch and then made our way to the house. Nick had things in order and some surprises for her which was so fun. Our friend Walt had brought all of the "durable medical goods" as well as her clothes, etc. to the house as their car was already packed. Our friend Trina had arranged for a housekeeper so all would be in good shape when we arrived. Ann and Cecile broght a wonderul dinner and stayed for a bit to visit and help us welcome Jen home. She was tired but happy and I still am in a bit of awe that we have really finally made it this far. Steph and Scott have ordered some neat "gadgets" for Jen to help her while she continues in outpatient rehab..which we begin at 8 a.m. on Monday.

So many people have helped get us to this point..and contine to help her take steps forward. The three of us talked tonight about how unbelievable this trip has been and how many stops we will continue to make to the final destination. Thank you so very much for taking this tri[p with us...and continuing to to prop us all up! Jen loved her time with Taylor and Judy this week as well and Gaylin and Bebe eariler.

I am sure that Jen will write tomorrow but for now, I am saying goodnight! Love, Marilyn.

Homecoming!

Jen, I'm sure you will be soooo relieved when you get back to headquarters. You are a true fighter and the strongest, most motivated person I've ever known. You have without even trying, taught many lessons about the meaning of life to myself as well as hundreds of others, literally. We have been through a lot! I say we because as friends and family we will all continue moving forward as one and watching you improve day to day. I want to say thank you to the friends of Jens and myself who have been there with us through this entire experience. We have a great family and I thank God everyday for all of you. As many of you know, Christy has been a major support system for myself as well as my family. I am really blessed to have this women in my life. I have met many people through all of this and I've seen the good in everyone. As human beings we are all somewhat connected no matter how you look at it and It's very refreshing to see people come together and show such love and concern for the well being of another. Last weekend when we were in the hallway with Jen, we were hanging out with her while she was practicing walking and getting used to moving around again. I was seriously stunned and I mean that in every sense of the word. She did a great job and when it did get frustrating, she laughed or smiled right through it. I just cannot believe the intensity and her will to overcome and achieve. God has blessed us with an angel. She's always been one and I've never been more honored than I am now, to say that Jen is my Sister. Over the years she has really helped me with everyday life. She always listens and everytime she has positive, truthful things to say. I love you Jen and want to remind you of the huge cirle of support and love around you. Not that you don't see it everyday through visitors, calls, emails, this blog, etc....But, I just want to point out that this is the love that love was built on. You Nick and Matthew have a wonderful future ahead of you and I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold and blossom. I love you very much and again, thank you for being the best Sister on the planet. To our friends and my Family, I love you all and will see you and talk to you soon.

Bon Voyage...Finally Going Home!

Today was an exciting one as we found out I will be discharged on Friday! After 3 months and 7 days away and lots up ups and downs I am so excited and so ready! Nick and mom will be with me and we hope to home early afternoon. I will continue as an outpatient daily for some time to come but it will so good to sleep in my own bed and be around our things. Nick has rearranged the furniture and from what I hear, it looks great!

I am having a visit from Judy Hess and Taylor tomorrow and am told Kathy Potts and Gayla may stop in too. Connie is coming this Saturday and staying until Sunday afternoon so all in all we have a busy weekend.

All for now but wanted to let you all know the latest and hope to talk to everyone again soon!

Love, Jen

P.S. I will keep you updated on all my progress!!

Another Week in Texas

Hi all! It is about 10:30 and I just heard from Ryan. He, Martha and Randy are about an hour from Wichita. Matt called and is in Abilene by now, as are Terri and Richard. Christi is back in K.C. We had lots of fun together and Jen again came home for a bit this afternoon. We fired up the grill and had a great meal..and lots of laughs. After everyone left, our friends (and sisters!) Gaylin and Bebe came to visit me tonight. They are here for market but also to see Jen and to work their magic! :> This is their 3rd trip since she became so sick and it is great to hear how overwhelmed they are when they see how far she has come!

I am thinking of Marie as we had lots of time together while she was here. I know she is back to work by now. Jen said she called today and it is really cold in Australia..I think the temp was 17 degrees!

We will check in again as the week progresses..I think we will have lots to report as she seems to tackle a new challange daily. Many thanks for all of your continued prayers and support and cards. We looked at many of them again today and she cherishes them all so much. We are anticpating Judy and Taylor coming on Wednesday as well as Kathy Potts and Gayla T. for a bit. Connie will be here Saturday for a couple of days so we have a lot to look forward to.
Hope the week is a good one for all...Love, Marilyn.

Another Week Closer to Home

Hi everyone! I have had a very busy but productive week! My muscles are getting bigger and bigger (ha, ha) but I honestly enjoy and look forward to my therapy. I am looking forward to the weekend with Little and Big Matthew, Ryan, and the rest of the family. I am able to go home again for a bit this weekend which should be a lot of fun.

I have heard from many people from my years in the Maize school system. It has meant so very much and I want to thank all of you for reaching out to me and putting a smile on my face. It is so refreshing to know that you have taken time from your lives to help me through this...I would love to communicate with each of you more so am including my email address...griffinja123@gmail.com.

I also want to thank my wonderful husband for staying with me every single night since March 23 and for loving me the way that you do. I wouldn't want to face this challange with anyone but you.

Have a great weekend everyone! Love, Jen

Another Good Day

I am writing this at Jen and Nick's house...I returned round 7 to find myself locked out and Nick was working late so couldn't bail me out for a couple of hours. I told myself that although I was looking forward to changing clothes and relaxing after a long day at the hospital...this was a minor inconvience in the scheme of things. I went to the grocery store, bought some take out and OFF spray to combate the mosquitoes and setteled in on the deck.

What we have been through, and most importantly what Jenny has been through, sure makes you take stock in what matters in life. Since she has been off of the vent, I have yet to walk into her room and not recieve a smile and a Hi Mom! I don't know how she does what she does every day but those of you that have walked with us, understand. It is amazing...Walt came today and brought some wonderful bar-b-que for lunch.

This is a man, who before March 23 had never known Jennifer or our family and yet he makes the effort to come and be present every single day. He is truly an angle walking among us and I look forward to the day that all of you who have been on this journey can meet him. He will say..Jen, I will go..you need some private time and she will say..No Walt..I want you with me. In the midst of all of this pain and sadness, we meet a truly special man. This is not to mention his wonderful wife Ann and her dear friend and ours, Cecile.

They will come to Wichita one day and you will see..I miss all of you at home who are always there and who make every day OK..somehow, we keep moving forward and it is only because of Jenny and her spirit and YOU all and your loyalty. Thank you over and over again...I am sure Jen will write again soon with some new accomplishment..look for the latest update! We love you...Marilyn

Our Girl is Walking Again!

It has been an amazing couple of days. Yesterday Jen tried on some temporary prosthetics to begin the process of standing and then slowly walking again. But in a typical display of strength, courage and determination she began to walk on only her second day! She has amazed the rehab staff at Zale Lipshey with her excelerated improvement and continues to be an enormous insperation. It seems like every day I am in disbelief at how far she has come.

It was great to have her home on Sunday for what was the best fathers day one could ever imagine. Mum also flew home to Oz tonight. She has been a source of great help and support to us and we cant wait to come and visit next year. We love you very much.

Babe, you are truely incredible. Seeing you smile from ear to ear in the face of such a challenge is humbling. I am so proud of you and as we take this journey I find myself feeling something that I did not think possible, a feeling of falling deeper and deeper in love with you.

Love, Hubby.

What a Day!

We had a wonderful day..I am sure Jen and Nick will write tomorrow but wanted to say a few words. Randy and I met Nick at the hospital and were able to get Jen ready to travel by 1:30. Randy and I followed Jen and Nick and were met at their home by Marie and Matthew. Marie had prepared a wonderful meal and Matthew had helped her set the table.

We exchanged Father's Day gifts and Nick said a toast to Jen's first day home since March 23! It was lots or fun and at the same time tiring for Jenny. Nick and she left for the hospital around 6:30 so she would meet curfew (:>} and Marie, Randy and I sat and talked for a bit more before she leaves for Australia on Tuesday. Big Matthew had spent the weekend with Christy and her father's family in Arkansas but was meeting Jen at Zale around 7 P.M. before driving back to Abilene. All in all, the day was a wonderful one and one for which we are all so grateful to have had together.

We are thinking of all of you and hoping your day was also special. I will write again soon...this will be another big week and I will keep you up to date on the new developments. Love to all the Dads out there and all of the families who love them. Love, Marilyn.

Finally Going Home...For a Moment

It is a rainy Saturday morning and I have recruited a 9 year old secretary who's name is Matthew. We just grabbed breakfast and we wanted to share our good news. Doctors have approved time for me to go home for a few hours on Sunday for fathers day. My dad is in town (aka Rando)and we are going to eat dinner at the house. As I have not seen my house in months I am very exited to be home with my hubby and family. I hope every one has a great fathers day. Love, Jen.

Another Week Gone By

Hi everyone...it is Friday evening and Randy and I are just getting ready for bed. It is so good to have him here with me for the weekend. Jen had a busy day..even got the molds for her leg prothesis started and worked hard in PT and OT. She has been given permission to go to their home for Father's day and is looking forward to that first outing. Marie and I were given lessons today and hope we don't flunk when put to the test! Little Matthew and Nick are both staying in the room tonight which will be fun..it is a small suite and Matthew will have his own bed and TV so will feel like a slumber party.

Jenny had several visitors today as well as many phone calls and cards. Her days are usually busy until around 3 but following that, her time is more her own. We went to the gift shop in Zale where she picked out some things and had fun doing something "normal". My eyes are closing as I type so will sign off for now..just wanted to say hi to all of our loyal friends who check in daily. Again and again we tell each other that this support is like air and water and keeps us going hour after hour...we love you all so much.

Will write again soon. Love, Marilyn.

Things Going Well At Zale

Hi everyone.I have once again recruited a new secretary,my lovely husband. We are about to eat breakfast as we update this blog. Currently my days consist of 3 hours of both physical and occupational therapy. This has been challenging yet very rewarding. Some cool things I have learned include being able to feed myself, brush my teeth and with assistance take a shower.
The therapists that I work with are amazing and my progress has been faster than expected. So much so that today I will be molded for prosthetics on my legs. The completion of this process will take at least a month.

I miss everyone and I cant wait to be out of hospital to resume spending time with the people I love. I could not have gotten this far without the support and love of everyone. Love, Jen.

Correction

It has been brought to my attention that we had the wrong address on the blog...it is 5151 Harry Hines blvd 75235. We had it as 5252...so hope no one got lost coming to visit...:> The secetary must have hit the wrong keys! OK..all for now, Marilyn.

New Address

Hey all..I am writing without Jen and Nick..I am sure they will write again soon..but I wanted to take the opportunity to send an update.

Jen had a busy day..met her therapists..and spent several different sessions in rehab. She was so tired when we got back around 5 but..felt good overall and was excited to be spending her days doing something positive.

She looked so good and healthy in the workout clothes Walt had gotten for her..and was proud of the strength she had displayed today.

Marie and I actually spent the afternoon having a massage...it was heaven..and we felt renewed! Jen couldn't wait to hear all about our adventure and laughed with us when we told her about another lost experience we had trying once again to find Target!

Nick was encouraged when he spoke with the rehab. Doc today..and is hopeful that prothesis fittings will be "sooner rather than later".

All for now..I am constantly amazed at the strength Jen continues to show us every single day..even if she is my daughter, I have to say how proud I am to have her in my life and how grateful I am to have all of you helping us...I promise you that you will probably never know how much you have helped and how thankful we all are.

Sleep well...and keep talking to her..it is so appreciated. Love, Marilyn.

Moving Day Update!

First I want to thank all of you who made my birthday such a special one! I received over 80 cards! The gifts, flowers, phone calls and visits made me remember how blessed I am. We crammed my whole family as well as several friends into my little room for a final party before I leave Medical City!
Speaking of that, the move date has been changed to tomorrow and I hope to be on the road by 10 a.m. Nick, Marie and Mom as well as Walt will be caravaning behind the ambulance as we make our way to Zale Lipshey Hospital. For those that don't know the address is:

Zale Lipshey Hospital
5252 Harry Hines Blvd
Rehab Center, 8th floor
Dallas, TX 75390

PH: 214 645 4890.

We have spent some of today packing and figuring out what to take to my new digs. I can't wait to see my new room and meet the staff and get on with my journey.
For now, I am saying goodbye to the wonderful people who have helped me get this far the past 3 months. It is hard to believe that I have been here since March 23..and all of you have been walking beside me for that long. How do you say thank you for that kind of support...just know that I KNOW how very lucky I am...and can't wait until the day will come when I can thank you all in person.

I will write again soon..hopfully with news of the "tricks" I am learning.

Love and many thanks again for making me feel so loved...Thanks for making me feel so special.

Jennifer

G'day From Sydney

G'day Jen from Trina, Stephen & Cameron in Sydney. We've been following your progress here on your blog and miss seeing you since we left in May. Great great news to hear you are able to get outside and sitting up more. Guess the rain hasn't been stopping your visits outside.

We look forward to visiting you in your new abode in rehab next week. It's great to hear that Dr. Weathers visited you... he made have been on TV but did you tell him you spoke at the United Nations? We are very proud of you and all of your progress over the past months.

Best to you, Nick and Matthew! Love from the Butlers

Jen's New Address

Hey guys...it's Jen! I have recruited a new secretary until Ryan returns...her name is...Mom! :) I have had a great week. On Tuesday I was told I will be moving to rehab next Tuesday. I am very excited as this is the next step in my journey! We have even been guaranteed a two room suite with a beautiful view of downtown Dallas. So, there will be lots of more space when you come to visit. Another exciting bit of news was my personal visit from Dr. Beck Weathers. For those who aren't familiar with him, he was left for dead and lost both his nose and hands as a result of a terrible accident while climbing Mount Everest. There was a television story as well as a book written about his experiences, and...he was kind enough to share some inspiration and strength with me. Nick, Marie, Judy and Mom happened to be in the room and we were all mesmerized with his story. I have been outside several times this week and am sitting up more and more each day.

Thanks to Jill and Shannon for a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to see you both again soon. I will post again this weekend. Love, Jennifer.

P.S. Cecile, did you get the opportunity to grace the Bahamas with your presence? :) Hope you didn't get stuck...see you soon.

From Liz

Hi Jen. This is Liz Stevenson, Brandon Hoskin’s girlfriend! Brandon emailed me the link to your blog and I wanted to say hi. I have been reading all the blogs to stay updated and I have been blown away. You have shown strength, courage and faith at a time in your life that only special people can show. I have heard so much about you from Brandon and Ryan and I was thrilled to have met you on your wedding day. You looked absolutely beautiful! As I sat there and watched you walk down the hill to your wonderful husband I sat there and thanked God for blessing you with so much. Just by reading Nick’s blogs to you I know that you are one lucky woman! I thank God for placing Brandon in my life because without him I would have never met Ryan, Matt and your wonderful parents and then you! You and your family are in my prayers and I want to encourage you to continue to be strong because you have touched me in a way that I cannot explain.

Hugs,

Liz

Back In Dallas

Good Morning All! Judy and I arrived back in Dallas Monday afternoon in another rainstorm! Randy had waited to leave until we arrived so had a few minutes together before he headed home.

Jen had moved during the few days I was gone so I had to find her new room. It feels so odd not going into CICU but this change is a move in the right direction. The nursing care is "less than desirable" but, together and with Jen's direction, we are able to figure most things out. Nick took her downstairs to the atrium area for dinner and I know it felt good to her to have some new scenery. She continues to heal and we are counting the days until the big move to Zale.

Shannon and Jill were here this weekend and Jenny loved them being with her.She said they laughed a lot and Jill worked some magic on her hair...Jenny said she cried when they left but is looking forward to their next trip. Thank you both for making such efforts and for being so loyal...

We are looking at a busy week...Jen's Grammy..my mother, will be here Thursday and this weekend we will welcome Uncle Steve, Richard and Terri, Martha, Matt, Ryan..Marie and Matthew of course, and many friends as we celebrate Jenny's birthday. Wouldn't it be great if she was in Rehab by then...doubtful BUT...it will happen soon.

OK..all for now...just checking in as we start the day and will hopfully have more to report soon. Thanks to all of you for your continued support...she continues to move ahead a bit at a time on this long oddysey..and counts on all of you for guidance and love.

Marilyn

Message From Jen

Hi everyone, it is Jen again. It was sad to leave SICU after getting to know the medical staff. However, my new room has an awesome view of downtown Dallas and is less noisy and more private. Yesterday was a busy day and provided me the opportunity to spend the entire day with Marie. I also had Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and all of my bandages changed.

The wounds are healing nicely and I should be out of hospital within the next 10-15days.I am looking forward to starting the second part of the journey in Rehab Hospital. For those in Dallas or planning to visit, my room number is 978 Building A tower north.

Love and miss you all, Jen.