Starting in January, if you can't reach me, it's because I'm back at work! I am headed back to the rat race. :) I'm looking forward to starting this next chapter. I was actually at work this morning and enjoyed seeing some great familiar smiles.
Until then, it's been one Christmas party after another this week. I have finished my shopping as well, yeah! This holiday season has meant more to me for obvious reasons, however, it has made me feel so blessed and excited that I am even here to celebrate.
I had such a humbling experience this week that I want to share with you all. I am not the type of person to share this, but I thought the emotions and lesson I learned should be expressed.
Nick and I were invited to a really nice Christmas party and had the opportunity to be seated with the host and some wonderful friends. To my surprise, the host went up to the microphone and started the party with a great welcome and then asked me to stand up. I was in the room with a large crowd and it was little intimidating! As I walked up to the microphone, people started to stand up one by one and clap.
I glanced around the room and realized all eyes were on me with my husband smiling and clapping with them. I had such a rush of emotions and felt it really hard to contain my composure. Knowing how hard I (and everyone else) have fought (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) it was such a sense of accomplishment and understanding of the human spirit. It was such a surreal experience that made me feel like I am being guided by something that I can't explain. I will treasure that moment and feeling forever.
I am sharing this for two reasons. One, when I was in the hospital, sitting up and supporting myself and not allowing the "I can't do it" thoughts to enter my head were the biggest challenges of my day. Two, you can do it!
This gave me the "push" forward that I needed. My life is continually changing and I want everyone to think about those moments that you need a little push and how it feels once you have done it, whatever that may be.
I am so blessed to start 2008 with the feeling that I have such a curiosity, dedication and genuine love for life. I know there are several people close to me that have loved ones in a crises and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mom and Dad, Nick and my family: I am so honored to be your daughter, wife, sibling and friend. Thanks for providing me the tools to pull through and to have the stepping stones to build on. I have a few other things coming up after the first of the year that I'm looking forward to sharing with you.
Love,
Jen
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A Story of Survival, Bravery & Inspiration
last week: Riding with a tour guide for 26 miles won. This week: Which statement below best describes your thoughts?
LINKS
- LImbs for Life
- Portland to Coast
- Dress the Legs 2010
- Extreme Homemakover
- Soulayvanh Photography
- Patriot Paws Service Dogs
- Haitian Amputee Coalition
- Amputee Coalition of America
- Jenny's Jewelry Collection
- Life Without Limbs: Nick Vujicic
- Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
- Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research
- Scottish Rite Hospital for Children: Texas
Press Coverage
So, What Happened?
Jen fell into septic shock and was teetering between life and death. During the course of four and a half months she hung by a thread with the help of ICU life support, her beloved husband, family, and friends.
She survived a medical miracle and lives today with amputated legs and hands. Many regional Dallas physicians do not have a rational explanation for her survival, but she is here and is going to give it everything she has.
Jen would like to thank everyone, stranger or not, for playing a key role in her recovery.
She survived a medical miracle and lives today with amputated legs and hands. Many regional Dallas physicians do not have a rational explanation for her survival, but she is here and is going to give it everything she has.
Jen would like to thank everyone, stranger or not, for playing a key role in her recovery.
15 comments:
Jennifer,
What a wonderful thing for all of those people to show such love and support to you!!!! You are so blessed and should feel so good about all you have done and all of the strength you have..
Thank you so much for coming to see shannon and I last weekend!!!! It means so much and I am just so grateful to have both of you in my life..Truly a blessing from God.
Love you, Jill
Jennifer - I am happy for you. You are and will be a blessing for many. Patty
Jen,
Congratulations on such a humbling moment and also on going back to work! I am curious what type of work you do? I had envisioned you moving on to become a motivational speaker and author! Whatever you do, I am sure your strength and enthusiasm is an asset to any business. Much luck to you! Thank you for continuing to inspire me!
Vashni
huge smile. S&S
My feelings can best be expressed in the form of that great epic song by Ren & Stimpy...Happy Happy Joy Joy, Happy Happy Joy Joy, etc... Can you see me dancing the Happy Happy Joy Joy dance?!?
You ROCK, Jen!
Jennifer - I am glad you continually feel the love and support of all these wonderful people. You are a miracle and have so much work to do. I know this is why God left you down here on Earth. You are and will continue to inspire so many people! Seeing what you and your family (and so many others) have gone through this year has opened my eyes to how precious life is and Christmas has taken on an even more special meaning this year. Thanks for your words and continued reminder of all we are so blessed to have. P.S. Christy from Dallas - How is your mother doing? I think about your famiy. Love ya, Shannon
Jen...Once again I am truly humbled by your accomplishments and determination. When I want to whine I try to think of you and your journey. You are a role model for so many. Have a wonderful Christmas and Blessed New Year. We love you!
Love always,
Pam
Mother Muffy checking in....even tho I haven't been blogging much, you know I am checking on you daily. Love is such a four letter word isn't it.....means so many things. The love you show outwardly, inwardly thru your words and deeds....you are a walking talking angel and we are blessed that you had the "guts" to pull thru and the moxie to take that "roll" out of bed each morning and live life to the fullest. We never know what we can do until we are faced with a new hurdle in our life....may it be long and strong and the love you feel in so many different ways give you that courage and strength you need to take one step at a time. You are an inspiration and I know why so many people love you in so many ways. I'm starting a prayer chain that you get a house soon that will make your life that much easier. It doesn't have to be big....just accessable for you and Nick and Matthew....and it would be nice if I had a guest room...hee hee All my love, hugs and massages sent thru this message.....feel the love, baby! Mother Muffy.....it will be warm soon and the boat will be ready. Pick a date and we will give you first chance at the lake house......can't wait to get you there again....there's much you haven't seen...but we will boat dance in the sunshine. XXOOXXOOXXOO
Hi Jennifer, I think it's great that you plan to return to work and know all your "fans" at work are looking forward to it too.
Those first days will be tiring with probaly more challenges than you realize but nothing like the challenges you have learned to deal with already so you will be fine.
Out here in blog-land(new word??) we are all your fans too and always look forward to your words of wisdom,inspiration and news of your accomplishments.
I don't write much but think of you daily and include you in my prayers. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful Christmas!!
Nina W.
JEN,
I can't wait to see you back at work! You are awesome!!!
Travis
Jennifer & Family -
The absolute best to all this Holiday Season and the coming year.
I have known your family and of you for many years! but have been absent from the lives of those around you for reasons that may not seem so profound to some.
As I have heard and read of the threats / challenges / you have faced - it is clear that the astonishing inner strength you have truly comes from an absolute trust in knowing your family is there caring, loving and engaged. An invaluable, priceless core that is sacred.
I am sure - you will have a glorious Holiday Season with your family.
The best to you in the New Year!
Hello Jen,Nick, Matthew,family and friends in the USA.All the best for Xmas and may 2008 be a good year for everyone.2007 was not the best year of our lives but Jen, your courage gave strength to others.
Nick has always been a courage person, I love you sweetheart.It is Xmas eve in Australia(7.oo pm)
Santa has been past my house in the Kingscliffe fire engine and gave all the children lollies- he will be there for you Matthew and all the other American children in about 29 hours.
Have a great Xmas and I love You'all
Love
Mum,Nan and Marie
It is Christmas Eve and we are all getting ready to celebrate and open presents at our house tonight.Terri and Richard are here from Abilene and Steve from Chicago, We will miss you 3 being with us but know you will enjoy the time with each other while waiting for Santa to come!
Merry Christmas to Nick, Little Matthew and my courageous daughter..after the year we have all had, this is a Merry Christmas indeed!
Love, Mom
That is absolutely some of the best news I've heard during the holiday! You have all the determination and guts that you will need to feel like you had never left. Have a wonderful holiday!
that is definitely some exciting update! i poke around on this blog and was kind of shocked that you were going back to the job already! good for you! merry xmas. =)
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