Thursday

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

Tuesday

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

Friday

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.

Wednesday

Back in Wichita

Hi all..it is late on Wednesday evening and I am having a bit of a problem getting to sleep. Martha and I came home today for a bit to regroup before I return to be with Jen. Randy will go back Friday and I will meet him there..we are hoping to at least say hello before he heads back to work. It felt so odd walking into the house tonight..I look forward to catching up on some things but my heart is with Jen in Dallas.

As Nick said, the Zale clinic seemed to be the right place..we have tried our best to discuss the pros and cons of rehab clinics and although all we have seen or researched are topnotch, we all felt most comfortable, overall, with the Zale Lipsey choice. When Jen will actually transfer is still not certain, but it is sooner rather than later and we are all ready for that day.

This morning, Jen was able to experience an actual shower while in CICU! What a treat for her and as she said, it felt wonderful. This afternoon, she had her graft sight bandages changed which is a painful process, but as usual, she made us proud, and...we were encouraged that the areas looked good and were beginning to heal as hoped.

It seems as if she will be transferring to a medical floor in the next day or two which is a good thing. Although we are all comfortable with CICU and the care there overall, if she is stable enough to find a new home..then, that is what should happen.

While we are gone, I am so relieved that Nick's mom, Marie, will be able to spend more time with Jenny. She is such a great and strong woman and we are all so happy to call her family.

Jill and Shannon will return this weekend and will be able to spend a "girls only" day together..Jenny is looking forward to their trip and appreciates the efforts they have made so very much.

Now that Jen is getting so much stronger, she reads the blogs several times a day and is so grateful for all of your comments and posts and support. She received several cards today..and reads them over and over...we have a special box to keep them in. I can't thank you all enough for the love and time you spend in thinking and praying for her..as I have said so many times, this along with Nick, has helped keep her with us...not to mention her determination.

Walt..I will miss my daily doughnut fix but will see you soon and to Ann and Cecile as well as Don and Bill Matthews..you are so dear..how lucky we are to have you.

More soon...Love, Marilyn