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