Five More Days

I can't believe it has been 5 days since we last posted. The days just seem to melt away and before we know it we are all getting ready for bed. I know Jen and Nick plan to write again soon and that will happen when they can find a few minutes to sit down together.

We have learned that although Jen loves being home, it is very busy not having the support of nursing and other staff. We are doing well though, and she is so relieved to be around her own things and in her own place. Each day is consumed with getting ready and driving to rehab. The schedule varies but we need to plan on at least 4 hours to get this accomplished. She is enjoying the new staff and has been her path up to now, is doing more than expected of her.

Today, she had an appointment with her plastic surgeon at Medical City. He was very pleased with her progress and following this visit, she was able to connect with some of her other doctors as well as visit CICU, which had been her home for so long. She missed some of the staff she wanted to see, so hopes to return soon to "show off".

This weekend, she is looking forward to her Uncle Steve and her Grammy coming to visit, as well as our friend Bill Hess on Friday. Her Aunt RaeJean came today for a bit from Ft. Worth area..Randy's sister...and brought a great dinner.

We had a great weekend with Matt and Christy..loved celebrating her birthday and being with them. They both are so much fun and Jen loves having them with her.

On Sunday, Jen had a chance to go to a movie and dinner with her friend Steph, which was such a wonderful treat...she was tired but had a ball.

We have a lot to tackle as a family and lots of challenges ahead but we know we aren't alone. You are all so precious and so valued...priceless really. We continually thank God for the love and support and friendships. I have been told people read this blog that we have never met and whom have never met Jen but still pray for her. How amazing is that?

As I always say...we will try to do better about posting in a more "timely" fashion. We count on each and every one of you. Love, Marilyn.

Friday Night

We have had quite a week.

Jenny has gone to outpatient rehab every day and has worked very hard. She has graduated to forearm crutches and is working dilegently at keeping her balance and walking more each day. Martha and Randy came on the 4th and today Martha and I took Jen to get her eyebrows waxed! It was so fun and she loved doing something normal for a change.

Wednesday night, Jen and Nick surprised Martha and I with tickets to the Clay Aiken concert and fireworks show in Frisco! It was so fun and really good..it had finally stopped raining for us to have a great night! The night before, we had a lovely evening at Cecile and Harry's with Ann and Walt. This was Jenny's first real "outing" since March and we had a wonderful meal and watched the fireworks from Cecile's backyard. We also got to meet Cecile's daughter which was fun as we had heard so much about her.

Matt is coming tonight and we are going to celebrate Christy's birtday tomorrow when she flies in from K.C. around noon.

Sorry it has been so long since we last wrote but the days fly by and time just gets away. We love to read what you all take the time to post and say so please hang in there with us...I will try to post again soon! Love to all, Marilyn.

My New Life at Home

Hi all!!!!!!! I am actually typing this one myself. I practiced yesterday for a bit and got so excited when I found out that I can type (never mind that it takes 20 mins. for a few sentences-ha). As my mom said, we are so happy to be home. I started outpatient rehab this morning and it went great. The therapists are really going to be good. The gym has bikes and treadmills so I can get back into the swing of things. We also found great resources for sport activities so that I can lead a pretty normal life.

The challenges that I am going through are ones that I never thought I would be experiencing. However, without the love and support of all my friends and family, this would be the hardest road of all. I have honestly found who my true friends are and even reconnected with some that I never should have let get away. I love you all. Mom, Nick and my family, thanks for all that you do your the wind beneath my wings.

TALK TO U SOON. LUV, JEN.

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.