Tuesday

On the Road Again

Just checking in. Just wanted to let everyone know that I am officially on the road. :)
I have been driving for a few days and it feels great. The independence this brings is such a rewarding experience.

I have been making a lot of strides over this past week and I continue to understand what all of this means on the bigger scale. I think I have figured out a way to put on make-up as well. I have ordered a few things to help out so I will keep you posted as to whether or not I end up looking like a clown.

Today is my hubby's birthday and I am happy to say that I will be driving him to breakfast to start a great day.

Learn something new everyday and enjoy the little accomplishments it really can do a lot for the soul.

Love,
Jen

Monday

Remember: Ginger Rogers Did Everything Fred Astaire Did but Backwards and In Heels

I want to thank everyone who supported my family and Dad through this tough time of losing my grandmother. The friends that came to Abilene made it all so special and really warmed my dads heart. The funeral was beautiful. It was great seeing everyone and hope to see you again very soon!

We had a nice weekend and a wonderful dinner with friends on Saturday. My two dear friends, Jill and Shannon came in town last night and are spending the week with me. We have been planning this week for a while so we are so happy to be together. My lovely husband made us dinner last night and we just talked forever these are the moments to treasure.

My great friend Somer took me to see an amazing speaker this week (warrenmacdonald.com) at the Gaylord this week. He is an Aussie and a very inspirational person. I am going to be following him as we all should. If we ever need a little emotional boost just take a look at his story. :)

I am getting my car fixed up today so I will be able to drive. I am really looking forward to this independence and having the ability to put a little more freedom into my daily life.

The title of this post I was greeted with an awesome package this weekend. Nancy sent me the best plaque ever. The background says "YOU GO GIRL" with the above title on top. It was such a motivating thing for me and put a smile on my face. THANK YOU so much Nancy!

I have a doctor appointment. this week for a follow-up on my new Fred & Ginger's as well as getting my hands started yeah! I'm really looking forward to it.

Matthew started 4th grade today. He is very excited and we are so looking forward to this year. This is a new year in so many ways and we are anxious to see what it will bring.

Love,
Jen

The New Fred & Ginger, Losing a Loved One

Hi all. First of all, we have had a lot going on so I apologize for the late note.

Our week in OKC went really well and I am officially in my new Fred & Ginger's. I have been doing quite a bit and it feels so good. I have even gotten in the swimming pool so much fun. However, to answer the questionI did sink, ha. We had a quick swimming lesson with floaties and it was good from there! :)

Getting fitted for my hands may be another month or so. There is additional growing that is occurring so we just need a little more time. It's really quite encouraging to know how much you can do without them!

As some of you are already aware, my grandmother (father's mother) passed away this week from a stroke and other complications. The funeral will be this Thursday at 10:00 AM in Abilene, Texas. She was a person who always had a smile on her face and provided me with the best dad in the world. We will really miss her but we are glad that she is in a better place.

Thank you all so much for all of your comments, cards and continued strength you have provided us. My family has been through a lot this year but as I told someone today I truly believe that the timing of everything and the reasons for this year are so much bigger than us. We are all growing in ways that we never would have and I believe the answers/directions are yet to come and will be enlightening.

Dad, I love you and we are all here for you. Mom & Nick you are my light.

Love,
Jen

Thursday

Another Crazy Week

It is Thursday evening and HOT in Dallas. We have had quite a week. Jenny has been in OKC working with Scott Sabolich and his team this week on a new pair of legs. She will go back in 10 days or so for adjustments but she is excited with the progress thus far.

I have been in Abilene as Randy's mother and Jenny's "Mimi" suffered a large stroke and is in the hospital there. Randy left today from Wichita to be with her and his brother Richard and sister Rae Jean. I am hoping to go back tomorrow until Sunday. She is such a kind hearted, sweet woman and it is hard to understand why things like this happen when they do. We will have many decisions to make as it looks as if she won't be able to return to her home. A lot to think about and do and figure out. Please say an extra prayer for her tonight.

Sharon and Glenn Ringler are on their way to MD Anderson tomorrow for her surgery. They were coming through Dallas but with this newest development, won't make that stop this time. She is so positive and things will be okay for her I just know it.

Jen has a busy week ahead and I will be here to help her and Nick. Jen continues to fight the fight and work hard at making her life matter. She wants so much to give back and support other people who have had the challenges she has. As she continues to get stronger and find her way, she keeps her sense of humor and humility. I am so proud of her as I know all of you who are walking with her are.

My sister Martha is staying at our house in Wichita having a slumber party with Sneakers..she said they might even have a Black Russian as a nightcap! Sneak will love that; as a 14 1/2 year old Golden Retriever she is entitled, don't you think?

All for now. I miss you all so much and thanks for all the comments. Ann, I saw Matt's apartment when I was in Abilene and he does have the perfect place for plants. He is going to take your good advice and find the right ones. Tell Walt I said hi!

Love,
Marilyn

Saturday

Family and Fun

I wanted to thank my wonderful friend Cecile and mom for making yesterday such a special treat. I had an awesome facial and a massage that made me feel like a "girl" again. I have to admit that I was a little nervous on the massage due to body image (but who doesn't have those thoughts).

However, once I got in my mind that it was going to feel good to me no matter what, it became the best massage ever. Girls, God created us the way we should be and we need to forget about our thighs, cottage cheese, etc. and just live life to the fullest, ha. :)

We also had a really fun evening at my aunt's house last night. My dad's sister lives about an hour from here so we all (mom, dad, both Matt's, Nick and Ryan) went there for dinner. We had not been together like that in a while. The evening was one laugh after another.

I am truly at a place of moving forward with my life. To do that, I started with a phone call this morning to the local United Nations group that I am a part of and had a great conversation about getting back into the volunteer role. I'm looking forward to getting back with my friends.

It was great talking to Judy, Gaylin and Mart yesterday. I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon.

We are going out to dinner tonight with the "usual suspects" for Italian. Should be fun.

Have a great day and I will talk to you soon.

Love,
Jen