Wow! I had such an awesome experience this weekend, of which, I encourage everyone to do at least once in your life.
I had the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon on Saturday (with about 50 other balloons) with my great hubby. It was such a beautiful and peaceful ride; we were up for about 45 minutes. I was able to balance myself for almost 3/4 of the ride. My mom and the gang was able to stand below us for a great view.
I have been sky diving before and feel that that my next adventure is a combination of the two, ha! We shall see.
We also celebrated my youngest brother's 23rd birthday. He flew in on a break from KU and we had a really fun time. I hope you all get to meet him as he will give you a new perspective on life.
I have a question for all of you. This blog has been going for months and I have loved every minute of it. However, I would really enjoy feedback regarding whether or not this is something I should continue or suggestions of what direction I should take this.
Please give me your input! :)
Love,
Jen
Sunday
Life Isn't About Waiting for the Storm to Pass; It's About Learning to Dance in the Rain
It's Sunday night and I'm watching a little T.V. and reflecting on my day. I had a really rewarding experience that has given me strength.
A great friend of mine is a preacher, and he invited my family and I to hear a sermon today. During the sermon, he spoke about me without using my name. What was so interesting was being able to watch people's reaction as they were not aware that I was in the audience.
He got to the part of my story where my life changed forever and I would loose all four extremities. All I heard were gasps in the audience. Being as though this is my life and very, very real for me, I realized how detached I was from the "gasps".
This is very tragic situation but what I realized was that the gasps were so far behind where I am today. It was such a sense of joy to be in the audience while he was preaching, knowing that I could get up and walk to the door.
No matter what your "thing" is, realize that we ALL have them even if you can't see them. Everything we have gone through has made us who we are today, good or bad.
The next time you have a feeling that you are being "exposed" with a part of your story, just focus on where you are today and take pride in how much work you have done to get there.
It's the here and the now, not yesterday. You all keep me going everyday.
Love,
Jen
A great friend of mine is a preacher, and he invited my family and I to hear a sermon today. During the sermon, he spoke about me without using my name. What was so interesting was being able to watch people's reaction as they were not aware that I was in the audience.
He got to the part of my story where my life changed forever and I would loose all four extremities. All I heard were gasps in the audience. Being as though this is my life and very, very real for me, I realized how detached I was from the "gasps".
This is very tragic situation but what I realized was that the gasps were so far behind where I am today. It was such a sense of joy to be in the audience while he was preaching, knowing that I could get up and walk to the door.
No matter what your "thing" is, realize that we ALL have them even if you can't see them. Everything we have gone through has made us who we are today, good or bad.
The next time you have a feeling that you are being "exposed" with a part of your story, just focus on where you are today and take pride in how much work you have done to get there.
It's the here and the now, not yesterday. You all keep me going everyday.
Love,
Jen
Thursday
Making Up for Lost Time
I first want to thank everyone for the comments on my last post. That was a special day for me and all of your comments have really inspired me as well.
This may be a short post but wanted to share some fun information with you all ― the girls . :) I have tried several times this week and have finally accomplished putting on makeup ― by myself.
For anyone who wears makeup, this is such a rewarding experience to be able to do this on your own ― and look normal. :)
The really fun thing this has done for me, besides the obvious, is to never look at things at face value again. The tools that I use for makeup now wouldn't be what would be obvious to others.
Once you start thinking that a pen is not just a pen, a hook is not just a hook, or Velcro is not just Velcro (my new best friend by the way), life starts to open up and can become a lot less mundane.
Enjoy the creativity of what is truly out there ― I am really looking forward to what I can do next week and what God will bring.
Love,
Jen
This may be a short post but wanted to share some fun information with you all ― the girls . :) I have tried several times this week and have finally accomplished putting on makeup ― by myself.
For anyone who wears makeup, this is such a rewarding experience to be able to do this on your own ― and look normal. :)
The really fun thing this has done for me, besides the obvious, is to never look at things at face value again. The tools that I use for makeup now wouldn't be what would be obvious to others.
Once you start thinking that a pen is not just a pen, a hook is not just a hook, or Velcro is not just Velcro (my new best friend by the way), life starts to open up and can become a lot less mundane.
Enjoy the creativity of what is truly out there ― I am really looking forward to what I can do next week and what God will bring.
Love,
Jen
Friday
Stepping Back
This has been a week of many emotions. I had a really great rehab session today but discovered something about myself.
Stairs are not so fun in my world. My therapist took me into a staircase and I looked up and thought, "ha, ya right". :) I took a few steps and just kept going and going. I stopped and realized that I had walked up 3 flights ― yeah!. The problem was that I had to get back down.
For me, walking down a step feels like I am going to completely fall forward. This wouldn't be a surprise for all of you that know my family, but, I am trying to set a new standards. :) So my therapist and I talked it out the whole way down. It was slow but I finally made it and I truly feel like saying, "Yeah, I did it!".
Besides the help of my husband and step son, I have been alone this week without my usual support group. This has been both rewarding and interesting at the same time. I have not been alone in 6 months ― how lucky am I. We all need space to grow and learn but we also have to realize how special it is to have that great of a support system.
So, what have I learned? Steps aren't just steps and time alone isn't just being alone. The next time you take a step, slow down the walk and realize and appreciate that you have the capability to take that step. You may have something that someone else wished they had. Steps are just another way of getting somewhere, but not everyone can go that same route.
Time alone ― don't watch T.V., don't get on the computer, take time to learn something about yourself. Push yourself to new limits and don't be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone. :)
Peace and love, have a great weekend!
Love,
Jen
Stairs are not so fun in my world. My therapist took me into a staircase and I looked up and thought, "ha, ya right". :) I took a few steps and just kept going and going. I stopped and realized that I had walked up 3 flights ― yeah!. The problem was that I had to get back down.
For me, walking down a step feels like I am going to completely fall forward. This wouldn't be a surprise for all of you that know my family, but, I am trying to set a new standards. :) So my therapist and I talked it out the whole way down. It was slow but I finally made it and I truly feel like saying, "Yeah, I did it!".
Besides the help of my husband and step son, I have been alone this week without my usual support group. This has been both rewarding and interesting at the same time. I have not been alone in 6 months ― how lucky am I. We all need space to grow and learn but we also have to realize how special it is to have that great of a support system.
So, what have I learned? Steps aren't just steps and time alone isn't just being alone. The next time you take a step, slow down the walk and realize and appreciate that you have the capability to take that step. You may have something that someone else wished they had. Steps are just another way of getting somewhere, but not everyone can go that same route.
Time alone ― don't watch T.V., don't get on the computer, take time to learn something about yourself. Push yourself to new limits and don't be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone. :)
Peace and love, have a great weekend!
Love,
Jen
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
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
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