First, I want to say that my uncle Randy really raised the bar with his one night stand joke on the last post. :) For those who don't know him, he can make you laugh at just about anything. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Okay, so Friday night Nick and I got great tickets to the hockey game. We get to the gate and start to go through the metal detector. Nick walks through just fine. I, on the other hand, wasn't so conspicuous. It was as if I had a few machine guns. As I was beeping like crazy I kept saying "I got nothing" and could not figure it out. Turns out, Fred & Ginger wanted to make a real debut at the hockey game. Nick graciously told security that I had prosthetics and we figured out that it was the metal under the skin. We definitely had a good laugh and good beer after that one!
Along with pilates, I am taking up the art of swimming this week. I am really encouraged to be doing this. It has taken a bit to find the right place/person. I think the two of these together will help me in so many ways. By the way, if you haven't heard, read up on the girl who is trying out for the Olympics and doesn't have legs. How inspiring is that! I really hope she gets in.
I have also been cooking lately. This has been an issue, as you can imagine. However, I have had a friend of mine spend time with me and discovered several ways of doing things.
For those of you that have seen You, Me and Dupree, this is a sense of getting my "ness" back. You have a lot of those moments going through this kind of thing. I used to wear heels, now I wear flats. I used to spend time with my hair, now I shop for hats. It's things like this that create a new you and the "ness" comes back. Once you get in your mind that your creating a new you, it becomes kind of fun. The only thing that will hold you back is your determination and love for yourself.
I am really excited for tonight. Nick & I are going to see BEN HARPER at The Majestic. We used to do a lot of this before I went into the hospital. It's starting to feel like everything is getting back to where it was before the big day. :)
Nick, my dad, little bro and uncle are playing in a golf tournament this week to benefit Limbs for Life. It's a great organization that benefits people/third world countries who can't afford prosthetics. This is a sore subject for me so I won't ramble other than to say it's a really great organization.
I had a great visit this weekend from my mom, grandmother and aunt. We played Trivial Pursuit and little Matthew had so much fun. It was a great weekend. My mom is spending the week with us which will be great.
Have an awesome day!
Love,
Jen
Wednesday
Happy Halloween
So I was going to tell you a few Halloween jokes. But, as I got to really reading them I realized that they are all pretty bad. Anyone have any good jokes? I had few Bush jokes but didn't want to get into politics on a day like this. :)
Since my last post, I have had a few new experiences while meeting new people. I do feel blessed to wake up everyday with the feeling of support. I honestly don't know what it would be like if I didn't have that. Because I have so much support, I have developed a communication with friends that really has helped me to grow.
That being said, I wanted to share with you, a common question that I get. Last night I was at dinner with a friend and the waitress kept glancing at my hands, as if thinking "how is she going to eat". My friends ask me if things like that bother me. I know I have touched on this before, but it all comes from within. I am human, so of course I have moments.
The thing that I have built strength on (besides family, love and support) is that I am still the same person I always have been, I just have a "story" now. This is who I am and I don't have a choice to not figure things out. I feel proud, at times, that I have fought so hard to stay alive and get to where I am today. We never know what someone has gone through or where they are going. I know and understand why people want to look. It's human nature and its the psychology of who we are.
However, if we choose to focus on the looks then it will bring you down. I have more important things to focus on during my day than a 30 second glance. Just remember that we all have a story and we can pay it forward emotionally as well. Things you do or say can really affect the next person because we don't know there story. Take time with people before we judge.
Have a great day, have fun with the kiddos, eat lots of candy and wear a costume it's good for the soul.
By the way, I am considering going as an amputee with my "Vote for Pedro" shirt. What do you think? :)
Love,
Jen
Since my last post, I have had a few new experiences while meeting new people. I do feel blessed to wake up everyday with the feeling of support. I honestly don't know what it would be like if I didn't have that. Because I have so much support, I have developed a communication with friends that really has helped me to grow.
That being said, I wanted to share with you, a common question that I get. Last night I was at dinner with a friend and the waitress kept glancing at my hands, as if thinking "how is she going to eat". My friends ask me if things like that bother me. I know I have touched on this before, but it all comes from within. I am human, so of course I have moments.
The thing that I have built strength on (besides family, love and support) is that I am still the same person I always have been, I just have a "story" now. This is who I am and I don't have a choice to not figure things out. I feel proud, at times, that I have fought so hard to stay alive and get to where I am today. We never know what someone has gone through or where they are going. I know and understand why people want to look. It's human nature and its the psychology of who we are.
However, if we choose to focus on the looks then it will bring you down. I have more important things to focus on during my day than a 30 second glance. Just remember that we all have a story and we can pay it forward emotionally as well. Things you do or say can really affect the next person because we don't know there story. Take time with people before we judge.
Have a great day, have fun with the kiddos, eat lots of candy and wear a costume it's good for the soul.
By the way, I am considering going as an amputee with my "Vote for Pedro" shirt. What do you think? :)
Love,
Jen
Thursday
Strength in Determination
How did the pilates go, you ask? Great. I'm feeling like my ability to do more physical activity is finally getting back to where it used to be. Nick and I also worked out together at the gym. I'm going to be doing pilates and going to the gym wih Nick. Being around people that are so motivating with being healthy is such an awesome mind set.
However, I do have a funny story. Riding a bike for me is somewhat different than it is for you. My ankle is not flexible. So, when I peddle it is one flat movement. It is easier for me if the bike is set up with the peddles out in the front vs. a regular bike with the peddle right below you. That being said, Nick and I were trying to get me on a bike that was pretty hard to ride (peddle was below). I finally got on and it was a complete debacle. I couldn't stay on for very long as I couldn't keep my feet in the peddle. For what ever reason, we looked at each other at the same time and just laughed. I looked so out of sorts but I tried. I got off and just acted as if it was the bikes problem not me, ha!
So, I tried and realized that this one thing is going to be a bit more difficult but in time I will be on the road again!
You have also asked about the dog. This started several months ago with a special person who decided to take this on as a way to help me and my family. For those who aren't aware, getting a service dog takes anywhere between 9-12 months. It also takes a minimum of 3 months to even know whether or not a dog will work as a service dog (the % of dogs that actually make it is very small). The dogs actually choose you to an extent. The more time I spend with them, the easier it is to develop a relationship and see how they respond. The dogs are all trained to do a ton of things, regardless of your needs. Then, they will customize the training to your specific needs. As there really is so much I can do on my own , this is just an extra special treat to help me in those times that I do need help. Dogs will always make you smile. Thanks to everyone who is putting time into this project and for giving my family and I something to make our world even brighter! :)
The weather has been chilly here which is such a great atmosphere for reading. When I find a moment, I read (catching my mom's pastime). I have read something that I have been pondering and I want you all to think about it.
We are all trying to realize our personal legend or path, right? Then pay attention to what should be a coincidence vs. an omen or a "sign". Some don't believe in coincidence and I think I'm on the fence. Not to make this about me, but I wanted to give you some examples and then you apply it to your life.
What my family and I have gone through has been very emotionally charged and traumatic. However, the relationships that were developed in the waiting room (a lot) are ones that I and others will treasure forever. I have reconnected with great friends, is this a coincidence or god's plan? Nick was asked to be a part of Bentree at a time that it really mattered. The support we have received from them has been amazing and a great deal of the support had never met me. Coincidence or God's plan? I have gained a confidence in areas I never had before. Coincidence orGod's plan? Being a private person by nature, I have had to accept my situation (from a privacy perspective) as it's not something I can hide. This has made me able to open up in areas that were hard before. I have had the chance to be with family and friends and really laugh. These laughs were so needed and I know deep down these were guided laughs by the need to be in the big picture of life.
The experiences I have had and the people that are coming into our life has to truly be an omen. This has changed me in so many ways. If you really take a step back from yourself and look at the big picture, you can still take a deep breath and smile. There truly is a reason, always. :)
My thought for you is this: embrace the coincidences or omens and let them guide you. Whatever your thoughts are on this, if you think the best and believe in the fact that "this is where you should be", things will happen.
Have a great day!
Love,
Jen
However, I do have a funny story. Riding a bike for me is somewhat different than it is for you. My ankle is not flexible. So, when I peddle it is one flat movement. It is easier for me if the bike is set up with the peddles out in the front vs. a regular bike with the peddle right below you. That being said, Nick and I were trying to get me on a bike that was pretty hard to ride (peddle was below). I finally got on and it was a complete debacle. I couldn't stay on for very long as I couldn't keep my feet in the peddle. For what ever reason, we looked at each other at the same time and just laughed. I looked so out of sorts but I tried. I got off and just acted as if it was the bikes problem not me, ha!
So, I tried and realized that this one thing is going to be a bit more difficult but in time I will be on the road again!
You have also asked about the dog. This started several months ago with a special person who decided to take this on as a way to help me and my family. For those who aren't aware, getting a service dog takes anywhere between 9-12 months. It also takes a minimum of 3 months to even know whether or not a dog will work as a service dog (the % of dogs that actually make it is very small). The dogs actually choose you to an extent. The more time I spend with them, the easier it is to develop a relationship and see how they respond. The dogs are all trained to do a ton of things, regardless of your needs. Then, they will customize the training to your specific needs. As there really is so much I can do on my own , this is just an extra special treat to help me in those times that I do need help. Dogs will always make you smile. Thanks to everyone who is putting time into this project and for giving my family and I something to make our world even brighter! :)
The weather has been chilly here which is such a great atmosphere for reading. When I find a moment, I read (catching my mom's pastime). I have read something that I have been pondering and I want you all to think about it.
We are all trying to realize our personal legend or path, right? Then pay attention to what should be a coincidence vs. an omen or a "sign". Some don't believe in coincidence and I think I'm on the fence. Not to make this about me, but I wanted to give you some examples and then you apply it to your life.
What my family and I have gone through has been very emotionally charged and traumatic. However, the relationships that were developed in the waiting room (a lot) are ones that I and others will treasure forever. I have reconnected with great friends, is this a coincidence or god's plan? Nick was asked to be a part of Bentree at a time that it really mattered. The support we have received from them has been amazing and a great deal of the support had never met me. Coincidence or God's plan? I have gained a confidence in areas I never had before. Coincidence orGod's plan? Being a private person by nature, I have had to accept my situation (from a privacy perspective) as it's not something I can hide. This has made me able to open up in areas that were hard before. I have had the chance to be with family and friends and really laugh. These laughs were so needed and I know deep down these were guided laughs by the need to be in the big picture of life.
The experiences I have had and the people that are coming into our life has to truly be an omen. This has changed me in so many ways. If you really take a step back from yourself and look at the big picture, you can still take a deep breath and smile. There truly is a reason, always. :)
My thought for you is this: embrace the coincidences or omens and let them guide you. Whatever your thoughts are on this, if you think the best and believe in the fact that "this is where you should be", things will happen.
Have a great day!
Love,
Jen
Sunday
Bend it Like Griffin
Bend what? :) As most of you know, before I got sick I really enjoyed riding my bike and doing yoga (योग). I have really missed both but am trying to find a way to get a bike set up. However, in the mean time, good ol' Walt has gotten me in touch with a pilates instructor and I start tomorrow. I am really excited.
Again, bend what? I'm not sure how this will work but I will definitely make sure Fred is securely fastened! Just getting back in this environment is going to be good for me. I am going to have a few classes and see where this takes me. :)
I am also looking into swimming again. A few mornings a week would be so good for the soul. We shall see, I'll keep you posted on this one.
Also, I am going with Ann (Walt's wife) tomorrow to the place that is working on my service dog. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the dogs. Hopefully I will have a dog soon. They are all so amazing.
I hope you all had a great weekend. I had a really great weekend with friends and family.
Love,
Jen
Again, bend what? I'm not sure how this will work but I will definitely make sure Fred is securely fastened! Just getting back in this environment is going to be good for me. I am going to have a few classes and see where this takes me. :)
I am also looking into swimming again. A few mornings a week would be so good for the soul. We shall see, I'll keep you posted on this one.
Also, I am going with Ann (Walt's wife) tomorrow to the place that is working on my service dog. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the dogs. Hopefully I will have a dog soon. They are all so amazing.
I hope you all had a great weekend. I had a really great weekend with friends and family.
Love,
Jen
Wednesday
Unidentified Flying Leg; Book Suggestion
Okay, whoever made the comment about the fact that I needed to make a new post: thank you. There is nothing better than being told how it is or how it should be. :)
My previous post was very therapeutic for me and I will be sharing more with you soon. I feel as though I have been given a venue to create smiles and warmth and that is the best feeling.
I am switching gears this week to a really funny story. However, before I give up the goods, I want to share a bit of something that got me through the situation I am about to share.
While I was in rehabilitation I was given the best book by a great friend Taylor Hess. The book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you haven't read this, you must add this to your list of things to do before you die.
There is a part of the book that goes like this "the soul of the world is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
So, how does this relate to my story? Let me first start by saying that in my situation there are always moments of feeling like saying "oops, I really hope nobody saw that". Ha! That being said, a few weeks ago I was at my husbands work for lunch. I didn't have my leg on properly and was very aware of it. After lunch Matthew and I walked out to get the car and talked with the valet for a bit. As I pulled up my leg to get into the car, the prosthetic (Fred) slid straight off my leg, hit the ground and then, of course, tipped over.
Wow. I wouldn't advise trying this at home. Great party trick but this was the worst possible place ever. I tried so hard to play this off but what do you say? The valet looked at me, I looked at her and started laughing (I tend to laugh at the worst times!). I said "well, this is embarrassing. Do you mind handing me my leg?" Haha! She was really sweet about it and now she has a story. We got it all worked out and had a good laugh.
However, the phrase from the book above really stuck with me. As embarrassing as it was, my soul was actually in a great place. The energy was light and lent itself to a very warm and funny environment.
Laughing at ourselves and understanding the art of loving ourselves, will create a universe where we will be able to know our true destiny.
Laugh a lot these next few days. I'll even let you borrow Fred or Ginger if you need it .:)
Love,
Jen
My previous post was very therapeutic for me and I will be sharing more with you soon. I feel as though I have been given a venue to create smiles and warmth and that is the best feeling.
I am switching gears this week to a really funny story. However, before I give up the goods, I want to share a bit of something that got me through the situation I am about to share.
While I was in rehabilitation I was given the best book by a great friend Taylor Hess. The book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you haven't read this, you must add this to your list of things to do before you die.
There is a part of the book that goes like this "the soul of the world is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
So, how does this relate to my story? Let me first start by saying that in my situation there are always moments of feeling like saying "oops, I really hope nobody saw that". Ha! That being said, a few weeks ago I was at my husbands work for lunch. I didn't have my leg on properly and was very aware of it. After lunch Matthew and I walked out to get the car and talked with the valet for a bit. As I pulled up my leg to get into the car, the prosthetic (Fred) slid straight off my leg, hit the ground and then, of course, tipped over.
Wow. I wouldn't advise trying this at home. Great party trick but this was the worst possible place ever. I tried so hard to play this off but what do you say? The valet looked at me, I looked at her and started laughing (I tend to laugh at the worst times!). I said "well, this is embarrassing. Do you mind handing me my leg?" Haha! She was really sweet about it and now she has a story. We got it all worked out and had a good laugh.
However, the phrase from the book above really stuck with me. As embarrassing as it was, my soul was actually in a great place. The energy was light and lent itself to a very warm and funny environment.
Laughing at ourselves and understanding the art of loving ourselves, will create a universe where we will be able to know our true destiny.
Laugh a lot these next few days. I'll even let you borrow Fred or Ginger if you need it .:)
Love,
Jen
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