For those of you who are wondering why it has been so long since I have posted. It is primarily because the blog to me was not only a way of communicating to family and friends but it also was a tool to let Jen know how I was feeling during those first few months of this ordeal.
I knew reading all the wonderful words of encouragement from around the world would have an enormous effect on her in the weeks and months that followed. Thanks to Steve and Cynthia for getting this started.
The time that everyone had taken to put their thoughts and prayers on this blog I believe helped in building such a wonderful foundation for what has been a journey that I can not begin to explain in a few short paragraphs. My wife has truly been amazing and I feel it an honor to witness her strength every day.
She continues to amaze me with the pace at which she travels and how quickly life has gotten back to almost normal. I find it very hard to keep up with her and continually I find myself asking her to slow down.
Her surgery last week was very successful and although she is feeling soreness in her hands she has still found time to be busier than ever. Saturday she spent organizing her dad's surprise 60th birthday in which everyone had a wonderful time. Yesterday she spent the afternoon visiting with a young girl of 5 who had suffered a similar ordeal to Jen.
This little girl had lost several fingers from both hands and one leg above the knee and another below the knee. When this girl's mother had read about Jen in the Dallas Morning News she contacted Jen and asked if she would mind visiting with her daughter. Jen last night was amazed at how well this little girl had adapted and pledged to help any way she can.
Tomorrow Jen will face one of her biggest fears—public speaking. She has been asked to speak to a group of sales professionals and give her insights into dealing with challenges. She is well prepared and I know she will be fine. Once again I am proud of her for facing her challenges head on.
I can't thank everyone enough for their roll in the wonderful recovery of my wife. I look into her eyes every day and am thankful for where we are today.
I love you babe!
Hubby
Wednesday
100,000 & Phase Two
Hi everyone. I have hit over 100,000 viewers as of today in 10 months. Wow! This started as a small tool for our families and our friends to communicate as many were out of state. We had no idea that it was going to take on a life of its own. Thank you so very much for helping me keep this going and to allow me to share my "journey" with you.
This week has opened up several doors which I am so excited for. One that I was so touched by was being asked to meet a very special 5 year old little girl. She has lost both of her hands and feet a year ago due to a staph infection that went untreated for too long.
I felt so honored and touched that I have been provided this opportunity to connect with her. Hopefully this can happen next week as I'm very anxious to meet her. I can't wait to tell you all about her!
I felt so honored and touched that I have been provided this opportunity to connect with her. Hopefully this can happen next week as I'm very anxious to meet her. I can't wait to tell you all about her!
I am moving into phase two of my hands. I am having reconstructive surgery Friday morning at 6 A.M. That is so early. I'm going to see if I can slip in a little Starbucks before. :) It is an outpatient procedure so should be home after lunch. Once this heals, I can pursue prosthetics. This is an exciting step. Wish me luck!
During my recovery, however, I'm not sure how much I can type so I've lined up a few assistants, so get ready. They age from 9 to 31. Should be fun.
The other part of phase two is that Nick & I are looking for a new home. We have been looking for several months so we are hoping things will fall into place soon. We have had so much fun getting ideas and decorating. We will see how those ideas stick once we start spending. :)
Anyway, I know that you have done so much for us and sent many prayers our way but if you could squeeze in one more prayer for a house, we would be so grateful!
Anyway, I know that you have done so much for us and sent many prayers our way but if you could squeeze in one more prayer for a house, we would be so grateful!
Okay, I'm going to try and get a little sleep. Have a great day and talk to you all soon!
Love,
Jen
Love,
Jen
Monday
We Are All in This Together
How about those Cowboys? I'm writing this as if I'm a real sports buff—not. I went for coffee this morning and I can just hear the buzz. I was at Matthew's basketball game last night (which they won!) and a few people had their iPod going so they could listen to the game. Have you ever wondered what it must feel like for the players to have so many people mad at you? Yikes.
Anyway, on a non-sports related issue, I wanted to thank the Dallas Morning News and the Park Cities People for such a great week. I enjoyed meeting you all and I truly thank you for allowing me to share my story in hopes of helping others.
I have received so many e-mails from people expressing their sweet thoughts in addition to telling me their story. I titled this post "We Are All in This Together" because after the experience this week and all of the e-mails and comments I have received, it's so clear.
We all reach out to someone or something for comfort or to fulfill a need. Just remember a person may not be in your life just for you—it may be for them. Give a piece of yourself. Even if it's for 5 minutes. We need a piece of everyone around us, whether we know it or not.
One question that I have been asked a lot this week is how I stay so positive or have the outlook that I have. The easy answer is that it's just all a mind set. But, the real answer is that I have a lot of support, I have had several angels step into my life, I have accepted my situation, and I really really want to be happy—no matter the obstacles.
I of course, have my days and have moments that I question. But, before this happened, I was always a believer of the power of energy and tried to surround myself with people who had a good attitude about life and who could laugh at things they do—not take their self too seriously.
Then, when I became sick, I think everyone who knew me established that energy between them and it started to snowball into prayers across the country. I just recently found out that I had a prayer list going in third world countries. I am praying for them everyday, I guess it just proves that we are all in this together.
Love,
Jen
P.S.
The most obvious thing that keeps me going is that I am alive. Being able to experience things like my husband's voice or hear family say they love me, is the gift that the mystery above has given me. That is a much bigger gift than having hands or feet. I can still walk and do things, but do it just a little bit differently than you do. :)
Anyway, on a non-sports related issue, I wanted to thank the Dallas Morning News and the Park Cities People for such a great week. I enjoyed meeting you all and I truly thank you for allowing me to share my story in hopes of helping others.
I have received so many e-mails from people expressing their sweet thoughts in addition to telling me their story. I titled this post "We Are All in This Together" because after the experience this week and all of the e-mails and comments I have received, it's so clear.
We all reach out to someone or something for comfort or to fulfill a need. Just remember a person may not be in your life just for you—it may be for them. Give a piece of yourself. Even if it's for 5 minutes. We need a piece of everyone around us, whether we know it or not.
One question that I have been asked a lot this week is how I stay so positive or have the outlook that I have. The easy answer is that it's just all a mind set. But, the real answer is that I have a lot of support, I have had several angels step into my life, I have accepted my situation, and I really really want to be happy—no matter the obstacles.
I of course, have my days and have moments that I question. But, before this happened, I was always a believer of the power of energy and tried to surround myself with people who had a good attitude about life and who could laugh at things they do—not take their self too seriously.
Then, when I became sick, I think everyone who knew me established that energy between them and it started to snowball into prayers across the country. I just recently found out that I had a prayer list going in third world countries. I am praying for them everyday, I guess it just proves that we are all in this together.
Love,
Jen
P.S.
The most obvious thing that keeps me going is that I am alive. Being able to experience things like my husband's voice or hear family say they love me, is the gift that the mystery above has given me. That is a much bigger gift than having hands or feet. I can still walk and do things, but do it just a little bit differently than you do. :)
Tuesday
Some Thoughts
I just got to bed and decided to play on the computer a bit. I have found such great websites. By the way, for those who don't know Gladys from the Ellen show, you have to watch this video below. She is the most honest, funny and refreshing person. Push the play button on the YouTube window. One of Gladys' best quotes: "I love Jesus, but I drink a little."
Speaking of honest and funny, I highly recommend seeing Juno. Such a great flick. The honesty of the characters is something you don't find anymore. There were people sitting in the aisle it was so crowded. I am a huge movie buff and that is one thing I can still do with no problems. :)
So, I really just feel like venting a bit so here it goes. Why do grocery stores (ahem, Target) have motorized carts when they never work. Honestly, it's ridiculous. Every now and then I may need one in the event my legs are tired. But, they never work. Next time your out, take a look at them and see if the are even plugged in. You might as well bring your own scooter to ride through the store. They should just have a drive through, might be a lot faster.
Why are we so aware of what Britney Spears & Paris Hilton are doing (or not doing), but we aren't aware of what the person next to us is doing?
Also, why s my old car company asking me if I want to extend my warranty. Hello? I sold that car 5 months ago. The Dallas Morning News calls today giving me a great rate. I said hi and was pleasant and then shared the following "we are already customer, have been for some time now, please check your membership list before calling."
Why do people park in handicap spots when they don't, in any way shape or form, fit that description. I love to see the occasional fake limp, that is my favorite. If you really need the spot, just give me a ring and I'll get you a great spot anywhere you need to go.
Okay, and lastly, I have to ask about living in an IKEA store. Have you seen this guy. He is a comedian living in IKEA for a week while his place is fumigated. Cool for him. He gets free rent, meets new people, creates free advertising for them, etc. I'm just waiting for someone to come up with a reason why they need to live on an airline and get free travel. :)
Am I done venting you ask? Yes, but, I'm asking you to pay attention to details that may be important to others and try something completely out of the ordinary without holding back. It's good for the soul.
Love,
Jen
Speaking of honest and funny, I highly recommend seeing Juno. Such a great flick. The honesty of the characters is something you don't find anymore. There were people sitting in the aisle it was so crowded. I am a huge movie buff and that is one thing I can still do with no problems. :)
So, I really just feel like venting a bit so here it goes. Why do grocery stores (ahem, Target) have motorized carts when they never work. Honestly, it's ridiculous. Every now and then I may need one in the event my legs are tired. But, they never work. Next time your out, take a look at them and see if the are even plugged in. You might as well bring your own scooter to ride through the store. They should just have a drive through, might be a lot faster.
Why are we so aware of what Britney Spears & Paris Hilton are doing (or not doing), but we aren't aware of what the person next to us is doing?
Also, why s my old car company asking me if I want to extend my warranty. Hello? I sold that car 5 months ago. The Dallas Morning News calls today giving me a great rate. I said hi and was pleasant and then shared the following "we are already customer, have been for some time now, please check your membership list before calling."
Why do people park in handicap spots when they don't, in any way shape or form, fit that description. I love to see the occasional fake limp, that is my favorite. If you really need the spot, just give me a ring and I'll get you a great spot anywhere you need to go.
Okay, and lastly, I have to ask about living in an IKEA store. Have you seen this guy. He is a comedian living in IKEA for a week while his place is fumigated. Cool for him. He gets free rent, meets new people, creates free advertising for them, etc. I'm just waiting for someone to come up with a reason why they need to live on an airline and get free travel. :)
Am I done venting you ask? Yes, but, I'm asking you to pay attention to details that may be important to others and try something completely out of the ordinary without holding back. It's good for the soul.
Love,
Jen
Sunday
Keep the Change
It's about 9 P.M. on Sunday and I am sitting outside on our deck listening to a really annoying dog and eating ice cream. I had such a great weekend visiting my brother with little Matthew. Hubby had to work so we took a quick road trip. My brother, Matt, and I are only one day apart as far as our birthdays are concerned, but 3 years in age. My other brother Ryan and I are 12 years apart. I have the best of friends in both of them and have had so much fun being their older sister.
As new year resolutions go, I wanted to share mine with you. Have you ever wondered about the logistics of me making purchases? Well, it's not always flawless. If I make a cash purchase and I have change coming back to me in the form of coins, 99% of the time I say "keep the change" regardless of the amount (because of my situation). Coins are a bit of a balancing act and I have yet to learn how to balance. :)
As new year resolutions go, I wanted to share mine with you. Have you ever wondered about the logistics of me making purchases? Well, it's not always flawless. If I make a cash purchase and I have change coming back to me in the form of coins, 99% of the time I say "keep the change" regardless of the amount (because of my situation). Coins are a bit of a balancing act and I have yet to learn how to balance. :)
I have been thinking about this more lately as I feel I should be making my difficulty a positive for someone else. So, rather than telling someone to keep my change, I'm going to make this year "All About Change" and start utilizing what I can't as a way to create change.
For the next year, I'm going to be saving all of my change. The first $200 that I have will be donated to a special charity, of which I will share with you. From that point on, I will be looking for a special person or cause to provide my change to.
I have a much larger dream for this idea and hope to provide you updates as the year progresses. However, as of today, if you know of anyone that should be on my change list, please let me know. I'd love to have a list to send to by the end of 2008. Always feel free to e-mail me at griffinja123@gmail.com!
I hope u all had a great weekend. It's all about the change you can make! :)
Love,
Jen
Love,
Jen
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