Yesterday I had an appointment to discuss my hands and look and what is to come. Truly amazing how real they look and how I can have my fingers sized to fit my wedding ring.
I'm about 6 weeks away. Out of the 1 1/2 hour appointment, there were 3 minutes that really stuck with me. We discussed what was important to me as far as functionality and he told me about a few patients who really wanted to be able to open a door, do gardening, etc. and I thought, AMAZING.
I'm in a category with many of his patients and what is important to us is all different. When we all had hands I promise we never thought about the importance of what we had. As you go through your day think about every little thing you do and you can pretty quickly determine what you can do without. It can be liberating if you can allow yourself to let go!
So, after people have prosthetics how do they take life to the next level? This is where my efforts will be placed for a long time. I have established the P.L.A.Y. Foundation (Positive Living for Active Youth) to allow those with amputations to become involved with sports activities as a way to build the self-esteem and confidence while going to the next phase: living life! This will be truly official in about one week.
It is very exciting to be able to reach out to the community and see all the faces of those who have had an experience that we can all learn from. I am finishing the logo and behind the scenes details but will let share it all with you as soon as its here. I will have an interview process and be able to connect with those who are wanting to grow and understand what this is all about. Really looking forward to this!
I have a busy week and will keep you up to date as the week progresses.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Jen
Friday
Monday
Monday Morning News
Good morning all! You gotta love this morning heat in texas. It's only 8:20 A.M. and I'm on
So what's been going on? Last week was really busy. My dog may be getting closer to residing at the Griffin house. I had a home assessment to see everything I may need, specific to the house and how cool is this: I really will have a partner in crime. She can help me carry in groceries, bring me my purse (however, I was informed of a 5 pound weight limit) and even laundry. The list goes on and on.
I'm going to look at my hand prosthetics tomorrow so I can give you better update. This process is really fascinating. I'll give you the scoop this week.
Annoucement: I have something very exciting to share this week. I have a few things to do today and tomorrow but will share with you as soon as I can. Sorry to tease but just keep checking!
The Egg: I learned something this weekend. Little Matthew and I were making cupcakes this weekend when we realized we had a little issue. One ingredient: egg. He is not a fan off eggs, almost like me and liver, so we looked at each other and thought, how in the world is this going to work as he didn't even want to try and crack it...heaven forbid the egg get on him!
So, I discovered that you don't need fingers to crack an egg. WOW, I held on for dear life as I turned the egg on its side and started to tap it on the counter to create a small crack.
The crack allowed me just enough of an opening that I could set it in the container we were using to cook and push to release the "gooo". It worked, without breaking the shell into bits. So funny how you can feel like such a kid again but I was on an internal high for about 2 hours.
There are days that I feel as if I am 5 again because of how such a small step can make me feel. But, darn it, I made cupcakes and cracked an egg this weekend! I'm headed out to visit my surgeon and spend the day with my hubby. :)
the patio with my coffee and already sweating. How is a girl to enjoy that? :)
The video: first, thanks to ALL that have voted so far! We are currently in 3rd place and we have until July 31st so we are shooting for 1st. Remember, you can vote 1 time a day, everyday. (I'm just throwing that out there, ha!)
So what's been going on? Last week was really busy. My dog may be getting closer to residing at the Griffin house. I had a home assessment to see everything I may need, specific to the house and how cool is this: I really will have a partner in crime. She can help me carry in groceries, bring me my purse (however, I was informed of a 5 pound weight limit) and even laundry. The list goes on and on.
I'm going to look at my hand prosthetics tomorrow so I can give you better update. This process is really fascinating. I'll give you the scoop this week.
Annoucement: I have something very exciting to share this week. I have a few things to do today and tomorrow but will share with you as soon as I can. Sorry to tease but just keep checking!
The Egg: I learned something this weekend. Little Matthew and I were making cupcakes this weekend when we realized we had a little issue. One ingredient: egg. He is not a fan off eggs, almost like me and liver, so we looked at each other and thought, how in the world is this going to work as he didn't even want to try and crack it...heaven forbid the egg get on him!
So, I discovered that you don't need fingers to crack an egg. WOW, I held on for dear life as I turned the egg on its side and started to tap it on the counter to create a small crack.
The crack allowed me just enough of an opening that I could set it in the container we were using to cook and push to release the "gooo". It worked, without breaking the shell into bits. So funny how you can feel like such a kid again but I was on an internal high for about 2 hours.
There are days that I feel as if I am 5 again because of how such a small step can make me feel. But, darn it, I made cupcakes and cracked an egg this weekend! I'm headed out to visit my surgeon and spend the day with my hubby. :)
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Jen
Friday
What If?
Sent to me by my wonderful and soon to be sister-in-law:
What if Fred had never danced
And Ginger had stayed at home?
What if Fred had never danced
And Ginger had stayed at home?
What if Frank had never sung
And Sting had remained a drone?
What if Picasso had followed the rules
And Rembrandt had not created?
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Jen
And Sting had remained a drone?
What if Einstein had never questioned
And Livingstone stayed in bed?
What if Columbus had grown potatoes
And Scott had been easily led?
And Livingstone stayed in bed?
What if Columbus had grown potatoes
And Scott had been easily led?
What if Van Gogh had never tried
And Monet had never painted?What if Picasso had followed the rules
And Rembrandt had not created?
What if Spielberg had been a tailor
And Hitchcock had sold ice cream?
What if you had never dared
To live your own sweet dream
And Hitchcock had sold ice cream?
What if you had never dared
To live your own sweet dream
Hmm...good questions, huh?
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Jen
Monday
View in the Mirror
Ever looked in the mirror and see something different than someone else? Ever read something and get a different interpretation than someone else?
Nick and I were in the car the other morning and noticed what looked like a homeless person, looking at himself and brushing his hair through the reflection of a building. Besides the fact that he had a good look going on, it made us instantly look at each other and say "did you see that?"
I thought about him on and off all weekend; where was he going, what's his story, etc. Then I thought that he and I saw two different things that day.
He was trying to find a mirror and we were looking for a reason or a story. How ironic that we drove by right at the time that his reflection came up and made us "reflect" the rest of our drive.
I have had a lot of conversations lately which have been both eye opening and self reflective and its really all about the mirror. We carry it with us whether we realize it or not.
Others are looking at us in ways we can't see and vice-versa. Do you think that was on purpose? We can't do anything without others in this world.
Make the best of it and look at the mirrors or reflectors in your life and understand that its probably by design.
Hope you had a great holiday weekend!
Nick and I were in the car the other morning and noticed what looked like a homeless person, looking at himself and brushing his hair through the reflection of a building. Besides the fact that he had a good look going on, it made us instantly look at each other and say "did you see that?"
I thought about him on and off all weekend; where was he going, what's his story, etc. Then I thought that he and I saw two different things that day.
He was trying to find a mirror and we were looking for a reason or a story. How ironic that we drove by right at the time that his reflection came up and made us "reflect" the rest of our drive.
I have had a lot of conversations lately which have been both eye opening and self reflective and its really all about the mirror. We carry it with us whether we realize it or not.
Others are looking at us in ways we can't see and vice-versa. Do you think that was on purpose? We can't do anything without others in this world.
Hope you had a great holiday weekend!
Love,
Jen
Wednesday
Java Break, Hands & Keep the Change Update
I started my day with a great cup of coffee and great conversation. I was with a friend who always has a way of putting life in perspective. While we were talking she said something that made me stop and think.
She said “I wish you could have seen all the love that was around you while you were in the hospital.” I’m sure I will hear different stories and memories for a long time to come but the consistent theme in all the stories I hear is stability, love and laughter.
Everyday we interact with people that may or may not be there tomorrow and everyday we do things that make or break someone’s day. I wish I could have taped those months in the hospital, only to see and appreciate things I may not have otherwise been able to.
Growing up, I was always taught that the things we do when nobody is watching sometimes counts more than when someone is watching. I’m so glad that the path I am now on has taught me to value that so much more. Keep doing for others what you expect in return, especially when they aren't even immediately aware!
On another note, I have been fitted for my hands, so watch out! :) I should have them in about 4-6 weeks. Hopefully I can bring myself back to talking with my hands. Talk about an adjustment! My hands used to be my second mouth!
Keep the Change: I have collected $180 in change and just need $20 more to get my $200. Where will it go? It's a surprise!
Love,
Jen
She said “I wish you could have seen all the love that was around you while you were in the hospital.” I’m sure I will hear different stories and memories for a long time to come but the consistent theme in all the stories I hear is stability, love and laughter.
Everyday we interact with people that may or may not be there tomorrow and everyday we do things that make or break someone’s day. I wish I could have taped those months in the hospital, only to see and appreciate things I may not have otherwise been able to.
Growing up, I was always taught that the things we do when nobody is watching sometimes counts more than when someone is watching. I’m so glad that the path I am now on has taught me to value that so much more. Keep doing for others what you expect in return, especially when they aren't even immediately aware!
On another note, I have been fitted for my hands, so watch out! :) I should have them in about 4-6 weeks. Hopefully I can bring myself back to talking with my hands. Talk about an adjustment! My hands used to be my second mouth!
Keep the Change: I have collected $180 in change and just need $20 more to get my $200. Where will it go? It's a surprise!
Love,
Jen
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