26.2 Miles

As you can see, I am missing from the photos below but the reason is simple. By the time the camera got to me, I had whizzed by and was leading the race--to the next viewing zone! If you're new around here, the first picture is of my brother Matthew and the second is his wife Christy.

I had such inspiration this past weekend watching both of my brothers & sister-in-law glide through the 2009 White Rock

Marathon here in Dallas!

The determination of everyone was something that you really want to latch on to.

We saw smiles, cries, senior citizens, young kids & even missing limbs!

It was inspiring to watch all the thousands of people--many of them first timers--take a shot at such an intense undertaking. My youngest brother Ryan finished a beautiful half-marathon (13.1 miles) then another 5 with a blown out knee, just to give the others a fierce competitive edge. :) Everyone exceeded their own expectations and that is all that really matters.

In the event something is not your thing--like running a marathon--take note: say you have a "butt thing". I was at the gym walking up stairs when I noticed a youth challenged lady behind me.

Rather than having her wait on me, I told her to go ahead.

She passed without hesitancy (as if to say I should have offered sooner) then with a loving tone said "I'm going slow because I have a butt thing, what's your thing?" I couldn't even get my "thing" out as I was laughing so hard!

Here's to setting goals and making new ones!

Love,

Jen

Life Without Limbs

All I can say is, wow! Yesterday I was able to attend Nick Vujicic's event mentioned in the blog post below not once, but twice! My plan was to go once with family & friends but then thought that a special young friend of mine & P.L.A.Y. Foundation family member, Ryanne (missing both legs & parts of her hands), was attending with Scottish Rite & they had scheduled an amazing private meeting with Nick.

So, as I wasn't going to miss that opportunity, I came back and was able to listen for an hour of questions with him privately. Kids have the best way of just "getting it out there" and Nick answered every question with such wisdom and grace. They were so intrigued by how he was able to swim.

Since Nick was born without arms or legs (with no medical explanation) he was able to really enlighten the kids in the audience about self-esteem and self-empowerment. My husband and I got so much out of this experience. And Matthew H. couldn't have been more intrigued. He was smiling, laughing and was engaged with such heartfelt sincerity. It was a beautiful opportunity!

He has been all over the world speaking and touching lives of over 3 million people. What a powerful display of human courage! Apparently, Oprah is going to have him on one of her last shows in October. Saving the best for last, it couldn't be any more appropriate!

As an adult with some of his same obstacles he truly projects the concept of acceptance, of world community, of human potential. The crowd was cheering & clapping the entire time. Moments like these truly remind us how bright the human spirit is.

Icing on the cake: I was looking on his website and right on the front he has linked my website to his. I was so shocked and felt really touched as we had never met before yesterday!

Please visit Life Without Limbs and surf around. Be prepared to be inspired! Know yourself, accept yourself and let everything else be secondary. As Nick said, "You may have a mansion, money or fame, but if it's built on sand, who cares? It won't last anyway."

Love,
Jen

Aussie Inspiration

The holidays and memorable moments to create are upon us. Especially during this time of the year, anything we can do to expose ourselves to a new perspective or experience should always be considered.

If you are in the Dallas area this Sunday, December 6th, think about attending a speaking event featuring Nick Vujicic.

Nick, an Australian native, was born without arms or legs and given no medical reason for this condition. Faced with countless challenges and obstacles, a spirit bigger than himself has given him the strength to surmount what others might call impossible.

Nick has an unquenchable passion to share this same hope with others. He will be at Watermark Church at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to share his amazing story of faith and hope. I'm sure you won't regret it!

Love,
Jen

Thankful

As I look at these pictures I realize how thankful I am for all the love, inspiration, friendship & support that surrounds my family.

The first picture: my mom, grandmother, aunt, cousin & the Frentz family (best in-laws you could ask for) supporting each other from our losses at the Hard Rock Casino last weekend. A few, however, came home with some loot. Even without hands, I was determined to play. Play, I did. Win, I did not. :(

Check out the next photo. This is pure inspiration. Her name is Jamie and she lost both legs and hands just a few months ago to meningitis. Yes, she is standing and walking now. I have been blessed to get to know her & her family over this past year. Jamie spoke to school kids in Dallas recently and I was there to see her in action. We are both standing and able to understand the obstacles. I'm really touched by her bravery and friendship.

We are never fully who we are without the love support of our family. I had this photo of my husband Nick & my grandmother from a special moment at home. My entire family has given so much love & support.

I love you all and looking forward to seeing everyone this week. I'm thankful for my losses as it's giving me so many gains. Have a great Thanksgiving and remember to reflect on all that you are thankful for!

Love,
Jen

"700 Sundays"

One of my favorite pastimes is to be in the company of live entertainment and be a part of a living story. Last night we were able to get "last, last minute" tickets to see "700 Sundays" with Billy Crystal in a beautiful new venue in Dallas, the Winspear Opera House.

Not only was the venue filled with charm and stories itself, the stage completely lit up with life when Billy Crystal entered stage left. If you are not aware, "700 Sundays" is the story of Billy's life. With his dad working two jobs to keep the family going, the story immediately captures the essence of the middle-class American experience.

Sundays were saved for family times. His father passed away and left his family to begin his spiritual journey when Billy was only 15. Although time seemed limited, the play brilliantly reflects on their most priceless 700 Sundays together.

The story is beyond funny, fascinating and warm all at the same time. He took so many family member characteristics and developed them into such a captivating picture book with his words and genius ability to engage the audience with is acting. And what's more, he of course had the classic American home movies to share.

We all have a family tree, funny stories, teachable moments and the emotional "stuff". And every bit of it is invaluable to our experience as people. Without it we are unable to love and grow spiritually. Art like this truly sparks curiosity into our own story.

I've come to appreciate how every day marks a new untraveled path. Simply writing and reflecting on your own experiences can open a book you never knew was so rich with life. Our individual stories don't have to be billed on Broadway to treasure them. But if you have a chance to see the production, you won't be disappointed! :)

Love,
Jen