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
Thursday
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
Monday
Remember: Ginger Rogers Did Everything Fred Astaire Did but Backwards and In Heels
I want to thank everyone who supported my family and Dad through this tough time of losing my grandmother. The friends that came to Abilene made it all so special and really warmed my dads heart. The funeral was beautiful. It was great seeing everyone and hope to see you again very soon!
We had a nice weekend and a wonderful dinner with friends on Saturday. My two dear friends, Jill and Shannon came in town last night and are spending the week with me. We have been planning this week for a while so we are so happy to be together. My lovely husband made us dinner last night and we just talked forever ― these are the moments to treasure.
My great friend Somer took me to see an amazing speaker this week (warrenmacdonald.com) at the Gaylord this week. He is an Aussie and a very inspirational person. I am going to be following him as we all should. If we ever need a little emotional boost just take a look at his story. :)
I am getting my car fixed up today so I will be able to drive. I am really looking forward to this independence and having the ability to put a little more freedom into my daily life.
The title of this post ― I was greeted with an awesome package this weekend. Nancy sent me the best plaque ever. The background says "YOU GO GIRL" with the above title on top. It was such a motivating thing for me and put a smile on my face. THANK YOU so much Nancy!
I have a doctor appointment. this week for a follow-up on my new Fred & Ginger's as well as getting my hands started ― yeah! I'm really looking forward to it.
Matthew started 4th grade today. He is very excited and we are so looking forward to this year. This is a new year in so many ways and we are anxious to see what it will bring.
Love,
Jen
We had a nice weekend and a wonderful dinner with friends on Saturday. My two dear friends, Jill and Shannon came in town last night and are spending the week with me. We have been planning this week for a while so we are so happy to be together. My lovely husband made us dinner last night and we just talked forever ― these are the moments to treasure.
My great friend Somer took me to see an amazing speaker this week (warrenmacdonald.com) at the Gaylord this week. He is an Aussie and a very inspirational person. I am going to be following him as we all should. If we ever need a little emotional boost just take a look at his story. :)
I am getting my car fixed up today so I will be able to drive. I am really looking forward to this independence and having the ability to put a little more freedom into my daily life.
The title of this post ― I was greeted with an awesome package this weekend. Nancy sent me the best plaque ever. The background says "YOU GO GIRL" with the above title on top. It was such a motivating thing for me and put a smile on my face. THANK YOU so much Nancy!
I have a doctor appointment. this week for a follow-up on my new Fred & Ginger's as well as getting my hands started ― yeah! I'm really looking forward to it.
Matthew started 4th grade today. He is very excited and we are so looking forward to this year. This is a new year in so many ways and we are anxious to see what it will bring.
Love,
Jen
The New Fred & Ginger, Losing a Loved One
Hi all. First of all, we have had a lot going on so I apologize for the late note.
Our week in OKC went really well and I am officially in my new Fred & Ginger's. I have been doing quite a bit and it feels so good. I have even gotten in the swimming pool ― so much fun. However, to answer the question ― I did sink, ha. We had a quick swimming lesson with floaties and it was good from there! :)
Getting fitted for my hands may be another month or so. There is additional growing that is occurring so we just need a little more time. It's really quite encouraging to know how much you can do without them!
As some of you are already aware, my grandmother (father's mother) passed away this week from a stroke and other complications. The funeral will be this Thursday at 10:00 AM in Abilene, Texas. She was a person who always had a smile on her face and provided me with the best dad in the world. We will really miss her but we are glad that she is in a better place.
Thank you all so much for all of your comments, cards and continued strength you have provided us. My family has been through a lot this year but as I told someone today ― I truly believe that the timing of everything and the reasons for this year are so much bigger than us. We are all growing in ways that we never would have and I believe the answers/directions are yet to come and will be enlightening.
Dad, I love you and we are all here for you. Mom & Nick ― you are my light.
Love,
Jen
Our week in OKC went really well and I am officially in my new Fred & Ginger's. I have been doing quite a bit and it feels so good. I have even gotten in the swimming pool ― so much fun. However, to answer the question ― I did sink, ha. We had a quick swimming lesson with floaties and it was good from there! :)
Getting fitted for my hands may be another month or so. There is additional growing that is occurring so we just need a little more time. It's really quite encouraging to know how much you can do without them!
As some of you are already aware, my grandmother (father's mother) passed away this week from a stroke and other complications. The funeral will be this Thursday at 10:00 AM in Abilene, Texas. She was a person who always had a smile on her face and provided me with the best dad in the world. We will really miss her but we are glad that she is in a better place.
Thank you all so much for all of your comments, cards and continued strength you have provided us. My family has been through a lot this year but as I told someone today ― I truly believe that the timing of everything and the reasons for this year are so much bigger than us. We are all growing in ways that we never would have and I believe the answers/directions are yet to come and will be enlightening.
Dad, I love you and we are all here for you. Mom & Nick ― you are my light.
Love,
Jen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
