Young Marcella, My Biggest Fear and a Prosthetics Update

Bonjour! So, this update is well overdo but my little "assistant" idea didn't really go as planned. However, my hubby did step in—what a good guy.

For starters, my hands are doing a bit better but sill pretty tender. We ended up working on both hands but the bulk of the work was on my right. This was considered a "reconstruction" surgery for prosthetic fitting. If your curious as to what my hands will look like you can check out silicon hands on the web. I don't have a great photo as of yet or I would share with you.

It's all about change update—I am up to $88 in savings with my change. I can't wait to make my first donation. I had several recommendations to read the book Christmas Jars as it is about a similar concept. Very good read and I just found out that it is being made into a movie in 2008.

As Nick shared below, I have had a great opportunity to meet a wonderful 5 year old, Marcella, who lost both of her hands & feet due to a staph infection which turned into meningitis. When we met, she looked at my hands, then hers, but never asked me any questions. We played catch for quite a while—I wish the Yankees could have seen us. :)

She doesn't know she is any different and her spirit was amazing. I have been asked to go with her on her next doctor appointment and hopefully start to educate and get her to the best care possible. I feel really blessed to be doing this.

My biggest fear was somewhat conquered this past week. I received a call from a company after the Dallas Morning News article ran, asking if I would mind sharing my story with the sales team. I thought about it for a day or so and then just said 'yes'. For some of you, this is probably no big deal. However, let me give you a little history on my speaking apprehensions.

When I was in high school and college, speaking was a requirement. I never did understand this—why torture people? Both times, I took it my senior year with all the freshman—how uncool. They all thought I had flunked and had to retake it. Then, to add to an already bad situation, I would ask the teachers if I could give my speeches to them privately.

I would get an answer like "uh, doesn't that defeat the purpose?" to which I would reply "what exactly is the purpose of being so nervous that you can't talk, upset stomachs and a bad grade?" Somehow I ended doing about 50% to the class and about 50% to the teacher. The art of negotiation is beautiful.

So, how did it go last week? Great! I had such a good time. I think once you get started it becomes easier but I just always had the problem of getting started. Anyway, thank you so very much for wanting to hear my story and for giving me the tools to make my first time easier than my college days.

Swimming—still loving this. But, my hand can't get the chlorine so I'm on hold for a while. Pilates—Donna & I are getting ready for the seminar/workshop February 8-10. There are still spots available. Just go to Traditional Pilates: The Essence of Joe. It's going to be fun!

Human connection—Just wanted to share a quick story. I was out yesterday and went into a store where the sales lady starts spending time with me. After about thirty minutes she says to me "young lady, how did you hurt yourself?" It was a really sweet way of asking me what had happened. When I explained it to her she shared with me how she had lost her husband a few months ago.

I really felt for her because you could tell how much of a connection she had with him. I have the opportunity to engage in these type of conversations more & more now and it just seems to enrich my life everyday to know that I am learning the core of who people are.

I have had a few relationships that were surface or superficial that weren't very challenging. These intimate conversations are really what life is about—the real human connection. I guess I have changed, in more ways than one, but I hope this can become contagious.

Have a great rest of the weekend. I have more coming!

Amour,

Jen

Jen Has Been Incredible

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

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 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!

Okay, I'm going to try and get a little sleep. Have a great day and talk to you all soon!

Love,
Jen

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. :)

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