Meet Winter

I discovered another wonderful story today. An Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named Winter is two years old and was caught in a crab trap and eventually lost her tail. She was provided with 24-hour around-the-clock care by veterinarians, volunteers and staff.

As my turtle story showed, without a tail, Winter can neither swim as fast nor jump as high as a normal dolphin. She's had to adapt to how to swim without a tail, which no dolphin has ever done in captivity.

Winter's swimming style changed from up and down to side to side. Veterinarians were concerned that this unusual swimming form might alter the long-term health of her spine. The vets, therefore, began to explore designing a prosthetic tail for Winter.

Her doctor has also designed prosthetics for dogs, ducks and even an ostrich. Wow, how cool of a job does he have?As I continue to be touched by these stories, I also get a bit puzzled.

As a society in general, we tend to put energy into things that make our hearts warm and fuzzy because it feels good, not because it’s the right thing to do. Have you ever wondered why so many animals are getting prosthetics when there are so many humans that have to go without?

Don’t get me wrong, I love that scientists and doctors are taking the time to create such wonders and I do think it's the right thing to do. But, if we put energy into those that can't afford prosthetics this would be an amazing place.

The number of people who loose limbs per year are in the 100’s of 1000’s and a large percentage won’t be able to get their life back because they don’t have access to the proper tools. What about just taking care of someone because it’s the right thing to do?

People make decisions every day that influence others. If we all start taking an interest in something for the sake of the interest rather than letting politics run our decisions I think we would all be amazed at what the human spirit can do.

Hopefully these animals can talk to a few people. :) The next time your faced with a challenge choose the option of “it’s the right thing to do” and watch what happens.

Love,
Jen

The Gemini's and a Rainbow

We starting moving this weekend into the new house. Let me tell you how much fun that can be with no hands. :) I actually did find ways of doing things but also realized how to discover new things.

I was going through the new house working every switch, handle, knob, etc. giving it all the "Jen Stamp of Approval" and found things I didn't realize I could/couldn't do.

One thing I knew a long time ago but forgot, was that moving with my brother is nothing but laughter. He can make moving a glass the funniest thing you've ever seen. The only down side to this is it may take you 4 hours vs. 2 but it's worth it.

Our birthdays are 1 day apart so we have a lot of crazy commonalities. He and our younger brother Ryan are some of the best friends an older sister could want. If I ever needed support my family and Nick are are what it's all about. They make me forget about things I have gone through. It's truly amazing.

Something else that really made my weekend was being in the car and having little Matthew look up in the sky and say "Look Jen, it's a rainbow." It was so vivid and pretty. This is meaningful because two of my best friends used to come to the hospital and tell me that they saw rainbows when they would come to see me.

Their stories brought me so much faith that it created a special bond for me where they were concerned. I thought of my two friends all day and felt that we were all together for a while. It was really neat.

What things do you notice that remind you of a relationship or special moment? Look really hard. You will find them! Things like this are something to believe in. Have a great few days. I'll talk to you soon.

Love,

Jen

Possible Adoption, Nursing Home Visit

I am so glad the weather is finally getting warmer! Nothing makes me smile like sunshine.

The weekend was great but I have some good and bad news to share. A really sweet 5 year old friend of mine may be up for adoption this upcoming month.

I was blessed to have met her and she is an amazing source of strength. I have mentioned her before, but she has also lost her hands and legs due to a staph infection that led to menegitis. She is very strong willed and always smiling. Amazing how she has even helped me!

I had dinner with her and her foster mom this weekend as they told me the news. I am happy for her but sad for me. Everyone needs to experience a little child such as this. She has provided me an outlook that is so sweet. Wish for her the best as she has a life that will be challenging and she has only just begun.

I spoke at a retirement community this weekend and had such a great time. The room was filled with the biggest hearts. Each time I do this I am opened to others and their experiences and learn more and more.

I had a lady tell me that she had lost her daughter and how she saw parts of her in me. Wow, we had a wonderful chat! The best compliment of the day came from a lady that walked up to me and said "Honey, I didn't hear a word you said but I sure enjoyed watching you!"

Now if that didn't make me laugh out loud! She was quickly told by a friend to bring her hearing aids next time.

No matter if people are listening or not, they are watching. Lead by example. It's what you do when nobody is watching that counts. Have a great day!

Love,
Jen

Do We Create the Journey or Does the Journey Create Us?

This post is long over due and thank you to all who sent me emails reminding me of that! Seriously, what would I do without you.

I have learned a lot about myself through life and the journey I am on, but I've always questioned karma and natural life occurrences. Meaning, are we creating our journey by the things we do and say or do the things we do and say create us?



I pose this question because of the experiences I have had the past few weeks. I have met the first lady, finally found a house, been asked to help make a park handicap accessible, am starting a foundation, been asked to speak a few times and am understanding communication better and better. All of this, however, is because of the people around me and those that have helped create this journey.

But, how is this being done? I truly believe that if this had not happened to me and I had not had seen my friends and family go through what they have emotionally, I would not have encountered the spiritual and emotional substance I have obtained. I am now learning and allowing myself to be guided. It's a combination.

The one piece of my journey that has been difficult to understand is having so much to share but not having my grandfather to share it with. For some reason, God was ready for him sooner than we were ready to let go. He was always in my corner and I do so much today with him in my mind. He was a very smart determined person who raised such a great family. He made every holiday so fun and would always laugh at your jokes, good or bad. He was my rock in so many ways.

I often think of how he would handle everything that I have gone through and it makes me work harder and harder everyday. I think he is always around pushing and encouraging me and giving me that confidence I need at times. He would not allow me to be "down" for very long because he always believed that life had too much to offer.

I have used my frustration, confusion and, at times, sadness, as a way to examine myself and find my strengths. I have found more life in my life, than I ever had before. I am happy to have had such an outstanding role model in my grandfather and happy that he is still helping me create my journey.

Don't stop! Find that person or thing that gives you presents with their presence alone. Life will blossom before you know it. We do influence our journey. Think about your choices, you never know when you may need someone.

Love,
Jen

The Jayhawks & Officially Back to Work

Before I get started, I just want to send a shout out to KU (where Dr. Naismith first invented basketball) for winning the NCAA Championship. Because of this, my brother had the day off from school today!

What a great present to give your fellow classmates and supporters. An executive decision made by those whom (I’m going out on a limb here) thought long and hard about the attendance that would not be in today’s classes anyway?

So, for those who don’t already know, I have returned to the day to day thing people like to refer to as “work”. It’s been great to see so many familiar faces. I held a new title/position for 24 hrs. before becoming ill. So, you can understand my hesitancy in coming back.

But, it’s all good, I have requested a massage every hour to reduce my stress!! Seriously, it’s been one year since I had to talk about contracts and deadlines and figure out how to send a fax (face up/face down?). And our new phone and e-mail system? Wow! I started out with a little over 3,000 e-mails to welcome me back.

My next project? Inventing an object that will start laughing really loud when your email box hits over 99 emails then saying “can no longer process, do it yourself.”

So, how do I do things at work? I have been very successful at taking advantage of my now “prime” parking spots, walking straight up to a door that opens for you (even if you’re having a bad day, this can make you smile) taking a few steps to the elevator and up I go.

I know I have work to do, but I’m trying to tackle the vending machines and figure out how to recruit a Starbucks delivery person (I might put an add on Craig’s list and see what develops). I work within walking distance of Starbucks so I’m constantly feeling taunted!

Wish me luck and I’ll touch base in a few days!

Love,
Jen