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!

Love,

Jen

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

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