Sky the Service Dog & More Updates

I think we will finally have a new addition to our family! I was told last week that we are 95% sure that I have a service dog and should be at our house within a month to 6 weeks.

He is an awesome male chocolate lab named Sky. They have done such an amazing job training this little guy. We didn't get a chance to name the dog as they name them while training, but I think it's a look into the future. Sky is the limit. Hopefully he won't be our only addition.

Hand Update: I am getting my hands this week. It seems like forever since this started but will be an exciting time.

Pilates Video Update: Thanks to ALL who voted and who sent me so many wonderful emails. We didn't win but came so close. We got some great calls as well. It was fun and I'm glad that Donna and I were able to participate.

Weekend Update: Little Matthew went to a cooking camp this weekend then all the kids served lunch to the parents/adults in their aprons & hats.

It was so much fun and I have to say, great food and great skills taught for the kiddos. As someone pointed out, the most impressive thing with 30 kids: not one dish was dropped! Now, that's a good day.

Foundation Update: This is really coming along and will bring so many smiles to so many youth.

I find something to be inspired by everyday I work on this! I hope a year from now I can give you so much information and would hope to have helped numerous kids.

There is so much more to life if you allow yourself to explore the unknown and the possibilities.

Wishing everyone a great day!

Love,

Jen

Dinner Reservations for Two, Three, Maybe Four

Have you ever been at a party or just hanging with friends and you start asking the questions like “if you could have dinner with three famous people, who would they be and why?” Well, I recently had that conversation. When I started to answer I realized how different my answers are now than a few years ago.

The first person I would like to meet would be Oscar Pistorius. He is the South African para-olympic runner who made history while becoming the first amputee runner to be accepted into the 2008 Olympics. How much of an inspiration is this? I am fascinated with his determination and tenacity for achievement. I wouldn't run with him but would definitely give him a run for his money with a really fast walk!

Then there is a 64-year-old grandmother. She did a nude photo shoot for Dove at 64! That deserves more than dinner. The fact that she got out of her comfort zone and showed the world her beauty and self-confidence at that age is definitely inspiring.

What about Maya Angelou? I came close on this one. I was at a Professional Women's Conference about 7 years ago and she spoke. She was so full of wisdom. What a lady she was. I would just love to pick her brain and refer to her words for inspiration. Things like: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." We all need a little of that in our lives.

And, ok, I have a fourth. The grand ole' Willy Nelson. I'm not so much a fan of the music, but more a fan of his persona. Pay attention to the people he attracts. He has the most interesting, eclectic and colorful group of people that just love him. All different genres of music, ages, nationalities, etc. The guy can hang with a local farmer, famous political figures, Snoop Dogg and just did a new CD with Wynton Marsalis.

Agh, a fifth! Bono. Need I say more? The ultimate humanitarian! I'll have another update soon, have a good week!

Love,
Jen

A Note From Justin Ringler

The Ringler family has been among the numerous examples of endless support, inspiration and hope to all who have known them. Justin Ringler, the oldest son, is participating in the 100-mile ultra-marathon in Leadville, Colorado and is dedicating his participation in memory of Brett Zamrzla of Sylvan Grove, Jen and "paying it forward". Please do not feel obligated in any way to contribute monetarily. A moment of silence in memory of Brett, a simple way to "pay it forward" and encouragement for Justin's adventure is what's important.

Dear friends and family,

In January of this year, Brett Zamrzla, formerly of Sylvan Grove, Kansas, and a student at Fort Hays State University, lost his life in a car accident. His family; Jeanette, Erin and Ben, requested in lieu of flowers, food, money, etc., that friends and family honor Brett by “paying it forward”.

They asked for us to consider who might best receive the gift we had to give and to give it in loving memory of Brett.

In March of 2007, Jennifer Whipple Griffin was admitted to a hospital in Dallas, TX, where she spent the next several months fighting for her life. She was eventually diagnosed with Septic Shock Syndrome. During the course of this extensive hospital stay, Jenny had to have her hands and legs amputated. Due to her tenaciousness and positive attitude, Jenny has gone through rehabilitation and now has returned part time to work. She has two artificial legs (named Fred and Ginger) and plans to one day have artificial hands.

On August 16 and 17, of this year, I will be running the 100 mile trail race in Leadville, Colorado. My gift is to run this race, in memory of Brett and to give any monetary support to Jenny’s fund, The P.L.A.Y. Foundation (Positive Living for Active Youth). Her website is getwelljen.blogspot.com. I would like to honor both my friends by “paying it forward” and have set a goal to raise $5,000. We are asking our closest friends and family to help us “pay it forward.”

For those of you who would like to support this endeavor, an account has been opened under “For the Greater Good” at Thunder Bank, 102 N. Main, PO Box 338, Sylvan Grove, KS. 67481. Please specify “Jenny’s Fund” in the memo. To find more information about this trail race, please visit leadvilletrail100.com. You can be kept up to date on the participants, the outcome, etc. with this website. My parents, Glenn and Sharon Ringler, and my wife, Angie, will be participating as my support team during this 30 hour run.

Brett’s life and legacy will be remembered during this special day, and Jenny’s fund will change lives with your monetary support as she too has committed to “paying it forward “ as her new foundation will benefit amputee youth by bringing sport activities into their world. Thank you for joining our team to help “pay it forward.”

Love,
Justin Ringler

Belated 4th, Communication Around the World

I hope you enjoyed the fireworks, time off and great family time! We saw some great fireworks this weekend and had a fun time in a parade as well. While I was waiting for the parade to start I witnessed a really cool conversation.

A family from Bejing was visiting the states and happened to have found the parade. They were talking amongst themselves when a lady, who was from Texas and looked so far removed from Bejing, walked up and starts conversing with them (she was fluent in Mandarin).

I was amazed at how they came together and how the lady from Texas welcomed them. I started thinking how everyone can relate to eachother if we take an interest in the other, no matter the obstacle. Even though I was thoroughly confused as to what they were saying, I saw lots of smiles and human kindness. It was great.

It got me thinking about my foundation and how far I could reach people and happen to come across an article in the paper about a man from Sierra Leone who lost a leg from combat with a Rebel.

Without getting political, there were so many lessons from listening to the conversation and reading about someone from Sierra Leone. At the end of the day, no matter where we are from or what we have experienced, we all need to be heard, respected and the ability to be "accepted" with our differences. Things like this give me hope & inspiration everyday.

I have found expression in things now that I didn't realize before. My lesson? ACCEPTANCE. Life is way too short. You can't love without respecting and you can't respect without acceptance.

Take this week and turn an obstacle into something worth respecting & loving, even if it's yourself, :)

Love,
Jen

Go Ahead, Smile

The next time you are feeling really frustrated or like you just can't stand someone or something, what do you do? Smile. It releases endorphins and makes us feel good.

My internet has been in a constant state of chaos, I was in traffic for about 1 1/2 hours Saturday night, I was leaving the gym today when someone asked why I was taking up a handicap spot (big smile on this one), I'm reading a great book when I realized some of the most important pages are missing. And, I ended up without keys and no way to get in my house! Fabulous.

Smiles are the best because they are easy, economical, universal and a simple language. However, we do have the sarcastic smile. I think the guy asking me about my parking spot might have received one from me today, but I'm not sure. :)

I'm staying busy these days.

I was asked many times when I got out of the hospital if I would ever consider public speaking. And as I have said before, I would rather become Paris Hilton's B.F.F. than speak in front of large crowds. However, I have recently been talking with the best people to get me prepared. I'm looking forward to this part of my journey and seeing the doors open up more and more. It's so therapeutic.

The foundation is coming along and I'll have more to share in the near future. I'm waiting on a few things. I also wanted to provide my e-mail again as I have received requests that I would love to accommodate. Always feel free to contact me at: griffinja123@gmail.com.

Have a great week and I will talk to you soon!

Love,

Jen