So, How are Diamonds Really Made?

Last night was so much fun! Nick and I joined Karol and her fans at Barnes & Noble for her book signing event and were honored to meet others mentioned in her book.  Her book is about surviving the unexpected struggles of life.  

While she was talking about the book she said something that I thought was really great. You see, Karol also has had unexpected changes in her life. She used to be a science teacher before becoming an author (her first book was about planning kids b-day parties) and she learned a lot.  One of the cool things she learned, she magically transformed into a life lesson.

She explained that Diamonds are made with a lot of pressure and a lot of heat. To become a beautiful diamond you have to get through the heat and the pressure in order to become s special diamond. But, its finding how to do it, that makes us diamonds.    Would you rather strive to be a diamond or any old gem?  She was great to listen to.

I met others in the book and we introduced eachother by chapter -  ha, it was pretty funny. With all the great stories in this book, we really hope to give you the inspiration you may need. It's worth it!  

I was also very touched yesterday to be able to meet the mother of  Karen Naomi (www.karennaomi). Her mom, Delia, went through sepsis as well and has lost all of her limbs. She had the best spirit and shared some great jokes with me!  For those of you in Dallas, Karen has a fantastic voice and is having a Mother's Day benefit honoring her mom. It will be on Saturday, May 9th @ the coffee shop Opening Bell @ Southside Lamar.    It would be well worth your time to treat your mom to this special event!!!!

Enjoy the weekend!  

Love, Jen

The Kiddos

So, have you ever had any funny moments with kids? Besides finding humor in a lot of things—even in the most awkward moments—I have found that kids are such a rich source of laughter and story telling.

This first one has nothing to do with me, but it did make me think quite a bit.

I was getting gas the other day and during the normal routine of looking around or watching the gallon ticker go by, I noticed several people looking into a car making really weird faces.

Then, I discovered a little guy in the back seat. So I felt a bit better knowing there was an excuse for the embarrassment they were going through. But I realized the people staring into the car didn't even know the driver. Not such a big deal right? But, have you ever wondered what goes through the kids minds?

You know they think that people who make all these faces, play hide 'n seek behind their hands, talk in goo-goo language (might as well be talking to Star Wars characters) and go out of their way to squeeze them, must be a little off their rocker.

Seriously though, if we really knew what went through the minds of our little people and they could speak, I bet we would see a massive reduction in the squinting faces.

Here are a few funnies from the little people who can speak:

1. At a restaurant with others and Sky, a little girl walks over and wants to pet Sky. She leans over to pet him and then says "Weird, why does he have a saddle on?" (referring to his service vest).

2. We are at a grocery store and a little kid could not take his eyes off me. When his mother noticed what he was looking at, she just smiled at me while he covers his mouth to whisper "Mom, she is missing her hands." I'm not sure he realized that his "whisper" was about as quiet as a tornado siren.

3. Matthew and I were mocking each other and when he got tired of it he politely asked to stop. Of course we kept teasing each other but when it was his turn he decided to snap his fingers! How unfair. I think he cheated! :)

4. I was spending time with a friend of mine and her daughter. Her little girl kept looking and studying my hands. She went right along to inspect them and seemed so fascinated. Right when I thought she had something to say, her mom asked "Want some ice cream?" I thought my arm was going to break as she dropped it so quick and never seemed interested again. I never knew the power of ice cream.

I look for stories like this all the time. You can learn and find so much inspiration in their innocence. It is the best free gift you can find. Have a great weekend everyone. I will have much more for you next week.

Love,

Jen

Karol Ladd, Save the Date

Reading and writing entered my life many years ago but it's only taken on a "true" meaning for me in the last two years.

I remember my mom always having a book in her hand growing up! Sometimes I feel like we have a mini book club within our family and friends as someone is always suggesting or raving about a new book. :)

After I got out of the hospital, I received calls about how I could share my experience or what I could do to help others. One day I had a very special conversation with Karol Ladd which turned into the honor of being able to contribute to her collection of survival stories.

Karol has a section in her new book on my experience which we hope will give others a little boost of energy to get past those unexpected bumps in the road.

Karol will be at Barnes & Noble (Northwest Highway, across from North Park) Friday, March 13th @ 7:00 PM to speak and sign copies of her new book. We will be there and are very excited and honored to be a part of this special occasion!

Hope to see you there! Thank you Karol and congratulations on your new book.

Love,
Jen

Missing the Heels

Nick & I went to Oklahoma City yesterday and met my Dad for an appointment with Fred & Ginger. It used to be that we would go for a few days, but now it is just a day trip. Everything went well; just needed to make an adjustment. Nick and Dad got a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the new prosthetic technology.

Picture this: a limb that you never have to take off. It is in the research development stage, but apparently some really smart people are working on this concept. It seems as if they could do surgery to implant a rod that would act as the bone (or stabilizer) and go from there.

Where the skin would come from is for the researchers to figure out, but that would be fantastic. Do you know how many times Fred & Ginger have been taking a break and I think about something I need but can't get to it? Patience is most definitely a virtue. Individual finger movement (on prosthetics) is also being developed. The amazing part is that the movement is controlled by thought. Look out Dallas drivers! :)

The creative innovation that is required for all of these technological leaps is so inspiring. Yesterday while Fred & Ginger were dancing with others and getting their spa treatment, Nick & Dad were together taking the tour while Sky & I stayed in the patient room. These patient rooms, by the way, are filled with munchies, good reading materials, a television and a view of a lake. It is designed to be relaxing and comfortable for those long appointments.

So, Sky & I are hanging out with the great view and I realize I’m not close enough to the magazines. I began to plot how I could get to it. Although daily tasks have become much easier by trial and error, there is always a moment of thinking things through. Nick and I literally have to talk through our days at times to make sure I can get things done. Note to therapists: this is a great way to learn communication skills (or lack thereof). :)

Back to the magazine: Sky was enjoying a nap so I didn’t want to bother him, but I really was curious about the news of the week. I finally scooted on the couch to the table and guess what? I reached out and the magazine pretty much slid right into my lap. :)

I had a long time in the room to kick back, which I did, but I also thought about how things used to be prior to Fred & Ginger coming into my life. I could have stood up to get the magazine, I could run outside around the lake, I could feel the warmth of socks and the touch of a great foot massage or the feminine side of my 4-inch heels (still miss those shoes) .

But, as I started down that path, Sky started to wake up and he gave me the biggest kiss on the cheek, Dad & Nick came back in the room and I thought, this is exactly why Fred & Ginger danced into my world.

I’m approaching my 2nd year (next month) with Fred & Ginger and I feel like I have developed a sense of life that only this experience could have taught me.

Love,
Jen

Go-Go Gadget

Even when I had hands I wasn't that graceful with a knife. However, as with many things I have learned to compensate for, I have yet to master the art of using the knife. I'm thinking this is good for everyone around me. :)

I was with a few friends last week and we were looking through a Williams-Sonoma catalog and the solution was right in front of me. Check out this great gadget! I can dice, slice, core & wedge just about anything. It also comes with a variety of different blades. I'll be super-independent and safe on the cutting now!

All I do is use my arms to press. How hard is that? My next gadget is the VeggieChop. Look out Rachael Ray!

Between chopping and slicing I discovered a great voice and great coffee. Have I mentioned that I have a coffee problem? Anyway, we went to listen to the great tunes of Karen Naomi at Dunn Bros Coffee. What a great story she has.

Check her site out and find out where you can catch her next. Her beautiful mom is suffering from Meningococcal septicemia and has a touching story. We are thinking of you.

I've also gotten an invite to an art show that I'm really looking forward to. This is a mother-son exhibit and she is an interior designer with tons of talent. Why is this exciting? Besides the fact that we love this kind of stuff, this relates to a previous post.

Remember a guy who came to the house to talk to Nick & I? Well, this is why. He knows her and wanted us to meet. She is an amputee as well. Can I just say how inspiring it will be to finally meet her and also to see how she has translated it into art ? Very neat. I'll keep you posted! No pun intended. :)

What else do I have for you? I'm going to get Fred & Ginger looked at next week. It's been a while but I'm learning so much about taking care of them. I have saved $ on pedicures, that's for sure.

Also, for the past few months, I have been talking with some family members of a 20-year-old girl who just lost her legs and hands last week. We talked several times prior to her surgery but how can you ever "really" prepare? Keep her in your prayers as she starts her journey.

Love, Jen