A "Frequent Flyer"

A walking path in my backyard

I began writing this blog post 7 weeks ago, starting with: “I have written each post this year saying that I had just gotten out of the hospital, although I’m happy to report I’ve managed to stay out of there and at home relaxing with Everett. I did have a UTI the week before Labor Day, but thanks to some quick actions of getting on antibiotics, I was able to avoid it.” In my last blog entry, I stated “… I don’t like every entry to be about me being sick or in the hospital.”

Since October of last year, I've been in the hospital 6 times. That's a lot for me and takes a toll on my body physically and mentally. I also need to miss appointments and ABLE because it takes so long for me to recover after a big stay like that. Despite what I wrote, September 23 I went by nonemergency ambulance. After some testing, they found I had case of double pneumonia. I guess I knew the first day that I went in, but soon my oxygen went down to the low 70s even on 5 L of oxygen and I couldn’t maintain it. After that, they had to slowly sedate me to keep me comfortable because I was having high anxiety, trouble sleeping and difficulty maintaining breathing. I was sedated for approximately 4 days.

In the beginning, they gave me 3 Bronchoscopy’s, a CT scan, x-ray and tried 9 separate IV antibiotics until they found a combination of 3 that finally worked. Also, my lungs needed to relax and heal. They also had to monitor me better, so they put me on one of their ventilators. I was even trying to fight their vent (meaning it was giving me 20 breaths per minute, and I was bringing it to 25.)

From the start, it was just baby steps, 1 foot in front of the other (or should I say, one wheel?) Also, since coming home, I’ve been sleeping a lot; something I don’t do enough of. I know now when my body says “sleep,” it usually means that I need to rest and sleep whenever I can. By resting, accepting help from friends and family, and gradual actions to recover, I have the best plan in place to a speedy recovery. There were signs and symptoms that went on right before, that I now realize to be something to watch out for before things get too extreme.

If you’re reading this and live outside of Minnesota, throughout the summer, Canadian wildfire smoke significantly affected the state. The worst air quality was recorded in late July and early August. Some of them were issued for multiple days at a time. I couldn’t go outside when the air was bad because of my asthma and the fact that I’m on a ventilator. I have trouble enough as it is. Not being able to get out of the house is hard enough but when it is more than a week it becomes depressing.

This past spring I started the process of applying for a new wheelchair. I’m eligible for a new one every 5 years and I’ve had mine for 7 years. It’s a long and daunting process, sometimes taking over a year for insurance to cover everything I need. First, I had to have my Dr. write a prescription. Then, I underwent a wheelchair evaluation with a physical therapist aside my medical equipment supplier. Finally, I selected which chair I wanted along with what I needed it to do.

I ordered it to recline, tilt, legs to raise, change drives (making it speed up or slow down, elevate, and other things my wheelchair now can do and more.) Insurance approved everything so far, except for the seat elevation portion. That’s what allows me to raise my chair up and down. It’s easier for people working to reach my height. I appealed it, but I’m just waiting for their decision.

Labor Day weekend my boyfriend Jay visited me from Jacksonville, Florida. We met through my blog. After his T1/T2 spinal cord injury happened in 2019, he was searching for everything related to SCI’s, and that’s when he came across my blog. He made a comment on one of my posts, I responded, then less than a year later, we fell in love and have been together since 2020. We met in person for the first time, Labor Day weekend. He’s coming on Thanksgiving and Christmas too!

Jay and I in my backyard

According to Wikipedia “The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an art museum located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, Mia is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Its permanent collection spans about 5,000 years and represents the world's diverse culture across six continents. The museum has five curatorial areas: Arts of Global Africa, Global Contemporary Art, Asian Art, European Art, and Arts of the Americas.”

I had so much fun! The last time I was at a museum was for a grade school field trip, and I don’t remember any of it. My nurse and I went, just to do something fun besides going outside, out to eat, to the mall etc. There are 3 floors, and we barely made it through one floor, the 2^nd. My favorite painting was (1 of 4) in Vincent van Gogh’s series Olive Trees. This is a photo of me between Claude Monet’s Grainstack (looking at the photo, on the left) and my favorite painting.

Jenni

Here are 2 of my poems:

Expansive Roots

My limbs are rough, full of brown bark

despite not moving by themselves

they may falter in times of trouble

as my presence in the world matters

 

While my cracks show in harsh winds

delving deep into their structure and use

in my trunk’s importance in this world

proving I matter in the ecosystem

 

My roots are an expansive link

embedded in the dirt of Mother Earth

where I feed my self-worth within times

when I’m strongly supported by my presence

 

I am connected to neighboring life forces

stemming out reaching for provision up top

engaging with my family of surrounding trees

to construct a forest of my ancestries

 

With every breath I stretch into the clouds

as my experiences in life are deeply felt

although I have a few tangles to work out

with each year adorned with a new ring

 

My protection is my bark and layers

covering me so you can’t see

any of my tragedy or loss I’ve endured

that comes with being a dead tree

Canadian Wildfires

The city groans as it chokes on dust

exhaling gray, drifting smoke

hazy skies and air-quality alerts

obscuring the sun, covering towns

Like a curtain dropping from the sky

Canadian wildfires pollute Minnesota air,

strangling every tree in sight

spreading freely through dense conifers

A silent hold upon the once crisp atmosphere,

outdoors is forbidden for weeks

difficult to contain, as health is strained

harder for asthmatics to breathe

Embers sweep into drought-stricken fields

delicate lungs copiously cough,

hushing children’s play through the disorder,

as orange flames leave farmers at a loss

Update

Things have been going great at ABLE. After only seven weeks of intense working out twice a week, I now can sit on the side of the mat unassisted and move myself side to side and back-and-forth (almost like a sit up, only not while laying down). Also, if someone pulls my right arm forward on my armrest, I can pull it back by myself. These are all new things that I couldn’t do before ABLE. I’m very excited with my progress along with newly gained strength and can’t wait to see I can do from here on out. I posted some videos below.

Since being in the hospital to try to find the source of my edema, I’ve lost over 20 pounds of fluid. I guess they were right about my seizure medication being the source of my water weight gain. I feel so much better, and people have been noticing a significant difference as well. There is more fluid that I could lose over time, and I believe ABLE will help with that.

At the beginning of this month, I went to the orthopedic surgeon to get both of my legs checked out. Since I injured my left knee in the middle of 2018, it healed up for about a year after wearing a knee brace but has been bothering me for the past year. At the beginning of 2019, I fractured my tibia on my right leg. A couple weeks ago while doing ABLE, I believe I reinjured my right leg somehow. I’m not sure which part is injured I just know that something is not right about it because my leg spasms and was bruised. It also won’t straighten out.

After getting to my appointment, I had to wait 50 minutes to see the doctor. I talked to him for roughly 15 minutes for him to tell me that in order to see what’s wrong, that I would have to get an MRI and x-rays on both legs. Exactly what I thought before going to my appointment. Then I waited 45 more minutes for my transportation driver to come bring me home. I thought it was a waste of time, but then again, he had to check it out in order to make his decision.

The soonest I could get an MRI was 19 August. I have a follow-up video appointment with the orthopedic surgeon the second week of September. I’ll post an update after I get the results and whatever action he wants to take going forward. I also have an appointment with my pulmonologist at the end of this month. It’s just one of the yearly visits I need, just like a checkup. I usually have them for most of my doctors, either yearly or every other year. I have so many doctors for every need that I can’t even count them.

My family has been doing good. My sister’s birthday is August 11 and oldest niece’s birthday is August 16; she will be eight years old. My other niece will be 1 years old in October. Oh, how quickly they age! Other family birthdays will be coming up in October as well, including mine. Also, I have been getting outside and taking Brody for walks as much as possible. Although the temperature these past couple of months have been in the 80s and 90s with high humidity, which makes it a little and comfortable.

Avery and Madilyn beginning of July

That’s all for this month’s updates. I will update more next month as things progress.

Jenni

Fifth Year Raising Monarch Butterflies

This year, I found one Monarch butterfly on a milkweed plant across the street from me. Milkweed is their dependent food source and where they lay their eggs. It’s also a weed that grows wild all over the place. Although I eventually want to plant some, I don’t have any in my yard, but my neighbor has a few stocks, and my friend has a bunch in her yard.

After I found one, I texted my friend and asked if she could bring by some milkweed for the caterpillar. She hadn’t looked on hers yet this year, and when she did, she found 8 more! She brought them all over along with more food for them. So, in the beginning that was a total of nine. One was small, and it died within a week of having it. The rest spun into a chrysalis all within a few days of having them.

So far, I’ve released six. I gave one to one of my nurses, and the last one is drying its wings and I will release it later on. I know when to let it go when it begins moving around in the container and starts flapping its wings back-and-forth.. It takes about two weeks for them to undergo a radical reorganization of its tissues before it breaks free. Once they do, it takes about 2-4 hours for its wings to dry, and then I can release them. I was able to see all of them go from caterpillars and then come out into beautiful butterflies!

Since I had so many, my niece, Avery, got a chance to help release a couple of them. Like me, she likes butterflies as well. When she is a little older, I’ll probably give her a caterpillar or two to take care of and watch the whole transformation. Also, it is easy to tell if they are male or female if you can get a glimpse of the right area. The males have two black dots on the top of the bottom two wings. The females don't have any dots on their wings. So far I've released three males and three females.

Avery is so photogenic! Both of these butterflies are male.

Male butterfly on my arm.

Female butterfly

Jenni

Past Pets and Moves

Corky

When I was born, my parents had a Springer Spaniel named Corky. Unfortunately, when I was a year or 2 old, he was in a car accident. It led to some complications later, and he ultimately passed away. I don’t remember much about him; I just have pictures of him and me when I was a baby. He was my first introduction to dogs. My parents also had a couple of hermit crabs that lived on the kitchen table. That was when we lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

We moved to Minnesota in 1993 into a duplex, when I was 7 years old. I started school here going into 2nd grade. About a year later we moved a couple blocks away into a house. That's when the pets started to come in the picture. I was in 3rd grade and 9 years old, when we got a cat and named him fluffy. We also got a lop-eared bunny rabbit we named Bo (short for Bojangles). I remember that both me and my sister had gerbils that we kept in our rooms. Mine was named snowy and it was albino (white), and my sisters was named stormy (Brown).

Fluffy

When I was in third grade, my parents got a divorce. My mom, sister and I lived there for another year and when I was going into 4th grade we moved into apartment. Unfortunately, they didn’t allow bigger animals, so we had to give both our cat and rabbit away before moving. Also, at that point my gerbil had died but my sisters was still alive, so he moved with us. While living in the apartment, we had a painted turtle that we named lightning. Both of us each had one hermit crab with painted shells as well. The turtle and crabs didn’t last very long.

Neke

We lived there for 1 ½ and then moved into a duplex. Although we wanted other animals at first, my sister and I settled for a beta fish, one for each of us. Then, my sister got another lop-eared bunny rabbit that she named Isabel (Izzy for short). At age 10, I got a ferret that I named Neke and I had him until he died at the age of 8. My accident was when I was 16 years old, and while I was in the hospital my mom and sister moved into a townhouse, one that was listed as handicapped accessible. I remember them bringing Neke to visit me while I was doing my rehab therapy at the hospital.

Rio (yellow) and Cole (gray)

In the beginning of 2005, we moved into the house that I live in now. It’s been completely remodeled to my every need. While living here so far., we’ve had 3 parakeets (first was Dakota; after him came Cole and Rio) and 2 cats (Ty and Toby) all of which passed at some point. Then, in September 2012, I got my dog Brody at 9 months. On December 20, he turned 9 years old and has been my buddy ever since. Every animal that we’ve had, I’ve learned responsibility, gained more compassion, and felt the love in return. I’m sure in the future there will be more pets and possible moves to come.

Toby and Ty

Brody

Jenni

New Life and Holiday

On October 26, 2020, my sister gave birth to another healthy baby girl. She was 11 days early, 8 lbs. 8 oz., and her name is Madilyn. Her big sister Avery, now 7 years old loves to hold and play with her. I’m an excited auntie who is now proud to have 2 nieces to spoil. I have shared some pictures below.

Me holding Madilyn. I have the same picture of when Avery was a baby.

Big sister Avery holding Madilyn. My dog Brody loves babies and had to be in the photo!

Madilyn smiling; she is now one month old!

This year is going to be a little different with Thanksgiving. With COVID 19 going around, the governor of Minnesota shut down all restaurant and bars, along with limiting gatherings of 10 people or less. We usually host Thanksgiving and there’s usually at least 20 family members. Although we’re just going have my sister, her boyfriend, my nieces, my aunt Sandy, my mom and me for dinner.

It’s a little different with such a small amount of people, especially since we usually serve such a big meal on Thanksgiving. Although I’m thankful to have family around, supporting and helping me when needed. I know not everybody this year has that, especially since the pandemic.

I’ve been busy with both of the Bible study groups that I’m in. Like I stated a couple posts ago, since I started both groups, I sort of put aside my blog posts. For one of my groups we read certain verses and answer questions that go along with it. It’s thought-provoking and engaging, but between the 2, it’s a lot of reading.

Jenni

Guest Blog Post by Brody II

I’m back to share more. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the nice weather outside when my mom takes me for a walk. I like to pull on the leash to make her wheels go faster. I rely on her to give me affection, protection and everything else. I like to look in her eyes and am hopelessly devoted to her. She is my family.

I’m a dog, I’m fun, all I want to do is have fun. When she is sad or crying, she really messes with my mojo. That’s when I like to jump all over her, lay on her lap and comfort her until she gets over it and takes me outside. I love the simple pleasures of life for the most part and don’t really care what she does as long as I can be with her.

One thing about me is I don’t judge. If she makes a mistake, I forgive her. If she forgets something, it’s no big deal. If she ever has doubts, I will politely disagree. I see her for what she really is, pure awesome!

I know how to make her feel guilty. I just sit in front of her or at the window and she knows what I want; either some attention, to play, or go for a walk. Also, I know how to speak English, just not verbally. Sometimes I choose to ignore her if I have no interest in what she’s saying. 

My favorite thing to do right now is sleep. I’m most comfortable tucked in tight places. I also like to sleep in my bed, on the couch or floor with something covering my face. The more hidden I am the better. Here are some pictures:

        

Brody

Guest Blog Post by Brody

This is a guest post written by none other than my dog Brody. I thought I would share it with all of you. He gives a great insight into the life of a dog and information about himself.

Hi everyone! My name is Brody and I am 8 ½ years old. I’m a Chinese crested powderpuff and I come from a family of show dogs. I have hair on my head shaped like a crest and my skin is covered in pink spots. My mom is allergic to pet dander, so it’s a good thing I’m hypoallergenic which means I don’t shed. Although that means I need to be brushed daily and taken to the groomers to get my hair cut every so often. 

I love my mom so much! I wait for her patiently, comfort her through hard times and disappointments, and romp glee at her homecomings. I am a registered companion dog for her. I’m gentle, happy, loyal, loving and totally devoted. I follow her everywhere she goes. Also, I have a sensitive nature and don’t like to be separated for long periods of time. 

    

 

I have my own bed and it is my favorite spot to lie in. Sometimes the sun comes in through the window and shines brightly on me, heating me up. I can’t believe I have this whole pillow all to myself! Some other places I like to lay are on the back of couches, on my mom’s lap, and snuggle in her bed.

My favorite thing to do is go on walks with her. I know exactly when it’s time to go; whenever she pulls out my leash and says: “do you want to go for a walk?” Then she attaches it and me to her wheelchair and off we go. In the winter, I like to wear sweaters because they keep me warm. Even though I like my walks, I prefer to spend the remainder of my time indoors 

mostly sleeping.

Some other things that bring me happiness are cuddling, being pet and brushed, playing with toys, and chewing on bones. I really enjoy being around kids, mostly because they are my size and usually friendly towards me. I also know how to do some tricks! I can dance, sit, lay down and even smile when asked.

I’m security/control manager of the house. This includes my mom and all the other people that come in and out of it. I do not always welcome strangers in the yard or house. If I see them I either growl, bark, hide, or run to my mom for safety and assurance. Although, I like to chase after squirrels and I’m not afraid to run towards the turkeys or deer in the yard! 

Brody

Easter at a Distance

Happy Easter everyone! This year was a little different than the usual Easter. Usually we host Easter and have family over for dinner. However, not being able to be together during times like this proves to be a challenge. So, my family and I had to come up with a more creative way of getting together. We ended up doing a “social distance Easter basket hunt”.

Yesterday my mom hid Easter baskets in our yard. Then my sister, her boyfriend and niece came over and from a distance I watched my niece search for them. I thought it was a great idea. Also, my sister came up with this idea to put painter’s

tape on the sidewalk in a mosaic pattern. Then they colored in the spots with chalk and peeled up the tape! It also was a sunny, 60° day which was perfect weather for being outside. Even my dog Brody came outside to enjoy the sunshine with us. After a little while, I took him for a half-hour walk. (Last time I took him to the vet, he said Brody needed to lose a little weight.) The reason we did Easter yesterday was because today it is cold and snowing out.

It’s been difficult not being able to be close to friends and family. Also, not being able to go places has been hard as well. The self-isolation can have a negative effect on people’s mind and body. I have been trying to find different and creative ways to entertain myself by watching movies, playing games, face timing with friends etc. I'm going to try to paint sometime soon as well. Hopefully my mind can stay busy enough so I don't go insane. I found being able to see my sister and niece in person while abiding by the 6-foot rule was very helpful and exciting.

Finished product!

Jenni

Stay-at-home Order

Brody tired from our walk today!

On Wednesday, our governor Tim Waltz gave a two-week stay-at-home order between the days of Friday, March 27 and Friday, April 10 (it’s now been extended until April 30). The order is intended to slow the COVID 19 across the state and minimize its impact. It’s a dramatic step that requires people to stay home unless absolutely necessary. It’s a far-reaching measure that is drastically impacting Minnesotans in the way in which we work, play, learn, go about our daily lives and communicate with others. Although it’s reported that by doing so, we are saving tens of thousands of lives by staying home. As of now, United States cases surpass 200,000 and death toll rises to 4300.

I know my last post was about the coronavirus, but it seems like our lives are consumed with that right now. I’ve been doing my part still by self-isolating myself but still having full-time caregivers along with PCAs, massage, physical therapy and acupuncture. The reason they are still able to come is because their work is considered critically essential and so am I, given my situation (healthcare and public health). They aren't required to carry any sort of paperwork when traveling to and from work, just urged to voluntarily comply with the orders set in place.

Luckily the weather here has been nice, so I try to get out every day. Aside from the couple of days where I went outside in the rain! I was desperate to get out of the house. Whenever I've been on my walks, I seem to pass more and more people enjoying the weather and getting out of her house as well. Other things I've been doing are binge watching Netflix, going on my computer and cleaning off random spaces in rooms. I suppose this order is both good and bad, given all of the things that are getting done that wouldn't otherwise despite the illness.

People are allowed to do many things outside or at home-as long as it follows safe distancing recommendations (6 feet apart). As far as getting necessary supplies and services, individuals can obtain food, gas, or carry out. Other things deemed necessary are care of others, displacement, relocation, funerals, and tribal activities.

Jenni

Painting of a Painting

 

I recently came across this photo of a painting of a girl in a wheelchair painting with her mouth. She’s painting a picture of herself flying free from her wheelchair. I found it very creative along with inspiring as well. It spoke volume to me as I feel free while painting with my mouth!

Jenni

Winter Update

I’m glad to report that I haven’t been sick since April this year. I had to minimize my activity level a little bit in order to maintain my health. It’s too bad that it came to that, but I feel staying healthy trumps all in my life right now.

It hasn’t stopped me from taking Brody outside for walks. My body can usually handle the weather if it’s 30°F or above; I’ve gone out when it’s been colder than that. I’ve realized that the feeling of temperatures is different depending on where you live. As far as Minnesota, we’re used to 4 seasons, winter being one of them and bearing the cold. Someone in a state who’s used to warmer weather may think that’s insanely frigid.

Although yesterday it was kind of drizzling rain all day and today it’s snowing with wind. My backyard does look pretty with the snow though! I think it’s been about a month since we’ve had some snow here which is unusual for winter weather; same thing with the temperatures being warmer.

Tomorrow I have a physical with my primary doctor. The reason is because I’m having surgery on January 27 to replace my baclofen pump. There’s nothing wrong with the pump itself. The battery in them only lasts about 5 years, and then it needs to be switched out when it runs low. Last time it was checked a couple weeks ago there was still about 6 months left but they like to change it out sooner just in case. It's a good thing the scanner can detect how much battery life is left, otherwise it could turn into an emergency situation.

This’ll be my 4^th baclofen pump. I had my first one inserted in 2003 and the 2^nd in 2008. They changed it last in 2013. Surgery itself won’t take very long and if all goes well, I’ll only be in the hospital one night. Hopefully nothing major goes wrong otherwise I’ll have to stay longer.

Jenni

Transferring

In order to transfer from my bed to my wheelchair, I use a ceiling lift. It’s a motorized device that lifts and transfers me from point to point alongside an overhead track. Some tracks can be ceiling mounted or freestanding. Mine is screwed into my ceiling and goes all the way to my bathroom. By using a string system, the track can be switched to go from my shower, toilet or bathtub. I mostly use it to take a shower and get in my wheelchair. Here are some pictures of what it looks like:

This is where it charges.

This is where the track changes from one area to another. To the left is my shower, straight ahead is the toilet and to the right is my bathtub.

The lift can also be used to weigh myself. I have a device that hooks from the lift to the bar; when I am in the sling, it shows my weight. In order to get it completely accurate, we need to subtract the weight of the sling and bar. Here is a picture of what the scale looks like:

Jenni

Raising Monarch Butterflies

For the past few years, a friend of mine brings me monarch caterpillars. I enjoy watching the process of which they go through from caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. Here’s a little info about monarchs in case you don’t know:

“A monarch's life is a story of enormous transformation. They start as an egg, and within a few days they emerge as a ravenous caterpillar. After 10-14 days of munching away at milkweed leaves, the monarch forms a chrysalis. Over the next two weeks it undergoes a radical reorganization of its tissues, ultimately tearing free from its confinement as an adult monarch butterfly. If it hatched in the summer, it may live for another 2-5 weeks. In early fall, the final generation of monarchs has a special job: to migrate. This special generation may live up to 8 months…Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed plants. They lay their eggs on them because they are the only food the monarch caterpillars eat.”

This year she brought me four caterpillars. I got to watch the process of going from caterpillars to butterflies. Once they emerge from their crysalis, their wings stay wet for about 2 to 4 hours. That’s when I got the chance really watch them and even set one on my hand!

 
I have loved butterflies throughout my life, but more so after my accident. The reason being is because of the tremendous change they go through. It reminds me of the change I went through. To me, they are symbolic.

Jenni

Registering Brody

This is his photo ID that I have to carry around with wherever we go.
It's a picture of Brody when I first got him.

 

I got my dog Brody September 2012 when he was about 9 months old through a breeder. On December 20 Brody turned 6 years old. He actually comes from a family of show dogs but didn’t meet the cut. Although I got him at a slightly older age, he still adapted well and was all ready set up for a home environment.

Since I got him, he’s always been my side, a companion who’s helped me through some tough times. Over the years, Brody has adapted to my disability. He knows when something’s wrong with me and also provides comfort if I am in need of a little TLC. He’s also been great for helping me with independence and getting out of the house more. I love taking him for walks outside around the neighborhood, no matter what the temperature is.

Even though I didn’t initially get him for this purpose, I recently certified him as a companion dog. Now I can take him anywhere with me as long as I have his vest on and card with me. There is a difference between a companion and therapy dog. Companion dogs usually don’t work. Instead the principal service that companion dogs provide is simply companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. While service dogs are trained to behave flawlessly in public, companion dogs may or may not be as well-behaved.

Companion dogs don’t need to have special training, although Brody has some behavioral issues. In order to better help him with some of his anxiety along with coach me with training methods, I recently hired a private trainer to come to my house. My hopes are to get him comfortable with other people and dogs. She is going to work with me to get us ready for him to go out in the public. I’ve already learned some things about him that I didn’t realize before.

For example, I always thought he had aggression towards other people and dogs because he was protecting me. He barks at other dogs, strangers and people walking in the woods. Although she told me that he actually has "fear aggression" which means that he is afraid so he goes into a mode of needing protection by barking, nipping, and even hiding next to my wheelchair. Instead of trying to protect me he was looking for protection from me.

The trainer gave me some tools to work with him in order to listen to me better so that I have more control over situations that occur. Hopefully over time I will be ready to bring him places outside my home without hesitation or having him fearful. I’ll update everyone throughout on how the progress is going.

Jenni

Post Accident Reunion

Nick, Myself and Chris

 

Many of you know that I was in a car accident, but you may not know how the accident happened. I don't remember anything about it; only what I've heard from others. I guess we were going 60 mph and trying to make an exit. We were in a mini SUV and it rolled. The top of the car hit some sort of sign or pole in midair, crushing the roof in, and then landed back on all four wheels. It was a single car accident.

There were five of us in the car and I was behind the driver's seat. Although I did break my neck and injure my spinal cord, it could've been a lot worse. I did have my seatbelt on, which probably saved my life. The other four people in the car sustained mostly minor injuries except for Nick who was sitting next to me; he also broke his neck but didn’t injure his spinal cord. Everyone has recovered and they are doing well.

On December 9, 2017 I hung out with Nick and Chris Somers. Chris was one of the firefighters who cut the roof off the car using the Jaws of Life; it was his first extrication. Engine 3 was the first truck that arrived and he was on it. Both Minnetonka and Eden Prairie fire departments were involved. This is the second time all three of us have been together; the first was August 2016. Although throughout the years Nick and I have kept in touch multiple times since the accident.

I’m glad that we are still in touch after all the years. It amazes me how things and relationships can come out after something like this happens. I’m grateful for everything and appreciate the positive friendships that continue to grow. There are so many more opportunities out there, whether it’s hanging out with friends, creating new ones, or inspiring others. This is also why I continue to stay positive and continue to move forward.

Jenni

"… Forgiveness has given us the gift of peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. We were chosen to receive our particular experiences. We were chosen so that we could then show others how even the unspeakable could be survived. Surviving ultimately means thriving." -Insert from the book: 52 Ways to Live the Course in Miracles by Karen Casey

Just Call Me Auntie Jenni

I know the blog posts this year have been far and few. Lately I’ve been getting emails and messages asking for updates. Since I stopped blogging altogether, it’s been hard to start up again because I feel like I’m playing catch up. Every time I start writing I get stuck with what to say because there’s so much. A lot has gone on in the past few months and I know I won’t be able to fit it all in one post. That’s something I had to realize while starting this one. However, there is one thing that trumps everything else.

The most exciting news is that I became an aunt! My sister was originally due September 7. However, on August 15 her water broke. She went into the hospital and after waiting all day, she was finally induced. It lasted through the night, but I’m happy to say that she delivered a healthy baby girl. Avery Jean was born August 16, 2013 at 5:56 AM; she weighed in at 6 lbs. 15 oz. and is 20 ½ inches long.

My sister came home from the hospital yesterday. She took 12 weeks off at her work, so she’s been hanging out at home. I’m really enjoying spending time with mom and baby! Being an aunt is a very enjoyable experience. I’m so excited for the months and years to come when I get to spoil her rotten and not feel bad when I hand her back to mom! I posted a couple of pictures below for you to see.

Only 12 hours old… So precious!

First day home from the hospital!

Now that I’m getting a rhythm back, I’ll definitely catch you up with what I’ve been doing and feeling all summer.

Jenni

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein

ICU

The other day my mom was looking through some old stuff and found this picture of me when I was in the ICU. It was taken about a week after my accident. It's interesting for me to see because there aren't many pictures of me from when I was in the hospital. I believe by this time I was pretty aware of what was going on.

I didn't like being in the ICU at all. I was there for three weeks and it was noisy all the time; machines beeping indefinitely, people crying in pain, screaming loved ones over losses. However, the nurses were good to me and I had a lot of visitors from my friends and family. For what it's worth, this made the experience all the better.

Jenni