Hi Friends and Family,

Jason was so wonderful to begin CaringBridge last fall.  What an amazing site to stay connected.  As I was trying to grasp the overwhelming complexities of my breast cancer diagnosis that we were thrown into on October 9th, 2020, Jason found his peace in writing to you all and keeping everyone updated.  I am so thankful for his love and yours.  As I read through former posts, I couldn’t help but think of God’s amazing grace.  

Today, it is my turn to write.  I am ready.  As the school year is drawing to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and update you on my journey.  A dear friend once told me, as this journey began, that the climb is manageable, the view from the top is spectacular, that God will guide me and carry me, and I will have an amazing story to tell.  There are no truer words - I cherish life and moments like I never have before.  

During the spring, I experienced some minor “bumps in the road” with what is known as radiation recall, where my body started to experience the side effects of undergoing radiation.  There was no explanation for this except since I had completed radiation treatments in mid-January.  The doctor explained that it was biochemical related.  I couldn’t help but think as the doctor’s were explaining this new development, that it states in the Bible, we are fearfully and wonderfully made!  I was prescribed medicine and recovered in about three weeks.  In April, I began to have inflammation and muscle tightness.  After meeting with my doctor, she recommended that I start physical therapy to regain motion and ease discomfort.  God led me to my sweet friend and PT angel, Sonia, who has helped guide me through uncertainties and helped to comfort me one exercise at a time.  

Cancer is a big, scary, overpowering word that can terrorize your thinking and living.  Navigating through this new world is as much emotional as it is physical.  Your text messages, calls, cards, love that you showed and continue to, has held me up when it was difficult to gain my footing as I climbed!  Your prayers have and continue to be my lifeline.  This was also an opportunity to grow closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ!  I have been anxious to get through the physical part of the journey because I KNOW that God will use my personal journey in ways I never imagined.  I’m ready!

Just last night, I took a big step and for the first time, met and shared with a faith group of cancer survivors called Renewed Hope.  I had the honor and privilege to fellowship, laugh, and cry with these remarkable women - sisters in Christ.  I was overcome by their stories - each story was unique, each story was painful, but through their stories, strength, perseverance, grit, and most importantly FAITH stood as pillars in their lives.  I  want to tell my story.  I want to be there for someone.  I want to show love.  I want to pass this on to my children - living with eyes wide open and a thankful heart.  God use me.

This is a journey.  In fact, we are all on a journey.  So while we are on this journey, let’s walk together, hand in hand.  I truly believe human kindness and love are embedded in our souls.  It is my hope and prayer that as we continue our journey, it is with hearts ready to love, often at times, stepping off our path to help, love, and listen as we care for someone else. 

I am so grateful and blessed by you.  If you are reading this - you are my people, my village, my prayer warriors and I thank God for each of you! Your prayers, tremendous outpouring of love showed my children, my compassionate husband and I, what heartfelt love looks like and feels like.  We are blessed beyond measure!

I ask you to please say a prayer right now for all of those with cancer who are fighting their biggest battle. I ask that you lift up my coworker and friend, Joy, who recently began her cancer journey.  Prayers are always felt!

I love you all! 

Jen