Jennie's MS Journey

So this has been a pretty tough year or so. I lost my grandparents and my dad,got this diagnosis, meds didn’t work….but I’ve realized something. Even in the worst storm, tiny bits of sunshine peak through. And that bit of sunshine is sometimes all you need to get through.

I have always moved around a lot as a child and since I’ve been married I believe Matt and I have moved 11 times. I always made friends everywhere we lived but didn’t always have the time I wished to really lay down roots with those friendships. I have a close friend from high school, and a few from college but generally this is how it was. I never considered myself one of those people surrounded by a tons of girlfriends or groups of friends drinking wine at a long time book club or something like that. We just kind of stuck to each other and our family and I always have been happy with that.

I must say though, I have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and outpouring of support my family/friends from all of those places and my amazing Oak community have shown me. I literally cannot even begin to believe it, I think I have through this understood the definition of friendship in a way I’m not sure I had before. It’s really saying a lot too because it was one thing after another and it just kept on coming. But stick with me guys, a few more months and it will be me knocking on your door seeing how I can help.

I’ve never been one to ask for too much help, I guess since I didn’t know anyone that well and I admit I’m kind of a control freak when it comes to the kids. I’m working on this more now though after the gentle advice of a very nice bff;). You know who you are.

Paula, my soul sister has enough of her own going on but would redo her work schedule just to be with me, help me with Chloe and literally everyone loves her. She almost went into business with my doctor, double checks the dosage of the meds, brings coloring books, and makes the best of a pretty depressing situation. We joke we bond through our mutual shit storms we are living in right now but we find some humor in it together. I swear when I get those ancestry DNA results back I will be part Chinese. I’m so lucky for Paula,her sunshine and her genuine friendship. It not always easy but certainly better with a friend. Not easy to come by.

Hilary, as I have told you before you literally helped carry me through the last while and I am so eternally grateful. Hilary has 5 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and i think still has that fish;) but I swear she is superhuman, she finds time for me always when I’m sure she doesn’t have it and shows up at my door with her smiling face just to say hello and always is offering to help but I know some of those times she was just checking on me. Its life and we all support each other but I could lay money she is this way with all her friends. What an unbelievably nice person.

Lizzie, my lifelong friend. I’m looking at a pile of cards from you that is so high and all those texts and calls. Liz has more to deal with than I ever will but her heart is bigger than any of those things. Anyone reading this from high school is not surprised by this. She was the kindest person then and even through lifes unexpected challenges she has remained this way. Love ya Lizzie.

Wendeline is my friend from Amsterdam. Even she came all the way out here for fun and ended up sitting with me through one of those dumb treatments and is always checking in and making me laugh late at night with her funny jokes that only the two of us understand. Your a breath of fresh air for me.Cant wait to see you soon. Yes we can!

Abby Stucker, you are awesome. Abby is one of those people who feels your pain as if its her own. Abby was the first to know of my diagnosis and we literally cried on her porch together. Abby is the most interesting mix of sensitive and thoughtful and an insanely fun time. I vote her most versatile. Pajama night soon Abby! Also I must give a shout out to her husband Dan who had the unfortunate duty of reading my MRI scans. What a total professional and he went went out of his way numerous times to help me. Smart, caring doctor, cool friend. Thank you Dan.

Jules! Julie is so nice, she is such a sweet friend and is thoughtful always knowing when everything is and makes sure it goes ok. She constantly offers help. Her laugh is so infectious and its fun hanging out with her. She one of those friends you just know you will be laughing with. I’m glad I’m getting to know her better and she has the funniest, cutest kids. We ran the tough mudder together and everyone called her hot Julie because she is so tall and pretty.

To Kevin, Karen, Kreig and Keir (I know, all K’s, I’m such an outcast). Every morning I work out with this group at 5:45 for the last 2 years. Starting the day with some laughter is the best medicine of all. Half the time I don’t even feel like moving but you guys are kind of like my morning coffee (which I can’t drink).  And I secretly know you care about me since you text me everytime I’m in the hospital or knocked out from steroids. Plus you keep me looking in shape. Thank you guys…I’d add a fist pump here but I have no clue how to work this blog.

Ale, your visit came at the most perfect time. Another friend that does everything for everyone around them. I hope you do move out here. I would be the luckiest ever!

Ann, thank you for your help with Kylie and your kind words and messages, I really appreciate that.

Rachael, I know you are always there for me and would be if I ever needed anything.

Paige, your kindness never goes unnoticed, I appreciate you and your thoughtfulness.

Lesley, you are always reaching out and offering a hand and checking in, thank you.

Kelly, u are so sweet and kind. You’re advice is always helpful and needed.

Karen, you are so kind hearted and thank you for injecting me, sorry that was scary…;)

Becca, seriously. U brought me baby Jesus on Christmas Eve singing with your family. That doesn’t  even seem real it’s so nice. I couldn’t believe it.

Thank you to my mom who we are blessed to have with us, and I’m not sure what we would do with out her here. The kids love her and she help us with just about everything. Matt is super psyched he finally after 15 years has an organized house and clean socks that match.

Matt, I know this isn’t exactly what you signed up for but thank you for always sticking with me and putting up with my literal roid rages and my perpetual tiredness. Matt is quite possibly the most patient husband and the best dad you could ask for. Hey, now you get to have a redhead women, a blond, short hair, long hair, punk. Mixing it up for you, I do what i can. lol

To all the families sending the love and help.  The Bennions, Lesley and Kevin, Kelly Garner, Barb, Carole, The Archibalds, Vicki,Tiff, Sandra and John, Emily, Cindy, Rachel,Suzanne and Nic, Ann, Beth, Elena, Michel,  Lorraine, Rebecca, Amy, and the tons and tons of massages I’m getting from my family. This will not be the last of my thank you’s so if I missed you I promise I have not forgotten about you.