Started off the day by getting my central line taking out! Dr. Spence did a great job! It seemed like it took more time to prep me than it did to actually take the line out. Once I was prep Dr. Spence cut the two stitches and the line basically fell out. Now I am completely free from feeding tube, mediport, central line, and kind of tubing you can think of! It seems the puzzle is complete now!
After having my line removed I headed on over to McGovern Elementary School. Ms. Erika Pinkerton asked I could attend the last assembly for the year. Throughout my journey I was able to FaceTime with the students and staff at McGovern Elementary, we have kept in close contact while I was away. Erika thought what a great idea it would be if I was able to come to the assembly, stand in front of the students and actually let them see me. When I arrived at the school I chatted with Erika for awhile, it was so great to see her! She proceeded to tell me what I had to do. My job was to stand on stage along with these three amazing fifth grade students Katie, Kamryn and Allison. They each had a small speech prepared, which contained inspirational words about me and my journey. I literally had tears in my eyes! After they were finished with their speeches they girls presented me with a card and a painted shoe box. The box was painted black with the words “Just Breathe” painted across the top in purple. As I opened the box I had noticed this blue, yellow checked material inside. When I pulled it out of the box, opened it up I had realized it was small blanket. The front was covered in blue, yellow and cheetah print squares. Blue and yellow are McGovern’s school colors, and the cheetah is their mascot. As I was holding the blanket for everyone to see, Ms. Pinkerton went on to say several students had come together and hand made this blanket just for me, with no help from adults! Okay that really made me cry! How thoughtful are these kids? Here is a complete stranger to them, and yet they want to reach out and help. Literally brought tears to my eyes! After Ms. Pinkerton was finished speaking, I asked if I could say a few words. Of course I started off by thanking Katie, Kamryn and Allison for a job well done on their speeches. They did an amazing job! I also went on to thank the students who made the quilt, I could feel the love pouring out of it! Then I also thanked the parents, students, and staff for all their love and support throughout our journey. At times life can seems extremely difficult, but we have to keep our heads down, think positive thoughts and “plow” through. I told the students one of my favorite quotes is by the late great Winston Churchill “never never never give up!” I lived by these words while I was recovering from my transplant. Even though times were tough, and I wanted to give up I would tell myself, ‘this is only temporary just imagine how you’re going to feel when everything is complete!’ You can too accomplish your goals, just stay focused and never give up! I hope I gave a little inspirational message to the students! Well that was my goal anyway’s
After the assembly I thanked Erika again for having me and I really enjoyed my time at McGovern. I also got to see a few fellow co-workers/teachers, it was so wonderful to receive such loving, caring hugs from them! As I was walking to my car, I stopped by Mr. Kevin Miller’s office to say “hello!” Without a doubt he has been one of my biggest supporters throughout this journey. I truly enjoyed our conversation today Kevin, and I am sorry it took me a few days to get over and say hi! But it was great to see you today!
As I was driving home I was thinking about the past three days. Visiting three different schools, all very caring and wonderful students at each school. After visiting with the students and receiving some wonderful, thoughtful gifts it has inspired me to give back. I want to give back to our community, and help others who are living with Cystic Fibrosis. I would love to travel around and help educate others on just what is Cystic Fibrosis? Eventually I would LOVE to bring back the CF walk to Roseburg! How cool would that be? But yes, I definitely want to give back and help others. My wheels are turning! I have a few people I will be in touch with Monday morning, to see what we can do! So keep your fingers crossed something will come about!
Later on this evening Kerry and I went over to Ken and Jennifer Wood’s house for dinner and also to work on a luau project. We bbq’ed pizza, finished up the luau project and then we sat around the fire just talking, I am extremely lucky to have two amazing friends, who you can speak openly too and value their thoughts and opinions as well! Thanks to Ken and Jennifer hopefully my giving back to the community and helping others will become a reality very soon! Thank you Ken and Jennifer, tonight truly meant a lot!
Well it has been a long day for this girl, and my bed has my name written all over it! Hope everyone had a great Friday! Enjoy the sunshine this weekend, should be a great one!
Until next time…………
~Jen~
“Just Breathe”
That would be wonderful Jen to educated people on CF and to be able to give back. I don’t know anyone who has ever received the support that you have. I would say you have done something right. It would be really great if you could get the CF Walk a thon back to Roseberg, Mama always enjoyed helping at them made her feel she was giving a little back and helping you in some small way. Keep up the good work. Love you!!