First of all I would like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there. I spent a majority of the day with my mom and family. I truly enjoyed the day! As we were enjoying the sunshine outside we all realized last Mother’s Day I was fighting for my life up at OHSU, and this Mother’s Day I am sitting outside with my family enjoying the sunshine, being home but most of all I am breathing easy! Pretty crazy how much your life can change in just a year.
I want to give a special shout out to my mom. She has a heart of gold, she is one special lady and I am extremely lucky to call her mom. For the last 31 years has been a rough road, she has stuck by my side no matter what. She has seen me at my worst and now she gets to watch me at my high. Especially the last 4 months, its been a crazy ride but my mom was there every step of the way. She NEVER gave up on me, she kept encouraging and pushing me to be strong, stay positive throughout life. She also taught me DO NOT let CF define you, if yo set your mind to it you can achieve your goals. I am extremely lucky to have a mother like her. I can’t thank you enough mom for everything you have done for me. I love you more than you will ever know! Here’s to many more GREAT years to come! I love you!
I finally got my mom to write a few words tonight! So excited for you guys to read her my journey through her eyes. I will stop rambling and let you read what she has to say! Hope everyone had a great day! Cheers!
Until next time………..
~Jen~
“Just Breathe”
From my mom Teresa Myers:
As I sit at the dinner table sipping wine out of a special “Just Breathe” glass, I can’t help but feel this is the best Mother’s Day Ever! I look at my beautiful daughter and think how so very lucky I am and how very far we have come in a year. Last Mother’s Day was spent in ICU in Portland on a ventilator. I was beyond scared. But by the Grace of God, Jennifer’s toughness, a whole lot of prayers by family and friends she made it thru. Not going lie, the past year I watched as she was hospitalized time after time, I wasn’t sure she was going to make it home. Not that she was giving up, but that she was just so tired. There is no greater pain than watching your child suffer, knowing you can’t make it better. Then we got the call that lungs were available! I remember when one of Jennifer’s nurses, Candice told me, my legs gave out and she held me up. I think it was from relief. Relief that the lungs came in time and gave us hope. The last 3 months have been nothing short of an absolute miracle! Her surgery and watching her take her first breath free of the vent! It was like giving birth again! There have been so many firsts all over again. I watch her free of the oxygen tanks, walking miles and able to talk and laugh without running out of air, and I am amazed, thankful and humbled. Prayers are answered. So very far from this time last year. This is the best Mother’s Day ever!
There is no greater gift of life and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Donors family. I owe them so much for giving life back to my daughter. I include them in my prayers of thanks but also pray they find comfort and peace.
I was going to mention my mom and the fact that she has passed on but that she is still with us. Jennifer told me that grandma came to her when she was scared and helped comfort and calm her down.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there. I am beyond thankful I can spend the day with my family, and especially my daughter!
Much love,
Teresa
I just treasure your blogs each and every day. So glad you have shared the journey with us. You are a true fighter. I think most people with CF have the fighting spirit. I know my niece does. I am so grateful that you got your Mom to share. You and your family are an inspiration to many. Teresa, I know from experience (as you know), that it is hard to watch your child suffer and the helpless feeling that comes along with it. As you feel i am sure, you have the love and support of many family, friends and strangers. Know you are never alone. I agree, prayers have been and continue to be answered. Continue to be strong and once again thanks for sharing the daily blogs…even in the harder days, it was a needed word to many.
We love both of you ladies…You are both “beautiful” Ladies inside and out!!! Jen you were right a tissue was necessary while reading this blog..We are also so very thankful God answers prayer and seen you through this journey of yours…We are so proud to call you both family. Jen you are our special niece sent from God and Teresa you are the best Sister I could ever ask for..Love to you and your other halves and God Bless you all…Aunt Margie and Family
That was a great letter from both of you. All I hope for your family now is all the firsts that you get to celebrate.
Alright ladies as soon as the tears dry in my eyes will attempt to tell you how much we love you and how thankful we are that everything worked as it did. Felt in my heart all along that it would go this way, God and Mama stayed by your side through this whole adventure of yours. Teresa so very happy for you know it was your best Mother’s Day ever! Jen no words can say how thrilled we are for you!! Love you all dearly!!
Please supply tissues. This is wonderful.
Teresa you are a very beautiful special person……I’m really happy that finally you and Greg can share in Jennifers life how it should be….breathing easy! Happy Mother’s day……you are what mothers should be love,strength, hope and never giving up! Much love!
What a great testimony from both of you!!! It is a gift of God for all of us that he answered our prayers and gave Jen this new journey of life. While a mother will never give up….we have God to hold us strong.
Awe…..ok you two…..my eyes are filled with tears…..but tears of joy…..for you, your momma and the rest of your family….
God Bless
beautiful post!