Chaz & I Are Going Back to WRAMC - June 13

Yes you read that correctly. We are returning to WRAMC on Monday. Wednesday I recieved the call that Chaz's MRI revealed another pocket of fluid collecting in his back. Unfortunately it will have to be surgically removed. No Ft Campbell and Vandy are not viable options. Chaz needs to be back at WRAMC. So we will fly out on Monday morning.

Veterans Airlift Command will be picking us up in Clarksville and flying us into Maryland. MSGT Barnes is picking us up when we land and getting us back to WRAMC. We have to be at the hospital at 8am Tuesday morning to get admitted for Chaz's surgery. This is not a life threatening or Chaz would have been taken up there immediately. However this is something that needs to be dealt with asap.
Trust me we know this is fustrating. We were not happy about it, but we know this is what we need to do for Chaz. You can imagine the words that came out of my mouth when they told me, they weren't very nice at first. This little hiccup does not mean Walter Reed is incompetent. It is an absolutely amazing hospital. If the results would have come back sooner then they would not have let us leave. This is how it needed to happen. Our family needed to come home. We've had a week long vacation and we were over due for it. We are not upset about it anymore, actually we got over it within minutes of finding out. We are choosing to look on the bright side. We got to come home to that awesome homecoming, fundraiser, our families and our friends and we've had a lot of fun. Now we've got to get back to business a little sooner than we'd like, but we know it's best.
No, we do not know when we'll be back. But we do know we will get our 30 days back. This was WRAMC's error, not ours so they are reinstating our full 30 days of convalscent leave at a later date. Chaz and I are excited about that. We got to come home have an incredible visit and chill out with our kids in our house and we know that within the next few months we'll get to do it again! Next time we will not leave until they run every test possible to make sure we don't have to go through this again. We hope that we can go back to WRAMC clear up this gunk in his back and get his new set of legs and make him a little taller. Also a bright side is when we get back it will be a little cooler and we'll be able to go and do more. Chaz should also have more practice with his legs and should be walking even more. Everything happens for a reason and in time we'll know why we have to go through all of this. Chaz's health is number one right now and WRAMC is the best place for him without a doubt.

We have decided to leave the girls in TN with my mom. Chaz will be back as an inpatient and we do not know how long. Hospitals are not good places for adults much less children so we decided the girls should stay here and enjoy their summer with their friends rather than being bored at WRAMC and waiting, waiting, waiting. I am blessed with one amazing mom. As soon as I told her she immediately came to the rescue for us. I do not know when I will bring the girls back to DC. I am going to wait and see what is going on with Chaz and wait until he's ready for them to come back. He and I agree they should enjoy their summer with their friends. My mom can provide that for them. Right now Chaz and I have to stay focused on his health. It is really hard to focus on Chaz when the girls want to go, go, go. They should be able to do that. It is not fair to them to be bogged down with all this. Chaz and I want to let them be kids. They've had to grow up enough already. We refuse to let this effect their childhoods. Don't get me wrong it will kill us to board that plane without them, but we know we are doing what is best for them.

We ask that you please respect our decisions and please give us space this weekend. Chaz and I just want to enjoy our girls before we have to leave them behind again. To me, the best decisions are usually the hardest ones. These decisions have come with many tears, but before we know in time this too will pass. We just have another little hiccup to get past. It probably won't be our last and it is a little one. We have to be thankful for what we have and for what will come. We are already passed 4 months in this journey and look at what we've already accomplished! More great things are in store for us. We will see you when we return. Please, please, please continue to pray for our family. Your prayers and support are what gets us through this journey.
=) Jess

Our Day!!

I've had many people ask me what goes on now that we're home and away from the hospital. So here's goes.
I still get up at 6, I doubt that will ever change. I shower and then consume my first delicious Chai for the day. Then I go upstairs to set the bathroom up for Chaz for when he gets up. I also make sure his wheelchair, legs, shower chair, clothes and what ever else he may need are within reach. Once he is up and moving I give him his am meds and check and change the bandages on his open wounds. Then we get his legs on and I walk down the stairs in front of him. Then I run back up stairs for his wheelchair so that way it is down stairs when he needs it. We then figure out what has to be done for the day. We squeeze in his PT and OT thorughout the day so I can now add those to my medical resume!
Chaz stays on the bottom level all day and jumps to the couch if he needs to take a nap or just to stretch out. De or Ry get his afternoon meds for him and help me make sure he has everything he needs. Around 8 or 9 we get ready to make the journey up. The girls help me put his legs back on, if they're not already on, and then they help me gather anything he may need to go up with him. The girls usually race to the top of the stairs to watch him walk up and I walk up right behind him to ensure he doesn't lose his balance. My two cute assistants help me get Chaz's bedtime meds and the wound care supplies. Then we all pile up in the bed and watch TV and snuggle.
Let me assure you, everything we have to do is not fun, but we make it as fun as possible. Chaz and I truly enjoy that De likes to show her Daddy off. The other day she told her friend, "Look at my Dad walk down the stairs, isn't he so great at it?" He and I highly enjoyed that one. We are very happy that the girls are making the best out of this too. We involve them in as much as possible and they enjoy being Daddy's little nurses.
Have a great day!
=) Jessica

Team Allen Fundraiser Video

Chaz's Homecoming

June 5, 2011 at 8:49am

So how was our day, absolutely amazing that's how!!!!!!
We got up and moving at the Fisher House, of course I was still pumped from the NKOTBSB concert the night before. I think I had maybe 5 hours of sleep. I felt like a kid at Christmas. I knew we were so close to upwrapping the present and I just wanted to rip the paper off. MSGT Barnes drove with us to the airport. Rideaway was kind enough to allow me to keep the rental van until yesterday. We were able to drive staright up to the plane and load up. Then Barnes took the van back for us and we were off. Our amazing pilots, Bob and Brian, made sure we were more than comfortable. And we were off!
Since everyone wanted to know how the plane ride was, Here's how nice, Chaz and Deryn slept for most of it. Ryann and I rocked out to my ipad and she played angry birds and I attempted to get more of Sookie #11 read. Before I knew it we were 15 minutes out. I thought I was going to blow it at that point. Here I was holding this awesome surprise and trying to play it all off. I remained calm until Deryn looks at me and says, "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom." Within moments, Ryann chimes in too. Since there was no bathroom on the plane, they had to wait!
The plane touched down and I hear Chaz say, "Wow there's a lot of cars. How many planes come in and out of here?" I tunred and said "It's not for the planes, it for you." At that point, I started to choke up, so I had to take a moment. The plane turned and we got a much better view of the crowd. It was such a beautiful site! All these people with their flags and banners were there for my awesome hubby. But unfortunately I had another mission to accomplish. As soon as Brian, got the door open the girls and I bolted for the bathroom. My hubby was so anxious he did not wait for the girls and I to return. So we missed the actual moment of him coming off the plane, but thanks to channel 2, 4 and 5 we got to see it again and again!

My awesome hubby was greeted by our parents, his sister, my brother and the good Lord only knows how many friends, soldiers and other people who wanted to be there. It was incredible to walk with him and our girls through that Patriot Guard line. I saw so many faces and waved and hugged so many people. My goodness it was just amazing. It is so hard to put into words. Yesterday was one of the greatest days of my life. I personally loved it when Chaz said, "I didn't know my wife had this many friends." I knew then he was ok with all of it. As I stood by him and listened to his voice I could hear the appreciation he had for every person there.
Of course the news stopped him and I possibly upset one of them because I cut them off because Chaz needed to get inside. Once we got him out the heat, I got to bring in one of the pilots who flew Chaz out of Zhari and into Kandahar. That was a pretty awesome moment! Nothing like being able to thank and hug a person who made it possible for your hubby to be home. We enjoyed a few moments with him and with our family and some friends.
We then got to load up in my Trevy and we were escorted home by the Clarksville Police Dept and the Patriot Guard riders. One thing is for sure, the neighborhood knew we were home! It was amazing to look in our rear view mirror and see (what seemed like a neverending) the line of bikers riding behind us. Chaz and I both were wondering how many people thought it was a funeral procession. I have only seen something that awesome under those circumstances. It was amazing to be a part of this.


The riders and followers all lined the street around our house. We pulled into a neighborhood decorated in Chaz's honor. Little American flags lined the paths leading into our neighborhood. An American flag, banner, balloons and several smaller flags decorated our yard. We got to see Chaz's ramp for the first time. And Chaz got to set his eyes on our home for the first time. He was pleased to see the grass was cut. Hilarious, isn't it?!
We got out the car and the girls were off to see their friends. Which I just laughed and said, "Well honey, your home and the girls are off and running. It doens't get more normal than that." We visited with everyone for a bit then we thanked them all and retreated inside to enjoy our families. Another one of my favorite moments was when someone said what do what to eat? Chaz says "Beans, taters and cornbread!" Little did he know my mom had come to our house and made it that morning and had it waiting on him! He was thrilled to find out!

Yesterday was a truly amazing day that we will always be extremely thankful for. Thank you to all of your for your support, planning, cheering and for your emails, messages, texts, smiles, hugs and hand shakes. You have no idea how much I appreciate everyone of you helping me pull of the surprise of a lifetime. You all made it better than I ever imagined. Demetria Hale and Nick Steward thank you for being my partners in crime! Tony and Sarah Quatrone thank you for bringing your friends along! Thanks to Angela Edwards and her crew for getting the house welcome ready. Also a big thanks to Jason and the Valentino's crew, Mark from Opertation Troop Aid and Tish from the Fisher Foundation, and CSM St Louis and General Colt from the 101st for rallying addtional support! Thank you just doesn't seem like enough, but I know you all helped for the sheer joy of helping. You all mean so much to us and we are eternally grateful!
Now I am off to get ready for another amazing day for Team Allen!!!!!!!!
God Bless you all and thank you, thank you for all of your support!
=) Jessica

Here is some video from Chaz's Surprise Homecoming!

{Part 1}

{Part 2}

Hmmm!!!

Why do we have to look at everything with such negativity? Are we really such a cynical society that we have to ridicule and criticize everything. Why is so hard to believe Chaz, the girls and I are doing so well? Why does everyone keep looking for the bottom to fall out? Why is it so hard to accept that we have accepted what life has given us?

This whole thing is so simple. We are so happy that Chaz is still with us. We grow from that joy. It is that simple, folks. Hope, love and joy grow from the simplest seeds. We are smiling and happy because we have so much to be grateful for. Why do people feel like we need to drown in sorrow? Ok we get it, he has no legs below the knee and his arm may be permanently fused. That is no reason to walk around all pitiful and mopey. We have the most important parts. We have Chaz's spirit, memory and heart. We can heal with that alone. The legs are being replaced. We will deal with the arm when the time is right. God has great things in store for us. He has already revealed some of them and there will be more we know it. He has the right people set on this journey to help guide us through. We have enough faith, hope and love to get through this journey. We are set for a path of success.

Yes we are perfectly aware that our road is very long and difficult. But we chose to face it head on with smile on our faces. Chaz, our girls and I are a powerful team and with our gazillion cheerleaders, we will leave a everlasting footprint behind. So those of you who don't understand, please just stop trying. Just smile and move on, we have. God will help you understand one day. In the meantime, keep you pessimism to yourself. This is a no-negative, no-pity, happy tears only team here. We are going to great places. Only those with the right attitude need to join us!

Have a great day!!! If you don't do anything else smile at someone today! They may need it!
=) Jessica

Get Ready For More!!

I just love this one!!!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back...”
(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God has greater blessings in store for you! He has favor in your future like you’ve never imagined. He wants to take you places that you’ve never dreamed. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.
Think about this: if you have a one-gallon bucket, and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don’t have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It’s the same way with God. If we think we’ve reached our limits, the problem isn’t that God doesn’t have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. We have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. Our attitude should be, “Even though the economy is down, I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follow me.” When you have that kind of attitude, you’re increasing your capacity to receive so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I choose to increase my capacity to receive from You. I let go of limited thinking and old mindsets and open myself to everything You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Our Weekend!!

Alright here's what Chaz knows! He knows we are landing in Outlaw Field. He knows our families are going to be there and Demetria will be there snapping pics and Nick Steward will be there to welcome him for the city of Clarksville. Also we've charged Nick with the task of helping our parents get to the field on time. And that's it!!!!! The man is clueless, he he he!!! Last weekend I got to help surprise him with his computer and this weekend I get to surprise him with this!!! He may never trust me again after this weekend! ;)


I cannot wait to land! This is going to be one of the most exciting days of our lives. I cannot wait for our little girls to see how many people are there to support their Daddy. This will be a memory they will carry for the rest of their lives. They will know what community is all about. We have always tried to instill the value of giving and supporting your community through our actions. I believe this will top anything Chaz and I could tell them about. We all know that actions speak so much louder than words. The community support we are receiving will not only teach this lesson to our girls, but to the other children and even adults.


I could just burst with pride from all the people who are supporting our family. It is so amazing! We never knew how many lives we touched until this happened. The support is what continues to drive us forward everyday. This experience could be absolutely horrible, but instead we have hundreds of cheerleaders routing us on. So we get up everyday and just keep pushing forward towards our goal.


Saturday will mark another big milestone for us. Finally Chaz gets to be in his home and in his bed and enjoy some calm and quiet. I know I am looking forward to having the three people I love the most in our home so I can cook in my kitchen and have meals at our table for almost 30 days. We do not know when we'll get to return to TN so we are going to enjoy our time at home. We know the month will fly by. One of the first few days of July, we will return to DC and see what other check points Chaz needs to meet for us to go home for good.


On Sunday we will travel to Nashville to attend the fundraiser. This fundraiser is simply amazing!! How did this man, Jason Conner, who we don't know make all this happen for us?! It is just incredible. Jason got to us through my friend Jeanne, who works at the girls' school. That's how we are connected. But we have never met him, never shook his hand, might not be able to identify him in a line up (as of today, that all changes Saturday). He just heard about our need and then just ran with it. He has thrown everything he has into this for us and it is simply amazing! The words "Thank you" will never be enough. What an incredible person he is?! We are so thankful for his passion and drive to help us through this.


I could seriously write all day about the incredible people who have been amazing. But my biggest fear is that I would leave someone out. I know you are all supporting us out of pure love and pride. We are so thankful for you all. I know you are all like me. You do not do what you are doing for a pat on the back. You do it, because it is what needs to be done. That is probably what we appreciate the most. You guys are amazing!


Thank you for making our first weekend home absolutely amazing!!! I cannot wait!! I bet I won't sleep at all Friday night! This is like every holiday rolled into one with a gigantic bow on it just waiting for us to rip it open! Can you burst from joy?! I guess I'll find out?!
Have a great day!!!
=) Jessica