Sunday we went to a BBQ at the Malogne House. That's where I met Bert. Chaz had met him before, can't remember where, but Chaz had told him that once the girls got here we'd go on the tour. Back to Sunday, Bert sees Chaz and he points to me and the girls then Bert walks with Chaz over to me and says. "Want a private tour of the Capitol." Of course I say yes. Bert says. "Tomorrow at 4:30-5ish." I said, "We can do it!"
Luckily Chaz only three appointments yesterday. But he got into a little argument with some people from the WTB over the apartment. Then his pic line slid out a little (we think while he slept) and we had to have the nurse come and fix that, so I was so glad to have a nice distraction for us. I knew how special this was going to be, but Chaz was oblivious, bless him. So I had to do the I want to do this and I don't ask for much so get in the freaking car speech and then listen to everyone whine the car ride over. Then when I said hey girls see that building, that's where we're going. Everything turned towards the positive. We got through security and parked. Bert met us at our car.
As we walked in he called Marsha Blackburn's office to tell them we arrived. Her receptionist seemed to be preoccupied. My favorite was when Bert said, "We have a wounded warrior from the 101st who is a registered voter in her district and his family touring the Capitol, you might want her to know. He's kind of important. Thank you." He then had to explain what a wounded warrior was. I am seriously not making that one up.
The first thing I noticed was the stairs. They were made out of marble but were so worn down from all of those who came before us. It was so cool to see that and then to walk those steps. How awesome?!
As we went into the Capitol, Bert treated Chaz as if he was a rockstar. He introduced us to everyone and I mean everyone. It was crazy as we walked around Senators, Representatives, Security Guards, aides and staffers just walked right up to us as if we were celebrities. Bert was so kind he took my camera and took a ton of pics for me, there's like over 200 pics. I realized once I got home we never took one with Bert. I was so proud to see everyone put their politics aside and rush over to us to say thank you. If you look you will see Congresspersons and Senators from both parties standing side by side talking to us. It was a proud moment for me.
I caught eyes with Lamar Alexander quick, he's our Senator from TN. I met him when I was 17 in McMinnville and I got to hear him play piano back then. He and I agree on a lot of education issues. I was excited to meet him and then Senator Bob Corker came up right behind him. Both guys were awesome and yes I got their numbers. Lamar was upset that he didn't have any cards so he wrote his out on a piece of paper for me.
As we're standing with Corker, Senator John McCain came up. I think he was Chaz's favorite. We kept going back and forth thanking each other for serving the country. He then came up and put his arm around me and said "Many thanks to you. I don't know how you gals do all that you do." Such a great guy and I am so glad we got to meet him.
Next up was Bernie Sanders. I looked up at him and said, "Oh my goodness, it's Bernie Sanders." He was shocked and said, "You know who I am?" And I said "Yes sir, I studied you so many times in college. It is so nice to put a face and handshake with a name." Turns our that Senator Brown (who is some type of rockstar) was cut off by me being excited about Sanders. Bert told that story to everyone. I guess it goes in the when I translated Latin file.
Then if you follow through the pictures you'll see they just kept coming and then poof there's John Kerry. He was super nice and stood there and talked to us for quite a while. The sad thing is I couldn't even begin to tell you what we were talking about. Oh my goodness, we talked to so many people and they were all so absolutely fabulous, including the lady from Ohio (whose name I forgot).
As we were going to get on the elevator to continue our tour another guys stopped us. He was a former Marine and was super nice. Then we got up to our floor and off the elevator and the security guard and Chaz eyeball each other. Then they realize at the same time they served in Korea and in Iraq together. Small world huh?! That was another highlight of our tour. Then we met the Rep from Hawaii and he was a WWII vet.
We go down to the Senate reception room and I was on the phone telling Nick Steward where to meet us and then I had to say, "I have to hang up on you I am going to meet Al Franken." Al was too cool. I so wanted to do a Stuart Smalley impression, but I resisted.
Everyone went into vote and cuss and discuss what ever was going on and we finally went touring. Our nation's capitol is absolutely breath taking. There is so much history and so many beautiful details in every part of the building. If it is not on your bucket list you need to add it! We finally made it to the Rotunda and where greeted by the Nebraska Rep and his family. We stood and talked to them for a few. He has a really sweet wife, by the way. Then we headed to the House side. As we headed that way the Representatives poured out from somewhere and there we were again shaking hands and talking to so many people. Marsha Blackburn, our Clarksville Rep, walked by us. Bert told her that he left a message. You could tell by her face she didn't get it. But she was so nice and stood and talked to us for a while. While we were standing there talking to her we met John Boenher, Sean Duffy (Wisconsin) and several more people. Mrs Blackburn then stole our kids. She took them so they could go help her vote. Deryn was super excited and Ryann was just following along. Sean Duffy escorted me down the hall as I pushed Chaz and asked me a ton of questions. You could tell he cared about the military and wanted to know more.
We went down the hall to where Mrs. Blackburn told us to meet here and you can see by the pictures we were bombarded again. This time in the mix was Rep Steve Cohen (Memphis), Rep Jim Cooper (Nashville) Rep Fincher (Clarksville), the Reps from Indiana, Ohio and so many more. Cohen and I had a little talk because I heard him speak about the lottery years ago and I did an independent study on it. He and I had a talk about WRAMC and the WTB. He insisted on getting my info to talk about it more, which I will happily do. The Reps on the VA committees also came up to me. I was asked four times if I was willing to discuss the VA in depth more at a later date. So we shall see what will come of that. Should I let the WTB in on that secret (I think not). Nick Steward caught up with us at this time. Jean Schmidt (Ohio) came right up to us and talked for a while. I seriously thought she was going to cry as she heard Chaz's story. She then gave us all big hugs. She was super sweet and sincere.
We were invited to Senator McCarthy's office, the Majority Whip, for dinner and it was a very yummy Italian feast. We were all surprised by this, but thankful. Everyone was so nice offering us food, drinks, a place to sit everything. We went down the hall and dined there.
After dinner we made our way to the Senate Press Room. We all enjoyed this one. Nick was definitely the most excited. We each took turns taking pics at the podium and the girls took turns flipping around. Nick took a turn too, but I only got him with his big Yes! and not the actual flip. Then the alarm for Chaz's meds went off and I let De hook him up. I then explained to Nick and Bert what was going on. Once we got him hooked up we were off again. This time to the private chapel which contains the most beautiful piece of stained glass. (No pics are allowed). But oh my goodness, it has George Washington praying, and several pieces of the Founding Fathers concepts in it. It was awesome!!!
Then we went back towards the rotunda and really looked at everything. You can see that in the ton of pics I took. I think the Capitol is more beautiful at night. There's just something so special there. It's amazing to see it once the sun goes down. We went all around and really studied the paintings and sculptures that were in the room.
Then we went to the Parliamentarian's office and John Sullivan invited us to sit down. Do you know he is the 4th Parliamentarian since WWI? Seriously look it up! We sat and talked about his job as well as about Chaz and our world. He was so cordial. Ryann then chimes in and says, "Mom I am tired and I want to go." So we decided that would be it. We went outside and enjoyed the nighttime view of the Capitol.
Yes I stopped and got that baby ice cream on the way home. Actually we all got ice cream from McDonald's, not my first choice, but it was 10pm and I was tired. What an incredible night!! Chaz told me once we got in the car that he was so glad I made them go. He said it was way better than he ever imagined. He thought it was going to be completely the opposite. I so love surprising my hubby! When will he ever learn?! ;)
Have a great day!!! I hope you enjoyed the story of our awesome trip to the capitol!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Help Our Military Heroes
On June 29, Chaz and I got to be apart of Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) 9th award presentation of a fully handicapped accessible van to our friends, Scott, Laura and Zach. Monday, July 18, our family will be #10.
Captain Tammy Phipps is the WRAMCs driving instructor. She helps the soldiers revise their driving skills so they can get back out on the road. She also helps HOMH find possible candidates for these fully handicapped vans. Laurie, Ted and Marybeth (the chairs of HOMH) meet with the candidates to see if HOMH can help them obtain their goals. Once they find out they can, HOMH teams up with Rideaway, a company that takes vehicles and alters them to the disabled persons needs. Maureen Pepe is our incredible rep who feels like family. And thanks to the collaboration of these amazing people life becomes so much easier for our heroes at WRAMC and they get fully handicapped accessible vans.
The VA awards amputees vehicle grants to purchase or adapt a vehicle so they can get around a lot more easily. HOMH raises money to offset the cost difference and awards FREE vans to help our heroes get on with their new normal. HOMH had one fundraiser last year and thanks to their team effort with the VA and Rideaway they are about to award van #10 for the year. Rideaway obtains Dodge Caravans and then alters them to the vets needs. The vans are absolutely incredible.
This team effort makes it so easy you only have to submit some paperwork and sign and drive. They get the vans from Dodge, take care of the VA, the vehicle registration, all of it. They want to help our family just move on and they make it as easy for us as possible. You have no idea what a relief and comfort HOMH and Rideaway are until you are in this situation. These vans are a key piece to helping these soldiers move on with their lives. We, the average American, take getting in the car and driving for granted. Chaz has one good arm and he can transfer very well right now but some days are harder than others. But thanks to these amazing people, I press a button a door opens and a ramp comes down. We push Chaz in, he gets buckled and tethered down and off we go. Our van that we receive on Monday will be equipped with hand controls and Chaz will be able to drive it. Watch out he may be headed to a town near you soon!
We can never thank HOMH, Capt Phipps and Rideaway enough for everything they have done for our family. They are helping our family along the road to our new normal. I know none of them do it for the praise or the thanks, but they sure as heck deserve it. We are so blessed to have them all apart of Team Allen. We are blessed to be the tenth van awarded this year. As of Monday we will officially be apart of the HOMH family, but seems like they've been apart of our team and family for such a long time.
Tammy, Laurie, Ted, Marybeth and Maureen,
Thank you a gazillion times for everything you have done! I know you aren't looking for praise, but you deserve it and so much more. God has a special place in heaven for you all! We look forward to watching you award hundreds of more vans as time passes. God Bless you all.
Captain Tammy Phipps is the WRAMCs driving instructor. She helps the soldiers revise their driving skills so they can get back out on the road. She also helps HOMH find possible candidates for these fully handicapped vans. Laurie, Ted and Marybeth (the chairs of HOMH) meet with the candidates to see if HOMH can help them obtain their goals. Once they find out they can, HOMH teams up with Rideaway, a company that takes vehicles and alters them to the disabled persons needs. Maureen Pepe is our incredible rep who feels like family. And thanks to the collaboration of these amazing people life becomes so much easier for our heroes at WRAMC and they get fully handicapped accessible vans.
The VA awards amputees vehicle grants to purchase or adapt a vehicle so they can get around a lot more easily. HOMH raises money to offset the cost difference and awards FREE vans to help our heroes get on with their new normal. HOMH had one fundraiser last year and thanks to their team effort with the VA and Rideaway they are about to award van #10 for the year. Rideaway obtains Dodge Caravans and then alters them to the vets needs. The vans are absolutely incredible.
This team effort makes it so easy you only have to submit some paperwork and sign and drive. They get the vans from Dodge, take care of the VA, the vehicle registration, all of it. They want to help our family just move on and they make it as easy for us as possible. You have no idea what a relief and comfort HOMH and Rideaway are until you are in this situation. These vans are a key piece to helping these soldiers move on with their lives. We, the average American, take getting in the car and driving for granted. Chaz has one good arm and he can transfer very well right now but some days are harder than others. But thanks to these amazing people, I press a button a door opens and a ramp comes down. We push Chaz in, he gets buckled and tethered down and off we go. Our van that we receive on Monday will be equipped with hand controls and Chaz will be able to drive it. Watch out he may be headed to a town near you soon!
We can never thank HOMH, Capt Phipps and Rideaway enough for everything they have done for our family. They are helping our family along the road to our new normal. I know none of them do it for the praise or the thanks, but they sure as heck deserve it. We are so blessed to have them all apart of Team Allen. We are blessed to be the tenth van awarded this year. As of Monday we will officially be apart of the HOMH family, but seems like they've been apart of our team and family for such a long time.
Tammy, Laurie, Ted, Marybeth and Maureen,
Thank you a gazillion times for everything you have done! I know you aren't looking for praise, but you deserve it and so much more. God has a special place in heaven for you all! We look forward to watching you award hundreds of more vans as time passes. God Bless you all.
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 8-Update
We are having a blast with our friends Demetria and Ray Hale this week. They extended their stay by two days!! We are so glad!! We have finally been able to do some touristy things. Chaz finally feels up to it. But we are doing it in small doses. Today he went to PT and OT and the girls are playing and I am making phone calls and sending emails in the hopes of getting somewhere with this apartment.
Yesterday was a big day! Chaz got 4 inches taller. He looks so much more comfortable. He is now eye level with me. He really likes being taller, he says he feels more like himself. His carbon fiber fitting should be here soon and that should make him even more comfortable. He also gets to order his next legs next week. These are called C-legs and they have a workable knee and ankle! Big steps ahead, wahoo!! His infection is under control so he will remain under the dose he is on for another 3-4 weeks.
We did get approval to return to TN on Aug 15th. As of yesterday, it is for 30 days. We hope that we will still get the entire 30, but with the Army you just never know. Regardless we are getting to go back home very soon! We are really excited about it.
Now as for the apartment, basically everyone here at WRAMC is so busy with the BRAC move to Bethesda that we have been forgotten about. We found out we were on the list but were deleted once because the kids were in TN and then again when we went on leave to TN and again when Chaz went back into the hospital. Nice, huh?! Beginning Monday I am going to start being a huge pain in the arse and I will be calling our leads twice every day until I get a date for a possible move in. This "I don't know" just isn't working for us. What I want to avoid is moving twice. As of today we will have to move into the Bethesda Fisher House within the next few weeks and then move into the apartment later in the year. What I don't want to happen is I move us to the new FH house and then move again within days of unpacking. If we could just get a date that would make life a lot easier. The frustrating part is we don't know what to do and no one will give us a straight answer on anything so Chaz and I just have to decode it all and put the puzzle together. As if our little family needs anything else to figure out.
Our meeting that was supposed to be on Monday was canceled about 30 minutes before it was supposed to start. Chaz and I both think they canceled it because they didn't have any answers for us. Our next meeting is set for July 12. So hopefully that meeting will reveal answers for us. We are probably in the most frustrating phase that we have ever been in. It's not really great to find out you have been forgotten about. It truly stinks. So we will be changing that beginning Monday. By the middle of next week the people will know our names when we call. My lovely hubby is so used to the Army system and just waiting and I am the fighter and I have no patience when people do not do their jobs. So we have enjoyed our time off and Monday morning the new battle begins, wahoo!
It looks like God's plan calls for us to be at Bethesda's Fisher House because he keeps putting it in our path. So I guess that's where we're going! I will do the two moves because we don't want our family to be homeless. I am not happy about it at all, but what are my other options. WRAMC is shutting down and Chaz will be treated at Bethesda and he needs us there with him. I am just so thankful to have Fisher House to support us because the Army can't communicate within itself right now and can't seem to get their act together. I can sleep well at night because the Fisher Foundation bridges the gaps of caring that the Armed Forces can't seem to provide right now. I know the people of the Fisher Foundation will be there to help us. I am thankful for Fisher House because our house manager already reserved us a room at Bethesda because he was afraid of exactly what is going on. Praise the Lord for the Fisher Foundation!!
Long story short, life is a little frustrating for us, but it's nothing that we can't handle. We are thankful for the people in our path who want to help us. I just pray that the people who are hindering us just get out of our way. Please continue to pray for our family!
Have a great day!
=) Jess
Yesterday was a big day! Chaz got 4 inches taller. He looks so much more comfortable. He is now eye level with me. He really likes being taller, he says he feels more like himself. His carbon fiber fitting should be here soon and that should make him even more comfortable. He also gets to order his next legs next week. These are called C-legs and they have a workable knee and ankle! Big steps ahead, wahoo!! His infection is under control so he will remain under the dose he is on for another 3-4 weeks.
We did get approval to return to TN on Aug 15th. As of yesterday, it is for 30 days. We hope that we will still get the entire 30, but with the Army you just never know. Regardless we are getting to go back home very soon! We are really excited about it.
Now as for the apartment, basically everyone here at WRAMC is so busy with the BRAC move to Bethesda that we have been forgotten about. We found out we were on the list but were deleted once because the kids were in TN and then again when we went on leave to TN and again when Chaz went back into the hospital. Nice, huh?! Beginning Monday I am going to start being a huge pain in the arse and I will be calling our leads twice every day until I get a date for a possible move in. This "I don't know" just isn't working for us. What I want to avoid is moving twice. As of today we will have to move into the Bethesda Fisher House within the next few weeks and then move into the apartment later in the year. What I don't want to happen is I move us to the new FH house and then move again within days of unpacking. If we could just get a date that would make life a lot easier. The frustrating part is we don't know what to do and no one will give us a straight answer on anything so Chaz and I just have to decode it all and put the puzzle together. As if our little family needs anything else to figure out.
Our meeting that was supposed to be on Monday was canceled about 30 minutes before it was supposed to start. Chaz and I both think they canceled it because they didn't have any answers for us. Our next meeting is set for July 12. So hopefully that meeting will reveal answers for us. We are probably in the most frustrating phase that we have ever been in. It's not really great to find out you have been forgotten about. It truly stinks. So we will be changing that beginning Monday. By the middle of next week the people will know our names when we call. My lovely hubby is so used to the Army system and just waiting and I am the fighter and I have no patience when people do not do their jobs. So we have enjoyed our time off and Monday morning the new battle begins, wahoo!
It looks like God's plan calls for us to be at Bethesda's Fisher House because he keeps putting it in our path. So I guess that's where we're going! I will do the two moves because we don't want our family to be homeless. I am not happy about it at all, but what are my other options. WRAMC is shutting down and Chaz will be treated at Bethesda and he needs us there with him. I am just so thankful to have Fisher House to support us because the Army can't communicate within itself right now and can't seem to get their act together. I can sleep well at night because the Fisher Foundation bridges the gaps of caring that the Armed Forces can't seem to provide right now. I know the people of the Fisher Foundation will be there to help us. I am thankful for Fisher House because our house manager already reserved us a room at Bethesda because he was afraid of exactly what is going on. Praise the Lord for the Fisher Foundation!!
Long story short, life is a little frustrating for us, but it's nothing that we can't handle. We are thankful for the people in our path who want to help us. I just pray that the people who are hindering us just get out of our way. Please continue to pray for our family!
Have a great day!
=) Jess
Thinking about today- July 4th
My closest circle of friends know that the American Revolution is my favorite time frame of history. So this morning I can't help but smile because over 200 years ago some amazing people stood up and said this is it England and the rest of the world, we are free, what are you going to do about it cause we are ready to fight. And we did fight and we won our independence and we have been rocking out every since.
We live in such a wonderful country. Every where you look there is something to be thankful for. If it wasn't for all of the Americans before us and the Americans fighting for us now we wouldn't be able to celebrate what we have. We all have so much to celebrate. When you begin to take stock in what we have the joy will overwhelm you and you will have a much better day. So take a minute and be thankful for all this great country provides for you.
Our little family was dealt an incredibly hard blow this year. But we are thankful everyday for what we have and what will come. The enemy may have tried to defeat us, but my husband, like so many other patriots before him and like those fighting now refuse to be defeated. They have refused to let that enemy win. I am not just talking about the enemies of war; I am also talking about the enemies everywhere. These wounded warriors could be defeated by viruses, depression, their injuries and so much more. Instead they get up everyday and continue to fight for their independence from their injuries. They now are fighting to obtain that new normal. These wounded warriors, like my husband, are making all veterans and Americans before them smile down from heaven upon them. I could not be more thankful for the sacrifices of all of these great men and women. And I could not be more grateful to be married to such an amazing person.
So today raise your glass, alcoholic or not, and toast those who made and keep making this day possible. Most importantly smile today because someone cared enough about you to fight for our independence and that we still have those incredible people fighting to protect you and your freedoms. Happy 4th!!!!
=) Jessica
We live in such a wonderful country. Every where you look there is something to be thankful for. If it wasn't for all of the Americans before us and the Americans fighting for us now we wouldn't be able to celebrate what we have. We all have so much to celebrate. When you begin to take stock in what we have the joy will overwhelm you and you will have a much better day. So take a minute and be thankful for all this great country provides for you.
Our little family was dealt an incredibly hard blow this year. But we are thankful everyday for what we have and what will come. The enemy may have tried to defeat us, but my husband, like so many other patriots before him and like those fighting now refuse to be defeated. They have refused to let that enemy win. I am not just talking about the enemies of war; I am also talking about the enemies everywhere. These wounded warriors could be defeated by viruses, depression, their injuries and so much more. Instead they get up everyday and continue to fight for their independence from their injuries. They now are fighting to obtain that new normal. These wounded warriors, like my husband, are making all veterans and Americans before them smile down from heaven upon them. I could not be more thankful for the sacrifices of all of these great men and women. And I could not be more grateful to be married to such an amazing person.
So today raise your glass, alcoholic or not, and toast those who made and keep making this day possible. Most importantly smile today because someone cared enough about you to fight for our independence and that we still have those incredible people fighting to protect you and your freedoms. Happy 4th!!!!
=) Jessica
July 2 Update
Chaz is doing very well. He is back to the normal we had before his two surgeries. Since he had 8 days off from his legs he had a little difficulty when he put his legs back on, but as you saw in the pictures after a few steps he was good to go. His carbon fiber sockets for his legs arrive on Wednesday. This is very exciting. The carbon fiber is more comfortable. All amputees have to have a plastic socket first because the plastic can be manipulated so easily. Your legs shrink a lot after they have been amputated. So the plastic is necessary during the first stages of your development. Chaz's legs have remained the same size for quite a while so no he's ready for carbon fiber. Chaz is pumped! Next step is making him taller, which will hopefully happen soon as well.
Chaz's blood test results showed that the antibiotics are doing their job. So he will remain at 2000mg of vancomycin (I know I misspelled it, but you get the idea) twice a day. I am administering the drugs via his Pic line. He has finally adjusted to it so it doesn't make him sleepy anymore, so he can move on with his day. He has to go to infectious disease once a week to have blood drawn and check those levels. We have to hope that this dosage will continue to work. If not he will have to begin getting getting it every 8 hours instead of every 12. As of today he has 5 weeks left of that treatment. We are trying to come back to TN around mid-August.
Hopefully we'll get word on going back home and getting the apartment next week. We got rid of that little hiccup we had and we are now back on the road to healing. We hope you have a great 4th!!!!
Chaz's blood test results showed that the antibiotics are doing their job. So he will remain at 2000mg of vancomycin (I know I misspelled it, but you get the idea) twice a day. I am administering the drugs via his Pic line. He has finally adjusted to it so it doesn't make him sleepy anymore, so he can move on with his day. He has to go to infectious disease once a week to have blood drawn and check those levels. We have to hope that this dosage will continue to work. If not he will have to begin getting getting it every 8 hours instead of every 12. As of today he has 5 weeks left of that treatment. We are trying to come back to TN around mid-August.
Hopefully we'll get word on going back home and getting the apartment next week. We got rid of that little hiccup we had and we are now back on the road to healing. We hope you have a great 4th!!!!
What people say?!
Everyday someone calls us amazing, incredible or outstanding. Chaz and I just don't see it. We just get up everyday and do what we need to do to get closer to going home for good.
We had a long talk with our social worker yesterday. She said she loves talking to us because we are a breath of fresh air. She is not the first person to tell us this. I couldn't tell you how many people have told us that. If we are a breath of fresh air, then I don't want to meet the rest of her patients. Chaz and I have other wounded warriors families we hang around and they are like us. We all just want to heal and move on. Obviously we all have different social workers (there are several here), but I can't help but wonder how everyone else handles this.
My closest friends accuse me of being in a happy bubble all the time. Seriously I like it in my happy bubble, and I plan to stay there. In my bubble, everyone gets married until death do you part, they love their children, they read to them every night and cuddle them. People help each other without expectations to receive anything in return. Friends are friends forever and they are there when you need them. People pay everything forward. So this is how we live and in my happy bubble this is how it should be. I know that it isn't always that way, but the world is a great place and my happy bubble makes it even better. I don't plan to pop my happy bubble anytime soon and I seriously dare someone to try to pop it!
So Chaz and I are a little different, but what is so amazing about us?! We get up everyday and do whatever needs to be done to help him heal and to help our little family move on. What is so extraordinary about that?! We do have our pity parties, they are just few and far between. We handle our issues head on and communicate our problems with each other and with what ever may be going on. We are not perfect, just optimistic. Chaz and I are just so thankful he's still with us. Chaz could be so much worse off than he is. When you focus on the small blessings in front of you then everything gets easier. I wake up thankful that I have one more day, then I am thankful I can see and hear, that I have a great husband, kids, family and friends. When things don't go my way, I take inventory on what I do have and suddenly things become so much easier.
We do appreciate the compliments. I guess we just don't understand what we are doing that is so amazing. To us, it's just healing. One thing is for sure everyone's support makes this journey so much easier. Thank you for all your support!
=) Jessica
We had a long talk with our social worker yesterday. She said she loves talking to us because we are a breath of fresh air. She is not the first person to tell us this. I couldn't tell you how many people have told us that. If we are a breath of fresh air, then I don't want to meet the rest of her patients. Chaz and I have other wounded warriors families we hang around and they are like us. We all just want to heal and move on. Obviously we all have different social workers (there are several here), but I can't help but wonder how everyone else handles this.
My closest friends accuse me of being in a happy bubble all the time. Seriously I like it in my happy bubble, and I plan to stay there. In my bubble, everyone gets married until death do you part, they love their children, they read to them every night and cuddle them. People help each other without expectations to receive anything in return. Friends are friends forever and they are there when you need them. People pay everything forward. So this is how we live and in my happy bubble this is how it should be. I know that it isn't always that way, but the world is a great place and my happy bubble makes it even better. I don't plan to pop my happy bubble anytime soon and I seriously dare someone to try to pop it!
So Chaz and I are a little different, but what is so amazing about us?! We get up everyday and do whatever needs to be done to help him heal and to help our little family move on. What is so extraordinary about that?! We do have our pity parties, they are just few and far between. We handle our issues head on and communicate our problems with each other and with what ever may be going on. We are not perfect, just optimistic. Chaz and I are just so thankful he's still with us. Chaz could be so much worse off than he is. When you focus on the small blessings in front of you then everything gets easier. I wake up thankful that I have one more day, then I am thankful I can see and hear, that I have a great husband, kids, family and friends. When things don't go my way, I take inventory on what I do have and suddenly things become so much easier.
We do appreciate the compliments. I guess we just don't understand what we are doing that is so amazing. To us, it's just healing. One thing is for sure everyone's support makes this journey so much easier. Thank you for all your support!
=) Jessica
Our night at the Kennedy Center
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
First we got to have a wonderful dinner at the Rivers at Watergate. The parking garage was an adventure for sure. I am so thankful I packed my flip flops. There's no way I could have pushed Chaz up that hill much less around all night in heels.
We dined with General Chipman, Vice Admiral Vitali, their wives, the Executive Director of the Wounded Warriors' Trust, Kirk, his girlfriend, Denise, and this adorable older couple who had been married for 66 years. We had lots of great conversations and were greeted, but all sorts of other generals, musicians and others ranks I am not sure of and so many people that I seriously could never remember all of their names. The food and people there were absolutely fabulous.
Chaz and I were pulled out to do an interview. I have no idea for what nor when it is going to be shown. But we had fun with it. He and I both greatly underestimated how big this event was. I am very thankful for that, because we would have been even more nervous. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. By the time we realized how big the event really was we were already in the middle of it. Looking back we are both thankful that we did it, but we were quite intimidated for a little while.
When dinner was over we walked over to the Kennedy Center. What an absolutely amazing place?! Beautiful is just not a good enough word to describe it. We were seated in the box closest to the stage. We were just a few feet from the orchestra. We were then tapped on the back to go backstage.
I got the pleasure of pushing my hubby out on stage (yes ladies in the heels, the flip-flops were in his backpack). The color guard presented the colors and the orchestra played the national anthem. It was gorgeously perfect!! Then we were introduced. I was moved to tears when the entire, orchestra and choir stood up to applaud Chaz. It literally took my breath away and the tears filled up, but I held it together. It's that whole I am wearing mascara and it will run down my face if I don't suck these tears up, that always keeps me together. Then Kirk read a poem that he and Chaz wrote together about me and the girls and I teared up again, but once again didn't cry. Then it was my turn to speak. I decided at the last minute to not use my speech. I put it in Chaz's bag and just spoke. I did get a little choked up, when I talked about that day and that call, but could you not. I talked for a few minutes about how important community support is for our families. I thanked everyone for what they have done and what I hope they'll continue to do. I also said please remember we are only one family and there are many more of us out there. Then General Chipman talked about Chaz and I and then Chaz talked and simply reminded everyone we are just doing what we have to, but we need all the support we can get. Then the Navy Admiral and his wounded warrior spoke. It was one amazing thing to be a part of. But seeing and hearing everyone cheer for my hubby was the best part.
We walked off the stage and General Chipman came up to me and said I am so glad you put that speech away. You are one amazing person and you definitely don't need a speech to help you talk. I am so glad I got to meet you and Chaz and be a part of this. Kirk then came up and said I liked your speech, but I like it when you just talk so much better. He said every person was leaning in to hear me. I was too busy telling myself not to freak out that I couldn't tell you what anyone was doing while I was talking.
We went back to our seats and enjoyed the amazing concert. It was then that I really sized up the crowd. Holy moley there were thousands of people there. There were stars on uniforms and ladies in ball gowns. WOW! And we spoke in front of them. During intermission Chaz and I had a line of people coming up to thanks us and hand out hands. We waited for the intermission bathroom rush to calm down so we could take our turn. I put on my flip-flops and down the hall we went. While I was waiting for Chaz this super cool guy came up and gave me a high five and said he was amazing that I could stand up and talk about that phone and not cry. He said when I paused he teared up, but sucked it up when I did. Then he said, alright you are way too cool wearing comfy flip-flops. I told him, my friends will tell you I can only be a girly girl for so long. He said I was definitely one cool lady. His date was really sweet too.
Chaz and I went back and enjoyed the rest of the concert. SFC Motes and his date escorted us to our van and got to get stopped every few feet so we could talk to everyone. But somehow we escaped and came back to Fisher and crashed!!! So I guess we're on the news here this morning because our Fisher House manager Maurice says this morning, "I didn't know Fisher House was housing such important people." Funny huh?!
Well that was our incredible night! We are going to chill out today. I am at Fisher waiting for our credit card to be delivered via Fedex and Chaz is at PT. Once he returns we are doing NOTHING! We are going to call and catch up with the girls and then just chill out!
Have a great day!
=) Jessica
We dined with General Chipman, Vice Admiral Vitali, their wives, the Executive Director of the Wounded Warriors' Trust, Kirk, his girlfriend, Denise, and this adorable older couple who had been married for 66 years. We had lots of great conversations and were greeted, but all sorts of other generals, musicians and others ranks I am not sure of and so many people that I seriously could never remember all of their names. The food and people there were absolutely fabulous.
Chaz and I were pulled out to do an interview. I have no idea for what nor when it is going to be shown. But we had fun with it. He and I both greatly underestimated how big this event was. I am very thankful for that, because we would have been even more nervous. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. By the time we realized how big the event really was we were already in the middle of it. Looking back we are both thankful that we did it, but we were quite intimidated for a little while.
When dinner was over we walked over to the Kennedy Center. What an absolutely amazing place?! Beautiful is just not a good enough word to describe it. We were seated in the box closest to the stage. We were just a few feet from the orchestra. We were then tapped on the back to go backstage.
I got the pleasure of pushing my hubby out on stage (yes ladies in the heels, the flip-flops were in his backpack). The color guard presented the colors and the orchestra played the national anthem. It was gorgeously perfect!! Then we were introduced. I was moved to tears when the entire, orchestra and choir stood up to applaud Chaz. It literally took my breath away and the tears filled up, but I held it together. It's that whole I am wearing mascara and it will run down my face if I don't suck these tears up, that always keeps me together. Then Kirk read a poem that he and Chaz wrote together about me and the girls and I teared up again, but once again didn't cry. Then it was my turn to speak. I decided at the last minute to not use my speech. I put it in Chaz's bag and just spoke. I did get a little choked up, when I talked about that day and that call, but could you not. I talked for a few minutes about how important community support is for our families. I thanked everyone for what they have done and what I hope they'll continue to do. I also said please remember we are only one family and there are many more of us out there. Then General Chipman talked about Chaz and I and then Chaz talked and simply reminded everyone we are just doing what we have to, but we need all the support we can get. Then the Navy Admiral and his wounded warrior spoke. It was one amazing thing to be a part of. But seeing and hearing everyone cheer for my hubby was the best part.
We walked off the stage and General Chipman came up to me and said I am so glad you put that speech away. You are one amazing person and you definitely don't need a speech to help you talk. I am so glad I got to meet you and Chaz and be a part of this. Kirk then came up and said I liked your speech, but I like it when you just talk so much better. He said every person was leaning in to hear me. I was too busy telling myself not to freak out that I couldn't tell you what anyone was doing while I was talking.
We went back to our seats and enjoyed the amazing concert. It was then that I really sized up the crowd. Holy moley there were thousands of people there. There were stars on uniforms and ladies in ball gowns. WOW! And we spoke in front of them. During intermission Chaz and I had a line of people coming up to thanks us and hand out hands. We waited for the intermission bathroom rush to calm down so we could take our turn. I put on my flip-flops and down the hall we went. While I was waiting for Chaz this super cool guy came up and gave me a high five and said he was amazing that I could stand up and talk about that phone and not cry. He said when I paused he teared up, but sucked it up when I did. Then he said, alright you are way too cool wearing comfy flip-flops. I told him, my friends will tell you I can only be a girly girl for so long. He said I was definitely one cool lady. His date was really sweet too.
Chaz and I went back and enjoyed the rest of the concert. SFC Motes and his date escorted us to our van and got to get stopped every few feet so we could talk to everyone. But somehow we escaped and came back to Fisher and crashed!!! So I guess we're on the news here this morning because our Fisher House manager Maurice says this morning, "I didn't know Fisher House was housing such important people." Funny huh?!
Well that was our incredible night! We are going to chill out today. I am at Fisher waiting for our credit card to be delivered via Fedex and Chaz is at PT. Once he returns we are doing NOTHING! We are going to call and catch up with the girls and then just chill out!
Have a great day!
=) Jessica
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)