Wednesday, April 28, 2010

One Year Anniversary

On April 22nd, I celebrated the one year anniversary of when I made a complete fool of myself and fell down a fire pole. In previous posts, I have talked about the trials that this mistake has brought into my life. I have also listed the incredible blessings that came as a result as well! Lately, I have been trying to focus on all the positives in my life SO in staying true to that theme, here is a list of the realization of the blessings I have received one year post fall.
#1) Realizing how blessed I am to have a dad who will carry his "big girl" down some stairs and stepping up to so many other various activities without me even asking!!! I love you Dad!
#2) My kids are amazing! They helped me with EVERYTHING!!! From getting my toothbrush and toothpaste for me everyday to cuddling with me on nights when James couldn't be home and life seemed rough. I can't help but be SO grateful that I have such incredible kids.
#3) My husband is the BEST!!! I know a lot of people say that, but I mean it. He handled me screaming at him because of serious control issues that came to surface while I was stuck in that wheelchair. He pushed me around the Hogle Zoo for 5 hours while I subbed a 2nd grade class on their field trip (have you seen the hills at the zoo, they are HUGE!). He gave me with a blessing that I have looked back on a lot and needed in my darkest hours. James has kept me in check when I wanted to push it beyond the limits I should have (which was almost everyday). And he only got angry with me once during the time (I deserved it, but only that once though). Truly ladies, he is the best, hands down!
#4) The rest of my family, for the concern, phone calls, and prayers on my behalf. Thank you so much, they helped more than you will ever know!
#5) My in-laws are great! From coming to visit me for the day and getting lunch with me and the kids, to coming and helping put Jeffrey to bed and get him out of bed, to taking me to a funeral when I couldn't drive, and bringing your girlfriend and just talking for hours. I love you all so much. Thank you!!!
#6) My friends!!!! I had friends just come and sit in my messy room and talk with me for hours (Emily, Stacy, Bernie Jo). I had a friend who brought me dinner every week and spoiled my kids with Tuesday Treat Day (Joy....miss you!) A friend who means a lot to our family and helped James give me a blessing when I was scared because James was leaving us for two nights to fulfill his calling and I was by myself in the wheelchair and still had to take care of Jeffrey (Steve F). Bring me a cheesecake that was to die for (Rich & Tracie). Driving me around town to get James his Father's Day gifts (Dawn). Dressing up like Joan Rivers and acting the part to perfection as she came in, sat on my lap in the wheelchair and proceeded to make me laugh in a way that I needed exactly at that moment! (Amy) For bringing dinner over when I wasn't expecting it (Missy). For forgiving me that the car pool no longer ran like we had planned on and taking my kids to and from school everyday. (Becky) To bringing me the BEST soup and homemade french bread I have ever had (Vicki & Wayne) To picking up my slacking because I was drugged during Teacher Appreciation Week last year (Kristie & Dawn) and last but definitely not least, to Diana. Who knew that breaking my foot would bring about one of the greatest blessings of my life, your friendship! She listened, loved and helped me mental overcome this trying time. Diana was and still is the second mother to my children and I will never stop trying to repay her for her friendship, kindness, and love.

In fact, Diana and her children wrote me a poem to celebrate the one year anniversary and I just had to share it with all of you.

"Drop Heard Round The Neighborhood"
We would like to tell you a story,
Please be warned it is a little gory.
Once there was this girl,
Who decided to give a fire pole a whirl.
Upon her foot she did fall
And so the doctor they did call.
It was broken in more than just one place
You should have seen the look on James' face!
Hop-along became her name
And garden group received some fame.
We are happy she now is doing well,
And she is done with fire poles, we can tell.
Jenni McBride is now our friend,
So this story has a happy end.

We LOVE YOU Jenni!

To everyone struggling with trials and troubles, take a look at the blessings that are all around you. This trial has turned into one of the greatest blessings in my life and I would do it again (James wouldn't like that though) if I could have half the blessings come out of it that have come out of this past year. Thanks again everyone!!!

2 comments:

Diana said...

The Lord works in mysterious ways! So sad you had to break your foot, but I am so thankful it created our friendship. So many times I have marveled at how much I needed you in my life at this time. Thank you for loving my kids, I never worry when I leave them with you and I appreciate so much how often I can do that! I don't know how to say how much you do for me, but you are the best!

Tim said...

I can't believe it has been a year already. You have made an amazing recovery. Jenni I think everyone would vouch for me on this when they say you are the best!!! You do so much for everyone!!! We love ya TONS