My Sister’s Children-An Update

A few years ago
 I shared a story about my sister Jackie,
who passed away
unexpectedly leaving behind her 3 young children.
 You can read it here.
I wanted to take this opportunity
to share with you some updates on
how they are doing.
Jess(left) is going to be turning 25 in September
&
she just became a certified CNA.
She is passionate, determined and extremely hard working.
She set her mind on a goal & achieved it all on her own.
We are so proud of her!
Jason just turned 17,
 he is your typically teenager in many ways
but extraordinary in the ways that really matter.
He spends lots of time with his church youth group.
He is kind & funny.
Oh and I can’t forget to mention SMART!
He has managed to take mostly honors & AP classes.
He hopes to go off to college next year to study
Forensic Science.
And last but NOT least Julie(right),
she just celebrated her 21 birthday in May.
She has a BIG heart!
She is an amazing & expressive writer and old soul.
She has been volunteering at Meals on Wheels
&
the local Wolf Sanctuary.
She spent this summer interning at a state park where she
monitored and protected sea turtles.
She hopes to be a Park Ranger.
What touches my heart the most
&
 makes me feel so proud inside,
 is that
they have managed to find their way.
All on their own.
They have embraced life,
reached goals ,
opened their hearts
&
succeeded in everyway that counts.

They are the true definition of
BRAVERY & COURAGE!
The idea that hope can spring from despair.
That if we are brave and let our experiences
be our teacher that
anything is possible.
Their future is bright:)!


This is a print by an etsy artist,
It reminds me of them. 

Heart and Intuition 8 x 10 paper print - Steve Jobs quote - inspirational mixed media word art, typography collage and text
Julie & Jason
are arriving on Tuesday for a very welcomed visit.
We are looking forward to having lots of fun
&
hope to share some
highlights of their trip.
Have a great weekend everyone! 
-Jen

Similar Posts

Puppy Update + New Food Contributor
· ·

Puppy Update + New Food Contributor

It’s been a crazy week, so much going on with my Sherwin-Williams makeover and also another BIG makeover I am working on with Rebuilding Together. John’s birthday was Thursday and now my boys are off for the week, phew! The last 2 weeks were also a little nuts as I was filming for my Abstract Art Class . You will be really surprised by some of the personal things I open up about and some of the tools I use to create art if you sign up for this class, which I so hope you will.
Anywho….I have been meaning to give an update on our puppy Denver. I have had so many questions from where he sleeps, to his energy level & temperament, to if we are still happy we made the decision. As most of you know John didn’t really want another dog. He liked being able to go away and not worry about doggie care and he also didn’t miss the chaos a dog can sometimes bring to an already hectic family life. But…I pushed for it. I wanted my boys to have this experience. With Murphy it was like they woke up one day and there he was, already in his senior years. They still loved him tons but never had that puppy experience. I am not going to lie, I was nervous being the one who ultimately made the decision on this. So nervous! You hear stories about puppies and how they uproot your life & change the dynamics of the whole house. I needed and hoped so desperately for a good experience with our new little pup. Well….it has been 7 months that we have had him and he is now 9 months old. He is the biggest love and we all adore him so, even John.

Finding Balance + Being Present
· ·

Finding Balance + Being Present

Today is the last day of school for my boys and it feels bittersweet. It has been a great year and although I do know all good things must come to an end, I guess a part of me doesn’t want to fully recognize that they are growing up and getting bigger. It’s all going by too fast. I am trying to hold on so tight to this time together because I want to always remember the pure joy I feel. I have written so often how important it is for me to “be present” because I know from the personal experience of loss that these small moments of time are such a gift.

2 Comments

  1. This gave me chills… as a mother I couldn’t imagine leaving my children behind but knowing how great they are and have tuned out to be hopefully gives you and your family some peace. They are beautiful outside and on the inside from the sound of it. You should be so proud… and I am sure your sister is as well.

  2. Jen, what a beautiful post. I am so glad they are doing well. Jackie was such a kind person, that is what I remember most about her. God bless them.

Comments are closed.