It’s been quite a week and I’m physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Between the anticipation of the segment airing on Tuesday AM to the highs and lows of the commentary that followed, Paul and I wanted to reach out and say thank you. We sincerely appreciate the support we have received.
We knew when CNN approached us and we accepted the opportunity to share our story, we were exposing ourselves and placing our family in a vulnerable position. For all the compassion and kindness of our world, there lies a fair amount of harshness and cruelty. We knew and were prepared to expect it all.
There will always be those who disagree rationally or irrationally. Agreement, disagreement and dissenting opinions are a part of our lives and are what Paul and I are now facing as our story is publicly shared.
We didn’t embark on this journey with my brain tumor four years ago or when we agreed to film our story with CNN with an expectation that all would agree with the decisions we would make.
We embarked to share our story, our struggles and our triumphs and why the decisions we made were right for us. While everyone is entitled to live and follow a life journey they choose, we’re secure in our decisions and have chosen not respond to those who have attacked us.
We are so thankful and grateful for the support from those who have overwhelmingly reached out with positive feedback and encouragement.
My friend Marisa shared a quote with me this week and I think it speaks to how Paul and I feel about our how we have chosen to live our lives.
Every man dies, but not every man lives.
We are living and we will continue to live and no individual, comment or obstacle can take that from us.
GREY MATTER LIFE 
Hi, Jen…I’m late with my congratulations as have been on the road since early July….Your mom can fill you in….loved seeing her! Anyway…I was in a motel in western Ohio the morning of your CNN segment. I was so glad the timing was such I was able to view it…..bravo. You were fabulous and I thought the editing, etc. was superb. It was totally inspirational and heart warming.
It amazes me, while everyone has a right to their opinion,why anyone would feel qualified to judge your life choices and or decisions….let alone openly bombard you with them. As Ann Landers would say…they should ‘mind their own business’. Please consider the source and ignore their stupid remarks; let it all go and just enjoy that gorgeous new member of your beautiful family.
I’ll start a little sweater for Harper after I return to San Diego. Thought of you as I wizzed through Indiana, remembering my stop to see you 14 years ago.. Can’t believe it was that long ago.
Stay well,get some sleep and love to all of you;…looking forward to lots of new pictures. xx,suzanne
Thanks Suzanne. So glad you had a great trip and next time we hope to see you on our doorstep!
Keep calm and carry on. Everyday is a gift for everyone. I believe you are making a great impact in your family and friends. The joy in your cherubs faces and hearts is clear-as is yours.
And to those that judge – judge not lest you be judged.
Cheers to you Amy and thank you.
Jen,
I am so sorry you are being attacked. I admire you and your family for having the courage to share in front of the cameras. You are full of life. You are always smiling and never seem to take one second for granted. Folks need to see positive stories.
I have been under attack for the Bags of Hope I provide for every brain tumor patient at Duke. It’s a way for me to honor of my son. Zachary is a 5 year survivor. YET, some narrow minded people have negative and mean things to say to me and even to him. All I want to do is give hope to those that are facing this journey. I want them to see life of a 25 year old man after brain surgery. He lives life to the fullest, and smiles all the time.
When Zachary was diagnosed, I was searching for positive stories to cling to. All I knew about brain tumors was that the outcome was not good. My Grandfather died about 18 months after surgery.
Thank you for sharing your story. You have my support all the way!!
Hope and Peace for those that are mean in spirit. They need help.
You are an amazing Mother, Wife, and Survivor!!!
With a Grateful Heart,
Denise
http://www.DeliveringHopeFoundation.org
Thank you Denise and I am sorry to hear that you have had you ups and downs on your journey as well. So glad to hear that Zachary is doing well. We appreciate your support.
I cannot for the life of me understand why people would attack you. When people are defensive, I try to look for what they’re afraid of. Perhaps your detractors are angry because your experience has brought them close to considering the fact that they will someday die? Or is it because, having brought new life into the world, you remind them of how infinitely fragile life itself is? Anyhow – I think your quote is spot on. It reminds me of a song by Beth Neilsen Chapman, “This Life That’s Lent to You.” I think you’re making a wonderful use of yours.
Christine: Thank you for your thoughtful comment and we appreciate your support. Cheers to you.
Jen