Also, if you are interested in preparing a meal for Jenni, please send a message to Lynette and I'll let you know how you can help.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My Vision for Go Big!
On March 7, 2008 my life got turned upside down. I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor which was so not on my to do list! Equally unexpectedly, I had neurosurgery on March 20 and the results of the biopsy indicated that the tumor was benign. Thank God! Along this journey, I have taken solace in the fact that this is a huge opportunity for us all.
I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a huge difference in the world. For a couple of days, I actually feared that I had wished this scary and chaotic experience on myself and my loved ones, but then I was reminded that "life prepares life" and it all started making a bit more sense.
In a whirlwind of pre-operative appointments, Dr. Kyle Weaver, my neurosurgeon, told me that I should "hold onto my blood" which was a huge blow to me as I try to be a regular blood donor. Without skipping a beat, however, my advisor, Dr. Bruce Compas, made me an offer to "pick up the slack" which I believe was the impetus for this whole GO BIG challenge as it struck me then that perhaps we can all be doing just a little more.
As a person who hopes to make a profession and a life of helping children and families, I'm committed to helping others in the best way I know how. Consistently, I work with parents and children teaching them to praise the good and ignore the bad. Not my idea, but it is a behavioral principle that works. Now, don't get me wrong--I'm not blind to the evil in this world. In fact, I'm struck by our culture's fascination with drama, hurt, despair, and scandal. It absolutely blows my mind that these negatives suck so much of our attention that we can relatively easily forget all of the 1000's acts of kindness that are going on right this very minute.
My hope is that this website can be a central location for all of us to capture all of the really awesome things that we are already doing and that we can all be inspired by each other's goodness. It's not an original or courageous idea (although some have called it that), it is just an opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do. And, I'll bet that if I'm anything like you, I'm just doing the best that I can in this moment. Sometimes that means that I offend people. We are all imperfectly perfect and I know that that is where the true beauty lies.
There are no absolute rules because I couldn't possibly predict the creative and imaginative ways that we can each help one another. Well, that's a lie. There is really just one rule: do what you feel in your heart! Try not to feel like what you do doesn't matter. It does! If you don't believe me, read the postings for yourself and see what you think. To somebody in that moment, you will have made a difference and for that I am eternally grateful.
So if you feel it in your heart or your head or whatever pushes you to act, try to do something. Nothing is too small and nothing is too big. Just put one foot in front of the other, and if you wish, take a risk.
Overwhelmed with a sea of emotions and an outpouring of support from our community, Austin, the love of my life, and I have felt so very blessed. I believe that there is always meaning out there in this precious world of ours, sometimes you just have to squint to find it. This past several weeks has been a truly rock ride and my guess is that life always will be. So, step aboard if you are up for the challenge and let's see how far we can get this good to spread.
With great gratitude,
19 comments:
Jenni,
The entire office staff will be thinking of you and praying all throughout the day today. May peace and confidence surround you, your family and your medical team.
Be assured on this Holy Thursday that my brothers and I have been and will continue to pray for Jenni, and a fast and full recovery.
Bro. Robert Williams
Padre Pio Friary
Jenni,
I am praying hard and sending positive thoughts your way all day every day until you are healed.
Shelly
Sending lots of peaceful, healing vibes your way.
May God bless you and protect you today and as you recover!
in God's love,
friar Matt
Peace, love, strength, and positive thoughts are all coming your way today.
I am thinking of you this morning and praying for you.
Thinking that by being extraspecialnice to those around me will only make you heal faster, I have made a concerted effort to smile more today, listen without judgment, and do little things for those I love to make their lives a little bit easier.
Peace & love,
~Lynette
Hi Jenni, My daughter Lauren, Caty's cousin, attends Montrose School for Girls here in Medfield MA. We have enlisted all their support to send prayers in your direction for positive results and a speedy recovery. Lauren is in Italy now on a school trip and will be praying for you both today and at the Vatican during Easter Mass on Sunday. Get well soon!
Jenni,
All of us here at the lab are thinking about you this morning. And we woke up this morning thinking about you! We are hoping and praying for your surgery to go well.
Love,
Emily, Darlene, and Jenni P.
Praying that all is going well in there at this moment. We're all Going Big for you today in big and small ways! I let Mac sleep in this morning and got Leland ready without him having to lift a finger...and I did it with peace and love in my heart, thinking of you and your call for all of us to give to those around us. May peace, strength and comfort be with you right now! Love, Emily
Jenni,
I don't think there's a word in Hausa for surgery, but here's some words of encouragement anyway:
"Wallahi, kina da karfi. Kin iya! Yau, babu kommi. Baki da laihi yau saboda kina da abokai sosai. Sai gobe, lokacin kina da lahiya dayawa. Barka!"
(Translation: Honestly, you're strong. You can do it! Today won't be a problem. You won't have troubles because you have lots of friends. Until tomorrow, when you'll return to health. Best wishes!)
-Emily Dufton
Hi Jenni,
I am Caitlin's little sister. My family and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers- wishing you a successful surgery and a fast recovery.
Jackie McMahon
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Jenni, You are in our prayers today.
Kris & the Calvary Youth
Jenni,
My team at work is all thinking about you and praying for you. I will see you soon.
Bill
I was on a panel thismorning in my sister's 6th grade classroom about turning research into a career. So you now have about 28 12-year-olds sending out get well vibes :) (plus Meghann and myself of course)...thinking of you!
My prayers are with you today, on this Holy Thursday.
"The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary,and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:28-31
May the strength of God and all the love and support of this vast network help you heal quickly.
Jenni-
You are absolutely in my thoughts and prayers. And I have forwarded this site onto some who I know will love it and will do acts of kindness in your name. You are such an incredible person and friend.
Jess
Jenni,
I am a friend of Kim Williams mom, so know that one more person in Florida is thinking of you and praying for your full recovery.
Linda Gardner
Gainesville, FL
Post a Comment