Hello all- I do not even know where to begin. I am, to say the least, completely overwhelmed by what has happened and it will take me some time to process it all. What I do know- that God was watching over me, that I have the most amazing husband in the world, that I love my kids and family so much, and that I am so touched by my dear , dear friends. You can't fathom how it feels to hear from friends you knew 30 years ago that are pulling for you, or to hear from people you see every day that have put their lives aside to be there for me and my family. It is honestly overwhelming. I have shed many tears as I try to understand and deal with all of this- so please understand if I am a bit 'shy' at first. I laugh at everyone's comments about me- "Iron Woman", "Strongest Gal I know" etc. If you could see me now... :)
I echo Steve's words about Mary, Matthew and Sue. God Bless each of you- thank you for being so brave- for allowing me the opportunity to be around for Steve, Allie, Trent, and Jackson. What a gift you have given to us- the ability to continue to celebrate life's moments, for me to be there as their mom and wife. Wow.
I'll end here for now but just want each of you to know that I am reading the posts everyday, and it completely lifts my spirits (and Steve's too!) I laugh at those of you that are in awe of Steve's writing abilities- I am too! We've been married twenty years, and I have NEVER seen this side of him!
A few folks mentioned in their posts that this was a big wake up for them; I encourage everyone to take a moment to smell the flowers, tell your loved ones how much you love them- even if it sounds 'gushy'- to not be afraid to step in and help others (even if it involves CPR), and to be thankful for every day that we have together! Hope to see you all soon! MUCH love -Jill
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Oh my dear friend...I miss you and can't wait to see your smile! God Bless everyone who has helped you through this!
ReplyDeleteJill!!!! You are back online again and I am so happy. Doesn't the surgery and hospital stay suck! I told you. I would like to note that it took all my strength to keep my hospital ban in place last week, although after 14 years I think you should lift the ban. Rest up, heal, relax and let all the normal day-to-day come to you SLOWLY. Everything and everybody will be waiting when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteDon't let Steve completely out of the blogging duties though, I have actually grown very fond of reading his work.
Bye for now...
Awesome first post, J.D.!
ReplyDeleteHeretofore, this has been a "Wizard of Oz" type of experience, all of us having to imagine you based on Steve's accounts of your ordeal. We navigated through the flying monkeys and the like and now the curtain has FINALLY been pulled back. In the end,unlike Dorothy & Co., we are NOT disappointed.... :)
Um, yeah, I think you should stay married to Steve forever! I was thinking today about how it is completely amazing in this day and age for college sweethearts to grow in life together. You definitely married a keeper. So, is Steve considering a "mid-life career change" to Blogger Dad? If so, he should add ad units to this page immediately :). So glad we can joke about things now....you have no idea how completely unglued I was about this last week. You are definitely not the only one who shed tears over this! Just now, I am relieved and overjoyed. And that Jackson gets to see you in the flesh and not via webcam.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things I have learned about you and your family in this last week...and I definitely need to relearn CPR. Thank goodness that the events unfolded just as they did...an angel was definitely looking out for you!
Jill...I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you are back home. And reading yours and Steve's blogs brings tears. When I read these blogs it is clear you have a guardian angel! I am so thankful you are on the mend....especially for your family.
ReplyDeleteLots of love, thoughts and prayers from Atlanta!
love, staci
Jill, I cry tears of joy for you each time I read about what you survived and the angels who were there to see you through it! Steve's reports have been amazing. He is defintely a keeper!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mary
Oh Jill - I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to read your voice. I can't wait to update the WI prayer chain - they will be thrilled! Blessings to you and your WONDERFUL family. I'll be back this weekend but will let you tell us if you are up for a visit.
ReplyDeleteJill, I am so thrilled that you are home with your wonderful family and on the mend! We've all been checking the blog posts religiously and talking about your progress (your ears must have been burning)! Thank you so much to Steve for taking the time to write his posts to let us know what was going on, that helped so much. And a huge thank you to your guardian angles at the ball field. Taking a CPR class is on my To Do list, I think the Red Cross is going to have full classes! Take good care of yourself, mend well, and I'll see you soon! Love, Pam Harrison
ReplyDeleteHuge news!!! I will gladly take a lottery number to come by and see you guys. GREAT NEWS!!!! - Hoot
ReplyDeleteJill, so happy that you are home and on the mend. I have been following Steve's posts since mid-week and can't believe what you have all been through. My love and best wishes to all of you. Be strong and be well.
ReplyDeleteRandy Semel
It's so great to hear from you Jill! After I saw you briefly at the pancake breakfast I was so shocked at what happened to you. Thank God that you are home where you belong again! God is so good! When can I bring your family dinner? Please have Steve call me okay?
ReplyDeleteLuci
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteYour home! Right where you belong.You and Steve are incredible.Respondiing to
people as you did was incredible. To hear you talk brought MANY tears to everyones eyes.To see you will be like heaven. I hope to at some time see your incredible husband AND your incredible kids. I will see you when it is good for you.
Love You, Janet
Dear Jill,
ReplyDeleteI'm three days behind so I was shocked to read that you are home and now "blogging." Even though we only met once at Steve's HS reunion...I have been thinking about you every day since this happened. I am so relieved to hear you are home and doing so much better.
My thoughts are with you every day,
Lisa (Hull) Hemstreet
Jill! I'd have left a comment earlier had I known how to post a comment on a blog--technology and I don't really mix. I've been following along every day with great concern, prayers, etc. Thanks to your husband Steve for keeping us up to date. I too admired his prose, as well as his emotional strength on behalf of all of us--he must be a Bruin! Linda sends her best wishes as well. I can't wait to see you up and around soon. Who else is going to bug me as much as you do?
ReplyDeleteTim
Jill- It is *so* good to hear from you. Steve's updates were terrific, but I kinda like reading yours too. ;-) Ditto what everybody else said! Mary Pickering
ReplyDeleteJill, I'm so happy you're back at home and beginning to mend. It makes me smile that you're already 'blogging' -- You go girl!!
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you need meals delivered or any errands run for you.
Thinking of you lots.
Sara & John Panza
Hi Jill, I am so glad to hear that you are home! And I am so sorry that it took something like this to reconnect us. Valarie was just telling me that she was at Founder's Day last week and she was the only one there from our decade. It truly is a wake up call, I for one am cruising along thinking that I am a healthcare provider, not likely to be a recipient any time soon. Guess I shouldn't feel so secure about that! I too have been impressed with Steve's posts, and the detail they have involved. You have a wonderful, special husband, but I am sure you know that after 20 years. Many prayers for you and your whole family for continued healing and understanding!
ReplyDeleteCheers to you all! Becky
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! What fun to hear from "the patient" today. I could hear your voice as I read your post and you sound great! Let us know when you are ready for Pepper's...we'll bring it to you or meet you guys there when you are ready. Prayers continue for your smooth recovery...happy to hear things are on the mend.
Cheers, Kelly
It is just incredible to hear words from your fingers, Jill. We love you and pray for a rapid recovery. You are teaching ALL of us...about the important things in life. Thank you. Love, the Crowells
ReplyDeleteP.S. You're still Iron Woman...even if you have to wear a backless gown now and then!
Wow Wow Wow, what an incredible journey you've had. I can't tell you how happy the Greep's are that you're home with the family! You are correct it was an eye opener for many of us. I couldn't get the thoughts out of my head that it was just a matter of weeks ago that you were up in Big Bear at our Cabin. I remember clearly the phone conversation we had with you describing how Hise was shoveling the snow so you guys could get the car down our driveway. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy our mtn. home and as soon as you're well enough you and the family need to get back up there. Jill we're so happy to have ya back!
ReplyDeleteJill, everyone's prayers have been answered! God is so good to us all. Now you may begin the healing process with all of your loved ones right there beside you. Please take it very slow, there is no hurry. You need to fully recover before you jump right back in. Praying and cheering for you every day.
ReplyDeleteNancy, Carl , and the Gang!
Jill,
ReplyDeleteGonna try to post to this blog again. I somehow can't seem to get it right :) To see words typed by your fingers truly makes me smile. I am so thankful for those who stood by you and saved you. You have a wonderful man who took care of you - I know what it is like to have one of those!! Now you are home with the best medicine possible - Steve, Allie, Trent and Jackson. They will make you well. We miss you so much and can't wait to physically touch you and see you beautiful smiling face!! Keep it up girl!!
Ami
Anyone out there willing/able to pinch hit for Jill and administer 45 spankings to Steve today? May you and Jill live another 45 together, Shakespeare.... :)
ReplyDeleteJill, I've told your story to my close friends, who are amazed at your resilience. Many believe that God's hand was at work here. I want to hold you, hug your kids, and kiss Steve....but I will hold off. Your job is to REST!!!!!!!!!!! That is your prescription. Please let us help you in any way you can think of; that is how we can show our love for you. One day at a time. Really. (from Auntie Betsy)
ReplyDeleteHi Jill,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my messages are getting through, but I wanted to let you know how much I've been thinking about you and sending positive thoughts and prayers. It is so great that you are home and can relax more to recover. You have 3 true heroes, and you know that God is watching over you and your family. All my best to you and your family - Katherine
Hi Jill!!!!! I'm so relieved to read your home and recovering! Thank God! Much love always, Eva
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteSoooo relieved to read your own words. What a freakin' 9 days! I really can't wait to see you. You are so important and so dear to me. And clearly to so many others. Rest up so I can come see you and we can gab.
Angie
Wow Jill! I just caught a glimpse of what was going on on facebook and read the whole blog--unbelievable! i'm so thrilled to hear you are home and feeling better. what a miracle that your 3 heros/angels were there just when you needed them. there are so many wonderful and inspirational stories to take away from this (not to mention SO scary). I wish for you the quickest and easiest recovery and know that life now, more than ever, is measured in moments spent loving and being loved and everything else fades away. i'm sending all my positive energy to you, steve and the kids. teri (from TDC long ago:)
ReplyDeleteHi Jilly,
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you for going to the baseball field and talking to the boys. Just another testament to the woman that you are!! You have been through so much and clearly you are stronger for it. Know that Bob, the kids and I pray for you everyday! I'm looking forward to seeing you! Have a beautiful Mother's Day celebrating the only thing that matters....your family!!
Much Love,
Mila
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your recovery. The world is very thankful that you remain with us because you obviously have some important things to do. You are here with a lot of support and prayers behind you.
Denis
Dear Jill,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on winning the Ackerman Award! You really deserve it! We all wish you were here in person to receive it.
Thank you for keeping your blog up-to-date. We do want to know how you are progressing.
Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with you and your family.
Sincerely, Svetlana