I have that "deer in the headlight look" because I'm terrified of having my photo taken, I just wanted to share this picture of my little niece Isla snuggling up to me (taken a few weeks ago). She truly melts my heart. This photo was taken the day Isla agreed that we're best friends.
Sometimes, when I'm overwhelmed, or sad, I think about all the wonderful people in my life, just like that little silly little two & a half year old. Life is tough sometimes, but it's also amazingly beautiful.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to write you for a quite some time now. You are not someone I know well, but I keep up with what's going on with you and Danny via my cousin Eric, and of course, there's the whole island thing and there are a lot of connections.
I know it is not necessarily your goal to inspire other people, but I cannot tell you how inspiring it is for me to read your blog posts. You have and continue to be faced with so much. Sooo much. And yet, you are honest, brave, positive, and above all--funny. I love hearing about how Danny is right in the middle of this fight with you, that he has a "body of research". There are some mysterious reasons we come to find the people we love, aren't there?
Though I would never dare to compare my situation to yours, I recently had the experience of having my life threatened by infection, of being hospitalized for a relatively long time, and just generally having my whole perspective on life completely changed by this whole experience.
Even though I am so very lucky to be much better now, I am still recovering and still trying to find ways to conduct my lifestyle that will prevent all this from happening again. I was really interested to read your posts about your diet. Roger and I have been trying to eat what some people call "Paleo"--grass fed meats, wild fish, veggies, fruits, nuts, good fats, etc. I saw some parallels to the way you're having to eat (though I think your method is much, much stricter), and I've been doing research on how this way of eating (particularly the elimination of sugars, simple carbohydrates and chemicals helps to "starve" the bacteria that caused my infection, among other things). We have both (Roger and I) been suffering from low energy, and already these changes have seemed to help, though I totally relate on the yummy artisan breads and cheeses!
In my experience, illness can be very isolating in many ways, and on the other hand, you can feel very held by those who are surrounding you, either physically or with their thoughts, prayers. I don't know what it's been like for you other than what I have read, but I just want to thank you for your words, and most of all your drive to live, REALLY live, and to fight for that living.
Our family sends all our love to you and to Danny and your family.
Love,
Marlis Sandwith
Two of the most beautiful girls in the world!
ReplyDeleteTwo peas in a pod: it's a darling photo. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou are radiant Jessica. Isla is a love bug. I love the butt crack on Isla!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs,
Leisa
Nothing better than snuggles from nieces and nephews :) Miss you. xoxoxox
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