After a morning of rest and recovery from a somewhat restless night, Jen spent a good part of the afternoon alert and social. A paracentesis procedure may have helped make her a little more comfortable. Some of the highlights included freshening up and switching outfits with her mom, a telephone conversation with Emma, and me getting to join her in her bed to watch Wheel of Fortune. At one point in the afternoon, we got word that Jen's story was talked about on a local radio station. The DJ on one of Kansas City's popular country stations read a brief e-mail from a listener and dedicated Martina McBride's "Do it Anyway" to Jen. Her far reaching influence becomes more amazing each day.
Today I was also asked to post information about an event being organized in Jen's behalf. There will be a prayer circle at the First Baptist Church of Blue Springs on Sunday night at 7:15. The church is at 15th Street and Main. Everyone is asked to bundle up and bring a candle. The church's congregation and pastor have been wonderful and supportive as word has spread about Jen's condition. Our Emma also attends pre-school there and loves going to bed knowing that in the morning she'll be in Mrs. Cornick's class with her friends. I have a suspicion that Sunday night's event won't be a small gathering! I have not told Jen about it yet, but I know that when I do, she will be moved, honored, and thankful.
Jennifer doesn't know me, and it seems a lifetime ago (12 years?) when Chris and I were brief college roommates, but I'm so glad that I learned about this blog earlier today from Harper. I spent the majority of this afternoon, don't tell my boss, reading virtually every word and shedding a few tears along the way. I hugged my 18 month old daughter extra tight tonight and made sure my wife understood (not just heard) me when I told her how much I love her. Thank you both for sharing this journey of true love and faith with all of us...Elizabeth, my wife, and I only wish we could have been praying for you sooner! God Bless you both, Emma and Peighton, and your devoted families as you continue to show us what living is really all about.
Posted by: Chris McMunn | January 27, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Chris and Jen,
i just want you to know that my friends and roommates here at school have heard Jen's story too. I read the blog aloud to my roommate and best friend, Brooke almost daily. I refer to Jen as my cousin, you all just seem like family. My other roommate, Amanda, and I go to church on Sunday nights and i always remind her to say a prayer for Jen, she knows exactly who i am talking about, and she always says, " i know, i will." My friends ask for updates as well. We are all praying for you, Jen, and the whole family and thinking of you all often.
Love, Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Ries | January 27, 2007 at 12:59 AM
How amazing is it to here that Jen was alert for most of the day and could freshen up once again. I have passed your story on to many friends & clients of mine & asked that they pray for you. I will be attending Sunday nights gathering with my family in prayer for all that is going on with your family. Jen- I pray for you at least 100 times a day, it seems. Jan & Chris I pray for you as well & for all the Bles, Velander & Ireland family. I look forward to every update to see how Jen is doing, Chris- Thank You! Love, hugs & prayers from me to you.
Posted by: amy copple | January 27, 2007 at 01:56 AM
What a great way to start my day again! This has all been so moving, too see that this little blog page has literally spread like wild fire!, and to see all the people, friends, family and strangers that have been so touched by it. What GRACE! I know this journey has not been easy but you have shown such strength the entire time.
Continuing to pray for you all~ and feeling like its being answered!
Posted by: Randy, Shelley, Rachel and Chloe Huskins | January 27, 2007 at 05:18 AM
Chris,
Thanks for the info on the event! I lookf forward to seeing all th people that love and support Jen's fight. I am so happy every morning and there is a new post saying she is still comfortable and well! God Bless, Jennie
Posted by: Jennie | January 27, 2007 at 08:12 AM
I am so thankful for the awesome moments you have been given with eachother inspite of everything. I continue to pray desperately for you all!
Love you so much!
Julie
Posted by: Julie Marriott | January 27, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Jen & Chris,
I remember fondly good times spent w/ Chris at the Coast Guard Academy. One of a few other KC folks I could spend time with talking about home. Your story is an inspirational illustration of Faith in Christ and love. My wife Meredith, my son William, and I will pray extra hard for you. I wish I were on leave in KC so I could attend Sunday's event.
Best regards,
Fritz Kuebler
Posted by: Fritz Kuebler | January 27, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Some of my first thoughts in the morning are of Jen--I am still praying for God to touch her and let her body heal itself---I know from my own experience that that is possible---I cant be at the Church Sunday night but I will definitely be there in thoughts and prayer---
Posted by: C. Baker | January 27, 2007 at 08:56 AM
How awesome that you are given some quality time together. I am still praying for a miracle! I pray that God will place his hands on Jen's body and heal her from this disease.
Your family is a true inspiration!
God Bless,
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy from Nebraska | January 27, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Jen's strength is so amazing. I am glad to hear that she got some time to freshen up. I know that the prayer circle will be a big event and I will be there is spirit praying with them from Florida. My continued thoughts and prayers stay with you and your family.
Monica
Posted by: Monica | January 27, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Chris, Please tell Jen that I said hello and tell her that I am praying for all of you everyday. And, give her a BIG hug from me.
Posted by: sue | January 27, 2007 at 09:30 AM
I will light a candle at the same time here in California. I continue to think of you all and send you much strength.
Brandy
Posted by: Brandy Regan | January 27, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Everyone I know is also praying at exactly 7:15pm on Sunday night. Even though we can not be there physically at the prayer vigil, our prayers are joining with yours for Jen and all of you. From all of us in Memphis
Posted by: Elizabeth Malone (Robin's Mom) | January 27, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Sending you a hug from Williamsburg, VA. May God's love continue to help Jen at this time and God's peace help the rest of her family.
Posted by: Megan | January 27, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Jen and Chris,
After receiving an e-mail through the CGA network I was thankful be reunited with a friend and his wonderful family. My wife and I spent over an hour reading about your incredible love and strength. I shared a funny story with her about one summer at the Academy in when Chris and I saw the sights and the sidewalks in Boston. From Seattle, we are thinking about you and we will pray to God to watch over you and work inside you.
John and Megan Dittmar
Posted by: John Dittmar | January 27, 2007 at 11:20 AM
Chris- I have never met you or Jen. I heard this song...and I instantly thought of your beautiful wife and precious daughters. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers every minute of everyday.
By: Sarah McLachlan (Soundtrack:Charlotte's Web)
It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own
Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?
Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
Posted by: Amy | January 27, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Chris - I don’t believe that we have met your amazing Jen, but we remember with fondness our time spent with you. Fritz was kind enough to forward us the e-mail circulating the “CGA network”. Chris, we trust God will carry us through both good and difficult times as we journey through life and that He is now watching over Jen as she fights the good fight. How generous and kind of you to keep up this web site for friends and family. It must be exhilarating on good days and at times very painful for you to do this and I think that you shall probably never really fully understand what this day to day journal means to those of us who are reading your thoughts. Chris, Jen and girls, you are in our thoughts and our prayers, with love to you each.
Posted by: Gene and Candy Kuebler | January 27, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Chris and Jen - I'm so happy to read that you have had some good days and are comfortable. We continue to think about you every moment of the day and are sending many prayers your direction. Please give big hugs to each other from us, and hugs to your precious girls too! Lots of love from California!! Leanne, Jeff & Maryn.
Posted by: Leanne, Jeff, and Maryn Lusk (Bacon) | January 27, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Wow! This prayer chain has really gotten BIG! There will be SO MANY people all praying for Jen at 7:15 on Sunday night that she is bound to feel it! I can't wait! Much love as always.
Posted by: Lilly, Dylan, and Robin Velander | January 27, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Hi everyone, just wanted to let everyone attending tomorrow night that I will be grabbing a TON of candles, so if you are not able to bring one, there will be some extra there... I hope everyone is able to attend or pray at 7:15! It's going to be great, and I know with all the planning and love going into this that God will be listening!
Posted by: Amy Keith | January 27, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Chris and Jen,
I continue to be touched and moved by your strength, love and determination. This web is the greatest love story of all time.
I will be at the prayer circle and am awed by the prayers that will occur at 7:15pm from around the world.
Jen, we love you! Keep fighting. Know that you are loved and prayed for every minute of every day.
Chris, Glad you had some quality time with the girls. I know they love that and am sure they filled mom in on it when they talked on the phone.
God bless all of you!
Posted by: Jackie Dorman | January 27, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Jen and Chris,
You have touched more lives than any of us can imagine! What an awesome example you are of faith, hope and unconditional love! Stay strong! We are all praying for you!
Much love,
Shelly and family
Posted by: Shelly Heggs | January 27, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Hi Jen and Chris
Just wanted to send you thoughts, prayers and hugs from Wales, and to say that we are fighting with you. Love Dawn and Glyn x
Posted by: Dawn | January 27, 2007 at 04:38 PM
I am so thankful that you two have had some time to just be together with your close friends and family. I hope you have another nice evening and restful night. We are still thinking of you often and praying for all of you.
marissa
Posted by: Marissa Brown(Meador) | January 27, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Jen & Chris,
I am happy to read that you are continuing to have good days & remain in good spirits! I am continuing to share your story daily and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I pray that God will bless you both with more time together. I continue to be touched by your strength and your faith. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will be praying on Sunday night for you, Jennifer, at the time of the prayer vigil. God Bless.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Teegarden MD | January 27, 2007 at 05:37 PM