Colorectal Cancer Awareness...

There has been a decent amount of media coverage announcing the fact that it is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.  I thought I'd mention it too.  My grandfather (Ivan Ireland) and my wife both had their lives cut short by this disease.  My grandfather fell into the demographic that is most often focused on when awareness is being encouraged.  Jen did not.  In hindsight, what would we have done differently to possibly catch Jen's disease early?  I'm not sure.  When Jen was plugging away with life, treatments, and and hopes for eventual cure we only looked forward.  Now I need to start looking backward with her doctors and others to try to find answers to what we could have done.  It would mean so much to me and our family to know that lessons learned from Jen's experience had saved another life. 

Please take a few minutes to read the "Know the Issues" page on the Colon Cancer Alliance website.  Maybe with a little bit of education in combination with the knowledge gained by following Jen's story, we can effectively help someone recognize a serious issue.  Early detection can save a life.

Comments

[Deana]

I just finished reading the blog this morning. I started it Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. I am so glad to hear you have found strength in God as well as family/friends during this time. I was told reading this would change my life and it has. I want to learn to appreciate every moment given. I have lost two close family members to colon cancer and it is a very tough thing to deal with. Well, thank you for letting all of us share in your fight. I am sorry for your loss and hope you continue to know that Jen is much more comfortable in heaven. Her pain is relieved. Emma and Peighton are beautiful. Treasure them always!!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for sharing that info -- I hope it helps someone.

[Alaina]

Thanks for the information Chris. :)

[Becky]

Thank you for sharing the information on colon cancer. Jen's story, strength, courage and fight will help others battle this disease! Hold on to your memories, rejoice in the signs from Jen and may God Bless you and your entire family!

[Jan]

This is for all you faithful blog readers for continuing to follow my daughter Jen's blog.

This is a new version of the "footprints" story that really caught me off guard at the end...What a blessing JUST READ IT!

FOOTPRINTS...A New Version

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.

Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.

This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray:

"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."

"That is correct."

"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."

"Very good.. You have understood everything so far."

When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."

"Precisely."

"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."

There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.

"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

I have to believe that Jen is now dancing happily in heaven, maybe to John Mayer. Emma tells me often how happy her mommy is in heaven. At bed/prayer time we talk about how she and her mommy are so alike and Emma beams knowing she is so much a part of her mommy.
I have had the privilege of having two very vivid dreams of Jen as she showed Emma and me the various rooms in heaven. I'm guessing she'll be redecorating them soon, but leave all the trim painting and furniture moving to the newer members of heaven.
She continues to shower me with signs of her love for me, like she did here on earth.
Even though I can no longer daily see or talk to my precious daughter, I know she will always grace me with her spiritual presence.
Jen, if you are reading this blog in heaven, I love you, I miss you, I will love and care for Emma and Peighton and Chris until we can all be together again.
With love and prayers,
A very proud mother,
Jan

[Julie Marriott]

CHRIS,
THANKS FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO UPHOLD JEN'S LEGACY AND TO CHANNEL YOUR HURT INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE.

JAN,
KEEP ON DANCIN' SISTER!
I LOVE YOU,
JULIE

[Kristi E. (Lee's Summit, MO)]

Jan, thank you for the beautiful poem. And Chris, thank you for posting this information. I am thinking of you both!!

[Peggy Patrick]

Dear Chris, Jan & family,
Thank you Chris for all the beautiful words and info you have given us. Do you realize how many lives you have changed? I think the Lord is really using you.
Jan, thank you so much for sharing the footprints story and about Emma. I do believe she knows what she's talking about. How awesome is that? "WOW". Yes, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. I'm always thinking and praying for you all. Peggy

[Jennifer Teegarden MD]

Sending continued prayers for all of Jen's family. May God continue to bless you all as you continue to share Jen's legacy and reach out to other families.

Jennifer

[Melodie Chrisman]

Jan, Love the poem. She will always be your previous baby girl that we all love and are so very proud of. Both you and Chris amaze me everyday. Can't wait to hang out Sunday and continue to honor Jen. I am putting in my money for the Crawl as well this week so we have lots to look forward to. Have a great week. Love ya.

[Oregon Mom]

Hi Chris,
I just wanted to say, first of all, Jen's story has really touched me. What an angel Jen was and is now. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to go in and have another "flexible sigmoidoscopy" (I think that's what it was called). I am 31 and had one done years ago and they had removed some polyps. I know I need to go in and get another one done since it's been such a long time, but I've been putting it off. I have a 16 month old baby boy and reading Jen's story has really encouraged me to go and get this done just to make sure everything is okay inside of me. I can't even imagine my family going through what you all have been through. So, I'm going to do it - even if I don't "feel" like it! AND I'll let you know how it goes. :)
THANK YOU,
From A Young Mommy in Oregon

[Kristal]

Everytime I read your blog it makes me cry and yet I keep coming back. Your story has touched so many and I feel so blessed to be one of them. Please know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristal

[Maegan Ancona]

I just wanted to let you guys know i was thinking about you as always. I love that you continue to write, and continue to keep Jen sooo alive. She is near no matter how far. You are a huge inspiration in the way life should be lived, and everyday when I read the blog and the comments I also realize how blessed you are to have such amazing people in your life. Also how blessed I am to have the relationship I do with god. Take care of your beautiful family.