Hey there...

I usually try to avoid writing on the blog if I'm not feeling real positive.  I hate to depress everyone!  Tonight I'm feeling a little "blue", but I need to recruit some prayers for my mother-in-law, Jan.  Following several painful episodes over the past few days, she paid a visit to the doctor today.  Based on a couple of tests, she is in need of an appointment with a cardiologist.  Tomorrow morning is that appointment and she'll go through some more testing to determine if there is anything to be concerned about.  As usual, she's staying strong and but knowing that you all are praying for her helps.  My gut tells me that she will be fine.

Peighton also paid a visit to the doctor today.  For the past several weeks she has been very fussy, had a loss of appetite, hasn't slept well, and has had some pretty nasty diapers.  I noticed that she has two molars about ready to pop through in her mouth.  That may explain these symptoms, but I wanted to play it safe and get her to the doctor.  Knowing that Jen most likely had cancer while pregnant with Peighton tends to make me over react when she isn't feeling well.  The probability of her contracting something as horrible as cancer from Jen is pretty much zilch, but I worry anyway.  Long story short -- she's fine.  Her teeth should be through the gums soon and we'll just watch her diet and diapers closely to see if maybe there's a food allergy of some sort that may be contributing to her minor bowel issues.

I've spoken to or received e-mails from many people sending their condolences but mentioning that they could not read the blog from start to finish.  The reasons vary.  A few minutes ago I attempted to look back at a year ago today and it was very difficult.  I have to admit that I don't think I could read it either.  That being said, I do think that many out there could benefit from Jen's posts.  You can quickly see which posts are hers in the archives because her titles do not have ... after them, mine do.  Jen's attitude and love jump right out of the screen at you.  I feel the same when I read Shawndra Turner's blog at www.shawndraturner.blogspot.com.

Comments

[Sherrie]

I think writing is a good way to help yourself feel better. This is a great outlet for you to release all that! You should know that we are all right there with you, even if we're not close personal friends. I see Jan almost every day at work and wonder to myself...how does she do it? You guys are a great inspiration and we will definitely be prayin for Jans appointment tomorrow.

[Jennifer Teegarden MD]

Chris,

I don't think a day goes by that I don't think of Jen & your family. You are such an amazing family and have been such an influence in my life in the past year. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I will say some extra prayers for Jan tomorrow, and no doubt, Jen will be watching closely over her, as well. Know that many people are still thinking and praying for you and your girls every day.

Jennifer

[Peggy Patrick]

Dear Chris,
I know a day doesn't go by that I don't think of you all. Remember I'm praying for you guys. And Jan, I will pray extra just for you.Thinking of you always. Peggy

[Dinah Wonderly]

My prayers will certainly be for Jan today for good news from her doctor appointment. I check often here and know that I will continue to do so. You made such an impact on my life and this last year has been hard for us that just follow the blog. I too have gone back and re-read some of the blog and it is hard. Prayers always for you and your family. Glad Peighton was okay. Have a grand week and keep up the good work and keep your chin up... dinah

[Alicia]

Chris and family,

I continue to pray for your guys on numerous occasions and will pray that Jan gets good news from the doctor. Continue to know that hundreds and probably thousands of people think of you each day and hopefully being reminded of that can help make each day a little better. Have a great rest of the week!!

[Cindy]

Praying for Jan and the whole family!

[Kristi E.]

I am praying for Jan today!!

[Lisa Thomas]

Chris,

I'm sorry to hear that things are down at the moment. Writing is a very healthy way of getting your emotions out. I realize that while they may not be the happiest posts, it's an important part of your life. Going back and reading everything is a sad thing, but also you can get the feel of happiness that Jen shared with the world. My family will be praying for Jan you, and the girls. Take Care.

[Alaina]

Chris,

Just like everyone else, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and your family and even though you said you were feeling a little blue, it is nice to hear you talk about how you, Jan, and the girls are doing. I also think that writing can be very theraputic. It is a good way to just vent.

I am glad Peighton turned out to be okay. At that age, it is so hard to tell what is normal & what is not normal. I hope she does okay with the molars coming through!

Let Jan know that many are praying for her. I hope everything at the doctor turns out to be something minor and small, if anything at all. I hope that Jan is doing okay emotionally. I haven't seem her post much. Tell her a cameo appearance would be nice if she feels up to it!

Enjoy your Thursday!

Alaina

[Laura]

Not a day goes by that I don't think about your family. After hearing Jen's story on 93.3, I tend to look on your blog and see what a inspiriation you and your family are. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and know that Jen is watching over Jan.

[Becky]

Prayers go out to Jan. Jen is watching over her and things will be alright! Just know that Jen's story has touched so many lives and will continue to do so forever. I check the blog daily and enjoy reading all of your posts. You truly are an inspiration! Glad to hear the girls are doing well, hope Peighton starts feeling better. Teething is not easy! God bless you and hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!

[Jenn Perez]

I think that you're doing a tremendous job with your family and with yourself.. I imagine the days dont always go by so positively but you still manage to put things in this site so wonderfully and it is so very inspiring. I was led on to this site shortly before Jen's passing and I was deeply touched and moved.. and very sad at the loss of such a seemingly wonderful Lady.. I just wanted to let you know that you and your entire family are truly inspiring and the love pours out of each inch of this site, and i'm guessing this is why you still get such a tremendous amount of visitors..
I do believe in God and Heaven and I beleive Jen is there and smiling- because she picked a wonderful man to have a family with..
God Bless You and Yours..
Jenn
proud D/o Martha
www.caringbridge.org/visit/marthaquintero

[Jenn Perez]

PS.. the 'freaking out' about Peighton is absolutely natural.. My mom was diagnosed with Brain Cancer last August so every time i get a headache or anything 'suspicious' I freak out as well... We are humans after all!!
.. I found that when my babies were teething, giving them more fruits and water or light colored juice (ie apple juice) helped the nasty smelling poop!!

[Molly Brummond]

Chris: A friend of mine who lives in KC told me about your blog. I'd never really gotten into reading different blogs, but when I heard about Jennifer's I felt compelled to, and ultimately read the whole thing right before she left our world for a better one. Thank you for blogging. As a 29 year old mother, Jennifer's story just resonated with me at some really unexplainable level. She faced most people's greatest fear with such grace and class. I wish my path would have crossed with Jennifer's during her life so I could have been a witness of that grace and class in person. Thank you for opening yourself up, and for serving as an inspiration to us all. While I never met Jen, I believe she is now in a place truly worthy of her spirit. God's blessings to you and your lovely children. Molly

[Erin]

Our prayers go out to Jan and the rest of your family that you contiue to have strength and get through this as well. I too believe that everything will be ok with Jan. You all remain in my prayers!

God Bless!

[Natalie Jones]

Hey Chris, thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear last weekend went well, but sorry you're feeling blue. It's funny how it just hits you sometimes, isn't it? I had another really vivid dream about Jen the other night. I don't know where we were, exactly, but most of the family was there and she and I were about to go for a drive somewhere. But when we got in the car, it was really crappy and we laughed about it. That's about all I remeber, but I do know at one point in the dream, I had to ask myself if it was really happening, if we were really there together. I was just happy to be in her company, and in a way, I think she was there, and she was about as beautiful as I've ever seen her! Anyway, for some reason I just felt compelled to share that.

Aunt Jan, I'm thinking about you always. Hope everything's okay. I love you!

Give my love to the girls. I hope Peighton gets better! Also, I'm glad they got to spend some time with their Uncle Jason. I bet that was fun. :-)

Love,
Natalie

[Jeanne]

Chris and Jan,
It was great to see you at the Trouser Mouse fundraiser. I am glad the benefit was such a success. You and your families are in my daily thoughts and prayers daily. Glad to hear that Peighton is okay. Jan, I will check on you again real soon.

[Erin P.]

I'll be praying for Jan and Peighton. And for you....for a little extra strenght. And don't worry about ALWAYS being strong. That's why you have friends, family, prayer. People like to be leaned on. ;0)

Erin P.

[Brandi Palmer]

Chris,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Emma, Peighton and Jan. Thank you for sharing your life and love of Jen with us. You have made such a huge impact on so many lives. God bless you and your family!