Wake Up Call

A friend of mine from Arizona is in the hospital with complications due to Cystic Fibrosis. She is nearing the age of life expectancy for this particular disease and her life is coming to a close shortly. She is around my age, has a loving husband and twin one year old daughter's. She is the nicest, strongest person I have ever met.

She entered the hospital about a month ago with some issues and the doctors have done everything imaginable. The drugs and treatments just aren't working for her. My friends Aunt set up a website to keep everyone informed on Jen's condition. Her Aunt has been amazing about updating it daily. The last few posts about Jen's condition haven't been good, they scared me, really. I would get nervous every time I went to check on the latest. Yesterday Jen was able to post and this is what she wrote:

My dearest family and friends... it's Jen...

Before I go any further, I want to thank Diana for setting this up for me. I am so grateful you all can be informed on how things are progressing.

As many of you have heard news about how I am doing... taking baby steps, high numbers, low numbers, it really has come down to how I am feeling. The truth is, not good.

After speaking with my doctors, Dan, and praying more then I could have ever imagined, I have decided to leave the hospital tomorrow and go into a hospice facility. The truth is the drugs are not working, and I am only getting sicker. Checking into a hospice facility is the only way I am going to be able to spend some time with my girls, family, and yes, dogs.

I have a peace surrounding me about this decision, and know that it is the right thing to do. I thank you all for your prayers, you have all been the best prayer warriors out there. Now it is my turn, you will all have someone praying for you from above.

I want to also thank Dan who has been at my bedside as much as possible, with juggling the rest of our life. He is the love of my life and will always be with me.

When Dan was not here at the hospital, my mom has been with me every moment for the last half of my hospital stay. It has been wonderful spending these days with her.

While I have also been in the hospital my Dad, aunt Julie, Dan's Parents and siblings have also come out to show their support... all of which has made this decision that much easier.

I know with all of your love and support Dan and our girls are going to be in great hands, and I thank all of you in advance.

I love you all and will be watching from afar.

Love, Jen

This post gave me chills and brought tears to my eye's. It still does every time I read it. Her strength amazes me. I can't imagine making the decision her and her family have made. I can't imagine knowing exactly when my life is coming to a close and having to savor every last bit of it. Not to mention having to say goodbye to my children, husband and family.

I need to quit whining about my life, my kids, money issues, etc. I need to be a big girl and get over all of the silly stuff that plagues me sometimes. My life is so easy compared to others lives.

This has been a huge wake up call me for me. Huge.

::Jen passed away September 7th::