About Grace, Hope, Finishing and the Zine
Reina and Madeleine.
I only have a second, but I wanted you to know we finally have news about Grace. After further tests the doctors are convinced that she does have TB. Odette said this morning that Grace has been crying since her diagnosis and has been refusing to eat and that the medications are really bothering her. We only had a minute to talk this morning, but O. said she thinks Grace has lost all hope. I’ve been wandering around the house wondering if there is anything at all I can take her (besides her very own mother or 2000 bouncy balls and 2000 zines) that would help her feel even a little bit better. This poor kid has been through the ringer.
There’s more I could say, but I’m in recovery mode after two near-all nighters on the zine. I’m desperately relieved to say that it is finally in the hands of a new printer, after a few near disasters yesterday–one of which included the old printer forgetting to mention that shipping would be an extra $1000. Needless to say he did not get the job. What the new printer lacks in cheap prices, he makes up for in cheerfulness and a sterling good character. I feel glad the job will be done locally, too.
I’ll keep you updated on Grace. I feel so bad for her. I am so incredibly hopeful that I can give her the tiniest bit of comfort and even more courage when I arrive next week. Let’s hope.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Jen, that’s one of the most beautiful pictures of little girls I’ve ever seen.
I’ll be thinking healing thoughts for Grace. Poor little one.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this news about Grace. I will light a candle for her and send healing thoughts her way.
…come to think of it, i’m gonna make her a note. I will have to scan it and send it to you by email,’cause i can’t get it to you in time by snail mail, hope that’s okay.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Me and my family will also include Grace in our prayers and send healing hopeful love her way.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I’m trying hard to work through feelings of great sadness and anger at how unfair this all seems to me and focus in on the one true thing i do understand, which is this…
that you have been chosen, jen…
because within you lies everything grace needs in this most difficult time.
keeping you, odette and grace close in thought and prayer…
hoping you know i’m here if there is anything more i can do.
all my love,
kirsten
xo
May 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I do hope she continues to take the medicine and that it works as it should. You are all in my thoughts.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
The gorgeous souls and faces of those two girls-amazing. Thanks for sharing that. You have been entrusted with a mission you seem perfect for. Sending strength to all of you-
May 9th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
that gorgeous picture is so radiant!
thanks for keeping us updated and i will so keep grace in my thoughts!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
You’ll take Grace the love and spirit of Odette, as well as your own deep well of compassion and soulfulness. I have no doubt that this is the next best thing to actually reuniting mother and daughter. I’m praying for Grace’s health, Odette’s heart, and your mission — that you wouldn’t be overwhelmed by it all, but would be filled with calm purpose and peaceful joy, knowing that everything is unfolding just as it should. I’m not one for quoting Bible verses much these days, but there’s one that I love, no matter what your faith tradition is: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.” ~Romans 15:13
May 10th, 2008 at 2:54 am
jen, all you can bring her is love and hope, and you are already going to do that. with all of us as back up! lighting a candle for you and grace and odette and everyone, back here in Buffalo.
May 10th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Am sending prayers, light, hope and healing to all of you, and thinking especially of Grace. This is just so so hard.
Veronique
May 11th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Jen I’m broke at the moment but if you send me Grace’s address I’ll send her some postcards from Scotland. Its the least I can do.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I am so amazed by your strength and courage Jen. You were meant to do this. All my hope and love is being directed to Grace and Odette today.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
That photo is unbelievable. What BEAUTY.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I’m not familiar with your situation so just to say, wandering by, that the photo is so beautiful it made my eyes water. I worked with kids that age in a highly integrated environment until five years ago, when the progression of my own disease left me too severely disabled to continue working.
Too fragile to leave the house by any means for the last four years, I often literally dream of faces, especially children’s and women’s.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:45 am
i am so sorry to read about grace’s diagnosis. tonight i am sending healing prayers to her…
and i am hoping that you get to rest a bit before your adventures begin.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:32 am
hey jen…i was in your session at chicago…i grew up in miami too…and met you after meeting your sis and mom. i am sending big hugs and luvs for your journey. when do you leave? i would value offering some healing thoughts….’with God all things are possible” you just keep a good thought and that alone will bring her much healing….see her whole…see her as a complete idea of Love….and be a rock for her momma the way you already have. you are bringing the world of love and hope to her bedside. bless you on this journey. you inspire so many of us (esp. me) to create our own journies….love to you….hope to hug you and hear more about it in SF. tre
May 12th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I started reading your site a while ago and I really love your ideas.
I started my own site (thisordinaryday.com) and it launched today. I took a bunch of stuff you wrote and gave it as examples to my writers.
I’m inspired by your thoughts.
Sam
May 13th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Thinking of Grace and Odette, too, as this must be so frustrating for her to be so far away. Thank the heavens that you’ll soon be there by her side.
Keeping you all in our prayers,
Cate