Dear Meagan,
So good to see you at Shanty last weekend! I'm excited for you and Jeff to do the slushy cup next year... hope you are getting both of your outfits ready :) hehe, should be fun! It was really great to spend some time with you though, andddd I still can't believe you bought the whole fam breakfast! Look at you big spender ;)
I'm glad you are feeling so well coming off of your surgery and I'm excited for all the big things happening for you this week! First off, this week should kick off your NEW JOB as an office assistant for Heavenly Home Care! I'm not sure with the family 'events' if you are going to end up starting this week or next but either way, I'm so proud of you for committing to this new endeavor!
AND, on top of that, in the next week or two you are moving to the new apartment with Debbie's daughter... girl that is SO cool! I know it is probably a bit nerve wracking to think about, but remember your MAIN goal is to be self-sufficient and this is a great step towards it. Also there is NO need to be nervous, you are close to home and only committed to a couple months if that. So try it out, I personally think you will absolutely love it. You can still go in and out of the house, but you will be on your way to being able to operate and work on your own! Which will allow you to fully get back to your life, which is what you really want. With your new internship through mAss kickers it is important for you to lead by example. Show other tumor survivors that if they take the right steps they can move through young adulthood into adulthood, just like you did :)
So keep up the progress Meagan Ann! You are such a good example for any other young adults who went through what you did and we are all SO proud of you! Love you!
XOXO,
Brooke
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Great Job!
Dear Meagan,
This is 'last weeks' blog, posting a little late... enjoy!
Yayyyy the kidney surgery is over and done with! I could not BELIEVE that when I called you, you were feeling so great!
You answered Mom's phone, "Hi Brookey!" I had to ask three times to believe it was you! You had surgery that morning, and bounced back so quickly :)
I know you are on or just coming off your winter break from class. I also know that this semester is probably pretty rough with the pending surgery in the middle. However, now that the surgery is over and you are healing, don't give up on the class you are taking! It was challenging last semester, but you got through it and you can do it again!
As long as you get on a consistent path of finishing what you start, you will not be able to stop! Continue on with the class so you can prove that you follow through. That way when you start your internship or any other job, you know that you will push through until the job is done!
I'm proud of you for continuing on with your physical therapy and excited for your goal of running by the end of it. You are a rockstar Meaggy, I love you!
XOXO,
Brooke
This is 'last weeks' blog, posting a little late... enjoy!
Yayyyy the kidney surgery is over and done with! I could not BELIEVE that when I called you, you were feeling so great!
You answered Mom's phone, "Hi Brookey!" I had to ask three times to believe it was you! You had surgery that morning, and bounced back so quickly :)
I know you are on or just coming off your winter break from class. I also know that this semester is probably pretty rough with the pending surgery in the middle. However, now that the surgery is over and you are healing, don't give up on the class you are taking! It was challenging last semester, but you got through it and you can do it again!
As long as you get on a consistent path of finishing what you start, you will not be able to stop! Continue on with the class so you can prove that you follow through. That way when you start your internship or any other job, you know that you will push through until the job is done!
I'm proud of you for continuing on with your physical therapy and excited for your goal of running by the end of it. You are a rockstar Meaggy, I love you!
XOXO,
Brooke
Friday, February 15, 2013
Finally... the Kidney! & Consumed Journey
Dear Meagan,
About DANG time that this kidney is going to be taken care of :) I know you've been feeling uber tired lately, which is making you want to drop your class, but hang in there. Because next week is your final kidney gig and then you will be good as new! You should feel much better after the process and you'll be able to rock out the rest of the semester... at this point you have already proven that you can do it, so your stuck! Gotta finish it out and NO LETTING MOM BAIL YOU OUT! :) I say that out of love! hehe
So at church right now we are going through this 'consumed' journey and I thought I would share some of the things I'm learning week by week with you because it is really interesting. You know 'they' say, whatever you acquire here on earth, you can't take with you when you leave! We come into this world with no possessions, not even clothing, and go out the same way! This journey is meant to open our eyes to being consumed with God and going to Him for our fulfillment instead of our possessions. While we can still enjoy nice things, our sense of satisfaction should not be based on them. Our reading this week was about King Solomon, how we spent all this time and money acquiring all the riches someone of that time could imagine, but in the end it was chasing the wind, and he had nothing overall, no sense of satisfaction.
Therefore during lent (which started Wednesday) we are supposed to give up something we are 'consumed with' until Easter. I personally gave up my endless house hunt haha. As you know Jeff and I are still renting and I'm OBSESSED with the thought of buying a house... I probably search for houses every day and my favorite show is house hunters lol. I wanted to give this up in order to prove that I don't need this 'earthly need' for personal fulfillment. Maybe what you decide to give up for lent is something you turn to when your anxious. For example, if you eat candy or watch junk TV or drink or smoke when you are stressed, try to give that up. Prove that you do not need those things, that you can rely on God.
Anyway, food for thought missy! Praying for all to go well next week, and I will see you right after the surgery! Excited for you to feel better :)
XOXO,
Brooke
About DANG time that this kidney is going to be taken care of :) I know you've been feeling uber tired lately, which is making you want to drop your class, but hang in there. Because next week is your final kidney gig and then you will be good as new! You should feel much better after the process and you'll be able to rock out the rest of the semester... at this point you have already proven that you can do it, so your stuck! Gotta finish it out and NO LETTING MOM BAIL YOU OUT! :) I say that out of love! hehe
So at church right now we are going through this 'consumed' journey and I thought I would share some of the things I'm learning week by week with you because it is really interesting. You know 'they' say, whatever you acquire here on earth, you can't take with you when you leave! We come into this world with no possessions, not even clothing, and go out the same way! This journey is meant to open our eyes to being consumed with God and going to Him for our fulfillment instead of our possessions. While we can still enjoy nice things, our sense of satisfaction should not be based on them. Our reading this week was about King Solomon, how we spent all this time and money acquiring all the riches someone of that time could imagine, but in the end it was chasing the wind, and he had nothing overall, no sense of satisfaction.
Therefore during lent (which started Wednesday) we are supposed to give up something we are 'consumed with' until Easter. I personally gave up my endless house hunt haha. As you know Jeff and I are still renting and I'm OBSESSED with the thought of buying a house... I probably search for houses every day and my favorite show is house hunters lol. I wanted to give this up in order to prove that I don't need this 'earthly need' for personal fulfillment. Maybe what you decide to give up for lent is something you turn to when your anxious. For example, if you eat candy or watch junk TV or drink or smoke when you are stressed, try to give that up. Prove that you do not need those things, that you can rely on God.
Anyway, food for thought missy! Praying for all to go well next week, and I will see you right after the surgery! Excited for you to feel better :)
XOXO,
Brooke
Friday, February 8, 2013
mAss kickers!
Dear Meagan,
mAss kickers intern! I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you for reaching out to mAss kickers! You are so passionate about this organization and I know they have helped you a lot with all of you've GROWN through :)
For any readers, mAss kickers is a phenomenal organization that helps young people affected by tumors to get back on track! As they say, "this ain't no pity party!" I love their attitude and message, here is a link to their website if anyone is interested...
http://www.masskickers.org/wp/
You are going to rock it with them this summer and do what you love to, which is promote awareness and help others through their tough times as well! So proud of you!
Here is the picture you wanted of us all rocking our mAss kickers stickers at lunch!
Love you girl! Keep it up rockstar!
XOXO,
Brooke
mAss kickers intern! I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you for reaching out to mAss kickers! You are so passionate about this organization and I know they have helped you a lot with all of you've GROWN through :)
For any readers, mAss kickers is a phenomenal organization that helps young people affected by tumors to get back on track! As they say, "this ain't no pity party!" I love their attitude and message, here is a link to their website if anyone is interested...
http://www.masskickers.org/wp/
You are going to rock it with them this summer and do what you love to, which is promote awareness and help others through their tough times as well! So proud of you!
Here is the picture you wanted of us all rocking our mAss kickers stickers at lunch!
XOXO,
Brooke
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sticks and stones
Dear Meagan,
Ahhhhh that little childhood rhyme, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." It's so hard to do, but soooo important!
When we get positive comments from people, we soak it up, smile, feel good about ourselves, and probably even pass on a compliment to someone else (which is why its so important to compliment other people!). However, when we get negative comments or attitudes or actions from other people, it can also easily effect our emotions, by hurting us. And like the childhood rhyme, we can't let it hurt us.
Let's say someone gives you a little 'tude or says something rude to you. You have to realize that their rudeness is their issue, and you just have to smile, laugh, and move on. Know Meaggy that YOU are nicer than that person, and you are therefore (in my opinion) better :)
Now remember I'm your older sister, I've known you your whole life! You weren't always as nice as you are now (and neither was I haha). Ohhhhh the memories I have of your little 'tude. It's not that you were a bad person, you just didn't know any better. You didn't have the conscious yet to care about whether or not you were hurting other peoples feelings. And for some reason some people just never grow out of that.
Just keep being nice to people, keep improving yourself, and God will reward you for it! No doubt about it :) What goes around comes around! These days you are generally surrounded by some pretty nice people! But when you do come across that occasional one that just doesn't say things nicely, smile, laugh, and move on!
So proud of you... glad your loving class and PT! You are a rock star :) Such a fighter!
XOXO,
Brooke
Ahhhhh that little childhood rhyme, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." It's so hard to do, but soooo important!
When we get positive comments from people, we soak it up, smile, feel good about ourselves, and probably even pass on a compliment to someone else (which is why its so important to compliment other people!). However, when we get negative comments or attitudes or actions from other people, it can also easily effect our emotions, by hurting us. And like the childhood rhyme, we can't let it hurt us.
Let's say someone gives you a little 'tude or says something rude to you. You have to realize that their rudeness is their issue, and you just have to smile, laugh, and move on. Know Meaggy that YOU are nicer than that person, and you are therefore (in my opinion) better :)
Now remember I'm your older sister, I've known you your whole life! You weren't always as nice as you are now (and neither was I haha). Ohhhhh the memories I have of your little 'tude. It's not that you were a bad person, you just didn't know any better. You didn't have the conscious yet to care about whether or not you were hurting other peoples feelings. And for some reason some people just never grow out of that.
Just keep being nice to people, keep improving yourself, and God will reward you for it! No doubt about it :) What goes around comes around! These days you are generally surrounded by some pretty nice people! But when you do come across that occasional one that just doesn't say things nicely, smile, laugh, and move on!
So proud of you... glad your loving class and PT! You are a rock star :) Such a fighter!
XOXO,
Brooke
Friday, January 25, 2013
Your doing so good!
Dear Meagan,
Phew! It's been a busy week for me, and I heard it has been for you too with physical therapy and school :) It was so great for you to come stay with me last weekend, you gotta come again soon!
I'm excited to hang out Saturday and for you to meet baby Marlee! She is so cute, I know you will just adore her!
To be completely honest with you, this is one of the first times I've really struggled to come up with something to blog about. You are just doing so STINKIN well! I feel like you have really gotten it together and there is no overarching thing that you are currently struggling with on your 'road to recovery.' Your making progress in every area!
I remember after your initial surgeries, you got very comfortable where you were which left you 'stuck' for longer than ideal. You have recently made a LOT of forward progress and I don't think either one of us wants you to 'get stuck' here, you want to keep achieving. You are so confident and fun when you are achieving, so keep it up! As you are accomplishing all that you are, start thinking about what is next for you. What are you working towards? Being independent? Graduating and getting a job? What kind of job?
I know you are still getting accustomed to school and PT, but just start to think about where you are going from here. I see great things :) You got some thick skin now girl, and you can do anything, you've seen it all. So the sky is the limit! I'm so proud of how far you've come, and more importantly, how far you are going!
Have a great day :) See you tomorrow!
XOXO,
Brooke
Phew! It's been a busy week for me, and I heard it has been for you too with physical therapy and school :) It was so great for you to come stay with me last weekend, you gotta come again soon!
I'm excited to hang out Saturday and for you to meet baby Marlee! She is so cute, I know you will just adore her!
To be completely honest with you, this is one of the first times I've really struggled to come up with something to blog about. You are just doing so STINKIN well! I feel like you have really gotten it together and there is no overarching thing that you are currently struggling with on your 'road to recovery.' Your making progress in every area!
I remember after your initial surgeries, you got very comfortable where you were which left you 'stuck' for longer than ideal. You have recently made a LOT of forward progress and I don't think either one of us wants you to 'get stuck' here, you want to keep achieving. You are so confident and fun when you are achieving, so keep it up! As you are accomplishing all that you are, start thinking about what is next for you. What are you working towards? Being independent? Graduating and getting a job? What kind of job?
I know you are still getting accustomed to school and PT, but just start to think about where you are going from here. I see great things :) You got some thick skin now girl, and you can do anything, you've seen it all. So the sky is the limit! I'm so proud of how far you've come, and more importantly, how far you are going!
Have a great day :) See you tomorrow!
XOXO,
Brooke
Thursday, January 17, 2013
I work out
Dear Meagan,
Woo-hoo things are on the MOVE this week! FINALLY got your surgery scheduled and your spring semester finalized. You said you have class Mon/Wed/Fri and physical therapy Tues/Thurs.
I am SO proud of you and pumped that you are committing to physical therapy. You have moved forward so much since all of your surgeries, and one of the last couple things to tackle is your physical rehabilitation. As you know, because your tumor was on the right side of your brain, you have a slower/weaker left side. I doubt you remember this but for the first 2-3 weeks after your first surgery, you had NO mobility on your left side whatsoever... you couldn't even wiggle your toes or fingers! And then you finally started wiggling them, and eventually you could slowly start to walk again. That brought on the days of the pimp cane! I'll never forget decorating that cane! So much fun-- I still like to call you Phyllis from time to time :) haha
Now, with help of your brace (if you still wear it?), you can walk very well... but your left side is definitely less coordinated than your right. Soooo committing to physical therapy twice per week is an awesome thing to get your body strong again.
I would say the number one benefit of you doing physical therapy is strengthening/coordinating your left side. However, as you know there are SO many benefits to exercise outside of your specific needs.
Here is a list of seven benefits of exercise from the Mayo Clinic:
XOXO,
Brooke
Woo-hoo things are on the MOVE this week! FINALLY got your surgery scheduled and your spring semester finalized. You said you have class Mon/Wed/Fri and physical therapy Tues/Thurs.
I am SO proud of you and pumped that you are committing to physical therapy. You have moved forward so much since all of your surgeries, and one of the last couple things to tackle is your physical rehabilitation. As you know, because your tumor was on the right side of your brain, you have a slower/weaker left side. I doubt you remember this but for the first 2-3 weeks after your first surgery, you had NO mobility on your left side whatsoever... you couldn't even wiggle your toes or fingers! And then you finally started wiggling them, and eventually you could slowly start to walk again. That brought on the days of the pimp cane! I'll never forget decorating that cane! So much fun-- I still like to call you Phyllis from time to time :) haha
Now, with help of your brace (if you still wear it?), you can walk very well... but your left side is definitely less coordinated than your right. Soooo committing to physical therapy twice per week is an awesome thing to get your body strong again.
I would say the number one benefit of you doing physical therapy is strengthening/coordinating your left side. However, as you know there are SO many benefits to exercise outside of your specific needs.
Here is a list of seven benefits of exercise from the Mayo Clinic:
- Exercise controls weight.
- Duh :)
- Exercise combats health conditions and disease.
- It's true! It helps prevent various health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. But on top of that it also reduces your risk of cancer, depression, anxiety, and arthritis.
- Exercise improves mood.
- El Woods said it best (in Legally Blonde), "Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make people happy." Exercise also improves confidence and self-esteem!
- Exercise boosts energy.
- Exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues so your entire body can work better- giving you more energy to accomplish everything you need too!
- Exercise promotes better sleep.
- Girl! You know this one is a bonus! You and dad have those sleep issues but MAYBE when you start exercising regularly with physical therapy they will go away (or at the least they will improve).
- Exercise puts the spark back in your sex life.
- No comment lol.
- Exercise can be fun.
- So right now your going to be doing physical therapy, which is fun due to all the benefits. But eventually you will be feeling strong enough to add something fun to your exercise routine. Find what you love to do in the exercise world and stick to that. Maybe you'll find you love walking out doors or lifting weights with the meatheads or playing tennis with mom. With our dance/cheer background, I personally love doing group exercise classes like zumba or yoga!
XOXO,
Brooke
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