Hello,
It’s been a long time. I just wanted to let you know why I haven’t been writing. I have been dealing with adversity physically and emotionally.
I started to have vision issues.
Over the course of the summer, it progressed and worsened. I have not been able to do most of the things I love.
Here’s a Facebook post I wrote about it recently. (You can click on it to read more)
In addition to the to the vision issues, I recently went back to work full time.
I have been a 50% owner of our Xbox One gaming business, PLAYlive Nation in McCall for the past five years we have been open, but not performed the day to day operations since March of 2014.
My professional background is in retail store management for Starbucks Coffee Company. I also have years of retail management and customer service. I’m good at my job, but it’s been an adjustment.
I quit after my triplets were born ten years ago, and have primarily been a full time stay at home parent.
Working outside my home full time, has been challenging for me. I have found it difficult to balance my other responsibilities as a wife, mother, and Director of the Family History Center in McCall, Idaho.
I miss you as my readers. I miss your encouragement and connection. Those who write, I miss reading about your experiences and lives on your blogs.
I also miss writing, and hope after vision therapy next year, I’ll be able to return to it. It’s really expensive, not covered by my insurance, will take about five months, and requires a two hour drive each way down to Boise.
We’re still working out the logistics.
It’s challenging as a creative person to not have very many outlets right now.
My binocular vision issues, have affected my ability to run as well. Exercise had been a healthy way for me to cope with stress in the past. I miss it.
I’m also dealing with other personal issues over the past several months. I’m not ready to write about those yet.
Weekly talk therapy with my counselor and medication are helping me combat the deep depression I experienced for several months.
I’m starting to feel more like myself and more optimistic most days, but I still have a lot more work to do to get to where I need to be.
Please, keep me in your thoughts. And if you pray, I could use that too.
There’s our Jen!!!
You are doing the right thing by taking care of yourself, both inside and out. (Remember the advice on an airplane…put the mask on yourself first.)
I’m happy that you’re updating all of us on how you’ve been. You have had some tough trials, and may even have some more. But, you’ve shown you have the fortitude to push through these trials.
And, I applaud you for it.
Hey Jen, how are you doing? Have you begin the treatment? Sending hugs!
Hey Shelley! I have to wait until after the first of the year, and to save up money for treatments. It will be about $3,500. It thankfully doesn’t have to be paid completely in advance. I have to coordinate driving, gas, work, childcare and my husband’s traveling for work. There are also braces for 1 boy we need to put a deposit on. Lots of logistics.
Thanks Peggy!
Thinking of and praying for you, Jen!
Sending hugs!
Renate
Thanks Renate!
So sorry you’ve been dealing with this, Jen. You’ll definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I have nothing but faith that you’ll get through this. I know you can 🙂
Thanks Paul!
Please know you have so many who love you and will be there to support you! Take it a step at a time as you find your way to health and balance.
Thanks Cheri! I have a hard time reminding myself to not run faster than I have strength.
Jen, I had wondered where you disappeared to. Thoughts and prayers and positive vibes coming your way. I’m amazed with all the things you have managed to do, and can only imagine how frustrated it is to be hindered from pursuing those passions. Hugs!
Thanks Jessie. It has been challenging to adjust my expectations of myself. Dr. fitted me with another pair of contacts today. Hopefully, I’ll be able to wear them briefly enough to run on my treadmill a couple times a week. It helps me process issues and feel better. My depth perception is still so far off that I’d probably trip and hurt myself outside… especially with the ice. I’m looking forward to adding more things over the next few months as I’m able to do more.
Sending prayers and all sorts of good thoughts your way, Jen!
Thanks Amy
Jen, we met when you came up to the Olympia area in 2017 and came to church with your mom(?) in Lacey. I just found the card that you gave on that Sunday when we talked about your blog. I’m so sorry that you’ve been suffering so much. Like you, so much of what I do requires eyesight, so I can’t fathom your fear. But as a lung transplant patient, I’m very familiar with being incapacitated for long stretches, and I know the anxiety and depression that accompanies debilitating illness, especially the fear that the condition will never go away. I feel for you. I’m glad to hear that you’re receiving both medication and counseling. I hope that all goes well with your treatment and you can resume the activities that you enjoy. May the Holy Ghost comfort you as only he can. Much love to you from someone you once met while on vacation. Fight the good fight.
Thanks so much Shauna! I’m happy to report that my vision has been improving, and I am looking forward to returning to blogging in August.