Happy Friday my friends. I am sitting at my desk with this trifecta of beverages and attempting to get some words out. It’s been a while.
Here’s the morning line up.
- Smoothie in the Yeti (keeps my smoothie extra cold) – frozen bananas, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, blueberries, spinach and cauliflower with plain greek yogurt, almond butter, a medjool date and oat milk.
- Coffee with a scoop of Bulletproof creamer and collagen protein. Remember you can use code JEN_PBRUNNERBP20 to get 20% off your Bulletproof order.
- Ice water in the purple Takeya straw bottle that has basically gone everywhere with me for the last two years – I have a whole cabinet full of water bottles but always come back to this one.
I have some company of the furry variety hanging out in my office with me. Zoey always loves corners and being under things. Look at all the white she’s getting on her sweet face. I can’t believe she’ll be eight in a few months.
So…let’s catch up. As I mentioned in my last post, I recently celebrated a birthday. I turned 39 on June 16 and have found this birthday to bring up a whole host of emotions, thoughts and questions around many areas of my life ranging from career to family to relationships to how I am showing up/serving in the world.
I decided to take a week off of social media around my birthday and then it ended up extending to blogging and lasted longer than I planned. The extension of the break in length and scope was due to a couple of factors.
First, I genuinely enjoyed taking time away from feeling pressure to document everything I was doing. I took a couple of trips during my break and it was nice to only pull out my camera when there was a personal moment I wanted to capture for my own memories. I also enjoyed the mental break from content creation, ESPECIALLY on Instagram. To be honest, I am not especially enjoying the shift to Reels that is happening on that platform. There is so much focus on video creation, trends and entertainment. Personally, I started blogging (and continue to blog) because I like telling stories through writing and photos. I’m not opposed to using video. I like video when video makes sense (like sharing workouts, for example) but it feels like the only way to have any amount of successful engagement on Instagram these days is through Reels. For the record, I’m still holding out on Tik Tok and have not created an account even through many brands are asking for it with partnerships.
Second, and most impactful by a landslide, is that while I was on my break we found out that my dad has to have open heart surgery. He has an ascending aortic aneurysm that we have known about for years. His cardiologist has been monitoring the size of aneurysm at regular intervals and my dad has been under guidance about what he can and cannot do. At his most recent echocardiogram, we learned that the aneurysm had grown to a size where it must be repaired. If it were to rupture, he would not survive. He will have open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm and they will likely also do a valve replacement at the same time. His surgeon is optimistic about the outcome and my dad has pretty much the most amazing attitude about it ever.
The surgery is schedule for July 21 in Pensacola. I will be traveling down to Florida to be with my dad while he’s in the hospital and also to help with things at home with my mom and grandmother. They expect he’ll be in the hospital for 5-10 days. He’s pretty determined to set a record for shortest hospital stay and to get home as soon as possible. <3
Needless to say, it has been a lot to process and absorb that we are facing another major surgery just six months after my mom’s double lung transplant. I am so grateful that we know about my dad’s aneurysm but I’m having so much anxiety leading to the surgery. I just want to get him through it and know we are on the healing side of things.
My dad told me that I have his okay to blog about his heart condition but it’s difficult to write about and bring to you. I know that we will be met with a flood of support and prayers but I feel like I’ve asked for a whole year of support and prayers. I wish I had different news to share but this is where we are.
My family is incredibly important to me and I am praying so hard that we have abundant good times and happy memories ahead of us once we get everyone “all patched up” as my dad likes to say.
I am not sure how present I’ll be on my blog and social media for the next month or two. I am planning to prioritize my mental wellbeing and focus most of my energy on Finn and my family. I may use this time to update/refresh old posts and recipes instead of creating new content. I will try to check in with a more personal post every week or two.
So that’s my update. I am signing off to head to the gym, and then I’ll be enjoying the weekend with Finn.
Hugs and prayers to all,
Jen
My dad had valve replacement at Sacred Heart in Pensacola. His surgeon was Dr Holden and he was absolutely incredible. In fact, the entire cardiac ICU was outstanding. I keep a list of their names in my phone to remember the gratitude I feel for each of them. If you have any questions, please email me! I’m happy to tell you more about my dads recovery experience.
Thank you for sharing that your family had such a positive experience with your dad’s surgery and the care he received. I am grateful for your support!
Oh Jen! I was there with my dad in 2013 (he also had a heart attack and bypass years prior which earned my mom her own cardiac cath right after he was discharged ??) so I know how scary that surgery feels. They will take good care of him though. You’ve got this. ?? Thinking of you and your family.
Hi Sarah. I am so sorry that you have also navigated heart issues with your family. I am grateful for your encouragement!
Sending so much love and prayers your way! The power of a strong family bond makes going through these hard times so much easier. This time may not be easy trying to stay positive and supportive – but be sure to be taking care of yourself through it all.
Thank you so much for these supportive words Kim! <3
Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Navigating health care issues for parents is a challenge. I hear you on that. I am also feeling the weight of social media, especially Instagram. That platform was once a very serene place to be, especially compared to the negativity of Facebook. The reels are really dumb and so distracting. Because of the work I do, I cannot drop social media entirely, although I’d love to. It negatively affects my mental health and I also blame it for dividing our country. I would love to hear how you managed being off of social media for a week or so and what positive reactions you may have had from being off the grid. Anyway, take care of yourself and best wishes for your dad.
Amy – thank you for the thoughts, prayers and encouraging words around the health challenges that we are facing. Also, thank you for sharing your thoughts on Instagram/social because I am generally aligned with what you shared. This break has given me great pause on my relationship with social media and what I want it to look like moving forward. I’ll consider sharing more as I figure that out!
Sending much support to you and your family as you navigate life’s difficult moments. You have had a hard year and it is ok to say that and to admit that it is a struggle. As far as the blog, I am sure many of us old-timers much prefer your regular content on the blog and never even go on IG. I understand the pressure to change though, and hope that when you are feeling better and rested, you are able to share in a way that is comfortable to you.
I appreciate this comment so much Shayla. It hit home for me on many levels. Thank you for reading and for taking a moment to share these words!
Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. My dad also had open heart surgery years ago (he’s now healthy and active!). What helped me was to know exactly what to expect in terms of communication, timing, etc. The surgery can be long, and when you don’t get updates from the doctors and nurses, your mind of course begins to think the worst. I’m probably telling you something you already know though… My dad remembers very little about the before and after of the surgery actually (even though it was planned and he was otherwise healthy going into it), so he really doesn’t have any negative memories of it. I hope that your dad will feel the same!
Hi Kristina – thank you for this encouraging and helpful comment. It’s comforting to hear that your dad’s overall experience with surgery was good and that he’s doing so well now!
Oh Jen, I’ve pulled up your IG profile several times in the last week to check in on you and for some silly reason, resisted the urge to reach out. I’m so sorry to learn that my intuition that something may be wrong was right. I have a very close relationship with my dad and constantly worry about his health… I have since before I can remember. So while I’ve not navigated your exact journey, I feel viscerally your desperation to see him through this surgery and have him emerge with the same brave optimism and youthful energy he has now. As there with you as I possibly can be from afar.
PS Reels are dumb. Tiktok overwhelms me. And your content is always amazing. End of story.
Hi Maeve – you are always so caring, empathetic and supportive. I am grateful for the connection that we have from afar. <3
Jen! Sending such big hugs to you. Everybody absolutely needs a break sometimes. Just in general, when life is just the normal mundane day to day. What you’re describing is gargantuan especially when you add this on top of your Mom’s big scale health challenges. My (selfish) hope is that you will take time to rest & recharge this summer as you lend your time, energy and support to your family so you’ll come back to us. I say never mind reels & Tik Toks, if you can stay old school and blog your unique way, I’m definitely all for it. Wishing you and Finn a lovely weekend ?
Hi Kate – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kind, compassionate and encouraging words. They were very comforting to read – I am grateful for you!
Day by day….minute by minute…..and just breathe! Take time for yourself & your family. Prayers for strength & healing!
Thank you Jen! <3
Thinking about you and your family! I’m so sorry your family is going through another major surgery. I love your dad’s positive outlook and I think he will definitely set that record <3
I am with you on Instagram right now. I need to take more breaks from it than I do. My page is private and I don’t create/share content, but I’m usually less likely to watch a reel than to read just a normal post. It seems like it’s all reels these days though. I also refuse to get TikTok, haha.
I hope your dad’s surgery goes well and I’m so glad you are taking time to take care of your family and yourself!
Megan – thank you for your kind words and encouragement…and for being a TikTok hold out with me. 🙂
Oh Jen! This post really hit home for me. I literally just found out today that my dad will need heart surgery. It’s not even scheduled yet. I’m a bit of a wreck. Looking forward to your updates and sending big hugs to you and your family.
Oh Katie, I hate that you and your father are facing this too. Please let me know if you need any support – I am here for you and sending prayers right back at you.
So sorry to hear this news about your dad. He sounds positive and looks fit, so here’s hoping that those qualities bring him through this surgery and its recovery and you have many more years with him.
Thank you Sharon! I hope so too. <3
Will be praying so much for your family Jen! Your dad is going to do great. Take all the time you need off social, it’s certainly a very draining place & I fully agree with you on the reels thing. At least we will still have our blogs for writing:) sending you a hug!
Bess – thank you for your prayers, encouragement and understanding around the whole social thing – it’s so layered. I hope you are feeling well. I’ve enjoyed following your pregnancy and Emma is just TOO cute these days.
Prayers for your Dad ♥️
I’m from Pensacola (Gulf Breeze really) and could easily help you if needed. I hope everything goes well.
Thank you so much Suzanne. <3 I will let you know if I have any questions or need anything in the area.
Tommy and I keep you in our prayers by name quite often. I’m so sorry that your family has another surgery on the horizon, and I’m always so grateful for your example of what truly matters. Your family is truly something to aspire to. Sending you so much love. Know I’m here for anything you need. ♥️
Thank you so much for your kindness, prayers and support Teri. You are such a wonderful human and friend. <3
Sending love ❤️
Much appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear that you and your family are dealing with another health complication-and you’re all in my thoughts! I know how intimidating it feels to have to deal with your parents’ health complications, so I say good for you for taking the time and space you need. Social media is as powerful as it is draining, the important thing is to be present for those close to you. I wish you and your family the best
Hi Jackie – thank you so much for your encouragement and good wishes. <3
Your Dad looks great and I am sure he will come out from this surgery feeling better! My Dad had this exact same issue. Once he was fixed up, over time he felt so much better. Amazing how far medical science has come and what they can do, especially with hearts! Praying for your Dad and your entire family…?❤️☀️
Thank you for these encouraging words Annette! <3
It’s OK to be asking for “more” thoughts and prayers. I’m sure that your parents were the type who supported others when they (your parents) were younger and more able. Now it’s their turn to receive some support. It all goes around. I will be sending good thoughts for your father’s surgery!
Thank you so much Melissa. <3
Your blog is such a welcome breath of fresh air among all the new social media content out there, especially in the health and wellness world. Thanks for doing what you do, and please take all the time you might need for yourself and your family.
I really appreciate your kind and encouraging words. Thank you so much Rachel. <3
What a hard year it has been for your family! Please take all the time you need. I will be praying for your Dad.
Thank you Sarah. <3
Oh no Jen! U and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Thank you so much. <3
Sending your family so much love and healing thoughts
Thank you Robyn. <3
Prayers for the hands of the doctors and hospital staff and especially for your Dad and your entire family! We have missed you! But, take all the time you need for your family and yourself…we will be here!!
The prayers are very much appreciated Kim. <3
Jen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Facing health related issues never seems easy in my opinion. Please know that I will pray and cover your daddy, his doctors, and his health care team in my prayers. I will also pray that your mom and grandmother are well. I am not far from you should you need anything. Please do not hesitate to let me know and I will be there. Pam
Pam – thank you for your prayers and for your offers to help. I am so grateful to know you. <3
You and your wonderful family DESERVE all our love, thoughts and prayers! ❤️
Take the break. Thank you, as always, for being so open.
Thank you for your encouragement and kindness Nicki. <3
Oh Jen, I am so very sorry to hear that your father has to go for this surgery. You’ve been through SO MUCH the past couple of years. My heart truly goes out to you. I’m sending warm, loving thoughts and vibes to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing what’s going on, both in your life and in your heart. By sharing, I feel like we become more connected, so I hope you’re feeling all of our care.
Take good care of yourself!
Sending warm thoughts to you and your family. Take all the time you need to care for your family and yourself – we will be here when you’re ready to return ❤️