Life Inspires Me

Posts Tagged ‘Celebration of Life’

Just as the title says, this post is really about celebrating life. So much has gone on this summer that I’m not suree all of it will fit in this post, but let’s give it a go.

Medical Update-

Here is a link to the latest medical update ABC’s WZZM13 news (Grand Rapids, MI) aired on me. I’m not taking it as bad news or great news. I’m still breathing, and that’s all I care about. My mantra is – Mama didn’t raise a quitter.

Click Me for Jessica’s Medical Update

Paintings–

This summer has been crazy hot! It hasn’t stopped me from painting. My skin has become very sensitive to being outside, so I have been seeking refuge inside by a fan. Here are 2 paintings I finished this summer.

Journey of Life is Sweeter When Shared

This was part of my wedding gift to my friend Lisa & Paul. Congrats again, you guys are beautiful.

Up There Smiling Down On You

I donated this painting to  Ashley’s Ride which was auctioned for $275.00 to go twords finding a cure for Neurofibromatotis. Words can’t even begin to express how close to my heart I hold this event. 4 years ago my close friend also with Neurofibromatosis (NF) Ashley Sexton died during her third surgery from this disease.  Today, Ashley’s parents & community continue that fight to cure Neurofibromatois. The annual “Ashley’s Ride” helps us reach that goal, and keeps Ashley’s spirit alive in all who knew and loved her.

Ashley I miss you! You are never far from my thoughts and hold a special place in my heart.

Family Reunion-

We held a family reunion this year for our Muniz family here in Muskegon. Mind blowing!! I’m not really sure how else to put it getting to finally meet family I have heard a lot about from Texas. I had so many mixed emotions because I was so excited to spend time with them all, and also sad because I wish we all made more of an effort along time ago to get together & stay close. I didn’t want the weekend to end because I didn’t want to let them go. I definitely get my artistic ability from that side. Literally our clan consists of painters, musicians, photographers, graphic designers, film-makers… such a surge of artistic energy, many great memories retold & so many new ones made. I’m looking forward to next year’s reunion, and planning to come visit family in Texas this winter. I love you all!!

FAMILY

Now some heart breaking news-

This isn’t so much the heart breaking news as what comes after this, but still is pretty bummer-ific.  After a year of dating Josh & I decided to end our relationship to focus on being friends while achieving our own goals. If you already watched my medical update you know that I’m wearing thin. Josh has been nothing but supportive with me going through chemo, not to say that we haven’t had our differences, but we both agree it’s best to be friends. We still care about each other very much, and I’m very fortunate to call him a friend.

Lucky to have supportive friends

Now for the big heart breaker- My 12-year-old Boxer, Toby is on his deathbed, and there isn’t a thing I can do to change that. Please if anyone has a time machine I can borrow, get a hold of me! I don’t want to lose my dog. He isn’t just a dog; he’s a part of my family and one of my closets friends. I am just praying this will be an easy passing for him, and trying to remind myself that he has lived a really good life. I don’t know what I’m gonna do once he’s gone because the hole in my heart will be hard to fill. I love you Toby. You are the best dog, and I will never forget you.

Toby the Best Dog Ever

So concludes the circle of life. Do me a favor, and ever miss the opportunity to tell someone you love them. Always be inspired by life. And never EVER give up.

Peace, Love, Rock on!

Jess