One of my goals of this blog was to post some of my writing - so far its been mostly editorial, whatever-the-heck-comes-to-my-mind, stuff. This summer it has been extremely refreshing since I do a lot of technical, journalism writing for my job. But I also thought I would share a couple of Letter to the Editors that have been published in the Daily Herald with the campaign. I've worked hard on the campaign writing press releases, email blasts, templates for endorsements, and other important literature. Here are two more interesting pieces which were written this summer.
Click HERE to see the one that was printed in June. And click HERE to see the one printed in August. Lots of other LTE'S have been printed by other excellent writers for the campaign as well. This is just a tasting of what I've been doing for the AIM HIGH, VOTE LOWE CAMPAIGN. Check it out! Only 49 more days on the campaign...I think I'll be a little sad when it ends, actually I know I will miss it. Hope you enjoy a little bit of my work.
Bek Soen
Director of Communications
Lowe for Congress
Cell: 630-967-4628
Email: bek@loweforcongres.com
My nephew Isaiah (aka Zae) and I
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Four years, two schools, one degree
September 9, 2010
Dear Rebekah,
Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have completed your degree requirements and officially finished your Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication from Trinity International University. Congratulations on this exciting and momentous occasion.
After a somwewhat rough morning, I opened up my trinity email and found this surprise. After four years of two different schools, 16 busy semesters, thousands cups of coffee, many late nights and early mornings, papers, exams, finals weeks, tears, and laughter, I completed college. With just the click of a button, I was finished with all of it. Obviously I will continue having thousands of cups of coffee, staying up late, crying and laughing, especially as I continue working on this political campaign. But in the direct college context, I have completed my time, degree, and years as an undergrad student.
Last week I went up to Trinity to see all of my close friends, acquaintances, and favorite staff members. It was great to be able to see everyone but weird all at the same time. Life had continued on at trinity with hundreds of new faces, new carpets, a new section of a building, etc. The community of Trinity was busy and moving along, and I was no longer a part of its daily routine. It was an extremely bittersweet notion to realize, part of me was so excited to be out of it and the other part of me yearns to remain in that tight nit community.
I miss the random coffee times with Sarah, I miss going to chapel, I miss stopping on the sidewalk to say hi and having an hour long conversation with a friend, I miss the closeness of it all. I don't miss staying up until three finishing the paper I forgot, I don't miss stressing out over an exam, I don't miss awkward interactions that only happen with college students, and I don't miss trinity expectations (WHAT? I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally).
I know that I've already written about finishing up college and stepping into life, but I guess I can't but continue to reflect about it yet again as I am in such a transitional part of life. Thankfully I still have friends that I keep in contact with almost as much; Sarah and I contact each other like every 12 hours. And thanks to the campaign I am still drinking too much coffee and working long hours and will be for the next 53 days, until the campaign is over.
My goal of this blog was to celebrate the fact that I graduated and I have digressed into reflecting over my four years. Oh well...these are just my thoughts
Dear Rebekah,
Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have completed your degree requirements and officially finished your Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication from Trinity International University. Congratulations on this exciting and momentous occasion.
After a somwewhat rough morning, I opened up my trinity email and found this surprise. After four years of two different schools, 16 busy semesters, thousands cups of coffee, many late nights and early mornings, papers, exams, finals weeks, tears, and laughter, I completed college. With just the click of a button, I was finished with all of it. Obviously I will continue having thousands of cups of coffee, staying up late, crying and laughing, especially as I continue working on this political campaign. But in the direct college context, I have completed my time, degree, and years as an undergrad student.
Last week I went up to Trinity to see all of my close friends, acquaintances, and favorite staff members. It was great to be able to see everyone but weird all at the same time. Life had continued on at trinity with hundreds of new faces, new carpets, a new section of a building, etc. The community of Trinity was busy and moving along, and I was no longer a part of its daily routine. It was an extremely bittersweet notion to realize, part of me was so excited to be out of it and the other part of me yearns to remain in that tight nit community.
I miss the random coffee times with Sarah, I miss going to chapel, I miss stopping on the sidewalk to say hi and having an hour long conversation with a friend, I miss the closeness of it all. I don't miss staying up until three finishing the paper I forgot, I don't miss stressing out over an exam, I don't miss awkward interactions that only happen with college students, and I don't miss trinity expectations (WHAT? I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally).
I know that I've already written about finishing up college and stepping into life, but I guess I can't but continue to reflect about it yet again as I am in such a transitional part of life. Thankfully I still have friends that I keep in contact with almost as much; Sarah and I contact each other like every 12 hours. And thanks to the campaign I am still drinking too much coffee and working long hours and will be for the next 53 days, until the campaign is over.
My goal of this blog was to celebrate the fact that I graduated and I have digressed into reflecting over my four years. Oh well...these are just my thoughts
Friday, August 27, 2010
A day of travel...Bek style
Spend a week in California; enjoy the sun by a pool, smell the pacific ocean, go to a winery, have lots of laughs with your best friend. Final day of the trip starts off by getting ready, going to church, and head home to pack up stuff. Eat a burger at In and Out and mentally prepare for the next 6 hours of travel. 3 p.m. Arrive at LAX, get out of the car into wheelchair and put backpack on the shoulders with purse around my front. Need to check bag and pay 25 freaking dollars to stupid American Airlines. Hug Jenna goodbye after one of the best vacations ever and head into the airport. Start wheeling in the opposite direction the sky cap specifically directed. Realize elevators are the other way and turn around. Head up the elevator in order to find security to check in. Sit in line while listening to babies cry and foreigners complain about not getting to take their liquids with them. Wheel forward in the line after getting my ID checked. Take off purse and backpack, in that order. Unzip backpack and pull out lap top to go through the scanner. Leave all of my belongings behind with no one watching. Have shoes, wheelchair, and hands wiped and tested for drugs or anything else that can be hidden. Listen to the pat down procedure for the thousandth time. Lift arms and let the pat down begin. No worries, she uses back hand in the "sensitive" areas. Belongings are brought over by nice, security guard who smiles as he sets them on a nearby chair. Pat down complete with no surprises. Stuff computer back into backpack and glance at cell phone, 25 minutes until boarding. Make way to gate 40H. Surprisingly not the last gate like O'Hare. Head up to front desk to let the attendants know of my arrival and wheelchair. Ask for closer seat as they assigned 26C, not ideal for the disabled. Grumpy lady tells me to go sit down and she'll figure it out. Already seated, wheel ten feet away. Make arbitrary phone call while waiting. Head back when name called and receive closer seat ticket. Go to bathroom before boarding. Arrive back at 40H to people already boarding the plane. Grumpy lady attempts to board the entire plane before 2 wheelchairs get on. Epic Fail. Stops boarding for the aisle chair to wheel on two people, including me. Transfer to tiny aisle chair and awkwardly head inside the plane. Stop at Row 7, chair D. Stand out of aisle chair into airplane seat. Text important people before turning off cell phone. Take off. Sit for 4 hours, have two complimentary beverages. Fall asleep. Mentally finish crossword puzzle of the guy sitting in chair F. Descend for 20 minutes. Land. Turn phone on and text yet again. Wait for everyone to get off the plane. Get hit several times with too large of suitcases. Wait. Wait. Wait. Aisle chair arrives. Get off the plane and into wheelchair. Put on backpack. Head into empty O'Hare at 10 p.m. Find elevator. Troke towards gate number 4 for suitcase. Cell phone rings. Find mom and suitcase. Hug and kiss on head. Leave the airport. Get out of wheelchair into minivan front seat.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
First day of life??
Its been forever since I have posted - I have tried writing and nothing amazing has come from it...Let's hope this works out better.
This summer has been a crazy one with working two different internships, hanging out with new and old friends, saying hellos and goodbyes, breaking legs, traveling around the United States and reading my Bible. Its been a roller coaster of amazing moments with friends and sadness of saying goodbye to close ones. I have been learning and realizing that despite whether its good or bad, I am truly blessed and that God is working it for good (Genesis 50: 19-20 - Don't worry this will show up later)
The past few days I have been reconnecting with some old, dear friends of mine and it has been one of the biggest blessings to learn about what is going on in their lives and how they are living their lives for God. I've always had a hard time saying goodbye to friends and people in general. I think its because I did it so much since I was the youngest of 8. This summer I've been learning that friends are sometimes in your life for only a season, sometimes they come back though. My friend Jesse was one of those friends this summer - God placed him in my life at the perfect time. We actually worked together but became even better friends. He was exactly what I needed - a friend, and just that. Jesse left in July for the Peace Corps. Although I do miss him, I am starting to understand that its not goodbye forever and that God had him in my life as long as he needed to be.
Breaking my leg was serious challenge for me this summer - I have an earlier blog about it. It was frustrating, painful and took wayy to long to heal. I just went to the doctor today and he told me I don't have to where my boot anymore and I'm about 80 percent healed. Praise God!! Again, this was extremely hard and one of those huge hills on the roller coaster but God used this for good. I cannot tell you how many people I got to share with what happened and even be a witness through it, and by that I mean complete strangers even. Sometimes I get angry at myself for tattooing "count it all joy" on my wrist because of the constant reminder which it offers.
I think I'll save talking majorly about my trip for another post but I went to Mississippi, St. Louis, and Chicago in two and a half weeks. While in Miss, my brother phil (his blog - http://philstalmud.blogspot.com/) talked a lot about the Bible. I told him about my struggle with not knowing what to read. He encouraged me and showed me a new way to read it. So over the past week or so, I have been reading Genesis with new and refreshed eyes. After discussion with Phil, he showed me that a key point of Genesis is that God takes everything for good, even if its intentions were of harm. *19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them NIV.* This amazing truth has helped bring a lot of healing to hurt and struggles that I have been dealing with this summer.
So many people have been asking me what the next step is in life, since I am a college grad. All my friends are starting their first day of school today, which really makes me want to be there. But I have to start this supposed "life." It's not easy, not that college was either, there are tons of twists, turns, uphills, downhills, and sometimes even getting stuck along the way. But I know that if I continue to hold God's promise to my heart - no matter what happens, "God has intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, the saving of many lives vs. 20."
This summer has been a crazy one with working two different internships, hanging out with new and old friends, saying hellos and goodbyes, breaking legs, traveling around the United States and reading my Bible. Its been a roller coaster of amazing moments with friends and sadness of saying goodbye to close ones. I have been learning and realizing that despite whether its good or bad, I am truly blessed and that God is working it for good (Genesis 50: 19-20 - Don't worry this will show up later)
The past few days I have been reconnecting with some old, dear friends of mine and it has been one of the biggest blessings to learn about what is going on in their lives and how they are living their lives for God. I've always had a hard time saying goodbye to friends and people in general. I think its because I did it so much since I was the youngest of 8. This summer I've been learning that friends are sometimes in your life for only a season, sometimes they come back though. My friend Jesse was one of those friends this summer - God placed him in my life at the perfect time. We actually worked together but became even better friends. He was exactly what I needed - a friend, and just that. Jesse left in July for the Peace Corps. Although I do miss him, I am starting to understand that its not goodbye forever and that God had him in my life as long as he needed to be.
Breaking my leg was serious challenge for me this summer - I have an earlier blog about it. It was frustrating, painful and took wayy to long to heal. I just went to the doctor today and he told me I don't have to where my boot anymore and I'm about 80 percent healed. Praise God!! Again, this was extremely hard and one of those huge hills on the roller coaster but God used this for good. I cannot tell you how many people I got to share with what happened and even be a witness through it, and by that I mean complete strangers even. Sometimes I get angry at myself for tattooing "count it all joy" on my wrist because of the constant reminder which it offers.
I think I'll save talking majorly about my trip for another post but I went to Mississippi, St. Louis, and Chicago in two and a half weeks. While in Miss, my brother phil (his blog - http://philstalmud.blogspot.com/) talked a lot about the Bible. I told him about my struggle with not knowing what to read. He encouraged me and showed me a new way to read it. So over the past week or so, I have been reading Genesis with new and refreshed eyes. After discussion with Phil, he showed me that a key point of Genesis is that God takes everything for good, even if its intentions were of harm. *19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them NIV.* This amazing truth has helped bring a lot of healing to hurt and struggles that I have been dealing with this summer.
So many people have been asking me what the next step is in life, since I am a college grad. All my friends are starting their first day of school today, which really makes me want to be there. But I have to start this supposed "life." It's not easy, not that college was either, there are tons of twists, turns, uphills, downhills, and sometimes even getting stuck along the way. But I know that if I continue to hold God's promise to my heart - no matter what happens, "God has intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, the saving of many lives vs. 20."
Monday, June 21, 2010
"He was the handsomest thing ever..."
On Saturday, Rachel and I decided it was finally time go out shopping for our Father's Day present after learning the theme was "grill" this year and our job was to buy steak for the grill. So, we headed to the local Omaha Steaks to pick out some beef for dad. Well, as we strolled into the store, we started looking at different cuts of beef. As we started comparing the cuts of meat, the worst customer service fiasco went down right in front of us.
A women had come in with a coupon she wanted to use in making a purchase. The man who was helping her continued to insist that the coupon she was using would not be valid for her particular purchase because it was for a different item or larger purchase...something different than what she wanted to use it for. Well, the two fought for what seemed to be like forever but only maybe a minute or two. It ultimately came down to the man basically shaming the customer out of the store through a fighting/yelling match. Rach and I could barely move while it was going, let alone decide on whether we were buying the prime beef or fillet.
After she left, we slowly regrouped and made a quick decision on our choice. Another man was our cashier rather than one who had shamed the lady away. As we waited to pay, an older woman stood next to us also finishing a purchase. She smiled at me and I responded with a smile and a hi back. She took a second more and then asked the question which was on the tip of her tongue.
"I am curious what happened to you..? I was a nurse." She was obviously asking why I was in a wheelchair. I explained that I had broken a leg but that I was also normally in a wheelchair full time anyway.
She responded, "AH, I see. I kind of was wondering that. I am very used to getting wheelchairs in and out of cars. My husband lost his legs in the Korean War, so I was always getting him in and out of cars." This older lady spoke with such love about her late husband. I was close to tearing up as she told me about him.
I told her, "It's so great that you could serve him like that." She had probably one of the best responses I've ever heard.
"Oh, well he was the handsomest thing ever, at two feet high." I couldn't help but laugh as she slightly joked about him not having legs but she did it in such an endearing way.
She continued by telling me, "You know I never knew him any other way but I loved him so much." After this interaction we both left after saying goodbye. This women had a love for her husband that was incredible. She didn't hesitate in sharing with me how much she cared for him, whether disabled or not. The love that she had for him went beyond his disability and was truly a treasure. This interaction was a gift to me. It is obviously a fear and a reality that some people have a difficult time look beyond the wheels that drive me around. But this lady, (along with my dear sister-in-law) modeled a love for her husband that not only looked beyond but through the disability into a person and companion for life.
A women had come in with a coupon she wanted to use in making a purchase. The man who was helping her continued to insist that the coupon she was using would not be valid for her particular purchase because it was for a different item or larger purchase...something different than what she wanted to use it for. Well, the two fought for what seemed to be like forever but only maybe a minute or two. It ultimately came down to the man basically shaming the customer out of the store through a fighting/yelling match. Rach and I could barely move while it was going, let alone decide on whether we were buying the prime beef or fillet.
After she left, we slowly regrouped and made a quick decision on our choice. Another man was our cashier rather than one who had shamed the lady away. As we waited to pay, an older woman stood next to us also finishing a purchase. She smiled at me and I responded with a smile and a hi back. She took a second more and then asked the question which was on the tip of her tongue.
"I am curious what happened to you..? I was a nurse." She was obviously asking why I was in a wheelchair. I explained that I had broken a leg but that I was also normally in a wheelchair full time anyway.
She responded, "AH, I see. I kind of was wondering that. I am very used to getting wheelchairs in and out of cars. My husband lost his legs in the Korean War, so I was always getting him in and out of cars." This older lady spoke with such love about her late husband. I was close to tearing up as she told me about him.
I told her, "It's so great that you could serve him like that." She had probably one of the best responses I've ever heard.
"Oh, well he was the handsomest thing ever, at two feet high." I couldn't help but laugh as she slightly joked about him not having legs but she did it in such an endearing way.
She continued by telling me, "You know I never knew him any other way but I loved him so much." After this interaction we both left after saying goodbye. This women had a love for her husband that was incredible. She didn't hesitate in sharing with me how much she cared for him, whether disabled or not. The love that she had for him went beyond his disability and was truly a treasure. This interaction was a gift to me. It is obviously a fear and a reality that some people have a difficult time look beyond the wheels that drive me around. But this lady, (along with my dear sister-in-law) modeled a love for her husband that not only looked beyond but through the disability into a person and companion for life.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Troking Incident...
DISCLAIMER 1: I don't love this title - Let me know if you can think of something better
DISCLAIMER 2: Be ready to laugh your pants off - this is hysterical
So, this morning my dad told me we needed to leave around 7 so he could drop me off at my internship work and he would go to his hospital. So I got up at 6 and got dressed, make up done, lunch packed, hair pulled up all in time to leave. Well, right before leaving my mom had put up my hair and told me to go look at it. I also needed to grab my purse and backpack for the day. At the end of the school year, I discovered I loved using backpack for carrying around large amounts of needed things, like my computer. I took a glance at the mirror to make sure my hair looked ok and quickly grabbed my turquoise, plaid backpack. I do this awesome swing around move to get the bag on my shoulders. This morning I was moving especially fast because Dad was already in the car waiting for me. As I swung the bag around with its especially heavy contents, I suddenly found myself on my back, laying on top of my backpack with my legs up in the air and my arms flailing upwards. As soon as it happened I yelled out of frustrating, my brother Tim happened to be walking toward the bathroom. He timidly asked me, "Are you dressed?" I responded with a simple, somewhat defeated yes. Once my brother and my mom walked around the corner to see me clearly being out-weighed by my backpack - we all burst out in laughter! Mom and Tim swiftly helped me up in order for me to head outside and go to work. It was definitely one of the funniest ways to fall and be seen by others. The next time I put on my backpack, I will remember to be careful it doesn't weigh too much and that I'm not trying to move to quickly. :) What a troking incident to have happen at 7 a.m.
DISCLAIMER 2: Be ready to laugh your pants off - this is hysterical
So, this morning my dad told me we needed to leave around 7 so he could drop me off at my internship work and he would go to his hospital. So I got up at 6 and got dressed, make up done, lunch packed, hair pulled up all in time to leave. Well, right before leaving my mom had put up my hair and told me to go look at it. I also needed to grab my purse and backpack for the day. At the end of the school year, I discovered I loved using backpack for carrying around large amounts of needed things, like my computer. I took a glance at the mirror to make sure my hair looked ok and quickly grabbed my turquoise, plaid backpack. I do this awesome swing around move to get the bag on my shoulders. This morning I was moving especially fast because Dad was already in the car waiting for me. As I swung the bag around with its especially heavy contents, I suddenly found myself on my back, laying on top of my backpack with my legs up in the air and my arms flailing upwards. As soon as it happened I yelled out of frustrating, my brother Tim happened to be walking toward the bathroom. He timidly asked me, "Are you dressed?" I responded with a simple, somewhat defeated yes. Once my brother and my mom walked around the corner to see me clearly being out-weighed by my backpack - we all burst out in laughter! Mom and Tim swiftly helped me up in order for me to head outside and go to work. It was definitely one of the funniest ways to fall and be seen by others. The next time I put on my backpack, I will remember to be careful it doesn't weigh too much and that I'm not trying to move to quickly. :) What a troking incident to have happen at 7 a.m.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"That's enough projectile vomit for one day..."
Well....That may seem like a graphic quote for a title but it has seemed to literally explain my past week. My two friends have probably seen me almost, if not, my worst at least for a few moment.
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my friend Lizzy Erb and I were headed up to the Milwaukee area for our friends David and Lindsey's wedding. We had to leave especially early because it was a 10 a.m. wedding ceremony. For some reason, we ended up leaving even earlier then we actually needed to but God knew we needed the extra time.
We stopped for Panera breakfast and speedily headed our way up north. We spent almost the entire time chatting away about our post-college stress disorder (PCSD) and other imp
ortant topics. Well, about half-way up on the ride, I started not feeling super hot and a little nauseous. But I didn't say anything because 1) I didn't want to admit I wasn't feeling well and 2) I though not acknowledging it would make it go away. Well, eventually I had to admit I wasn't feeling well but this came a tad too late. About one minute after actually telling Lizzy I wasn't feeling, I vomited in my purse and some on her dashboard.
After shedding a couple tears and calming my body shakes, I immediately started laughing. At this point, Lizzy had entered mom care-taker mode as she reassured me we had plenty of time to stop by target to get some ginger ale and shout wipes. Lizzy also pointed out that I could've used the empty panera bag sitting right next to me rather than my rather full, bright pink, target purse. I wasn't thinking clearly so it seemed like the most logical solution.
After entering target, I realized there was no use for trying to salvage my vomit and coffee spills on my dress with a shout wipe so I picked out a super cute new one or 20 dollars. It was even 9:30 a.m. It made for a great story to tell during the day. Probably one of my favorite people that I told this story to was the Graham Aitken. He had heard it once and then brought it up later while at the reception by telling Lizzy, "That's enough projectile vomit for one day." Not everybody at the table had heard the story so I again told everyone my crazy day before the wedding. Graham loved the fact that I threw up in my purse rather than the empty paper bag...:) which is quite humorous.
Lizzy saw me in one of most ridiculous moments of throwing up and was an amazing friend. She didn't even stop to think about herself or how disgusting it was that I had just puked on her buggie. I am so thankful for Lizzy – she was so awesome during the time of crisis. Overall the wedding day ended up being really awesome after the early morning drama.
The second moments and friend who saw me at my worst over these past couple of weeks was Jesse Flanagan. As I wrote in my last blog, I’ve been volunteering for a congressional campaign with Jesse. Well, just about a week ago, I went in to work with Jesse on Friday. We had spent a good part of the morning doing work and different types of research as we worked together. Right around the time that we usually break for lunch for a few minutes, I decided to head towards the bathroom, which ended up being one of the worst trips I have ever made.
As I stood up and was about to sit back down on my chair, I fell extremely hard on the floor. After the immediate cries and cursing, Jesse came running (at least that’s what I imagined he did) to see how I need help. Well, after composing myself, I had him open the door to me sitting with my arm resting on the toilet as tears streamed down my face. I was able to laugh about the fact that I was resting on the toilet. Finally I scooted my way out of the bathroom and sat on the floor. Jesse offered any help I would need but I decided to take a few minutes to rest.
My left leg was extremely piercing in pain which would not relent. Jesse sat there with me as I cried, trying to be strong but ultimately giving up. After a couple of minutes, I sloppily explained that I didn’t know if something was wrong or not because I have a hard time centralizing my pain because of my nerve disorder. Jesse calmly offered the idea of calling my nearby sister, Rachel, to come help me. She headed over immediately once hearing about the fall, although it would still be about 20 minutes.
I knew as I sat there that Ben (the guy running for congress) would be coming in soon. My whole being fought against wanting him to see me like that – it is so freaking hard to let a stranger see you at your worst moment. Within a couple of minutes, Ben arrived slightly confused over me sitting near the bathroom on the floor and Jesse nearby on the couch. After the explanation, we sat and waited for Rachel, occasionally talking some business while I hid my tears as my leg throbbed. Once Rach came, we decided right away to go to urgent care. Ben and Jesse collected my stuff and helped me get into my chair and the car. Jesse helped me get into my chair but giving me a big hug and sliding me over. He told me later that next time I should just ask for a hug. Jesse possibly saw me at my worst but was an incredible friend through it all.
After an extremely long urgent care visit, the doc told me I had fractured my fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. I was given a script of Vicodin and a referral to an orthopedist. I now have an awesome black boot and am going in 10 days to get it xrayed to see how the healing is going.
It’s been a rough week. I won’t lie. A broken leg bone hurts like hell. And it is hard because it’s disabling to me even more so. I’ve had multiple breakdowns which are often pain-induced about it. The fear that something could take away even more of my mobility is always there and even more so when something like this happens. I know God is there and I need to put my complete trust in him, especially with my fears but I don’t have that figured out right now. If you think of me, pray that I would be able to do this and also for healing of my leg.
What I do know is that my friends and family have been amazing. Lizzy, Jesse, Rachel, I can’t thank you all enough for helping me through my worst. I literally could not be here without you guys. If I were by myself right now, I would be wearing a vomit, coffee-stained dress and have an unprotected broken leg. You guys have been a huge blessing along with everyone else who has helped me this week. Thank you so much.
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my friend Lizzy Erb and I were headed up to the Milwaukee area for our friends David and Lindsey's wedding. We had to leave especially early because it was a 10 a.m. wedding ceremony. For some reason, we ended up leaving even earlier then we actually needed to but God knew we needed the extra time.
We stopped for Panera breakfast and speedily headed our way up north. We spent almost the entire time chatting away about our post-college stress disorder (PCSD) and other imp
ortant topics. Well, about half-way up on the ride, I started not feeling super hot and a little nauseous. But I didn't say anything because 1) I didn't want to admit I wasn't feeling well and 2) I though not acknowledging it would make it go away. Well, eventually I had to admit I wasn't feeling well but this came a tad too late. About one minute after actually telling Lizzy I wasn't feeling, I vomited in my purse and some on her dashboard.
After shedding a couple tears and calming my body shakes, I immediately started laughing. At this point, Lizzy had entered mom care-taker mode as she reassured me we had plenty of time to stop by target to get some ginger ale and shout wipes. Lizzy also pointed out that I could've used the empty panera bag sitting right next to me rather than my rather full, bright pink, target purse. I wasn't thinking clearly so it seemed like the most logical solution.
After entering target, I realized there was no use for trying to salvage my vomit and coffee spills on my dress with a shout wipe so I picked out a super cute new one or 20 dollars. It was even 9:30 a.m. It made for a great story to tell during the day. Probably one of my favorite people that I told this story to was the Graham Aitken. He had heard it once and then brought it up later while at the reception by telling Lizzy, "That's enough projectile vomit for one day." Not everybody at the table had heard the story so I again told everyone my crazy day before the wedding. Graham loved the fact that I threw up in my purse rather than the empty paper bag...:) which is quite humorous.
Lizzy saw me in one of most ridiculous moments of throwing up and was an amazing friend. She didn't even stop to think about herself or how disgusting it was that I had just puked on her buggie. I am so thankful for Lizzy – she was so awesome during the time of crisis. Overall the wedding day ended up being really awesome after the early morning drama.
The second moments and friend who saw me at my worst over these past couple of weeks was Jesse Flanagan. As I wrote in my last blog, I’ve been volunteering for a congressional campaign with Jesse. Well, just about a week ago, I went in to work with Jesse on Friday. We had spent a good part of the morning doing work and different types of research as we worked together. Right around the time that we usually break for lunch for a few minutes, I decided to head towards the bathroom, which ended up being one of the worst trips I have ever made.
As I stood up and was about to sit back down on my chair, I fell extremely hard on the floor. After the immediate cries and cursing, Jesse came running (at least that’s what I imagined he did) to see how I need help. Well, after composing myself, I had him open the door to me sitting with my arm resting on the toilet as tears streamed down my face. I was able to laugh about the fact that I was resting on the toilet. Finally I scooted my way out of the bathroom and sat on the floor. Jesse offered any help I would need but I decided to take a few minutes to rest.
My left leg was extremely piercing in pain which would not relent. Jesse sat there with me as I cried, trying to be strong but ultimately giving up. After a couple of minutes, I sloppily explained that I didn’t know if something was wrong or not because I have a hard time centralizing my pain because of my nerve disorder. Jesse calmly offered the idea of calling my nearby sister, Rachel, to come help me. She headed over immediately once hearing about the fall, although it would still be about 20 minutes.
I knew as I sat there that Ben (the guy running for congress) would be coming in soon. My whole being fought against wanting him to see me like that – it is so freaking hard to let a stranger see you at your worst moment. Within a couple of minutes, Ben arrived slightly confused over me sitting near the bathroom on the floor and Jesse nearby on the couch. After the explanation, we sat and waited for Rachel, occasionally talking some business while I hid my tears as my leg throbbed. Once Rach came, we decided right away to go to urgent care. Ben and Jesse collected my stuff and helped me get into my chair and the car. Jesse helped me get into my chair but giving me a big hug and sliding me over. He told me later that next time I should just ask for a hug. Jesse possibly saw me at my worst but was an incredible friend through it all.
After an extremely long urgent care visit, the doc told me I had fractured my fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. I was given a script of Vicodin and a referral to an orthopedist. I now have an awesome black boot and am going in 10 days to get it xrayed to see how the healing is going.
It’s been a rough week. I won’t lie. A broken leg bone hurts like hell. And it is hard because it’s disabling to me even more so. I’ve had multiple breakdowns which are often pain-induced about it. The fear that something could take away even more of my mobility is always there and even more so when something like this happens. I know God is there and I need to put my complete trust in him, especially with my fears but I don’t have that figured out right now. If you think of me, pray that I would be able to do this and also for healing of my leg.
What I do know is that my friends and family have been amazing. Lizzy, Jesse, Rachel, I can’t thank you all enough for helping me through my worst. I literally could not be here without you guys. If I were by myself right now, I would be wearing a vomit, coffee-stained dress and have an unprotected broken leg. You guys have been a huge blessing along with everyone else who has helped me this week. Thank you so much.
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