And now, a message from the sweeter and more likeable half of Jim & Jen. I was instruc- asked to put this entry into my blog as is, so you know I didn’t have anything like editorial influence over its content!:
‘I’m hijacking Jim’s blog again – but don’t tell him. I have to share what he did, because he won’t mention it. Something was delivered the other day and then he told me to get something off our printer. Anyway, the document he printed explained that he had created a digital scrapbook for me for our anniversary in October and it was on the porch. As you can imagine, I had to look at the book 3 times just to see it through my tears. He created 22 pages of pictures of all things near and dear to my heart – pictures of him and I, our families and friends; trips we have taken, events with family and friends – both pre and post stroke. Our life in pictures. I cried because of his thoughtfulness and the amount of effort it took him to do this. His vision issues create a challenge all their own, but combine that with the time and effort in selecting and moving one picture takes a ton of “clicks”, and this book is 22 pages. Yep, I was beside myself. I told him that nothing he could have bought me – whether he could walk/talk/drive himself to a store – would have meant more.’
‘We were in Costco one night a few years ago and this older woman walked over to us. That was surprising in itself because people usually walk away from us, not towards us. She put her hand on Jim’s arm and told him how handsome he was. If she would have been about 15-20 years younger, I might have had to throw down! Anyway, I explained that Jim couldn’t talk because of a stroke (so she wouldn’t think he was rude by just looking at her and not talking back). She explained that she was a retired nurse and how sorry she was about the stroke. I told her that I wasn’t surprised in the least to hear that she was nurse because she oozed compassion and genuine kindness. She also told Jim how lucky I was – boy is she right.’
‘Jim and I had a great 3 years of marriage before his stroke and this book is just a glimpse of it. We traveled every chance we could – any time we had enough vacation time and money saved, we were booking another trip. I don’t regret any of it. Our life now is also great and I think that is apparent in our smiles in these pictures too. For the front cover, he put a snapshot from our wedding day and titled the book ‘So far, really good’. Then on the back, a picture of us in Ireland with the words ‘To be continued’. I couldn’t agree more.’
lockedinjim 
You two never cease to amaze me. I couldn’t be more proud to be counted among your many, many friends and admirers! What a touching story and a lesson to all. Thank you both for sharing that with all of us.
What a sweet and wonderful couple you are. I don’t know how anyone have could picked a better soulmate then you two. I absolutely see “Really Good” in the rest of your lives! I’m so lucky to have you in my family and what great role models you are, even though iI am way older than you guys. Love you both!
That really was a moving and beautiful gift. You two make such a great couple. And I had no idea Jim was such a darned softie.
Jim & Jen that book is really thoughtful, way to go Jim! Dave Woehler
loved Jen’s blog – loved the thoughtful and PERFECT gift – you guys are the best – inspiration to so many but always remain humble –
IT WAS SUCH A TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER–RANDY HAD TO SING THE “AUTOMOBILE
SONG” OUT OUR FRONT WINDOW–Sure Scared The Finches, ‘Hummers, & Next-Door
Neighbors! JEN, YOU ARE THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN WHO INSPIRES EVERYONE!
WE SO LOVE & MISS YOU BOTH & LOOK FORWARD TO SASSY JIM’S BLOGS! K & R
Yes you have a sweetie! He always says what a jewel he has in you, (and he does)
but he wears the crown! You are the jewel in his crown! Hope we get to see the pictures come care group time! Love you guys and miss you!
Jim/Jen- beautiful posting. I am so proud of all of my family. They are such a credit to their Mom.
Her heart and compassion is so evident in everything they do for each other
Dad
Jen & Jim,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have tears in my eyes. Do we get to see this book? You both are such amazing individuals and even more so as a couple. You, two, have taught me so much about love and living the life that you were given.
Love you both so much and so very thankful for you both in my life.
Pat
What a treasured gift! Thank you for sharing! We admire you both!
You two are freaking amazing!
Jen, while doing a quick relief of the receptionist at work yesterday, I hopped on my yahoo mail. While reading this I teared up and thought oh my here I am greeting clients off the elevator and booking conference rooms for my coworkers with red eyes. Fortunately on Friday afternoons there isn’t much activity. So touching, so sweet, I know I have said it before but you two are a true match made in heaven. Jim, you are a gem and surely know how to express your everything. Hugs to you both.
Love it! Happy Anniversary you two, you truly are amazing people! An awesome gift JIm…from an awesome guy!
Ok Jim, Just the other day Paul let Jennifer me know about your blog. So just lurked in to catch up on you. I hope you don’t mind. So movie and TV reviews laced with humor- great. And then BAM. You are just making the rest of us husbands look bad.
I am glad you two are doing well. Rich Kuntz
You guys are such an inspiration !!! What a perfect, heart warming gift, Jim !!
Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your lives; what an awesome and thoughtful gift!!