Four Years Ago, Tomorrow.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Four Years Ago tomorrow.. something in the world would happen, something that would change my life forever, only I didn't know it yet.. I was still contemplating getting a puppy. I was still researching... adding my budget.... finding daycares, vets and school prices .. trying to see if getting a dog was in my budget.... (little did I know Jack would be a gift for me)

On this day four years ago.... I knew I wanted a dog but couldn't figure out quite how to justify that money on a "dog" when I could get a "perfectly good one from this lady who keeps dogs in her back yard that would breed any kind I wanted" Oy VEY... 

I have no words to adequately express the love I have for Jack... Jack is a miracle in my life... Jack is the reason when I am tired and don't want to do my treatments that I do them because the thought of leaving him and going into the hospital drives me to the point of insanity.. Jack is the reason I take better care of myself.. Why I can name almost every approved dog food on our list, why I am passionate about dogs, all dogs.. not just doodles.. all dogs.. Jack has opened my eyes to a world I had no clue about.

Jack was my first dog.. He is my only child...  Jack was brought to me as a gift to help ease the pain of not being able to work.... Jack has brought more joy and more worry into my life then any living thing.. I have never loved so deeply....

I find it incredible that on the eve of Jack's birthday, four years later, I was offered a full time job working as an RN at home. by one of my good friends, bosses and director of the hospital... Full time benefits... Full time pay... and I never have to take my oxygen off. I can still wear my PJ's.. I know due to my condition I won't be able to do it for long but I am getting the chance again.... I get to stay home with Jack, do all my treatments, I can work from anywhere in the world as long as I have my phone and lap top..... It is a miracle.... you can bet if I am admitted and able to talk on the phone, I will still be doing my job.

Jack and I have so much to celebrate.... we don't need a lot of reason to celebrate, you see when you know how precious and fragile life and being alive is.. you find cause to celebrate just about anything... 

While I once again am facing a big medical challenge (sigh) .... we are believing it is one that I can manage from home with out patient treatments........and tomorrow, just like every day we will celebrate.. For we are alive and tomorrow we will be together with my mom, Molly and Jack and a few close friends.... We will celebrate that four years ago tomorrow, My little son was born. 

Tomorrow will be all about Jack.. not much different then any other day truth be told..I wouldn't have it any other way.. For Jack and I both live as if it was our last days... I always let him smell the pee where ever he wants... I will always honor him as a dog (except when I make him play dress up for a few minutes) I will honor him and his likes, his desires.. and I will make all his days happy just like looking at his precious face makes me happy.. 

In spite of crap health, I am the most blessed person in the world.. Health is nothing compared to the love I have.... 

Thank you for sharing your life with us.. Your stories, your love, your support, Thank you for allowing me to be an insane mom that comes up with crazy ideas that I think will extend my dogs life. Thank you for accepting me as I am and always keeping the "light on" when I have time to come and check in...

Jack brought all of you to me as well....and I am so grateful... Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy...  

I love you forever and ever.. and treasure every minute I have with you for as long as it is.

IOne more.. this I called..disgruntled birthday boy!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Aww Darwin, we wish you could come for our party... Fresh Salmon and peanut butter and yogurt pie for dessert!

[Donna P.]

Jack is an adorable fluffball. And what a heart warming story. Dogs make all the difference in the world to our lives.

[Jennifer and Jack]

To think I never would have know about dogs and their amazingness...I lived 36 years not knowing

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday Jack, it's really a shame that nobody loves you. :>)))

Bless you Jennifer and best wishes on your new job and prayers for good health for both you and Jack. Have lots of fun and don't eat too much cake. :>)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Yeah, no one loves Jack.. Poor Jack he won't even know it is his birthday since every single day he is treated like royalty.... I can't think of one thing to do different that would be different then any other day..walks?? three a day Parks to play? all the time? Home made healthy food? Daily? Toys he now has taken over my office?  Beds At least one in every room? Dog food bowls.. We eat out of stuff made in China.. Jack eats out of Fiesta bowls made in the USA...... Groomed ? My roots are showing   . Now that is an unloved dog. LOL Wouldn't change a thing except the time I cant have him in the hospital with me

[BG and Gavin]

Happy birthday Jack!  Wonderful news about your job Jenn!  Banner day for sure!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

THanks.. I am pretty excited too.. Not being able to be around people is so much easier if it means getting to stay home with Jack all day..

[PJ and Zach]

Happy birthday, Jack. And a big congratulations to his mommy for the job!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you.. Now I just have to figure out how to keep Jack from barking while I am doing intake calls.. I am not sure that would go over well..... in fact, I know that I would not like that if I was a patient.. Luckily my office is not near the doors where the mailman, cats and other dogs are.....

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

Jennifer & Jack,

Your an amazing duo! Happy Birthday Jack! Happy Life Jennifer. What a great story, thanks for sharing! I wish you both many more Birthdays!

[Jennifer and Jack]

THank you, I wish for many more birthdays for both of us too.. one thing for sure though we will have no regrets and have lived to the fullest... and enjoyed so much of life!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Happy Birthday Jack. I hope you have a day full of things you love.