Jennifer Whipple-Griffin was just starting her life as a newlywed when it happened…
Her life, and her new husband’s, changed forever.
A fluke infection…her body shut down…and within days, Jennifer went from being a typical Dallas newlywed…to a woman with no hands or legs
I call the story of her courageous journey Real Love because real love is what I saw in Jennifer…for the children she now has dedicated her life to helping. And real love is what I saw in Jennifer’s husband…for the woman he married, for better or worse.
Jen, what are you especially grateful for this Thanksgiving?
I’m grateful for second chances, life and family. Every minute of every day is a choice and precious time we can’t get back. I’m grateful for learning that and knowing how to be a better me because of it.
What have you taken away from all that’s happened to you? It’s been 7 years and I’m still discovering how losing my hands and legs affected me (and those around me). But, what I can say for sure is there isn’t an option for not trying. Not trying to be the best “new” me, is like not giving value and appreciation to my husband, family and the enormous medical staff who saved my life. I’ve also realized that love and growth is an ebb & flow process. Learning our loved ones opens up so much compassion in relationships.
So, what are you doing now?
I’m still working on the PLAY Foundation and providing financial resources to amputees but I’m also working with the Oral Fixation show! I’m helping with the member & sponsorship program and it’s such a blast. If you haven’t seen the show or heard about it, you are 3 seasons behind being totally awestruck by the real life storytelling from local Dallasites! Treat yourself to the next show.
What’s your favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner?
I love the time that everyone is together watching football, playing games, sharing stories and just laughing together. I could even go without the food (maybe not the desserts) as long as we have the laughs 🙂
I hope you will take a moment to watch Jennifer’s story. Click here to watch Real People, Real Thankful: Real Love
Jennifer says she and her family will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Dallas this year for the first time in a long time and participating in the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
She told me “I’m really looking forward to starting the day off in such a great way!!!!Thanks SO much Jane for sharing my story again!
Big Hugs,
Jen”
She leaves me greatly humbled,
Awesome story.
Thanks for commenting Kim, they are amazing people.
Want an amazing inspiration! Thanks for sharing her story, Jane! I love your Real People segments!!! You are truly making a difference in the world, a meaningful difference. And as Jennifer found her purpose, so too have you!
You are just the best Ann, love you. Thanks so much!
One of those stories that stops you in your tracks and makes you ask yourself, what if? I would really hope that I had the strength of Jennifer Whipple-Griffin.
Thank you so much for the comment Hooper. It is my honor to know her. What a woman, and husband.