Lisa's Guestbook

To Bob M and others that may be wondering, the 5K for my sister has been postponed. It was originally scheduled for July 18 but in Feb. we decided to postpone it. It was just too soon and John and I still felt so overwhelmed with everything. We just weren't ready to take something like this on. So, we told the local running club that we needed more time. I have been wanting to post before now but...when I read Lisa's own words on this site it's almost more than I can bear. It takes me right back to the days just before her surgery and everything that happened after that. We are changed forever. I will post again at a later date but for now, just know how much we appreciate all of your kind and thoughtful words. As I gave family and friends updates during Lisa's journey I always ended with "keep the faith". For those of you getting ready for surgery and those that are recovering...keep the faith. I will keep Lisa's heart valve family in my prayers. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Thanks, John for you recent post. I have been thinking of Lisa a lot lately and every time it is still with utter shock that she is really gone. Still praying for you and her family and hoping you're getting by. Glad to hear of your positive attitude and motivation to move forward.

Everyone, Given the number of wonderful and touching words of support I continue to receive from everyone on this wonderful site, I just had to write a note to everyone. Sarah and I are doing the best we can and I can't say that there isn't a day that I don't have several sad moments that bring me to tears, but the good memories always seem to pick me up. Lisa was such a huge part of my life, that losing her has left me feeling less than whole, but I have devoted more time to helping others to keep me busy and productive. I can clearly see that Lisa's story and loss has touched everyone on this site and I truly hope that her courage and faith is an inspiration to everyone. In the first few weeks after Lisa's death, I found the grief so overwhelming that I could hardly bear to be in the house that we shared and applied for several positions in the Chicagoland area to try to escape from the pain and to leave Lincoln and the painful memories behind. Since then, I have kind of come full circle, as your words of support and encouragement and the great friends that I have in Lincoln made me realize that I have so much more to accomplish even if my biggest cheerleader is no longer at my side. Lisa was always so supportive of whatever I did and inspired me in so many ways. On my day off Thursday I hung several pictures that Lisa and I both loved in the house . The picture that has the most meaning and will always make me smile is a picture I recently purchased on ebay that had one of my and Lisa's favorite sayings, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". I hung that picture in the kitchen so that every time I walk in there I will see it and smile because the two of shared a lot of those moments while we were together. Hanging those pictures gave me a sense of permanence and I know that Lisa is smiling! Tonight I finally ordered the seeds for the garden that I have been putting off purchasing, as I was not certain that I would remain in Lincoln. Even though Lisa cursed me for planting too many green beans last year, as she unfortunately ended up picking the lion's share of them, Lisa and I loved to garden. While I may not plant quite as many vegetables as in the past, I am planting far more flowers as Lisa so loved all the flowers I bought and planted for her. I will be meeting with a friend of Lisa's this coming week to begin organizing a memorial 5k run/walk to honor Lisa's memory, with the event likely taking place in July. I wanted to hold the event sooner, but my youngest son's soccer and baseball seasons do not end until late June and he wants to be able to run the race, as he and Lisa ran a 5k together last August and she was very fond of my son. I am now walking the treadmill to prepare myself for the race, as I am going to run the entire race, as Lisa usually ran the entire race. I haven't run since I was in my 20's, but even my creaky knees aren't going to stop me from running this race in memory of that wonderful, courageous woman. I know that Lisa is looking down in shock and smiling as I work out on the treadmill, as I so rarely ever used it in the past and I just know that she is right next to me urging me on and lifting me up. I will be sure to post the date and time of the race/walk once the final preparations are made. I hope that all of you continue to do well after your procedures and God Bless each and every one of you and know that Lisa's spirit and memory will never die and she will inspire us to be even better and stronger. I will end with a quote from Winnie the Pooh that Lisa's wonderful sister sent me yesterday when she knew I would have a hard day without Lisa on Valentine's Day, "If there is ever a tomorrow that we are not together, there is one thing you should always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you think, but the most important thing is, even if we're apart I will always be with you in the heart"

John, Sarah, I want you to know that I was happy to be able to check in on Lisa's Guestbook and leave this note as I wanted to be one of the many people to tell you both that your loss was in some ways our loss as well since Lisa has touched so many of our lives here in our community. As long as it remains here(where she still belongs)You,Lisa and Sarah remind us all of what Love, Hope, Faith and staying strong can mean in keeping the heart alive and well. Lisa's photos showing such good energies is on my mind and will be for some time as even though a stranger miles away you have all been part of helping me to find the good, find the strength to do what I must to heal and live the best life possible. I have an added little voice in my head since Lisa passed away that helps me push myself a little further, have a lot more faith in what is to come and to be filled with Gratitude for it due to her, your love for her along with the great photo of her and Sarah as a loving reminder for our community as well. Take care and know that you are all thought of often.

John, You are welcome. Thank you for your response. Like many, I will think of Lisa and yourself, and when I do, I will send positive vibes your way.

John, You are welcome. Thank you for your response. Like many, I will think of Lisa and yourself, and when I do, I will send positive vibes your way.

John, I just needed to drop in to let you know you and Lisa's family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. (I know many on this site are with me on this.) I can imagine that, just like OHS recovery, you too have your good days and bad days. I just hope that in your roughest & darkest moments you are reminded of Lisa's beautiful soul, her smile, her love, and that fighting spirit. Also know that so many of us are with you, lifting you up in prayer. I thought I read somewhere that you might put together a race to honor her at some point. Please be sure to post it here as I would be happy to drive out to honor her in this way. Let me know if there's ever anything I can do for you, Sarah or anyone in her family. God bless ♡

John, It was with great saddeness for Lisa's family and you in the lose of her valiant battle. I sit here with my little pooch and think about her positive spirit as i reread the posts over and over again. You see I am a 59 woman who had an AVR 2 1/2 years ago. I usually sit quietly cheering on and praying for my fellow heart warriors. I just had to tell you how sorry I am for your lose. Clearly she was such a blessing to so many in this life. God Bless You, Darlene

So sorry to hear of your loss. I am coming on my first year Anniversary of my Heart Valve Surgery, I had a valve replacement on January 23, 2014. This is a time of reflection for me. We should all be thankful for the time we have and spend with our loved ones. God Bless all.