It is late and I am in a fog. On top of the tidal wave of support we've received from everyone, I've been preoccupied with my ready-made family, a newborn and reports from Arizona.
Christian is now talking.
Steph goes to surgery tomorrow for more skin grafts.
I know that me spilling the news about Christian's latest ability will induce all sorts of questions. Please know that he is still sedated, and his conversations are not much more than a medley of sleep-talking mumbo jumbo. It has been funny to hear family members share what our verbose mummy had to say to them. Obviously, he is no longer intubated. Go Mr. Nielson go!
When I first visited my sister a week ago (was it only a week ago?) I was impressed by two (now permanent) pressing thoughts about my Steph:
Take care of her children.
Continue to tell her story.
Through the collection of world wide prayers and gratuitous support from family, I am taking care of the children. I mean, I make them brush their teeth every-so-often. And read books to them. And maybe let Jane have one (just one little itty bitty) bite of chocolate cake for breakfast this morning . . . but that was only because I had left it out on the table where she takes her meals and it was wrong of me to tempt her so early in the morning . . . right?
(Don't tell Nie. It was so very un-Nie-ish of me!)
Now, as for the story telling. I have dedicated my thoughts to this cause. Along with so many blog owners who have also posted their insights into the situation, I will continue to do so until my sister can pick up where I left off. I pray for that day, though I prepare for a patient future.
Do you know what I miss? Clicking on my "I read Nie Nie" button to see what Steph has posted about her lovely life. Our life. Because hers and mine are the same.
Should you intend to read along and you'd like to have my button on your blog, you can get it here:
(Thanks again to my overpaid web designer Jed Wells.)
Off to bed . . .
(Yawn.)
September 2, 2008
Wannanotherbuttonagain?
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62 comments:
You must have just posted this.. you are doing great, just keep plugging away... you are a wonderful mamma.... and so many people are so proud of you...
cake for breakfast is right up my alley as a mom. nice huh. i miss reading her blog every morning too. often i would look at the time and think "it's (time minus - an hour in arizona) nie should have posted by now" i really miss that.
can i bring you thai food? or diapers?
ps that's cool about mr n. hope he continues to progress.
you amaze me. simply amaze me.
along with your entire family and the entire blog world. the events that have unfolded since the Nielson's accident are a true testament of the power and love of the human race. complete strangers bonded together in a cause and hope for a family, and you are the glue. I hope you realize that. amazing.
Chocolate cake for breakfast? I'm going to lock you out of the house for that one.
C jane, I thank you for continuing Stephanies journey with her and for her family, I'm sure Stephanie & Mr Nielson would love to know what their family has been up to while they were under the weather. Your whole family is very brave and inspiring, our prayers of love and healing are sent to you all from many Australian house holds through blog land. You are a truly remarkable woman C jane.
Cake, cookies, brownies...they all make excellent breakfast foods. I was reading through some of NieNie's old posts tonight, and in one of them she confessed to her children eating cookies for dinner and breakfast that following morning. I know it doesn't happen often, but it made me smile from ear to ear.
Great news that Mr. Nielson is talking...even if it is incoherent rambling...still GREAT NEWS!
I love the new cjane button and it will promptly go right next to my I read NieNie button! Thanks for sharing the love!
Yes, please continue to tell her story.
I've never read a "blog" until your beautiful (inside and out) sister and her wonderful husband came into my burn center. They, and the rest of your amazing family are an inspiration to me and many others who care for them on a daily basis. I pray every day that they will recover fully and be back to the wonderful parents, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters that they obviously are. I want you to know that you are amazing for taking on this ready made family that you have. I too have two wonderful sisters of my own whom I know would do the dame for me. I wish you, your family and Stephanie and Christian all the love and support that you so obviously deserve. Please know that they have in a way touched all of our hearts and souls in the Arizona Burn Center.
bless you cjane... my blog side bar is becoming a shrine (:
what does nksxpy make you think of?
those word verification thingys are quite thought provoking at times-- no doubt.
rice krispies, anyone?
Hi Cj! I've only just found your blog (thanks to some smackers with heart who pointed me in this direction) and I wanted to send you, your whole family and especially Nie and Chris my best wishes, much love and many prayers. I understand how hard it is to see someone you love so much lying in a bed, covered in bandages and looking more than a little singed. My best friend (whom I've known more than half my life and is, I consider, a sister to me) was in a house fire 7 years ago that claimed the life of her 2yo daughter but spared her and her younger sister. What you are doing is amazing yet everything that you feel you should be doing, that I completely understand. There's nothing you wouldn't do for her. I'll be sure to donate as the dollar cost is nothing compared to restoring good health to these two obviously wonderful people and wonderful parents. You are all in my prayers for courage, strength and resiliance in a time of such turmoil. God bless you all and those who love you. Best wishes and much love, Lu xx
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Everything. All of it. Love you. I am your billboard. Read this.
hi cjane
i found this blog through "thirtyhandmadedays"
all the strenght you spend to walk this path, will turn into love, and all your family will feel it
i will pray from my place for your family, and keep coming here
cake for breakfast, sometimes is just perfect :)
vivi from argentina (sorry for the mistakes, i'm not a native speaker :( )
since stumbling upon the nienie dialogues i have continued to be amazed.
amazed by nie & her contagious passion for life & more so for her family
amazed by beauty
amazed by the support forming across the globe
amazed by spirit of family seen in each of you.
i have 4 daughters. i pray daily that they will love each other & build an unbreakable bond. there is no greater love than to lay down your life for someone...that is exactly what you are doing for nie & her precious children.
i am inspired by each of you
sending many prayers
xo
No worries! Just like that old Bill Cosby routine, cake is in fact a very wholesome breakfast. Eggs, milk...
When at last the children are back with their parents, you may collapse in exhaustion. Until then, I (and many other peeps who, like me, have never met you) am praying for you! So stick a push pin in "Indiana" on your mental prayer map.
I am so grateful for the updates on Stephanie and Christian. I keep praying for your family. I am glad that the kids are doing well and are surrounded by so much love.
Oh, a Prayer Map! That is a really cute idea...
So happy to hear the good news about Christian!!
Does Jed hook up ALL his cousins with awesome web-designing? I would consider "over paying" him as well....he does great work!!!
My 2 youngest daughters had Rootbeer Floats for breakfast. Not a sip, and not in addition to something nutritious... just plain old Rootbeer Floats for breakfast.
So, I think you are doing great! :)
C Jane! You inspire me. I had been by your blog as well as Nie's before the accident. You continue to amaze me. Rest assured you are all in my prayers. I admit, I did (and still do) have dreams of being like Nie with the glamour and momminess all rolled into one... Just as much as I adore her though, I'm inspired by you. I'm the oldest of 4 girls and I can only imagine the place you're in. Know that my heart is with all of you each night as I send my prayers. You inspire me. You do.
Love, Hugs, and continued prayers,
Melissa
I grabbed the button last night. Oh, and I've officially come out from lurking. I think we should do another balloon release. I will be doing one! I wasn't aware when the first one took place.
Well, see you soon. WooHoo Mr. Nielson!
Reading your blog and the old post on Nie Nie has changed me for the better. I am more patient with the kids and most loving to my husband. I owe you guys a lot. Thank you. You are doing such a great job with the kids, you are amazing!
I have been waiting ever so patiently to proudly display a C Jane button. Thanks so much!
Love the good news! :) Thank you again for sharing, I know you are tired and busy, so thank you.
Another button has now been added to my blog...so thank you for that, too! :)
You are doing awesome! Cake for breakfast every once in awhile is not going to hurt anyone!
Being a fairly new reader of Nie Nie, I miss her posts. But I have completely enjoyed reading older posts. I have started at the beginning. I have found that we have many things in common. Like our love for making whole wheat bread. I am sure that mine is not as good as hers.
Thank you for continuing to share her story as well as yours. You could have closed up shop when all of this happened and said "I am too busy", because frankly you are! Most of us work our way up to having four children, you got them all at once. I am amazed by your strength and fortitude!
Here is a HUG for you...you are doing a great job taking care of, and loving your sisters children. You are blessed by God right now, right now this moment. This very moment. Hang in there girlie, and thanks for the new button. YOU are TOO much! Praise God for giving you back the voice of Christian.....his days will get better, and his strength and love will add to all of yours to help Stephanie recover.
i miss her blog, too. i'm just glad you're blogging through this. thanks. :)
What an amazing Auntie! You are an angel.
C Jane-You are amazing!! I was telling my husband I wish she would put that button that you posted last night on your blog to be copied. You must be reading many minds.:) Thank you. Thank you. Hang in there.
you are all doing such a good job. and I'm sure you know that were the circumstances reversed, she would have done the same for you.
what a testimony she will have when this is all over.
would love to hear about you & Nie--- were you guys really close before? like best-friend-sisters? or has this made a huge difference in your relationship?
thinking of all of you--- you are doing a great job.
HOORAY for Christian's progress!!!
Yes yes yes, we are all dying to know more about their progress. I think, in a way, it helps us confirm that our prayers and thoughts are working. THank you for sharing... I KNOW you are busy. (ps-bites of chocolate cake in the morning are what make you a FUN mom and although you THINK Nie would have said no, but in reality, she probably would have done the same as you.)
Yaaay Christian!!!!!
And yaaay for cake for breakfast!
What a blessing to have such a supportive family during this time! You are such a wonderful sister! Thanks for the updates!
From an anti-anti-breakfastite, wherein breakfast food is much better for dinner, I fully endorse cake for breakfast, or pie, or especially a good cookie.
So happy to hear the good news about Christian. Good vibes!
I love reading these updates. Keep them coming!
I found this blog by accident, however I have been deeply touched by this tragedy. I am friends with a family member of Christian & Stephanie and have been keeping on the latest of their recovery. I will be donating & will help in any way that I can. I would love to help with fundraisers...events...anything that can aid in the recovery. My heart goes out to the family & the Christian & Stephanie will be in our constant thoughts and prayers.
I found your sister's blog a couple of days ago and have been glued to her (your) story. I live in Gilbert (just outside of Mesa) and am LDS. I LOVE how creative and wonderful Nie is. Looking at all the creative and fun things she did for her kids and all her AWESOME photography and journaling... She just inspires me to be/do better. So knowing that she and her husband, Mr. Nielson (I LOVE all her nicknames for everybody... they make me smile) are in a hospital nearby, it just hits really close to home... Pun intended. HA. ;0) And I just can't get your family out of my head.
And I have to say, I LOVE the way you journal. You have a gift with words. You should write a book. No joke, I'd totally buy it... Just maybe not tomorrow or the next day. I think you're a little busy on those days. HA HA. ;0) ~Jami Richardson
I think we should all start our days with chocolate cake. I feel like the day just has to be fabulous if you start it with chocolate cake.
Thank you for your humor and your grace during such a difficult situation.
For those of you who would like to donate to Stephanie and Christian and have chocolate cake for breakfast, I have an auction for one at bids2calvin.blogspot.com. The auction ends tonight at midnight.
Although I've never met you before I can't stop thinking about you and your family. My heart aches for all of you, with how difficult this must be. I have great hope that all will turn out well and will continue to check in and see how Nie and Mr. Nielson are doing. You are all a real inspiration to me and countless others and I am sending happy thoughts and prayers your way!
I wanted to leave a comment and not just blog stalk. I found your blog(s) through a side button on a friends blog and after spending ALL day yesterday doing nothing but reading as much as I could about your amazing family added them to my blog as well.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! You truly are inspiring.
Just another stranger here, wanting to tell you how much this continuing story, continues to inspire me. What very well could be looked at as a tragedy, has turned into something truly beautiful and uplifting. Thank you for sharing this.
Blessings to you and your family. I found Stephanie and Christian's story (and your blog) through a link on another blog. I live in Scottsdale, and have heard this story on the news. Many, many prayers are with you all.
Although I don't personally know you and your sweet family, I have been so touched by your family's love for one another. Through reading different blogs, I sort of feel like I have gotten to know your sweet Stephanie. She is truly, truly loved. She is so lucky to have you as her sister. You are an absolute angel. Makes me want to be a better wife, better mother, a better sister. Please know that ALL of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
xoxo
Welcome to motherhood! HEHE! (not like I am a mother but I think everymom offically becomes a mom when a child (hers or not) feeds cake for breakfast!)
We loooooooove you. We are thinking of you all the time.
Thank you for the updates. They and you have been on the minds and hearts of many. Saying "you are doing great!" sounds so pale compared to what you are really doing. The refrain "The errand of angels is given to women" keeps running through my head when I think of you.
Oooh. Another button. and Chocolate Cake for breakfast?!! You really are the best.
Verbose Mummy...that cracked me up. Still praying...
I found you in a round about way...but you are heavy on my heart. I finished reading your blog as I nursed at 1am and fell asleep praying for you...your family was the first thing on my mind when I woke at 6am to nurse again. I love that you don't claim to have all the answers and that you are willing to struggle with the problem of pain in this fallen world. My favorite thing that I read yesterday as I tryed to catch up on the story was "She will be beautiful because she IS beautiful".
Thank you for sharing your pain and the obvious love you have for one another. My people will be praying diligently for yours. Blessings, alecia-seattle
I found this blog by accident shortly following the accident, however I have been deeply touched by this tragedy. I can't help but be drawn to read each and every post, share the stories with my friends and feel compelled to do more. You and your family are truly an inspiration to me and all those touched by this beautiful story. You are an amazing mother and sister, keep up the good work. I look forward to your updates an pray for their recovery. Blessings to you and your family.
Chocolate cake is quite nutritious, ala Bill Cosby (eggs, flour, milk- all good!) and toothbrushing every day is overrated. :) That you and all the kids are showered, fed and smile every day is in itself, a small miracle! (Having also just had a baby, i can't imagine going from one to FIVE overnight, after not even mastering the one! :) Me, that is. YOU, however, are clearly amazing) A hug, a kiss and some chocolate cake for breakfast made their days brighter, and hopefully yours as well.
Our prayers are with you and your whole family, and I have posted your story with links to your blog, auctions and donations on my blog. Our link is my good friend Melanie Evans (who Stephanie introduced to blogging, and Melanie dragged me into it). One of our friends will also post on her blog, so the story will continue to touch and inspire many others. Please know that the prayers of so many people are raised for Stephanie, Christian and your family. Your love for each other and Faith are truly amazing and inspiring. I will continue to follow your blog for updates.
Karin Provost
Orchard Park, NY
Hello C-Jane. I learned about your sweet family from my sister. I just want you to know that your family has been an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your, Nie Nie's, and Mr.Nielsen's stories. Your stories are beautiful.Each time I read a blog entry on your's or your sister's blog, I feel a strong desire to make each moment count and in your mom's words- to be grateful for the Lord everyday of my life. Thank you for your wonderful examples. You and your sweet family are in my prayers.
I have been reading, praying and keeping up with Nie's story. I don't remember where or who told me about it but she, her husband and children are in my thoughts. You are one heck of a sister and aunt! She is very fortunate.
Oh, how I hope that I am never in a sedated stupor babbling uncontrollably......things could get ugly (the secrets, the untold stores). I am glad, however, that your Brother in law is in a sedated babbling stupor....things are slowly moving forward for the better and that is all one can ask for.....who knows, maybe he too, will let out a funny secret or two.
Thank you for sharing the story of your sister and her husband. Your posts and updates have really inspired me and I wanted to let you know that. If you want to read what I posted on my blog about the Nielson's story, here's my link: brittbundle.blogspot.com. Thank you.
Today I thought of Nie all day. Never knowing of her before the accident, I can't imagine the immense grief and worry you feel as her sister. As I fulfilled my household & motherly duties, I felt grateful I could. For now, Nie can't. How she wishes she could. How blessed she is to have someone who loves her and her children fill her shoes for awhile. Today Nie made me feel gratitude and live in the moment. The story of your lives is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing it. May God bless you.
I followed Nie's blog before the accident, and I now follow yours for updates, and also because you are great as well! I can't find time to blog lately and I am used to having my kids around....I haven't just taken them on recently....they showed up one by one... :) Your family is inspiring.
As for the chocolate cake for breakfast....bring it on. After what those sweet little kiddos are facing, they deserve a piece of daily chocolate cake!
Thank you for continuing to tell her story. I don't know how I stumbled onto Nie's blog a few days ago but ever since I did I feel a change happening inside of me. Nie and her family are changing lives for the better for people around the world, just by being who they are. Thank you for sharing who you are so we can learn and grow from your example. Don't get discouraged. Keep typing. The blessings you are sending to others will come back to you, I'm sure of it.
I am new to the nie dialogues, but really enjoy reading them. You all are doing a great job! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
P.S. Pie makes a good breakfast, too! There's even fruit in it sometimes!
When I stumbled across Nie's blog..I was in total awe, she is such a beautiful wife and mother, a very awesome lady to say the least. I will keep her and Mr. N in my prayer and they will continue to be in my thoughts. I have never enjoyed reading a blog as much as I did your sisters, yours is awesome too, you are a wonderful person.
After seeing your story on the Today Show, I found and read Stephanie's blog. All I can say is that it is amazing and wonderful. It has reminded me to be the type of mother I want to be to my two daughters. I am proud to be a mom.
Stephanie, Christian and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to follow your blog for updates. Thanks!!
September 15, 2008
I live in Az & I went to Mesa High... I never knew Christian or Stephanie, but I feel some what connected to them...I think you are AMAZING!! I too have 4 kids under the age of 5 & a nursing new one...I know how hard it is....you are such a great sister...and having your hubby travel alot must make it harder...thank you for always staying positive & inspiring me to do the same!!! Our prayers are with you!!-Katie
Boy-You are such an inspiration; such a wonderful sister, Mom and blogger. Please pass some of this to me. :)
-Vivian
P.S, I added Stephanies button to my mother's blog & your button, as well.
http://socksbyheidi.blogspot.com/
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