Thank Me Later

Katie (Life Discombobulated)

Jenna, A very wise person recently told me that you have to FEEL something before you can HEAL and that tears are a way of releasing pain. Eat all the chili you want, hang out in the sweats, and take good care of yourself.

Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin

Ohhh I really want to see the Blind Side.. glad to hear its good!

And I’m thinking about you and your family… I can’t even imagine how hard this must be for you.

Rachel @ Suburban Yogini

I had realised and my thoughts are with you dear girl. You are brave and amazing.

And I’m veganising your chili recipe for dinner tonight 🙂

PS I love Sandra. I need to see that film!

Laura @ youngDCliving

All of our thoughts are with you. Try to ignore any negative things people might be saying, it’s your life and you don’t need to answer to anyone 😉

Gina

Jenna, my brother passed away a couple years ago too. I know exactly what you are going through. Truthfully, the first anniversary of a death is the hardest, but it sounds like you are doing really well right now. As side from what you’re going through, you seem very happy right now (especially with the boyfriend) and I’m happy for you!

Lately, your posts have had a lot of heart, comedy, and life. It’s really been getting me through this sucky first year of college. I’m at a place where I don’t know anyone and don’t have many friends, so when I read your blog I can relate to you (missing home, your brother etc) 🙂

Midgetkeeper

Sending lots of love and prayer to you and you family!

megan

i’m so sorry Jenna 🙁 I said a prayer for you and your family before I even wrote this comment. Keep relying on God…He’s the only one who can turn ashes into something beautiful.

Estela @ Weekly Bite

We all know this is a tough time! You are in our thoughts!

Kelly

I have been reading your blog for over a year so I thought you may be having some struggles this week. Just know we are all thinking of you and fully support any wine, sweatpants, chili and anything else you need to do to make yourself feel better.

chrissy

Thinking of you and your family during this tough and emotional time. Feel free to drown yourself in wine and chili – no judgment here!

allison @ livingoneday

while most of us cannot fully understand what you are going through, we are here with you for support. you don’t need to justify anything or answer to anyone. just continue being yourself. the support group you have wrapped around you will make you feel better. and if we got tired of seeing your oat pictures, we wouldnt read! =)

Freya @ Brit Chick Runs

Oh I had no idea – I’m so sorry!! I can only imagine how hard it must be 🙁 I say if you need to take a blogging hiatus to gather your thoughts/relax/do whatever you need to do, go for it! Everyone would understand 🙂
I really want to see The Blind SIde, just to support Sandra Bullock! Poor woman with her nasty cheating (soon to be ex) husband!

D

You will feel so much better once the rain goes away – I swear sunshine makes everything better! WIne and chili too! 🙂
I live in so cal and saw we’re getting your storm…bring on the sunny skies!

Emily

Take care.
Thinking of you.
Wishing you peace & comfort.

Em

Whitney @ Lettuce Love

Sending happy, good thoughts your way. Hang in there!

Christie

I haven’t been blogging for a year yet, but know that I will be reading your blog for years to come.
Thinking of you and your fam and sending prayers your way.
Definitely agree that sweatpants & wine are critical!

~Christie

Abby

I’ll be praying for you and your family, Jenna!

Melissa

I didn’t want to say anything in the comments about that, but I’ve been a reader for long over a year and figured that was the reason. I admire you for staying true to yourself and not pretending all is well through your blog. Your blog is you, and it makes me like you even more. I am so sorry for your loss – for you, for your family, for your brother and the people he touched in his life. You are amazing and inspiring – and he is with you – dont ever forget that.

Annie D.

I understand the whole home-sick thing. Boy oh boy, call me Miss Homesick. I think we’ve all been there. College was a rough time for me… getting married and moving out of the house was a rough time for me… even going away and working at a band camp for a week was a rough time for me! Have you ever tried EFT? It’s a little kooky and ‘out there’, but it helps! Look up EFT (emotional freedom technique) on youtube… 🙂

Sarah

thinking of you jenna and hope you are doing ok and get through this:). i haven’t personally lost someone very close to me but i have watched my brother and best friends go through it and i think time really does help. hope you can find peace:)

Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)

Jenna, I hope you do whatever you need to do in order to make this particularly rough week easier to deal with. Aside from Grandparents, I’ve never lost a family member that close to me…so I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. I’m sending warm thoughts your way!

jennifer (take the day off)

Hi Jenna,
I actually started reading your blog last year at this time so I remember your strength, honesty and composure through the pain that you were going through last april. I know it doesn’t get any easier and grief is a long and painful process. Do what you need to do to comfort yourself at this time, be it indulging in comfort food or watching movies in bed. You are blessed to have so many people who love you and your family. I’ll send a special prayer your way.

VeggieGirl

Beautiful post, as always. And you know I’m here for you (since I’m blessed that we’re “real life friends” as well as fellow bloggers), as are all of your loyal readers.

runnerforever

Keep your spirits up as best you can this week and be sure to get in plenty of time with friends who can support you. Thinking of ya!

Sara

You do what you need to fo for yourself, and that includes drinking wine while wearing sweatpants and writing however you want!

Thinking of you and your family.

Kara

Hi Jenna. I never comment but I really felt compelled to. I lost my brother tragically nearly 3 years ago… he was my older brother and he died at 27. It felt like I was ripped wide open by unimaginable pain and his death nearly killed my family. The first year is the hardest… the year of “firsts” I call it… Thanksgiving without him, Christmas, Easter, Friday dinners, birthdays, the first year sucks and something we just have to “get through”. And while it sucks to spend every subsequent year without that person, that throbbing in my heart has been reduced to a dull ache and a lot of happy memories as I approach the 3 year anniversary of my brothers death.
You own nobody any apologies or explanations for how you cope through that kind of pain. We do what we have to do to survive and get through it. My thoughts and prayers are with your family…. from someone who truly understands your loss as it is a loss I carry too. xoxo

Kara

Hi Jenna. I never comment but I really felt compelled to. I lost my brother tragically nearly 3 years ago… he was my older brother and he died at 27. It felt like I was ripped wide open by unimaginable pain and his death nearly killed my family. The first year is the hardest… the year of “firsts” I call it… Thanksgiving without him, Christmas, Easter, Friday dinners, birthdays, the first year sucks and something we just have to “get through”. And while it sucks to spend every subsequent year without that person, that throbbing in my heart has been reduced to a dull ache and a lot of happy memories as I approach the 3 year anniversary of my brothers death.
You own nobody any apologies or explanations for how you cope through that kind of pain. We do what we have to do to survive and get through it. My thoughts and prayers are with your family…. from someone who truly understands your loss as it is a loss I carry too. xoxo

Rachel S

I’ve been reading for over a year, and I rarely comment, but I just have to say that the strength that you have shown this past year has been really inspiring. You are in my thoughts and prayers this week. Hang in there…you have a lot of support from people you don’t even know, myself included!

Lily @ Lily's Health Pad

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wallow all you want. This has got to be a really tough time.

Heather (Heather's Dish)

i can’t even begin to imagine how hard this week is for you, but know that your faithfulness through it all is a huge inspiration. i’m thankful that you’ve so openly shared how you feel!

in other news, i adore The Blind Side, and it makes me miss the South too! Memphis was somewhere we considered moving and when I see that movie it kinda makes me wanna go 🙂

karen

Jenna!!!!! I LOVE your blog, love your pics, love your posts…You rock sistah!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been reading for over a year too, and have to say this is the first blog I read in the morning. You inspire me and make me laugh every day. HUGS!!!!! :))))))))))))))))))))

SP

Jenna, I can’t begin to tell you how much I admire your strength and spirit. Sending good thoughts your way! And on a lighter note, I’ve always dreamed of moving to California and I’ve decided to just do it – no job yet, no plans, just taking a risk. You were part of my inspiration. 🙂 Take care of yourself!

Donna

I have never commented before but i’m in tears and have to. I’m so sorry for what you have to face.
I read all of your blog over the last year and really did have you in my thoughts for days after reading about that sad time, even though i’m thousands of miles away and don’t know you. I couldnt shake it. I was very sad.
Then my dad died suddenly a little over two months ago, i am 22 and he was 59, it was too young for him to go. And I am faced with a long stretch ahead of me and all the things I have to go through in my life without him, as I’m sure you feel that way faced with losing your brother so early in life.
Grief is such a weird, disabling and fundamentally life altering emotion.
I’m glad you are taking it easy on yourself and doing what you need to do.
I personally find i’m craving just weird combinations of food at the moment. My appetites gone and only certain foods will spark my interest. I have just finished eating toast with a mixture of mashed up avocado, peanut lemon curd, raisens and pumpkin seeds on top. Eat what you crave and do what makes you happy. Be selfish and do what you want to do to get through this time.
Writing is such a good tool to get through the bad times. It has helped me and i’m sure your blog and journalling helps you.
That chilli looks immense, I salute you.
Keep taking deep breaths and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

Adam

Stay strong, you don’t always have to provide the light all of your readers know you for! Everyone goes through tough times in their lives, but you have handled everything with courage and class…

Julia

I know this week is tough for you. Please know I’m thinking of you and your family. Lots of strength are coming your way from Europe…

(And that chili: have to make it soon! Can you believe I never had chili in my entire life…and now I’m craving it so much!)

xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

Sarah R

There’s no reason to explain/defend wallowing in your sweatpants with chili and wine. A year later, I still can’t imagine what you are going through. It’s never easy, but remembering the good times makes it a little more bearable. Hang in there, and look to your friends and family to help you through. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Steph-exercise physiologist and artist

I had a feeling this was the week. I wasn’t sure but based on the tone of your posts recently I thought it might be.

I am not surprised by how you are feeling. I lost my father in an accident when I was 13yrs old. I remember the year anniversary being particularly hard. I think it is just so hard to believe it has been a year. It flies by but at the sometime creeps along. I can assure you it does get easier. I cried for many years on the day of the event but for the last 2 years I have done something that he would have loved to do in celebration of his life. It has made the day more tolerable and actually fun and happy for me. the last two years I have taken a pontoon boat out on the St. John’s River (near Orlando) with friends and family. Of course we bring TON of food and beer and just have fun.
You will get there I promise you. I will be thinking about you and hope you find peace.
Thank you for your openness. We all appreciate it so much.

Ver

Jenna,
I’ve read your blog forever, but never posted a comment. Your blog is great, honest, and it’s yours. You do what you want with it. Of course it’s going to change as you and the times in your life change. Do your thing any way you want – we obviously love it! Prayers for you and your family on this anniversary. It will never be easy, but hopefully easier as time goes by.

Erin

What a year Jenna… Hope you surround yourself with good people and lots of love…. Keep on keepin’ on girlfriend:) Much love.

Macrae

Haha- You know your a true southerner when you think about college football year round 😉
Know that God has you in His arms right now and is holding you tight. You are in my prayers.

The Ceci Sipper

I join some of the others, in that I too started reading your blog about a year ago. I think that was the main thing that attracted me to your blog at first. I just could not believe what you and your family had just gone through at the time. Your loss was close to home for me as I have 2 younger siblings and I am so far away from them, as I am studying in France. I just felt for you so many times. Prayers from France were being sent your way A LOT during those times. (and they still are, each time I read your blog) I always keep it in the back of my mind that your brother passed away with every post of yours that I read, and it is truly impressive to see all that you have accomplished, celebrated, and enjoyed since that time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your perseverance and love for life is incredible. So I will drink a glass of wine in your brother’s honor and one more for you, your family, and friends who knew him. Enjoy your wine and chili! I send my thoughts, prayers, and luv your way during this time….alllll the way from France! – Ceci

Whit

Jenna, you and your family are definitely in my thoughts and prayers this week. I know the last year has been an emotional roller coaster for you guys, so just know that we [all the blog readers] are always here for you.

Angela (ohsheglows)

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jenna. xo

The Ceci Sipper

I join some of the others, in that I too started reading your blog about a year ago. I just could not believe what you and your family had just gone through at the time. Your loss was close to home for me as I have 2 younger siblings and I am so far away from them, as I am studying in France. It scared the crap out of me. I just felt for you SO many times. Prayers from France were being sent your way A LOT during those times. (and they still are, each time I read your blog) It is always in the back of my mind that your brother passed away with every post of yours that I read, and it is truly impressive to me to see all that you have accomplished, celebrated, and enjoyed since that time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your perseverance and love for life is incredible. So I will drink a glass of wine in your brother’s honor and one more for you, your family, and friends who knew him. Enjoy your wine and chili! I send my thoughts, prayers, and luv your way during this time….alllll the way from France! – Ceci

Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]

I was unaware…sending you extra love. I’m sure your brother would be crazy proud of all the wonderful things you’ve accomplished this past year! =)

Nora@LiveLifeEatRight

I LOVE THAT MOVIE! I saw it with my parents…while eating cake. Warm and fuzzy all over. I can’t believe that it’s based on a true story! I love when people commit acts of kindness like that it makes me happy and gives me hope. That chili looks awesome I hope you are all snuggly and feeling good!

Jessica, Haute Teapot

Jenna, I’m so sorry for your loss and your openness with something that is so private and dear to your heart is admirable. Instead of crawling into a ball and not wanting to come out, you continue to share with others. You are such a strong light to those around you…you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Big hug.

liane

I love Sandra too 🙂
Thinking of you and your family {{hugs}}

Aimee

Jenna, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are so brave for sharing. Sending you lots of sunshine from the east.

Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers

xo

Rachel

I just started reading so no, I did not know this. I went back and read a couple of your posts from that time and it touched me a lot. My little brother is the same age yours would have been, I don’t know what I would do. I get sick thinking about it. I am beyond sorry for this, I hope you curl up with your wine and that great looking chili and get comfort somehow.

xoxoxo

MMiller

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, this week and always! I started reading your blog last summer, but went back and read what you had been through. I lost my sister two and a half years ago. You always hear that the first year is the hardest, but it takes a while for it all to really sink in! On the first anniversary of my sisters death, we had a big get together with family and a few of her close friends! It helped to all be together. I’m sure your brother is watching you live your life and is so proud! He would have loved what you are doing! My sister was 45 when she died, that is hitting me harder this year as I am 45. You need to do whatever you feel you need to help yourself get through! Maybe the beach is in order! If I remember correctly, your brother loved the beach too!
I also loved The Blind Side! Sandra Bullock did a fantastic job! And your chili looks awesome! I usually have mine over rice! And with plenty of cheese! I may have to make your recipe and compare! Also, I usually use 1/2 turkey and 1/2 beef!

Love ya Jenna!

Sam

I’m really sorry to hear you’re struggling with the anniversary of your brother’s death. I’m sure it’s hard for all of us to even understand since we haven’t gone through it.

Hang in there!

Paige @ Running Around Normal

That chili sounds amazing!!
Sorry you’re having a hard time, Jenna 🙁 That has to be normal though…you take care of youself, girl. *HUGS*

kalli@fitandfortysomething

we watched the blind side last night too 🙂
so sorry about your brothers death. now it makes sense why you have been having a hard week. so sorry……

Teresa

JENNA……MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. YOU TRULY ARE AN INSPIRATION AND I LOVE READING YOUR BLOG.

kellyO

I remember the first anniversary of my brother’s death – so hard! Do whatever you’ve got to do. Nobody deals with this the same way. Sweat pants and chili? Perfect! Praying for you…

Camille

Jenna, you are a strong and inspiring woman and you will get through this!
You have everyone’s love and support.

Evan Thomas

Sending positive thoughts your way! Looks like you’ve already got the best thing for comfort: a good bowl of chili

Kat

Jenna,
Take care of yourself this week. We are all thinking of you- all of your readers clearly love you and have you in their hearts… stay strong as always.

Juniper

You are stronger than you know. Having lost someone as well, all I can say is… **HUG** It gets easier as time passes, but there is always the fact that although they are in spirit form and probably livin’ it up heaven style, we still miss them down here.
my thoughts are with your family and you.

Rachel

Thoughts and prayers from Dallas, Texas for your family during this difficult time.

Suzanne de Cornelia

Came back to read all the remarks while eating lunch–some made me laugh MAO–others cry–all good. Made me realize the best I can do for my own lost brother is love him even more and make him proud.

But the drinking wine in sweat pants remark is priceless…..lol. A lot of that kind of therapy went on down here in Carmel, too.

Katharine

*Hugs*
LOVED the move “The Blind Side.” And that it gives a (big) shoutout to my Ravens. 🙂

Jessica @ The Process of Healing

Oh girl, I support you SO VERY MUCH! I know how hard this must be for you and I think you are coping incredibly well, as well as one can really “cope.” I admire you so much and you are truly a big role model to me. I’ve been reading and loving your blog for years, and I’m not about to stop anytime soon! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Liz

I can only imagine what you are going through this week. You seem to have such a great outlook on life and you should be proud of yourself for getting through the hard stuff. You and your family will be in my prayers. Keep your head up.

Jennie {in Wonderland}

Oh, Jenna. I’ve been reading your blog for ages and was obviously thinking about you a lot this week. Thinking about your brother too — the pictures we’ve seen of him on the blog, the stories you’ve told — and just thinking that no one can ever truly know/understand how you feel, but that we’re here for you. Across the miles & the universe, I know all your blog readers are thinking of you and of your brother, including me.

Have a glass [or two or three or oops, floor] of red wine and hug Dexter. <3 We all love you.

Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly

My thoughts are with you…today and always. Hang in there honey.

sherri

hugs and peace to jenna! what’s not to like about you or your blog? my fav thing now is to enjoy overnight oats in an almost empty jar of almond butter. not to mention i have most of my running buddies hooked on green monsters! in fact i’m dedicating an entire raised bed to growing spinach. my guy is out turning the soli as i type (he really liked the chili i made last night) truth!

Nancy in Naples

John and I have been thinking you, your Mom and Dad all week too. Hang in there, Jenna . . .

Nancy and John Woodbury

jenna

thinking of you jenna 🙂

Emily S.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jenna.

Kait

Hang in there, girl. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.