(1) I call what happened to my little website the ‘NieNie Effect’. It has been insane. Check out the number of comments on katherinewolf.info from my posting, “Wearing Mascara Again” that was a few days after NieNie posted a link to me on her website. There were many many thousands of webpage viewings that day, and it was undeniably a chance for many more people to read about my story (and hopefully pray for me!). Thank you, Nienie. You are an inspiration to me, more than you will ever know! I have read your blog many times and made parallels to my own situation.
(2) On a separate note, sadly, Jay got his results from the CA BAR exam shortly before we came home for the Holidays, and he did not pass. For what it’s worth, the California version of the Bar is considered the hardest in the country. His attitude about the whole thing is so good. He will write something on here soon about his perspective on it. He told his grandfather, ‘It’s not the worst thing that’s happened to me in the last year and a half!’ I love that. As I can attest, attitude is everything. He will re-take it this summer. Despite not passing, we are so thankful that he will resume working part-time this year for “Tallen & Keshen Holdings”, the fabulous commercial real-estate development company that he worked for while in law school, before my injury. He will take on the title of ‘Director of Legal and Business Affairs’. Sounds official, huh?!
(3) I cannot tell you how excited I am to be moving into our house in a few weeks! In addition to being a one-story house (much better for me), everything I need is right nearby, so the fact I cannot drive yet is not as much of an issue. From grocery stores and entertainment, to day care, elementary school, fabulous restaurants, Starbucks, etc., they’re all only a few blocks from our front door! Also, some of our dearest friends, the Millers, and the hosts of our precious bible study/small group, live 2 blocks from us! There are two tiny little guest houses behind our house that we have rented out. The one closest to us, my parents will rent to help care for me and James, while still giving us the feeling of our own home and our own family unit. We will rent out the back unit, which will significantly reduce the mortgage on the property for us. Also, I recently came across this article and have to share it with you. One of the greatest sadnesses and ironies of the stroke was that I lost the ability to eat for almost a year. I love eating, and I consider myself a bona fide Foodie! This article calls Culver City, where we are moving, a ‘Foodie’s Haven’ – WOOHOO! I am just so thankful and still can‘t believe we get to live there. I would really like to take all the people who thought I would never be able to eat again out to dinner in CC! Haha! Thank God!
(4) Coming to the South was just amazing. Being in Athens, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Montgomery were so wonderful for me. I kinda feel like a celebrity. Almost everyday, people would stop me and ask me if I was Katherine Wolf. It was really sweet. It is so neat to feel like people still care about what has happened to me and are still praying for me after all this time. Instead of just ‘hiding out’ until my face is normal, my voice sounds better, or my walking is sturdier, I was speaking in churches and ‘out on the town’! In my pride, I don’t want to be seen or heard, however, perhaps this is when God can use me to speak into people’s lives the most. That’s a cool thought.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers!
P.S. — Virginia Leslie — As hard as my journey has been, I simply cannot imagine what you guys have been through. Being victims of armed robbery and being kicked in the head means Dennis has so many emotional wounds as well as physical deficits. I am so very sorry. I cannot fathom what you all must be living through. I will be praying for your family. It is so wonderful that I can encourage him while he is in such a difficult position. (If you have no clue what I am talking about, go to the comment by Virginia Leslie on “Wearing Mascara Again”)
Katherine, I’m so glad I was able to talk to you at FBCM while you were here. You are so courageous, brave and beautiful! You have the most beautiful spirit. I share your emails with high school friends that look forward to hearing from you.
We will all continue praying for you, Jason and James.
always praying for you, katherine! i also read stephanie nielson’s blog and was so excited to see she linked to you. you are both inspiring women!
Katherine, you are definatley a testament to your faith. No matter how hard life seems sometimes, I know that my problems don’t compare to others. But more importantly God is always by our sides. Always there to listen. Always there to console us. I don’t let Him do that nearly enough. The human side of me wants to kick and scream, and whine and complain and feel that I’ve been wronged. But following your blog for as long as I have, I am reminded that I’m never alone. That God is there. You encourage me to stay strong. I could never imagine what it is to go through what you go through. I don’t have nearly the same difficulties. But you stories and testament keep me going. You are definately in my prayers.
Katherine – thanks for all your positive energy and incredible strength. You and Jay are total inspirations…
Good luck to Jay this summer!
I also started reading Stephanie’s blog after you posted her link on your blog. Wow – talk about amazing faith and beauty!
You, both, never cease to amaze me.
Your family helped get me through the most painful time in my life and you all continue to give me strength even 1 1/2 years later.
I will always be grateful.
Carine
(from UCLA)
Hello Katherine!
Alexander and I have been following your blog and your mom’s blog since your injury, and I have even recommeded it to many friends and family members of mine who have never met you because you have such an amazing, encouraging, and challenging story! I’m excited that you are moving to Culver City because I am living in downtown L.A. right now and have started to go to a har salon in CC (Chrome!).
I had no idea what an absolutely adorable area Culvery City was until I went to the hair salon there. I’m actually considering moving there once my lease downtown is up (Not until mid-october 2010). So, if you find yourself needing a new backyard neighbor next fall, maybe I could be one of your renters! At the very least, I would love to come meet you for lunch/coffee/something once you are back in L.A.!
Having just seen this video and your Christmas Card, you are just gorgeous!
I love your positive attitude–when you talked about pride and not really wanting the world to see you in the circumstances you are in, but realizing that “perhaps this is when God can use me to speak into people’s lives the most.” Beautiful.
And I believe in God’s timing. I believe you will find blessings in regards to the bar exam also.
I’m happy for you to move into your new home. How exciting!
Jay has passed every Bar that ever mattered. He SETS the Bar for men everywhere. Women now want their daughters to marry someone like him. Many men could not have handled what he has. He is amazing.
I hope 2010 will be a more enjoyable and productive year for you! We’re always praying for your progress toward total recovery. You are an inspiration to us all, as your faith and strength shine. God Bless!
I agree with Mark. Jay has created a new paradigm for husbands everywhere.