Overcomer Series Episode One: Choosing the Mountaintops

I have a friend I wish you all knew. She is a little bit famous because of an event that happened a long time ago. I’ll share a bit about that story, but what I really wanted to write about was her shining spirit that radiates from her in spite of all she has been through. She’s one of those people you encounter in life that you never forget, one of the most positive and inspirational souls I’ve ever known. 

When Jenn was 18 years old, she was driving on a remote highway in Eastern Washington, pulled over to let a faster car pass and the shoulder of the road crumbled, cascading her car off the edge, rolling six times and landing on its side in a ditch. Her car was almost completely obliterated from view because of the very tall grass in the ditch. Her back was broken, she was trapped in her car, and no one knew where to look for her. Many did search, but her accident scene was overlooked for three days. Nights were cold and her only source of water was condensation off of the windshield and mirrors. Cell phones didn’t exist. By the grace of God, two determined men continued to search for her and found skid marks on the road. By the time she was rescued she was hypothermic, her body temperature at 84 degrees. She was paralyzed from the waist down. 

As you might guess, there’s a lot more to the story, but Jenn’s story is one of not just surviving, but thriving. That’s not to say it’s been easy. She’s had many, many setbacks and very tough times. I met Jenn at church. I had also seen her at my kids’ school. I saw her there because she went on to university and became a teacher. Jenn did not let her circumstances defeat her. She fully credits God with her survival and strength. Her positive outlook comes from that relationship as well as amazing support from family and friends along the way.  Jenn makes friends wherever she goes. 

I wanted to share Jenn’s story because when I talk to her I am always so amazed by how she manages to find the best in life and make the most of every day. She has a wicked sense of humor that keeps those who know her smiling. She has maintained her independence and overcome limitations, though in her mind, there’s not much that limits her. She has traveled extensively, dealing with what it means to do that with physical disadvantages. She just booked a solo trip to Chicago to see her beloved Cubs play at Wrigley Field!  She’s always worked hard to maintain her strength and health, but recently she’s found a trainer that even has her doing chin ups while strapped in her chair!  She tells me he inspires and encourages her and has his own amazing story that keeps her motivated on the tough days. 

Jenn reminds me that we all have the strength to do far more than we realize we are capable of because we can rely on the One who is the source of our strength. Perspective is everything and we CAN stay positive and find joy in life outside of circumstances. We all have our own stories and maybe they can inspire others, too. I am inspired by my friend, Jennifer.