A message from Courtney

Hi Lisa. I wrote a little something for the blog if you wouldn't mind posting it. My name is Courtney, but Tina calls me Cootney. Thanks! Hope all is well with you, I loved the note that you posted from Tina recently, it was very sweet.

I met Tina when I was 18 years old and started working at Ralphs. We progressively got closer as I started working in the bakery with her at store #73. She became one of my "cool", older (not old, just older) friends who let me hang out in her apartment since I still lived with Mom and Dad. Tina cooked for me, we gossipped a lot, we caused a good amount of trouble, made idiots of ourselves, grew to know each other's families and other friends, and she took care of me at times when I was down or just needed some girl advice.

I wanted to write this message not only to explain how I know Tina and why she is so important to me, but to also tell others what she continues to do for me as she fights through all that has happened to her in the past year. I feel as though I have been very blessed with the family and friends that I have in my life. Tina is one of these people that I consider to be an influencial and loving force who guides me through my life. Even as she has been in the hospital and at Country Villa this past year, she has continued to take care of me. The strength and grace which she has demonstrated in dealing with all that has happened to her and in fighting back to be able to one day walk again have inspired me and are a constant reminder of what all of us are capable of. When I feel as though I cannot do something or I get down, I think of Tina and remind myself that if she can be as strong as she has been, so can I.

It has never felt like a chore or an inconvenience to visit Tina in the past year. Each week I depend on my visit with Tina, which leads to my visit with Karin and Becky as well. Sure there are weeks when 1 of us can't make it, or all 3 of us can't make it, but for the most part I depend on and look forward to that visit as a very special part of my week. Tina greets us with a smile each time we come in (okay there were some days when she was a little cranky, but aren't we all sometimes) and before I can say anything she mouths to me, "how are you?". She asks about my whole family, my friends, school, work....my life. She shows us her improvements in the movement of her legs and arms and points out fun things in her room that people have left for her. She truly inspires me. We have not stopped acting as goofy as we used to, we still cause a good amount of trouble at Country Villa. I walked into the door, accidentally pulled on the feeding tube in her nose, knocked the bulletin board off of her wall....some things never change between us.

I pray every day that God will watch over my friend Tina and continue to help her through all that lies ahead for all of us. Tina and I have talked about going to Cancun next summer, or visiting Kathy and Kevin, or visiting Granny Goose in Texas. We are making plans for when she is able to once again walk and join me in running into walls and making an idiot of myself as we manage to do so well together.

To Tina: I love you Boo Boo, Cootney

Letter from Tina to niece

I have recently been scanning in old pictures to save as digital copies and I came across a scrapbook that Tina made for me for my high school graduation. She wrote a letter to me in it and I wanted to repost it here for others to read. It means the world to me and I wanted to share:

December 2001

Dear Lisa,

What does "family" mean? To me it's everyone who is in our circle. Friendships we make through life. We share words of encouragement, laughter, and to hold our head up high when tragedy occurs. Through all this we stay strong. I wish I could have the big family but we don't. But we have so many memories and stories so this book has just a glimpse of special moments in your life. I feel that if I close my eyes I can picture you with your eyes glowing and your hair in pigtails. And now you're a beautiful young woman. Words can't express how much I love each one of you. The joy you and Jessie and Derek have brought to my life is incredible. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful family.

Love, Auntie Tina

From Kathy a.k.a. Granny Goose

(Please note: I received this e-mail from Kathy in December and I thought I had posted this blog...cleaning out my e-mail inbox today I found it and checked the blog and realized that I hadn't posted it yet. Kathy, I apologize for taking so long to post this, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to send a note and a picture. I'll read it to Tina when I visit her this week. -Lisa)

Kathy, Coot, Joanna, Tina and Karen

Well here we are in December and I am thrilled to hear how well my friend Tina is doing! As you can tell we girls were very close and we liked to have fun when we all got together. This was taken at Mike's home on his birthday. We were doing shooters of that green stuff lol and we were felling no pain. I went home and these silly girls went into the hot tub. We all had such a good time I know Tina would get a kick out of this picture!
My prayers have been for Tina to get back to using her arms and legs. I know all the prayers for Tina are being heard and answered. It seems like it is taking a long time but things happen in Gods time not ours. She is a wonderful girl and we all love her so much.
I wish to thank all of my friends who are able to go spend time with Tina. Time is a gift which when given with love is priceless.
I wish to send my love to Tina's family, she loves you all so much. It has been a very difficult time for you all, I just want to send my love during the holidays. I pry this will be the best year for all of you (even Joey you nut). I so love Tina's stories about her family, especially the Joey ones lol.
Now finely Linda I am so happy to hear you are doing what I felt was important writing a book on what you are all going through. When you have a gift you should use it to help others. I know that your experience through all this may someday be very helpful to someone else which is a gift with no price tag.

Please tell Tina she is in my thoughts every single day. I pray for her every night. I ask God to post many angels around her so she will never be alone. I cannot be there but my angels are.

God Bless You All
Kathy AKA Granny Goose