slowly waking up

Last night we went and stayed the night downtown in the hotel with the parents. We got to see Jen. When I went in to see her John was in there with me. After a couple of minutes John left so Mom could come in. I was just sitting there holding her hand watching TV, and she started to move. I looked up and she was looking at me. I was surprised. I got up and started talking to her. She was picking her head up and looking around the room, looking at herself in the bed, and looking at me. She was moving her mouth like to talk, but she wasn't BC of the tube. I was freaking out. I went to go get a nurse and then Mom came in. I was telling her she's awake she's awake, and Mom said "yeah she's been doing that. You didn't know that?" No i didn't know that. lol I have been so wrapped up in getting Talan better, and cooking thanksgiving. She wasn't like that when I saw her Thanksgiving. Anyways, She wakes up like that a lot now. Some days are better than others. Sometimes she'll wake up and be just relaxed. She'll look around and follow you, and even look at you when you talk. And then there are other days that she wakes up and doesn't remember anything. It's like she's waking up all over again, like she doesn't know where she is, or what's going on. She's just had so much medicine, and had some serious injuries that she's slept through. But I was definitely shocked to see her looking at me. But it was also nice because for the first time I felt like she could understand me, and what was kind of going on. It actually felt like Jenny. I must say that is a relief. She was trying to hug Mom. She was trying to tell us something but she didn't have defined lip movement so we couldn't read her lips. She was trying to cough, which hurts her because of her stomach. The nurse came in and just suctioned it for her.

Today she had two surgeries. She had another skin graph on her left arm. It went good. The surgeons also were also able to sew her first lining of her stomach, and her muscles back together. Her skin is still open, but they are probably going to have to let it grow over that mesh stuff. This is a huge improvement. I am not sure if she will still have cleanings of the stomach like she has been having.

She still isn't able to understand the complete situation, or what has happened. She just recognizes us, and that she's in the hospital. But I promise when is is completely aware of the situation and what's going on, we'll ask her if she wants visitors. I know everyone misses her. I know I do. This has been hard on my family. She still has a long road of recovery ahead of her. She will have to have a lot of physical therapy. It just feels like a huge relief that she put back together, and she is waking up with some sort of awareness.

Please continue to send her e greetings and cards. Especially since she is becoming more awake every day. I still have some bracelets left. If you want one just send the money to 21518 Greenham Dr. Spring, Tx 77388. They are 5 dollars per bracelet. I will then mail you the bracelets.

Thank you to everyone who has sent letters, bought bracelets, called to check in, and helped in the other ways you have. Each one of you will always hold a special place in our family's heart!

Keep up the hard work Jen. We're all here cheering you on!!

Steve and Ann

It's kind of weird how this happened today, but Mr. Steve Jones suprised mom today at the hospital. He came to say hi and check on Jenny. Ann (the lady who stopped and called 911) emailed me again today. I had asked her for a picture of her to put up on the "Jenny's Angels" board that I have in Jen's hospital room. Mr. Jones told Mom that Ann was the real hero. He said that she reacted with amazing speed when she called 911. He told her that the ambulance got there so fast because she dialed right away and described the scene. spoken like a true hero...What hero actually steps up and says "yeah I did that?" Mr. Jones is also a burn victim himself. He has been burned before. He showed Mom his burns. He told her that he couldn't get the seatbelt off Jenny. When he pulled over he was closer to the passenger side, so he was trying to undo her from that side, but her seatbelt wouldn't unbuckle. He said that he had to run around to the drivers side and get her out. He also told us that Jenny was unconcious. The doctors have also told us that she has a black eye. Since she did have a head enjury (that didn't show up until later) they think that she hit her head while she was trying to reach for something, which knocked her out. That is a relief because I can't imagine her being awake during that.

Ann told me that she had come home early from being out of town on business. She lives in conroe (I think that's where she told me she was from. She said that she doesnt know the area but had gotten off to get something to eat, and that's when she saw jenny's car. She immediately called 911 after she saw the crash. Of course she says that Mr. Jones is the real hero. Once again that is always what a real hero says. Ann also told me that she lost her best friend in an accident a year ago. She says that she felt her friend there that night in spirit with them all. As all of you know, Jenny lost her best friend a little over a year ago to. Kendall, in a car accident too. It has been very rough on Jenny.

I've always thought that god does everything for a reason. God definetely put Ann and Steve there that night to act together to save Jenny. What are the chances that a burn victim witnesses a crash where the driver gets burned? And what are the chances that the person who stops to call 911 lost her best friend the same way Jenny lost Kendall, at about the same time? I think there are reasons for this. I think that after Jenny wakes up she will want to meet her ANGELS. I think that each of their stories are going to help her heal. I think that each of her angels have a connection with her none of us knew about until now. God sent the perfect two angels to guide her and help her. And he couldn't have sent two better angels to her rescue. Both of these people are the kindest, most corageous people that there is. This situation just proves that god knows what hes doing. The fact that Ann decided to come home early and ended up saving Jen's life. The fact that Mr. Jones was a burn victim, and ends up saving Jen who was burned in the accident. Even though I can't imagine why this happened to my family, I am sure there is a reason for this horrible nightmare. Only time will tell. All I know is that God is all around us, watching over us every day.


Thank you god for sending Jenny two amazing angels to look over her.




below is a picture of Ann and her son. And the other is a picture of her Best friend who was a teacher like her and a student they had.

rough day

This won't be a long post. I don't have much to talk about. I didn't go to the hospital today, so all I know is what john tells me. They are trying to wake Jenny up so they aren't giving her any medicine. None what so ever. Only morphine when they change her dressings. Its been a rough day for Mom
I really don't know everythings that's going on because its hard for mom to talk about it right now. And I really don't think she wants to talk at all to anyone, which I don't blame her. And john nor myself got to be there today. We all knew this day would come, but its still hard to deal with. They really need her to start waking up. Its been a month. That's a long time to be asleep. She is going to hurt but it has to happen. I can't imagine what mom is going through watching her wake up like this. Honestly I know I can't see this. I cannot do it. The one day I aww her half way like that I had a hard time not going off on the nurses when they told us she want in pain after we told them she was trying to scream and squeezIng our hand and crying. She wasn't in pain? Ok yeah I believe that! I wanted to slap them. It doesn't take a specialist to know when someone is in pain. So I am kindz glad I am not there. I would be crying my eyes out. I would love to be there for mom but I know the only thing that is going to make her better is Jenny getting better and not being in pain. I know this is necessary though. That's what I have to keep telling myself! Its necessary! Anyways I just wanted to give a little update. So please pray for Jen and for god to ease her pain, give her comFort, and to take her mind to a peaceful place while this is all happening. Reember send her an e greeting by going to memorial hermann . Org and click patients then e greeting she is at the hospital in the medical center and in room 316. I made a book that we are keeping them in for her when she wakes up. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers these next couple of days!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving. I must say it's hard to celebrate this day with Jenny being in the hospital. But i will say I am extremely thankful that she is in one of the best hospitals in the nation, with the most amazing nurse today. Of course I am also thankful for my wonderful husband, and son along with the rest of my terrific family.

This morning when we first got to see Jen, she was still hurting. It's weird but it's almost like she is having contractions. she will wake up open her eyes and act like she's going to scream and squeeze your hand. Then after like 30 seconds it goes away. In a minute or two she does it again. The nurse came in and moved her around a little so she doesn't get bed sores. She put a pillow under her left butt so she was lifted a little and almost on her side. Then put a pillow between her legs. As soon as she did that, Jenny wasn't waking up in pain at all!!! I was back there for about ten more minutes and not once did she wake up hurting. It was amazing. Not only did the nurse do that but she was explaining everything to us. She was telling us that they are having a hard time getting the feeding tube to stay in place since they are still putting ointment on her face to finish healing it. She said that they need to get that tube in because the tube runs past her stomach into her intestines. Right now they are putting it into her stomach. But of course that's making her body work more. Also she wants to see if she can get to iv's in Jens hand. Right now Jenny has a central line on her left shoulder above her heart. The nurse said that it's better to have it somewhere else so that if any germs to get in they aren't getting in right above her heart. So she said today she wants to get her tube in and get it to stay, and try to get an iv in her hand. So hopefully she will be able to do both. She also said that Jenny is moving around alot which is good. She is back on morphine and not the higher medicine. She is COMPLETELY OFF HER VENTILATOR!!! YAY THAT IS A HUGE STEP!!!!! It makes me very happy to hear that. The nurse also told me that her burns are about 50% done healing to where there isn't any blisters or open sores. That is also good. They have to get her off the advair, which is what sedates her. She said once she does that and she starts waking up, that it's going to be hard because she is going to feel more and be awake. It is important that she gets off that though. They need her awake, and to get stronger so she can fight this infection. I told her I was going to bring her some turkey today. lol. Of course I'm not but I told her I would if she would wake up and eat it for me, that I'm not joking about. lol They would kill me but if she would wake up and shake her head for me I will bring her anything she wants. Her fingernails are getting long. I am going to have to paint them soon. I have a design for her nails, and a design for her toes picked out. But right now she's not being still enough for me. She would look like Talan painted them if I tried to do it right now.

I must say that it makes me feel alot better that she has this nurse. I took a picture of the nurse so later Jenny can keep it and say "this is one of my angels that took such good care of me while I was sick." The nurse came in and explained everything to my husband and I without us asking. She did say that her burns have healed soooo good, and that she must have alot of people praying for her, that she is a lucky girl. Which she is. Debi was told she will be here for a while. Probably months. I am thinking because she is going to need therapy for her arm, and her stomach muscles. And since she has been asleep for so long her mind has to wake up and get out of sleep mode.

Today is a good day for her though. Any card that Debi gets she is not opening and waiting until Jenny is awake to give them to her. If you want us to read her card let me know. Everyone we open I'm going to put on her window and tape them there. I think it would be cool to have all of them tapes up there for her to read when she gets better. I want her to wake up and just be amazed by what she sees.

I have a small tree we are going to put up tonight.

Please send her an e greeting through the hospital for thanksgiving. Thank you so much everyone! happy thanksgiving

Tomorrow is 4 weeks

Today Jenny has surgery. They are doing another cleaning. They just go in and flush all the infection and stuff out. If everything looks good, they will try to close her Friday. If they think she needs more cleanings, then she will have another one Friday, and try to close her Monday. She is doing good. She is slowly producing the white blood cells she needs, and fighting this infection. I haven't seen her since Sunday because Talan has been sick. But hopefully I will see her soon. I just want to tell everyone again how appreciative and thankful all whole family is that y'all send Jen letters, and post comments on her group prayer request. We are so blessed that Jenny has friends and family like y'all. I think I will get to see her tonight, and if I do I will write another longer post about how she is doing. Thank you everyone so much, and please continue to send her your e greetings. Thank you!

Just go to memorial Herman hospital's website. Click patients, and e greetings. Remember she is in room 316 now. Thanks!

What's next?...a little venting

Through this whole thing I've tried to be as truthful to myself and other people as I can yet, still be positive. Now I just want to vent a little about what's going on in my life! Friday I picked Talan up from school at 5 and he was laying on a mat while everyone else played. He was sick. He ran fever and I wasn't called. It wasn't high just 100 but still I would've picked him up and gotten a Dr. apt. Instead The office was now closed. So all day Saturday and Sunday he wouldn't eat anything, and he ran fever all weekend. Tylenol wouldn't break it. I was having to give him suppositories. So yesterday I called first thing in the morning to get an apt. First thing they had was this morning at 9. So of course he has phenomena, and a bad ear infection in his left ear. No wonder he has been waking up ever 15 mins at night. His medicine is going to be 90 dollars. And that's generic, and of course none of those are under the 4 dollar plans that most places are doing right now. At least his visit was only a co pay of 20$. Needless to say he's sick, I've gotten no sleep since Friday night, and Thanksgiving is Thursday. We will not be going to the hospital if he is sick. I am not taking a risk to pass it on to Jen. Even though Talan does not go into her room, I am not risking spreading those germs and them being passed to Jen. That is just my luck. Everything always happens to us at once. Jen's accident, My job says my mind isn't on my job two weeks later so I get let go, and that same day are key won't turn the ignition over so our car was in the shop for a week and was 400 dollars to fix, and now Talan gets sick, Thanksgiving is two days away, and Christmas is next month?!?!? I swear what is next? But to look at things on the positive side....I will get paid and be off and get to sit at the hospital with Jen now. Can anyone please tell me why It all happens at once? It's not just like one thing, It all comes tumbling down at once! I'm trying to stay positive and on top of everything. But right now I just want to scream out loud!!!! But it's not about me right now. It's about my son, and about Jenny.

Jen is still doing good. They are just waiting for this infection to go away so they can close her up. That's when the actual recovery process will start. She is going to have a long tough road ahead but I know Jenny is a strong positive person that can overcome anything she sets her mind to. She has a lot of people behind her supporting her. I'm just ready for her pain to be gone. I wish I was magic and could just snap my fingers. Wouldn't powers like that be amazing in situations like this?

Anyways, Jen is doing good. I'm loosing my mind and about to go crazy. And thanksgiving is Thursday just for people who have a crazy life like mine and need a reminder. I just keep saying to myself "God never gives you more than you can handle." and "Everything happens for a reason." Over and over to convince myself. Is my life the only one who things like this happen? I feel like I could right a book. It would be long, and people would probably think it was funny and made up because things like, the toilet overflowing because my son stuck a ghost that goes on the end of a pencil down the toilet. I'm not joking. Maybe I should write that book. Writing is my escape, and my crazy life would make a funny book, and probably make people feel better about theirs. lol. At least I have a great son (although he's the most active child I've ever seen, and keeps me on my toes), and a wonderful husband (who I argue with more than anyone else in the world, But also understands me, and loves me more than anyone else in the world.) < I love him too I guess. lol just joking. I couldn't ask for a better partner to face life with. I am very blessed. I guess you can't have the good without the bad right? So i must have a lot of really good thins then.

Jenny's Angels

Today I received an email by a lady named Ann. She, along with Mr. Jones, stopped to help Jenny on the night this whole nightmare started. She is the lady who called 911. I must say, Jenny had a lot of Angels looking after her that night. May god bless them in BIG ways. I can't think of a thank you big enough for them both.

Jenny had another surgery today. They were just doing their every day routine cleaning of her stomach to get read of that infection. That's something that sounds weird...every day routine surgery. I never thought I would be using those words together to describe anyone I Love's day. Everything went good. Now to just get her stomach closed and her skin growing good. She is back on the ventilator. She is doing great breathing on her own, but it is making her stomach muscles work extra hard. They put her on a higher pain medicine, but it does sedate her a little. Honestly, It makes me happy to know that. I cannot imagine being in her place. I can't imagine what is going through her mind right now. To wake up and be confused, and in pain at the same time. Her mind has been in "sleep mode" for so long. My heart just aches for her. I can promise you this, it hurts me just as much to see her like that. I just want to hug her and cry and tell her how it's going to be all OK. That the road ahead is going to be really tough but that she has no idea how many people are behind her, supporting her. When she wakes up and does understand what's going on, I can't wait to see her reaction to
"Jenny's Angels."

Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are having it up at the hospital. I can't cook a turkey, so we're ordering one. But Nick and I are making all the sides...Yeah this should be good. We're just gonna wheel it up in a wagon. I just wish Jenny would be up and could participate in some way. I am sure she is ready for some dang food and not food from a tube. I hate to even begin to think about Christmas. Every night Talan asks about Jenny's Boo boos. How do I even begin to explain that to him? There are just so many things I to think about that never once crossed my mind until this horrific incident.

Anyways, her surgery went well. She is on the ventilator, just a little sedated, and doing as good as she could be in this situation.

Please continue to send her E greetings. Virginia Ryan room 316 Memorial Herman hospital.

Day 24

Jen has been awake I guess since last night. Today she has been awake. She is in alot of pain. She is waking up and beginning to realize something is going on. she is probably scared, and confused. They have both her arms tied to the bed so she won't pull anything out and also so she won't hurt her left arm any worse than it is. They didn't think she would be able to lift her left arm without therapy, boy were they wrong. She is putting both arms above her head until the restraints are pulled tight. She is in alot of pain. She is trying to open her mouth to scream. and she is crying. It was alot easier to see her body in bad shape and her asleep, then it is to see her body doing alot better and her awake and hurting. They upped her pain medicine from 5 to 8 whatever that means. They say there is a stronger medicine but they need a Dr's approval. I say what are they waiting for. They have had her off the ventilator since this morning, and I'm sure her stomach muscles are really hurting from all that extra effort to breathe. I don't even feel like I'm helping to be there. I want to talk to her, but I know If i was in that situation I would be thinking get the heck away from me and just be concentrating on something other than pain. She has been in there 24 days without actually eating real food. Of course they have that feeding tube in her But that's really not food. She has lost alot of weight on her body. I know she needs to be awake and breathing on her own but she also does not need to be hurting like this. And I feel more helpless than ever. She is aware of people and their voices. She will look at you but for the most part she is just in pain and you can tell she is concentrating on that. She did squeeze her dads hand when he asked today. I am not sure I can go back in there until she is hurting a little less. I can't cry in front of her now BC she will know. And I can't talk to her BC I don't know what to say, and I don't know if I'm bothering her or not. She was supposed to have a surgery today where they just go in and drain the fluid that's in her belly and clean it...but a gang shooting and stabbing came in that bumped her down. It's 730 and she still hasn't gone into surgery. I wish she would because then she would be sedated for a while and not feel anything. I'm sure with her moving that arm above her head doesn't help her either. Anyways just wanted to give an update and vent a little. So she is awake but in no way shape or form is she OK enough to have visitors. I know that sucks but she is so irritated right now. And with alot of people coming in and out it wouldn't be good for her. Plus she still has a little of that infection that is bad for anyone to get.

T-shirts-15 Dollars

I have looked at T-shirts on line. I have found a pretty good deal. Each Shirt is going to be $15 dollars. The only problem is I have to have 20 and their sizes before I can order them. So please let me know if you want a shirt and what size. There isn't really any profit that will be made from the shirts that will go to the benefit fund, maybe a dollar a shirt. But It would show our support for Jenny. I have made two different designs. One is a little more girly. And the second says Team Jenny. I wanted to explain it. I picked "Team Jenny" because we are all helping her fight this and get better. We are all cheering her on, We're her fans. We are all here to support her in anyway needed. 24 Because this horrible accident has happened on her 24Th birthday, and she's 24. Here are pictures of the designs. Please let me know if you want a shirt, what design, and what size.

Day 22

Today is day 22. 22 days this nightmare is going on. They have brought in Dr. Duke in?! I don't know who he is, but John has heard of him. He is famous? Well he did Jen's surgery today. they had to go and connect somethign that they had clamped and had unconnected. So they were waiting for the swelling to go down to connect it again. So as long as she doesn't swell and tear those stitches or tear again we will be better. Her body has White Blood Cells again. So she is fighting this infection. So this weekend is kind of a wait and see. She needs to not swell and tear, and keep fighting this infection and making more and more white blood cells. I know she can do this. I am counting on her. Today we went and saw a movie I've had tickets for since September. New Moon. In the movie it shows the main character after the love of her life leaves her. I am shamed to say I cried. Because I love many people that much. I could sympathize with this caracter. Although I do not love Jenny in that way, she is my family, my friend,and my sister. I am in a situation where at any second my life and family could be ripped apart by the seems at any second. Just to see someone suffer that much because they lost someone they loved so much (in any way). It's unnatural. It's unnatural for a mother to have to watch their child go through this. In so many ways does my heart ache. To see someone I care about in this situation, to see my mother in law break down like this, to see a mother watch her baby go through this, as a part of this family, one human being watching another in this situation, watching my husband hurt so much and be able to do nothing to help, and for my son. To think about all the time robbed from him that he has with his auntie Jenny. Is that unfair I think of all that? And then at the same time my heart smiles when I see everyone come together, and help out. But then I think of the reason and weep again. There are so many mixed emotions involved. It's draining the up and down of it all. One minute I want to cry, and scream out of frustration, and then the next I get a reassuring email and feel inspired again. I am tired of my heart literally aching. It has been 22 days and she hasn't been awake. Well not where she responds to their commands like squeeze their hand, wiggle your toes. If this weekend goes well they will be trying soon though. She has just needed some rest and sleep. She has to be tired with everyone going in there every five minutes to do this, or test that right? Every time we eat Talan tells us to pray for Jenny's boo boos. If only things were as simple as the way kids view the world. I can't wait for Jenny to wake up because I'm going to read her Newmoom. Then we are going to watch the movie together. I am also still going to paint her toe nails. I have a different design picked out for her fingers. lol.

We got our 100 bracelets in. If you want a Jenny's angels bracelet remember to send me a check.

21518 Greenham dr.
Spring, tx 77388

I will keep fighting Jen if you will.

White blood cells never sounded so good!

Jenny has white blood cells again!! That means she is trying to fight for us! I believe if someone is still fighting and hasn't given up they will win. she isn't giving up. Her two surgeries yesterday went great. She looked so much more comftorable when I saw her yesterday. I wanted to just climb up in bed with her and literally fight for her. That's all I wish I could do is ease the pain, and fight this for her. Everytime I see her I tell her how much everyone misses her, and how she has to fight. I always tell her multiple reasons why she has to fight. For Talan, for her parents, because she is what holds our family together, because she isn't done leaving her mark on the world and that she has so much more to accomplish. Of course I ball as i'm telling her. She is still sidated and out of it, but I know she can hear us. Her heart rate goes up, her lips move like she's trying to respond, and sometimes she tries to open her eyes. Since I can't actually fight this battle for her, only push her to fight harder, I have been fighting in another way for her. Virginia Ryan Benefit Fund "Jenny's Angels" is a registered charity, thanks to Aunt patty. There is paper work and everything. I couldn't be more excited. I am looking into having shirts made like the ones I did myself. They were kind of a sample and turned out really well. I see this going somewhere big in the future. Someone yesterday said something to me that really has stuck. "In the end it's always ok. If it's not ok, then it isn't the end yet." Jenny still has alot to overcome. But I believe that with our prayers, love, and support she is going to make it. It's going to be a rough road for her. But with as many people as she has supporting her she is going to make it through and come out on top.

Please continue to send your letters of support to the hospital. She is in room 316 now. If you want a bracelet send me a check made out to the benefit fund. Make sure I have a return address and I will send you the bracelets. We have 160 ordered. Sixty should be here anyday now since we had them over nighted and then the other hundred within a week.

21518 greenham dr.
spring, tx 77388



Please continue to pray for her. They dr's are so amazed at how her face has healed. She looks amazing. They says that was prayer. Now to fight this infection and get her stomach closed.....I know I didn't write yesterday since it was such a long day and I was exhausted, but I will update after this surgery today.


She can have balloons, not flowers, nor stuffed animals. But balloons!

Back in the Shock Trauma ICU..new room number 316 for now

Jenny made it through her surgery last night. I use those words because, no so surgery didn't go well. They had to cut away the infection from a needed organ. She is very critical. She is back in Shock trauma ICU. She is in room 316 right now. We are not sure if she will have her old room number back when she gets back into the burn unit. So for now send her E-greetings to 316. Tomorrow she has two surgeries. They are going to do a tracheotomy. It's not going to effect her vocal cords. She is breathing on her own. So instead of taking the tube out, then putting it back in and irritating her throat again, they'll just be able to hook the cords up to it. I think that makes 5 or 6 surgery. In about two weeks. I know I am being kind of vague right now. I just want everyone to understand that I am trying to please everyone right now. I don't' want to write anything the family thinks is too personal. We don't want Jenny to wake up, read these things, and be angry or embarrassed they were posted. I want to keep everyone informed and updated though. I hope everyone understands. I will say this, yesterday when they first saw her and knew she would have surgery they thought the infection was a much worse infection. An infection that isn't curable. She doesn't have that infection. That is a positive thing. We have to focus on the positive. Jenny's face looks great. Her eyes are the only thing that needs to heal. And those look great. Daddy john looked got to see her left arm today. He said it looks great where they did her skin graphs. They have changed her pain medicine to morphine. One they get past these two surgeries her recovery should be quicker. They took her toe nail polish off. She is going to have a cow when she wakes up and her toes aren't painted. In a magazine they had this really pretty design that I am going to try to attempt to paint on her once the nurses give me the go ahead. She's going to love it. We have sold out of our first 60 bracelets. We already have another order being shipped to us. I made a shirt today (with the help of my sister and my best friend Lyndsey). It says Jenny's Angels on the front with angel wings on the back and a bible verse that says "Be strong and courageous. do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the lord your god will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9 I thought it was pretty perfect for her situation. I was thinking of having shirts made. I know everyone has been so supportive with the bracelets. This has inspired me so much. I want to turn this into a huge charity to help burn victims. I am sure there are ones out there, non that I know at the top of my head. I think that would be an amazing gift for Jen, to have a charity in her name, being able to help others. I just have no idea how to do that. I don't think people understand the emotional, and physical pain and healing burn victims have and need. I am trying my best to be supportive in every way I can think of. I know she would be doing the same thing for me. I will update tomorrow after her surgeries. Sorry it took so long to update this time. I have literally been going crazy running around getting stuff done.

Jenny Angels Bracelets

Jenny is stable. She has not had her surgery yet. Her infection has spread. They need to cut it away. It is a very dangerous and serious surgery. I promise I will update as soon as we find something.



Jenny's angels bracelets are in. They are five dollars. If you want one send me a message or call me. 832 813 9669. Checks can be made out to Virginia ryan benefit fund. Cash is excepted. All money goes into her benefit fund account. mail payments to 21518 Greenham dr. Spring tx 77388. Just let me know so i can make sure we have/order enough.




I went up to Jen's work today. I must say I have never met a nicer, closer, more generous family of employees than I did today. I can honestly say I am jealous. Jenny is more than lucky to be employeed by such a family oriented place. Everyone is so supportive of her. Us Ryans appreciate everthing you have done for Jenny and our family. Jenny is truly blessed to have people who are there to push her, encourage her, wait on her, and have their hearts with her every day. To the University of Pheonix....Thank you! That's all I can say. It was so nice to meet everyone today. Later this week if it is ok I would like to come up and take a picture of everyone with their bracelet on to put in her room. Let me know and please stay in contact with us.

Jen got very sick very fast

This morning we were told Jen is very sick. We are on our way to the hospital now. They are trying to stable her to take her into surgery. We were told the family needed to try to make it up there before she went into surgery. Everyone please stop and pray to god that she makes it through this. My family will not make it if she doesn't. I don't get it she was fine yesterday. Her surgery went so good! Please just take 5 minutes to pray for her! I will update as soon as we know something

Surgery went well

Ok first I just want to let everyone know that I do sensor some of the things I write about because one day Jenny is going to ready this. So here is what happened today giving the most detail I can. Jenny's stomach is burnt bad. Her stitches from where they went in to fix her bladder will not stay closed, which is leaving her open and exposed. So today they had to take her in to surgery to removed the staples and stitches from her that had ripped. They also found a lot of pus that they drained and cleaned up. That is probably the cause of her fever and this ping pong effect she's been having. So She is still open but has this bag bubble thing around her and a drain that is draining the infection and pus from her. They will have to go in to surgery every other day or so to change that bag and clean the infection really good. This will allow her stomach time to heal. Once they see the infection is gone they will be able to put a wrap around her that will hold her stomach together, allowing the skin to grow back together. She is doing good. Right now she just needs times to heal. It's just going to take time. They are not going to try to take her off the ventilator anymore. Honestly they shouldn't have been trying to anyways. This is going to be a long recovery We want her to sleep through feeling no pain. This process with the stomach will take probably two weeks, if not longer. This has been a very hard couple of days. This problem with her stitches has slowly been happening. They were just hoping wrapping it up tight would support it enough.


I promise I will update tomorrow. Her next surgery which will be number 5 will be Tuesday. Please continue to send her letters and cards so we can read them to her. Remember she's in room number 829. We are STILL waiting on our dang bracelets to come in. As soon as they do I will probably send everyone a personal message screaming it out loud. lol. I am excited about these bracelets. I look at them as a positive thing that I'm holding on to right now.

Please continue to pray for Jen and my family. Pray for strength for Jenny's body to heal, for peace of her mind right now. And please pray for strength for my family. It is not easy seeing her like this. Everyone is very emotional right now. Please pray for god just to surround us and give us the serenity and comfort of knowing she is in good hands. As a mom just imagine being helpless. Giving your total faith to complete strangers. Leaving the life of your child in the hands of others. I know they know what they're doing but Just imagine it for one second. It's a very scary thought. Please pray for Jenny to feel no pain, and for Mom to keep her faith in others, and continue to stay as strong as she has been. I must say I have never in MY LIFE met a stronger women.


xoxoxoxo lindz

emergency surgery

Today Jen had to have an emergency surgery. Her stomach is burnt to the muscle so there is nothing for her stitches to stay closed together by. So her intistines have nothing keeping them inside. They are putting some kind of baloon bag thing in. But because of this age is going to need it changed every three or so days which requires surgery to do it. We are waiting for her to come out and hear from the doctors. I will update after we see her and talk to the Dr. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers please

A message from Momma Ryan

my sweet jenny,
I want to thank everyone for there prayers and love. I want everyone to understand her condition. She is in critical care ICU. She is not awake nor has she been awake She is still on a ventilator yes we have passed a hurdle or two. But she is still in critical condition. Her movements are involuntary. But keep believing she will be fine. She just needs extra rest right now. And the minute we know she is awake we will shout it at the top of a mountain. Please understand how thankful all the Ryan's and especially Jenny is
Debi-

Jenny's condition

Debi has been getting alot of calls from people who are asking to come see Jen since she is awake. When I said She is starting to wake up I did not mean she knows where she is, she knows what has happened, or is actually awake. When she came into the hospital she was basically in a coma. She didn't move, not her eyes, nor any other part of her body. They have her sedation down, well they did. She is starting to move in jolts, the Dr.s say this is because she is starting to feel pain. She does try to open her eyes. But she doesn't respond when the nurses ask her to squeeze their hand, or wiggle her toes. So I guess she isn't awake. She is not lifeless anymore like before. Thisis a step up from the coma like state she was in. She is still in very critical condition. She has staff, and many infections her body is trying to fight off. Her temperature keeps going sky high and then back down. Right now her stitches on her stomach are coming open. This is a big problem. She does have an infection in her stomach. She also has an infection in her throat. That is why they need to take the tube out of her. But she is not breathing on her own to do that. We definitely over come many hurdles but still have some major ones to jump. She is in very critical condition right now with this stomach situation. I guess my other blog wasn't really clear and people were thinking she was awake, awake. I just wanted to clear that up. I try to be as honest as I can without writing anything that Jenny will see and later upset her, or anyone else. If that makes sense. If you have any questions or are confused just ask me. Talking about it actually helps me.

When Jenny has the tube out of her, is sitting up talking, and can tell us whether she wants visitors or not I promise we will let people know. But until she tells us that she wants visitors I hope everyone can understand it just being family right now.

The stars are dancing on water here tonight....breathing in and outs a blessing can't you see...

Ok so my last blog was written under extreme anxiety. Jenny does look good. I am amazed at the skin on her face. She looks great. Her eye lids are black. I am guessing one reason is that her eyes are producing gunk to keep them wet, and also because the skin on peoples eyelids are very thin and sensitive. I think it's their way of protecting her beautiful eyes. But last night Mom said that they had scrubed them and put some ointment on them to keep them moist and that they looked so much better. She is starting to wake up. They haven't been able to take her off the venelator because every time they try her blood pressure and her hear rate go up. She does have an infection in her throat. That is why they need the tube out. Yesterday was hard seeing her because as she was moving and making faces I could tell she was in pain. Dad told me to talk to her, but I was so choked up all i could do was hold her hand as she squeezed it. Of course there are so many things I want to say to her. We are family of course but I want her to know she's one of my best friends. We might not hang out every weekend, but every experience with Jen is a blast. I love our sunday dinners. I can't tell you how many time I have walked in the house to the smell of cookies or brownies. I love watching her cook. Especially with Talan. I don't think i've told her how great of an aunt she is. I want her to know that. I want her to know how much i appreciate everytime she has watched him so that I wont pull anymore of my hair out. The thursday before her accident John asked me if i wanted to take her to dinner since her birthday was the next day. Well thursdays are my long days at work form 730 to 6. So I told him let's do it on sunday or tomorrow night. I wish i would've just said yes and sucked it up. I remember one day when I was pregnant we decided to take the dogs on a walk. So I was holding Isaball because she wasn't as crazy as bandit and we walked almost 2 miles with those dang dogs. And even though Isabell wasn't wild and pulled me along, jen didn't tell me she was going to guard me from every other dog we saw. lol Omg It was one long walk. I had to end up holding bandit's leash because i wasn't strong enough to hold isabell back from the other dogs, so here I was with bandit litterally pulling me through the woodlands. I remember being so mad we decided to take the long way. But we had such good conversation about the baby, and how excited we both were. I will never forget that walk. I also will never forget my night before my wedding. I slept with jen in her comfy bed. we couldn't sleep at all. We stayed awake talking, then woke up early the next morning bc we were so excited....but oh boy were we back in bed by ten lol. Jen's just so full of life. It's so contagious. I remember last thanksgiving going to moms brothers beach house. We went fishing. We had so much fun taking pictures on the way back to the house on the boat, with our hair flying back. I can't wait until she wakes up and I can tell her all the things I should've said to her all these years. I want her to know how much I enjoy the time we spend together, and tell her every reason why I love her.


I am still waiting on our bracelets. We ordered one more order and had them overnighted so they should be here soon. I'm getting adjitated to be honest it's taking too long. lol. Remember if you want one let me know. I'm keeping track of who wants what.

And thank you everyone who has donated blood in Jenny's name. Our family want to thank everyone for all their support,prayers, and kindwords throughout all of this. Also thank everyone who has donated to Jens account. Everyone's support is greatly appreciated.

rough day

We just got to the hospital not to long ago. Jennys fever last night was high and they couldn't get it nor her blood pressure to come down. They are both down now. I went back there so excited to see her because she opened her eyes yesterday. I can not go back there again. Her skin on her face is looking great. But her eyes are black. She is definitely awake. She is moving. You can tell by the face she is making she is in pain. I wish I was made of stone and could just sit by her and hold her hand as she comes to. I wish it didn't sting my body everytime she squirmed. I haven't had a worse day up here than this. I am so glad she is going to get through this but seeing her in this pain is killing me. I have been here for her every step of the way but I don't know how to be there for her now. I am not made of stone and right now all I can do is cry. I can't even stay by her side. I am tired of wiping tears from my eyes. I am tired of hospital food. I am tired of seeing people I love in so much pain, emotionaly and physically. Now I am just angry. Angry this happened to my family, angry its this bad, angry about it all. I just want to walk in that room scoop he up take her home and let her sleep in her own bed. Just let her sleep all this off and just wake up better. I am searching for answers that noone has the answers to. Does anyone know how frustrating that is. This isn't fair. Why couldn't this have happened to some child melester killer or murderer? There are so many people in this world that deserves punishment like this, yet it is happening to my family! I am sick to my stomach, moody, stressed, tired, and drained. I don't know if I have any more fight left in me I just want to turn over and sleep until I wake up from this dream!!!

Those Beautiful blue eyes.....

I am very happy to write this while tears flow down my face that today Jenny opened her eyes! What a huge thing that is! I can't imagine Debi's heart when she saw those big beautiful blue eyes. I can only imagine. Thank gosh i wasn't there I would've had to climb in bed with her and hug her. Well when she wakes up i'm going to do that anyways. Hopefully she will still have a tube down her throat so she can't tell me to get the hell out of her bed. lol I'm just joking on that one. I cannot wait for her to open her eyes and see us, to see our bracelets (which will be in soon). I am probably going to put one on her wrist when they come in, whether the dr.s like it or not. lol. I am so excited I could do cartwheels I swear. Last night mom was so excited about how well her surgery went and what the doctors had come out and told her I can't imagine how she's feeling right now. I haven't talked to her but I'm sure she is probably crying tears of joy. This whole situation has been one rollercoaster of emotion. I know the ride isn't over yet, but it feels so good to be able to feel something happy and positive. I am going to go see her tomorrow and maybe she'll still be opening her eyes. If she is i'm sure she'll roll them at John like always. But I think that would make me feel happier than anything else. Now I want a smile from her. Anyone got any good jokes she hasn't heard? lol. I am going to keep reading her letters, so keep sending them. Now that she has opened her eyes she'll be able to see them to. Her work made her this awesome sign. Each piece of paper was made by a diferent person and each piece says a different word. They make up one long sentence. She is going to love it!! Anyways just had to tell everyone the wonderful news!!!

Best news ever!!!!!

Her surgery today went great! Better than great. They had to go in and do a scrub on her face. The doctors are amazed with the way he face has healed. I told you I was expecting a miracle, nothing else. They also did another skin graph on her arm, which is the last one they had to do. Her bladder is healed. They are waiting for the her stomach stitches to heal and do her skin graphs there. But they think that that will be the last surgery that Jenny will have to go through. The doctors are really amazed at her recovery. They think that she is a fast healer. But I know it is the power of prayer. The prayers that everyone have been saying for her. They also think that she might be out before Thanksgiving. People that are burned worse than her on less of their body usually have to stay for like 3 to 4 months. This is truly a miracle in the way she is healing. We still have a couple of obstacles to overcome but right now There is nothing but positive news! Her face looks great which is what is the best news ever. They need to get her off the ventilator and breathing on her own. She is fighting her infection really well. All of them. Anyways I was just so excited about hearing all this good news and wanted to share with everyone! I will post more tomorrow with more in depth details!

The Virginia Ryan Benefit Fund is up and running

This afternoon is Jenny’s second surgery. They have found some pieces of glass throughout Jenny’s body they need to remove. So that is what they are doing today. If she doesn’t wake up soon they are going to put a treak (?) tube in her throat. The Doctors also need her to wake up because after a while of a body being asleep and having something breathing for you, your body just kind of stays on that mode and doesn’t want to wake up. The ventilator is really bad to keep in for long periods of time anyways because of the problems it causes. Today is going to be a tough surgery because they want to make sure they have any foreign objects that could’ve entered her during impact. But everything will be ok I have faith.

As of today Jenny’s in on a poster that is posted at every Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, with the code to donate it in her name. Once again the code is J997FS18. Also on the 24th Jenny’s work will be having a blood drive at one of their locations. 11451 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. It is right off of Kirkwood and I-10. Everyone who has taken time to donate or send cards or E letters, we greatly appreciate it.

We finally have Jenny’s Donation account open. You can go to any Wells Fargo bank and donate to this account number 3445724424. If you are writing checks make them out to The Virginia Ryan Benefit Fund. If you donate please save the receipt and email or mail it to me and I will send you a “jenny’s Angels” bracelet for free. If you can’t donate, we do have bracelets available for 5$. Once again they say JENNYS ANGELS on them. I am so impressed, proud, and excited to see how everyone who knows Jenny has come together for her in her time of need. I have been so emotional since this happened. I get a sappy email and cry, my co worker made me laugh today and I cried because I was so thankful that she made me laugh for once. I just know when I get that box full of Jenny’s angels bracelets I am going to ball!

Everyone has been doing so great with supporting Jenny and our family. All I ask is PLEASE keep sending her letters through the hospital. I know that is going to mean a lot to her, and it means a lot to us. And second please keep her in your prayers.


I will update after I see her tonight and hear how her surgery went!
XOXOXO

She likes talking about Christmas

I am sorry I wasn’t able to update yesterday. I got to see Jen yesterday. She is doing well. She has been sedated since Friday from her surgery. She has another surgery on Tuesday, so they’re not really trying to take her off sedation until after that surgery. When I was in there yesterday I was talking to her about Christmas, which is our family’s favorite holiday. I was telling her how she had to be better by then so we could go look at Christmas lights. I told her that if she wasn’t I would just have to decorate her room with lights, and she would probably be irritated with them because she wouldn’t be able to sleep. I was telling her I was going to have to wrap presents by myself so next year she’s on her own. I was holding her hand, and she started to squeeze it tight. She was trying to push her tube out of her mouth and talk to me. Of course I was freaking out telling her “its ok Jen just relax I’ll help you next year wrap presents I was just kidding.” Lol and I was trying to rub her hair to comfort her. She reached up for my hand. My heart just sank. There is nothing in this world compared to the feeling of a loved one in that type of situation reaching out for you. She loves hearing Aunt Patty talk. I don’t blame her. She does have a very calming voice. But Jenny tends to wake up and tries to talk. I was never in the room with Debi at the same time, but Aunt Patty says she really responds to her. Yesterday her nurse was a guy named Jason. Jenny is going to love him when she wakes up. He is a hoot. He washed her hair and combed it out. I just can’t wait for Jenny to meet him. Aunt Patty was joking and asked him if we could just hire him as her full time nurse. Lol. They were having some problems with her stitches but Tuesday they’re going to take care of that. Yesterday I sat beside her and read EVERY SINGLE letter anyone has sent her. Some of them were very touching and made me cry. When I was finished and stood to put them up, she had tears coming from her eyes. So she is awake and does hear us. She keeps pushing her Bite plate out of her mouth, which sounds just like stubborn Jen. So after her surgery Tuesday they are going to try to take the tube out completely. I can not wait for that day! As soon as she is awake, Mom is going to ask her if she wants visitors. We don’t want to do anything that she is going to wake up and be mad at us for. We don’t know how she’s going to respond or feel when she wakes up so for now just family. We want to respect Jenny, and what she wants. Since she isn’t awake we are going to wait until she tells us what she wants on visitors. I hope everyone understands.

They are saying that she is healing really well though. Even her stomach which is 3rd degree has these little bumps (IDK what they’re called) but that is good and she won’t have to have skin graphing there, and the same with her face. Today we got Jenny’s account all set up. The only thing that is left is for mom to sign the papers and Aunt Patty takes them back to the bank. Her account is going to be with Wells Fargo. And the name is going to be Virginia Ryan Benefit fund. As soon as the papers are turned in the account will be all set up.

I also wanted to remind people of two things. Starting today, Jenny’s picture and story are on posters at each of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drive. You can donate blood in her name. Many people have donated so far. So many in fact Jenny does not need it all and is able to give it to others. I know Jenny would appreciate this so much since she’s such a giving person. So please give for Jenny.

Also I have ordered Bracelets for Jen. They say Jenny’s Angels on them. They are five Dollars each, and will go into her benefit fund account. Also if you donate just send me a copy of the receipt and I will send you a bracelet for free. We all have been praying for Jenny, and supporting her in so many different ways. When she wakes up I want her to see all of the angels she has surrounding her, to see all of the angels that have supported her and pushed her through this tough time. I think this will be an awesome thing for Jenny to wake up and see. Please let me know if you want a bracelet. I only ordered 60 to start.

Mom wants me to tell everyone how appreciative she is of everything everyone has done. She told John she wishes she was better at expressing her feelings and could tell everyone how everyone’s help has made her feel. One day we will find a way to thank each and every one of you. Thank you for your prayers, but most of all your letters. Those are really what are going to mean the most to Jenny when she wakes up.

Jenny's Angels

Today i got bracelets ordered. They are going to be hot neon green, that say "Jenny's angels." I wanted a bold color that stood out because that is how Jenny is. She is bold, and definitely stands out. I ordered 60 to start with. If you want one let me know I'll put your name down to hold them. I am not sure how much we're going to be selling them for but the money raised is going to be given to Jen's mom so she won't have to go back to work. So she will be able to stay with Jen at the hospital, and also to help pay for medical expenses. I am still working on the account for donations. I just haven't had anytime to go by a bank. I just want to thank everyone again for their prayers and support. I am really pumped about these bracelets. I mean can you imagine what she's gonna think when she wakes up. She is going to be blown out of this world. I love the idea of everyone showing and wearing their support right on their sleeve. I will post another blog after I see her today.

jens first surgery

Jens first surgery was today. They used pig skin on her left arm to do the skin graph. They used that instead of the skin on her thigh because it doesn't absorb in fection as easy as human skin, and it heals faster. While they were in surgery they took the tube out that was draining from her bladder. While they were in surgery they did find that her muscle on her left shoulder is torn from the impact of the seat belt. At first i thought it was her tendons and ligaments but it was just the muscle which is so much better. She also both her ankles are hurt. One was broke before the accident. She rolled it in heels at work and broke it which sounds just like Jen. Lol she is definitely clumbsy. Her left arm is broke. In multiple places. But honestly she is stable and doing good. They are not sure a why she hasn't woke up because they stopped giving her sedation medicine earlier this week, of course until today when she went in for surgery. Nothing has shown up on any test. I think god is taking care of her. I think he is letting her sleep peacefully through these rough times. I am sure she is dreaming of floating down the cold river with a beer in her hand. (thats what Dad keeps telling her when he sees her and talks to her) Our main concern is getting her fever down and keeping it down. She is on the right path though. The things they found today can very easily be fixed. It feels nice to give everyone good news! Jenny has been getting a lot of letters through the hospital's e greetings. We appreciate them so much. They mean a lot to us. Each one is being read to her. Thank you so much for sending them. Please don't stop. Many people have asked us If we are going to set up an account for donations. We are in the process of seeing how that works. I will let everyone know. I love "jenny angels" that is awesome and very perfect!!! I am going to find out about the bracelets tomorrow. Thank you everyone who has prayed and kept up with her progress. Mom wanted me to tell everyone that. We are making her a binder for all of her letters and cards. We have a huge stack full. Some are very touching. Sometimes mom has to stop reading it to jen and come back to it later. Until tomorrow........

Dear God....

Dear God, Please be with Jenny today during her first surgery. Please give her body the strength it needs to fight this battle. Please keep her mind peaceful. Reach down and surround her with your presence. Lord please keep her safe and protected. Be with the surgeons today Lord. Give them the knowledge to help heal her. Please steady and guide their hands. Lord, please be with my family. Give them the reassurance they need. Please lord keep our minds stress free. Please fill our minds with positive thoughts. Shower us with your presence to give us the comfort we so desperately need. We trust you, and know this is all in your hands now. We have faith. Amen












Today Jen goes into her first surgery. Yesterday she battled fever all day. It was as high as 103. They had given her all the Tylenol she could have, so they had to ice her down. They have been able to keep her fever down with the ice. Thank God! Yesterday when the nurse came in to suction her throat because of the smoke ventilation and her pneumonia She grabbed Aunt Patty's hand. They no longer have her sedated at all. She is just on pain medicine. But she still won't wake up. She is still jerking or moving like she is uncomfortable. But when she actually squeezed aunt Patty's hand it gave us a big leap of hope. Today they are doing her first skin graph. They will be taking some skin from her thigh, and placing it on her left arm. They are also going to cut her on the same place they cut her when they had to repair her bladder. They want to go in and "just look around." ??? I don't know if I Like the sound of that. It makes me ask why do they want to do that. But they are the specialists not me. I have to keep my mind on positive thoughts!! Every time I think of Jen, the holidays automatically come to my mind. Christmas especially. I remember the year we got Talan his Diego jeep. It was his second Christmas. Jenny, John and I stayed up all night trying to put everything together. Jenny and I put the jeep together. Jenny put the stickers on.....upside down. lol. We also had to put his train table together. More stickers. lol. Afterwards we had to go to cvs to get stuff for moms stocking, because we had waited to the very last minute to do it. Jenny made every little insignificant even fun and memorable. She is so magnetic. People are just attracted to her outgoing personality, and her out of this world energy. The thing that gets me is, even out of everything she has been through these last two years she has fought her way through coming out on top knowing exactly who she is. She just has that survival instinct in her. I know she can do this. There is no doubt in my mind. It's whether I can watch her do it that i question. I don't want to show any weakness to her what so ever. She needs us to be strong. I must admit that although I've dealt with death before, even that doesn't compare to how i feel now. I have lost 3 grandparents, aunts and uncles and in none of those situations did I feel as devastated as I do now. Maybe because in all those other instances I had time to prepare myself. I couldn't see the hurt they had. It was internally. Maybe it's the fact that now I'm a mother and I know the true value of life. Or maybe it's just the fact that Jenny has left a huge mark on my life that i didn't see until now. Seeing her pain, is tearing me apart piece by piece. But i have to tell myself to think positive....Think positive. I remember when I was pregnant and Jenny worked at the sun glass hut in market street. John and I went to see her on lunch. We walked around looking and all got smoothies. I remember her excitement over the baby coming. I remember her huge genuine smile that is so contagious. This is the way I will always think of her. Her magnetic personality, her contagious smile, her larger than life energy, and her strength to over come any obstacle no matter how big or small. I hope everyone else will think of her like this to. All those things are what makes Jenny, Jenny!


I will update after she is out of surgery, I have seen her, and we hear from the doctors. I send love to everyone taking their time to follow jenny's progress, and take time to pray for her. Remember I am expecting a miracle, nothing less.





We were thinking of having some bracelets made that could be bought for $1, that will go to her medical expenses. We are trying to come up with a short little quote or something to put on them....If you have any ideas send them our way.

STEVEN JONES

This afternoon Kristen Raines sent me the phone number of the man who pulled Jenny our of the car. His name is Steven Jones. After the accident he went to a local hospital in the woodlands to treat his minor injuries. He was asking the lady treating him if he knew anything about the girl who he pulled out, and told her all about what happened. Well Kristen was telling her mom about Jenny and her mom realized it was the same accident, and he pulled JENNY out of the car. Kristen has been checking the blog regularly and knew we wanted to find out who he was, and get his phone number. Her mom called him to make sure it was OK to give me his number.

This afternoon I called him. He didn't really see what happened. But when he got up to the accident he saw her car on fire, and got out and pulled her out. Let me tell you, it was one emotional conversation. How do you thank someone for saving someone Else's life? Thank god he wasn't hurt, and thank god he was there to pull Jenny out because she would NOT be here if it wasn't for him. He is a very nice man. He is our family's guardian angel. I know mom will want to talk to him. We would all like to meet him in person. I have a voice to put with the name, now i want a face to go with his voice. I know that Jenny is going to want to thank him. I have thought about sending him a basket of food or something, but nothing seems enough. I can't come up with any ideas that seem significant enough.

The only thing I can say is Thank you. Thank you for saving Jenny's life. Thank you for being the kind of person you are. Thank you for risking your own life to save a life of a complete stranger, someone you don't know anything about. But I promise she was worth saving. You will always be an angel to our family. You should be very proud of yourself, not many people would go into a burning car to save some one's life. We need more people like you in this world! From the entire Ryan family, We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and souls. You will always hold a special spot in my heart!

To send Jenny an E-greeting

If you would like to send Jenny an E-greeting, go to mhhs.org Once you are on that home page you will see at the top PATIENTS. Then it will bring up a list under that. Go to E-greetings. You will have to fill out the information.

Virginia Ryan
She is at memorial herman in the medical center
her room number is 829


Thank you everyone who has sent her some already.

J997S18

This morning Jenny’s blood pressure dropped down really low. They gave her some medicine to bring it up. This caused it to go high! But high is better than low. She has pneumonia and a staff infection. They say both are common. The pneumonia is normal because the ventilator causes it. Staff is normal because it lives on your skin as it is. So when she was burned it entered that way. They are still trying to slowly wake her up. I must confess this is the scariest thing I’ve ever been through for so many different reasons. It hurts not only to see Jenny but also to see my husband like this, and mom like this. She hasn’t left the hospital once! She will barely leave to eat. This is hard on her. I cannot even imagine how I would feel if that was Talan. I would be screaming and upset and probably sleep beside him. I would have to be carried, because I don’t think I would able to walk. She is such a strong lady. But right now they are just trying to get her blood pressure up and to stay up. They are also slowly starting to wake her up. This is what I’m having the hardest time about. I wish she could stay asleep and think of vacations on a beach or something peaceful and wake up when this mess is all over. No human should have to go through the pain she is about to face. Because of all of her infections she isn't aloud to have visitors.






The Ryan family would like to thank The University of Phoenix for their support and generosity. They have set up a blood drive for Jenny, Since Jenny is having to have alot of blood. You can go to any Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drive and donate in jenny's name. Even if you don't have her blood type they will exchange the exact amount for her type. There is a code you need to donate it. J997FS18. They will have posters of Jenny at every location starting next week. They are also posting the posters at every campus they have. I feel blessed that jenny has all of the University of Phoenix team in her life. This is an amazing thing they have put together. There are many locations, so please check it out if you want to donate. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for all you have done.


Also thank you everyone who have commented, called, or send cards. This means alot to The Ryan family because we know it is going to help her when she wakes up. Jenny has a huge support group, which is exactly what she needs. I wish I could hug each and everyone of you.


Also don't forget that if you can't make it to the hospital to give her a card, you can get on memorial Herman's website and send her an e-card. The hospital prints them off and will bring them to her room. Mom is reading each one to her and posting them up in her room. I know Jenny is going to love them when she wakes up!!

I will keep y'all updated as much as I can!

an update

They are trying to take Jen off the ventilator because they need to take the tube out. One reason is because of her infection. It only makes it worse. Right now its not breathing for her. She is taking her own breaths but it is pushing clean air into her lungs. She can't breathe enough in yet. She is at 50%. Which is great news. The downside is that she is starting to feel pain. She is moving like she is uncomfortable. I knew it would be harder on me when she starts to wake up than now because I don't want to know she is in pain. I don't want to see her cry. I don't want to see her go through this at all!!! But she is moving or jerking whatever you want to call it. Each jerk she made I swear it stabbed through me like a knife and breaks me heart! I have been emotional of course but I honestly don't know if I am strong to do this. How the hell are you supposed to sit there and watch someone you care so much about hurt beyond belief and not be able to do anything to help besides comforting words? It isn't enough! I feel helpless. I don't have what it takes to make it better. Friday they are doing her first skin graph. They are going to take it from her thigh and its going to be graphed to her left arm which is the worst spot. It will take 5 days for her thigh to grow that layer of skin back. Then they will take from that same spot and do it all over. Her bladder is doing great! In fact there is no blood what so ever in her urine. So tomorrow they are taking the tube out that was draining from it. We have jumped so many hurdles already but I know we are about to face mountains. I am trying to hold myself together because everyone else is so upset. Mom refuses to leave. She will barely leave to eat. And when we do eat she doesn't even eat half. Not that I blame her we all have lost our appetites. So the next two things they need to do to start the recovery process is to get her breathing on her own and make sure her body can fight this infection. I must admit that it is so hard to go about my every day life. Obviously I have to work especially since just going down to the hospital is costing us a lot of money each day. But all I think about when I am there is Jen. So many things run through my mind. I can't focus. When I'm home I feel like I should be there. I want to just put life on the back burner and pick it up when things are better. Its crazy how one night can change your life forever. Anyways if you want to send Jen a letter but can't get to the hospital you can go to memorial Herman's website and there is a link to send patients letters. Her room is 829. Mom is reading each letter to her and putting them up in her room! Also you can donate blood at the gulf cost blood center in jenny name. Thanks for every ones support. She is going to need it because I don't know if I am strong enough for her! I will keep everyone updated!

i am so sorry.........

During this horrible time I have forgotten to give a thank you. We don't know the man who pulled jenny out of the car. All we know is his last name is Jones. Mr. Jones, on behalf of the Ryan family I want to give a big thanks to you. Words cannot express how thankful we are that someone as caring as you were in the right place at the right time. We would love to meet you. Thank you for risking your own life to save another.


The same night Jenny got into her accident, Jason (a longtime friend of the family) was also in another wreck later on in the night. We want to tell Jason's family how sorry we are for your loss. Jason was at our wedding and was actually the one who filmed it. I can only imagine what your going through. Jenny will be so upset when she finds out. He was such a sweet kind person. If there is anything you need please let us know.

some bad news

This morning we received some bad news. Her blood work shows she has an infection. This is really bad because her body is still in shock and can't fight this off. They think its in her lungs from the smoke damage. Since Saturday she has had a tube draining all the char smoke from her lungs. It looks so weird to just see all that black junk being drained from her. They are going to put her isolation. They tried to wake her up today and she was non responsive and couldn't breathe on her own. She is running a fever. have been praying for a fast recovery with little scars when I should have just been praying she makes it through no matter how long it takes. I swear I don't know what my family and I are going to do If she doesn't make it. Who is going to stay up with me late on Christmas eve drinking and rapping presents last minute? Who is gonna pass out Christmas presents the next day? Whose going to help me stuff moms stocking? Every holiday Jen mom and I share a bottle of wine or some girly drink. We all end up staying up late just laughing and hanging out. Jenny is the best aunt anyone could ask for. When she has talan she is so devoted to only him. I have never really had to buy him toys or clothes because her and mom are always spoiling him. We have Jens ipod in her room and on so she can hear her music. She loves music. There isn't a day that goes by that I haven't seen her without her ipod. Why did this happen to her? Why is she the one chosen to suffer through this? She is one of the most giving, bubbly, caring person I know. She is so smart and has so much more to accomplish. She has so many friends that she loves so much. And her family....she loved her mom. They had spats just like every other mother and daughter but also had a connection and relationship most people envy. she loves her brothers. And she is still daddy's lil girl. My prayer is that she wakes up, that she begins breathing on her own. I pray god gives her body the strength and nutrients to heal and fight this. Please give the doctors the knowledge and medicine to treat her. Please take this infection from her body. And lastly while she sleeps make her have good dreams that keep her peaceful. I know she has the strength to over come this. She has to! She just has to!!!

Letters, emails, cards

Some how the hospital has a program set up to where you can email them or text them and Jenny will get it at the hospital?!?!? We're not really sure how that works, but when we find out we will let everyone know. She can have cards also. We are going to save every letter, email, and card she gets. That is the only thing we can put in her room. I think it would be awesome if she woke up and saw her whole room filled with cards, letters, and emails.



Talan asked me last night why Aunt Jenny was at the doctor. I told him that she has bo bo's on her face and her tummy. He told me "uh well kiss them mom" It broke my heart. If it was only that easy. I went to work today. All day today all i could think about was jenny, and my family. I am so distracted. I have been moody. Everyone is getting on my nerves. I am just way stressed out thinking about everything. Gosh this is so tough! It seems like yesterday it was summer and we were taking Talan swimming.

I will update after i see her tonight!!!

A long bumpy road ahead!

I am expecting a miracle, nothing less. I wanted to make a page for Jenny, so she knows how loved she is, and how much support she has. Also to put my thoughts on paper, and keep everyone updated in detail.

I am still in shock. I am still waiting to wake up from this devastating nightmare, or to hear they made a mistake and that isn’t her in that bed.
Friday was Jen’s 24th birthday. She was so excited about celebrating it with the ones that are dearest to her. When I woke up to my phone going off on Friday night, and saw it was my father in law calling I had to check the phone twice. He never calls me that late. I handed the phone to my husband, thinking it was for him. Seconds later John was jumping out of bed crying. I’ll never forget those life changing words that escaped his mouth. “Get up my sister was in a wreck and burned. They life flighted her downtown. Someone pulled her out right before the whole car exploded.” It seemed like that short trip to the hospital took days. So many things crossed my mind. “If she doesn’t live through this, it is literally going to kill her mom. I hope this isn’t as bad as it sounds. Is her face burnt. Please don’t let her face be burnt. Was anyone else in the car with her? Did she hit anyone? This must be a mistake. What happened? She shouldn’t have to go through this. My family shouldn’t have to go through this. Talan needs his Aunt Jenny. He won’t be able to see her for a long time. There will be no way he’ll understand. It will frighten him.” So many emotions running through me sadness, sympathy, anger, shock. I was so shocked, worried, scared and anxious to get to her as fast as I could. But I was so glad she was alive, no matter the condition. We got to the hospital right as they were taking her to surgery. They told us that her bladder was full, and upon impact the seatbelt ripped it open. So they had to repair that. We didn’t get to see her until she was out of surgery, and they had her burns cleaned and dressed. No one would tell us anything. They weren’t describing her burns, what she looked like, or any other injury she might have. So all five of us sat and waited. I swear the time stood still. All we could do was pray for the best. Finally the surgeon came to talk to us. They had to cut her from under her boobs to her pubic area to repair her bladder. Her left arm was severely cut open. They weren’t able to sew it shut because she has broken bones that need to be set. They can’t set her bones right now because she is burned too badly. The surgeon said she was burned from head to mid thigh, except her right arm. When she came into the ER she was non responsive. She wasn’t breathing at the scene of the accident, so she had a tube down her throat. They weren’t sure if she had head trauma. When we finally got the ok to go in, I was not prepared to see her like that. I couldn’t have imagined THIS. Someone I love so much for so many different reasons lying in a hospital bed with so many tubes and IV’s coming from every limb of her body. Her eyes so swollen they were even with her nose. You couldn’t even tell she had eye sockets. Her beautiful lips were so swollen. She was swollen everywhere. The nurses have told us that her body is just absorbing everything. She will go down, but her body needs so much nutrients and fluids to heal. She is being given blood. With burn patients they become anemic because her body is absorbing everything. They have her sedated. Her face looks the worse, but the nurse said she thinks they are only second degree burns. They look worse than the rest (which are 3rd degree.) Apparently second degree looks worse because there are a lot of blisters, and bubbles, and discoloration. But third degree burns past that. 3rd degree burns are just white. They have no color to them at all. Her stomach, thighs, and left hand is 3rd degree burns. Her hair line was burned back about an inch. The ends of her hair are burned.

I keep telling myself to think about the positive. Ironic huh? I think “it’s great her face is only 2nd degree. She could have had her whole legs burnt. She could’ve had her back burnt which would be so painful having to lie on. She could’ve had worse injuries internally. She could’ve hit someone else. She could’ve died.

I can’t stop thinking about when she wakes up. I am so scared to see how she is going to react, and the attitude she will have. Honestly I think the emotional damage is going to be worse than the burns. I can’t imagine how she’s going to feel. I figure it can go two ways. Positive, where she will be glad she’s alive and be amazed by the love and support she has. Or Negative, where she wakes up wishing she wouldn’t have made it, angry at herself and us, pushing people away. I am praying for the best. It’s mind over matter.

I wanted to be as open and honest as I could on this page because I want everyone to know the truth, so you know how to be there for her. It is going to be a long recovery, and a very very hard one. She definitely needs to know how many people support her, and love her. She will beat this even if I have to push her to the finish line. I wish I could take away all the pain she is having and will have. She doesn’t deserve this. She has had a lot happen in the past year or so. She made it through it. And now she is faced with this hell. I know a miracle will happen that will blow everyone out of the water. I know something great is supposed to come from this. But right now it’s hard not to question what. I believe she is supposed to conquer the world, to make a difference. She has such a big heart. She loves her friends and family with everything she has.

Since then we did find out that the witness saw her just drift off the highway on 45, into the grass, and across the feeder. Not once hitting her breaks. Why, we still don’t know. It was about 8 30 at night. She hit the briar creek apartment’s brick wall. The car caught on fire. The witness pulled her out. They said moments later the car exploded completely. It took the fire department 2 ½ hours to put out the flames. She was immediately flown to Memorial Herman Downtown.

On Sunday she got moved out of the shock trauma ICU and into the burn unit so her burns can be treated properly. They are really strict about who can go in, since she is one big open sore. They don’t want her to get an infection or get sick. Her body won’t be able to handle it. She can’t have flowers or balloons because they carry a lot of bacteria. But she can have cards from everyone. Every time we go into her room we have to suit up with these plastic covers, put gloves on, and wear the medical masks. These masks have a plastic protector that goes over your eyes and stuff. There is only two people at a time aloud to go in.

The occupational therapist is going to start working with her. That way as her skin heals it won’t grow together. They will separate her fingers everyday. They will lift her arms everyday so they don’t grow to her sides. Stuff like that. The plastic surgeon has looked at her and they are going to start doing skin graphs soon. She has a doctor that specializes in each area that needs to be treated or taken care of.

Anyone that would like to come to the hospital is welcomed. We are going to be making a huge memory/sign board for all of the guests to write on. That way when she wakes up she can see everyone who has supported her. So bring your favorite picture of you and her and we’ll put it on the board. Debi (her mom) doesn’t want her to miss theses days. She wants her to be able to wake up and see what has gone on and happened.

I will be updating this as time passes. Feel free to add pics, quotes, stories about jen, or anything else you can think of.

To send cards: She is at Memorial Herman downtown. She is in the Jones pavilion area. On the 8th floor in room 29.




I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."