Jill and Donny's blog

OBE, Overcome By Events, is the latest catchy phrase at my workplace. That's what happended to me last week since I did not read the website for 5 days; Uncle Donny continues to read every day and gave me the download. And I really missed a lot! I continue to tell Tori's story to anyone who will listen. It is disappointing to me when I experience total ambivalence to Tori's story. It's too much of a realty check for people to handle. However, I continue to share the story because every time I do, I gain strength, courage, hope and determination. So even though the listeners may not be getting anything from Tori's story, I sure do. That is the gift that all of you have given to me. Thank you. I am SO excited about Tori's move and I KNOW she is too, as well as all of you. This is getting way to long but wanted you to know it is still THOUGHTS ALL DAY AND PRAYERS EVERY DAY. All our love, Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny.

As I write this, I am wearing one of my Tori shirts. I LOVE them. With my bracelet in tact, and wearing my shirt, my mission today is to spread the word of Tori's story. So, in addition to my thoughts and prayers for all of you today, I am e-mailing out-of-town and out-of-state friends with the Pray4Tori link. Also will be making phone calls to local friends. Hope you all will feel the love. Thoughts all day and prayers every day. Love, Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

Have a wonderful trip to France. I know both of you will be greatly missed by the Utah Schmanski family and all of us in the Midwest. But I'm sure that we will be hearing from you. Hope you have some Tori Website support lined up during your absence becaue I know how much work you have done on this. I don't have enough words to say thank you for all you have done for Tori and her family. I am so grateful to both of you. Wishing you safe travel. Regards, Auntie Jill

Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny received bracelets this week and immediately began wearing them, hoping for responses. Since we in the Midwest are farther away from "the action", response has been somewhat reserved. HOWEVER, Uncle Donny was questioned yesterday in a retail store; the bracelet caught the clerk's eye because her daughter's name is Tori, spelled the same way. So Uncle Donny briefly told her Tori's story and then recommended this beautiful website. We will continue our campaign. Tori has a pretty rigid schedule going on and she is doing so well. I am so proud of all of you. Thoughts all days and prayers every day. All our love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

Grandpa Paul's story (Guys' entry) during his recent visit brought yet more tears to my eyes. You see, Grandpa Paul is my "big" brother (meaning an older brother) and I know what a big heart he has. I can envision the scene between him and his grandaughter as they visually communicate; sometimes one does not need words. Sleep well all of you and God Bless. Hope you can feel all of our hugs and kisses from far away in the Midwest. Received my bracelets today from Janine and the moment I and Donny put them on our wrists, we felt a warm kind of connection. We love you guys! Thoughts all day and prayers every day. Love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

I am thrilled to hear of the trach news and not nearly as thrilled about that sleepless night episode. Tori will be OK and considering all that has happened in the the last few days she may be just a little wound up. Hope the myclonus episodes dissipate again. Thanks for the daily update; I sure do appreciate your thoughtfulness for all of us so far away. Dinner with the Aunties (Kathryn, Joan, Alene) last night and our main topic of discussion was all of you and how we must continue to help and support all of you. Thoughts all day and prayers every day. Love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

Thank you so much for your dedication to keep all of us current on what's up with Tori. I am so thankful she is feeling better, and moving on to bigger and better things! Going home is a wonderful goal but be patient and give as much time as possible to do things right. Thoughts all day and prayers every day! Get some rest you guys! All our love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny PS I'm a bit envious that pray4tori is a recognized phrase in your part of the country and not so much here in the Midwest. Perhaps we in the Midwest need to work harder to get the word out there.

Hi All! Yesterday evening and today were busy so I did not get to read your log for a bit. Guy and Sophie - thank you so much for your wonderful support. You are totally adopted into this extended family. Trust me - that's a good thing! Looking forward to my shirt order and bracelet delivery. We were praying for Tori and ALL of her family to have a few really good days to rest and recoup. What a journey all of you are on! We love you so much and pray that we can do more to help all of you through this. Love to Paul and Sandy, Whitney and Brenday, GUY AND SOPHIE. Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

Just a brief note to let you know we continue to follow Tori's story and her minute-by-minute achievements. This last story is truly a miracle. We are both just shaking our heads and know that she has a guardian angel with her as well as all of you. Thoughts of you all day and prayers every day. All our love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny

and all of your family too. Thank you for sharing Tori's condition with all of us. I'm sure it's sometimes difficult to write the updates but it is so very comforting to those so far away from you. I wish my arms were longer so I could reach you all and give you a big HUG! Thoughts of you all day long and prayers for you every day. All our love Auntie Jill and Uncle Donny