Plan on Paying it 'FORDward' This Weekend

The first of several events planned in the local area to raise funds for the family of Jennifer Ford will take place at Loganville High School on Saturday.  Ford was in a serious car accident on Nov. 10 and finally returned to her Between, Ga. home on Valentine's Day to continue her rehabilitation. She is a Loganville High School graduate, wife to high school sweetheart Darren and mother to two children.

If you have not already entered, the Pay it FORDward 5K will be $30 on the day of the race. Full information and registration can be found at www.ford5K.blogspot.com.

A Poker Run and Fun Benefit is also scheduled for May 18. For information, contact Tiffany King at 770-653-8017 or Chad Meadows 404-402-0832.

Ford's husband has been running a regular update on his Facebook page on Ford's recovering. His latest entry is particularly heart warming for people following the family's progress.

Wow, how time has flown. It is hard to believe Jennifer has already been home for 2 months. We are in our final week of therapy at Shepherd and are preparing for home and swim therapy.

We have all been so busy lately that I haven't taken the time to speak of the progress we have made. Someone once coined the phrase, "he's busy burning the candle at both ends"... My question is did anyone ever say how long the candle was?

Before Jennifer's accident, I had it made and took advantage of it as well. I'm not saying I didn't help, but I didn't realize just how much she did. These past few months have been a wake up call to me. It is hard finding the energy to work a full day and then come home to two kids, chores, dinner prep, and homework. (Jennifer, when you read this, make sure you note I gave you credit.)

Jennifer has been doing well. She is walking everywhere and hasn't used the wheelchair since the 15th of February. She helps me with laundry, meals, and dishes and is eager to get back to doing it by herself - whoever would've thought?

She has been on Facebook daily and interacting occasionally with friends through messaging or FaceTime. Social media helps spark emotions and thoughts which are both helpful right now.

Just last week she posted about how she was looking forward to this past weekend. Saturday I woke up around 7:30 and was mowing the backyard around 9:00 with my push mower... By 9:30 she was awake, dressed, and outside begging to let me let her help. So, being the strong guy I am, I caved in and let her help. (For all the doctors, nurses, and therapists who will read this just ignore the details of the help.) Jennifer made about 10 or 12 passes with the push mower and I walked along side with both arms ready for any unforeseens. Jennifer was so grateful I let her help and begged me to let her finish by herself... I didn't though.

After we finished, we went to Meridian Park and walked just over a mile before leaving. She wanted D & K to have fun before ending spring break. When we finished at Meridian, we went to Sonic to satisfy the new craving for chocolate she acquired.

We spent Sunday looking for a new swimsuit to highlight her figure for the swim therapy that starts this week. She wanted a bikini and I wanted something a little more conservative... So again, my being the strong guy I am, I caved in and got both... But with the understanding that the bikini is for the lake.

I am excited about the progress Jennifer is making. Yes, it is hard to deal with, but we deal with it as a family. After all, Family is what we fight for.