01. Hello

I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies,
this is me! – The Greatest Showman

Hi. I am not sure why I’m even writing because the likelihood of something coming of it is slim. Very slim. I mean why would anyone want to read about a ¨nobody¨? Just a woman who has been through it all, and of course I’m exaggerating because what’s a good story without extra emphasis? That and I’m female, so to me, everything is absolute… [<-btw: yes, that is sarcasm]

I am who I am. I have my faults and am nowhere near perfect. I am very easy going but at the same time, complicated. I have been through a lot over the years, but I know that it has made me who I am and I am stronger today because of it.​​ That said, I believe I have a lot to offer so that others don’t need to feel alone.

Now, where the hell do I begin? Do I just start with a list about myself: wife, mother, chronic illnesses, mermaid, former cheerleader, non-religious yet spiritual believer, equal rights enthusiast, etc? No, how boring! Boring isn’t what people want to read. Excitement is what sells! However, if that’s what you’ve come here for you’ll be sorely disappointed. I may not be exciting but I’m real. I am honest. I am me; and in order for you to understand I need to start at the beginning.

I grew up in Canton Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Now, if you don’t know about Michigan you’re probably thinking – ¨How scary. Dangerous.¨ __ Oh?! you’re not? That’s good because I probably would have. Actually Canton is a relatively safe area, except of course it’s home to  some of the top most dangerous intersections in South-Eastern Michigan. Car accidents aside, it’s a great middle class area. Great school district (for most), Ikea, Olympic athletes and David Burtka – you know, NPH’s husband. I enjoyed growing up in Canton but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m glad I’m gone and was happy to get out of there by the age of 21. In fact, by 21, enough people had already told me that I should write a book.

At the end of the day – when all is said and done, I had a great childhood. It wasn’t always easy, happy or fun, but I knew what love was. Never once did I question my parent’s love or support. My mother is a Russian – Hungarian Jew and my father a mostly Irish – German with specks of English Catholic. There is also Jack – my older brother with whom it took nearly 23 years to have a relationship with.

Hi. My name is Jena and I’ve been through it all.

*🚫disclaimer – some details and names have been slightly altered and/or omitted due to respecting the privacy of others. I may be putting my truth out there but my truth doesn’t have to expose the truths of others.

*🚫disclaimer #2 – you can tell the mood of my writing by my verbiage. Some entries may have a few… {choice words}, while others could receive a PG rating. I do apologize for any offense, but as I’ve said since the very beginning: this is me. I’m real, I’m honest, I’m Jena.