09/29/2026
This summer brought on a lot of unexpected surprises, some good and some bad. I learned that my support network is strong and my willpower is great. I put together a slideshow of the summer of 2026 and thought I’d share just how much has changed in a few short months with you.
As you may know, in June, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis really surprised me as I don’t have a family history of breast cancer and didn’t have a typical scare that many women see in their monthly breast exams. I learned I am capable of so much more than I had ever endured.
That month, I hosted an author at Island Espresso with Kathy Mansfield and my brother and family came to visit. Following the shock, these were welcome distractions that helped calm the storm.
The month of July was a whirlwind, I brought my son to Minnesota State University in Mankato, driving 22 hours total with a number of stops along the way. We made memories that will last a lifetime. Some of my greatest friends from college came to visit the area so naturally I had to show them some of my favorite spots. I participated in the GLOW Back to School event and helped participants learn texting etiquette and learned more than the participants when a student immediately wrote me a handwritten thank you note for teaching her something new. That warmed my heart. I had my first appointment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville and got my game plan to officially kick cancer to curb. And to wrap up the whirlwind, I got to have snow cones with my niece, Bestie, at Sweet Surf Snow Cones served by my daughter, Madison. In between it all, I spent as much time as I could poolside and with friends and family.
Although life had plans for me I was not looking for, I think we’ve made the best out of it. As I’m recovering from my surgery, I am so grateful to have this lovely community and support of loved ones to get through. Thanks Summer 2026, you taught me just how powerful I am.
- Jen
