Hello everyone,
Well maybe if you're having reservations about getting married, addressing it this way in front of 300 million people might not be the best idea. :)
I have not been on board much because I've been with the families the last two days. Because I work in the media, I've been trying to help coordinate media strategy. The bottom line, with a wedding party this big, it would be foolish to have 28 groomsmen/bridesmaids saying who knows what to whoever. Some of you know the role I played in this, and I do appreiciate your words and prayers VERY MUCH.
As for Jennifer, of course I can't explain this. It's not her background, I can tell you that. I have come to know her family better through this ordeal, and they are as solid and as faith-based a group as I've ever met. The same for the Mason family. John Mason is in many ways, my hero. He has been a rock of faith that humbles me since day 1 of this nightmare. If you think you've seen an outpouring of love for Jennifer and John over the last 3 days, trust me, you ain't seen nothing yet. We are eager to give them both hugs and love starting now.
i do not know what the future holds here, for her or for them as a couple. I know they are both in my prayers. Someone with as many faults as I have (no new threads on this please) has no right to think about judging someone else.
Yesterday, her father cried on television saying he prayed it was a case of "cold feet". There were millions of prayers (many many of them from you all) praying she be found safe and brought home. Prayers answered. I guess we don't get to set stipulations to God. His will and his work will prevail for good in all of this.
One last personal note. This was so hard on me, but my friends here at FR were a pillar of strength for me. I'll never forget it. There are those of you (you know who you are) that I think we're better off if we do not communicate. Some comments burn too deep for me to erase right now. But the vast majority of you have really helped me through this. I pray for you all as you have done for me.
God Bless,
John
I'll take your word(s) for it. But if her father made the comment that he hoped it was 'cold feet', chances are he's spent 32 years watching his daughter get 'cold feet' about one thing or another. Any way you slice it, she is a 32 year old 3 year old.
We're delighted that Jenn is home safe and sound, with only a red face. They'll work things out, maybe marry, maybe not, but they're both alive and well. It would be nice if the family could throw a big party for friends and family anyway, as a way for Jenn to break the ice and make amends. With a few drinks, it will all seem pretty funny.
I may not agree with Jennifer's actions but she, John, and the families have my prayers. This is a huge mess and I pray that somehow some way it gets worked out. That had to be horrible for John. I can't even imagine my wife going missing let alone having to deal with people thinking that I had something to do with it.
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Thank you for posting, John. I wish this woman, her fiancee and family the very best.
Thanks for all your input, and I'm grateful that everyone's prayers were answered, even if embarrassing.
When things calm down a bit, PLEASE encourage Jennifer to have her thyroid checked immediately. When the whites of a woman's eyes are clearly visible around the entire circumference of the iris, that's big red flag for Grave's Disease, which often involves a "bug eyed" look that develops slowly enough that it's not noticed by people who see you every day.
Stress plays a big role in Graves, also. It used to be considered "rare," but I guess not any more. Jennifer's in her thirties, VERY thin, athletic, and stressed out, and these all put together seem to be risk factors (I got mine at forty). Ask her if she feels "hot" frequently (heat intolorance). Ask her if she's noticed light hand tremors. I understand she's a nurse, so perhaps she meant to look into it after the wedding.
I'm guessing there are dozens of opthamologists and/or endocrinologist types attempting to reach the family by emailing CNN, but they must get a million a day, so they can't even forward them.
Thanks again for your insight. I assume you're getting some rest....
I really do wish you the best and hope your friends can sort things out amongst themselves and have a happy ending !