1.22.2008

A Modern Greek Tragedy

I wanted to update everyone about the situation and tell you the whole story. It's a bit of a long story. 9 months ago I started dating a wonderful man, Vagelis. Instantly we had an amazing connection, soul mates if you believe in that sort of thing. Our relationship was a bit strained as he lived in Athens Greece and me in Connecticut, but we were able to make due by talking on a free internet phone for more than 8 hours a day. Our lives became completely intertwined despite the distance. You may have known that in October I traveled to Greece to be with him for a month. During that time he asked me to marry him and everything seemed so perfect, that kind of 'pinch me I must be dreaming' kind of perfect. We had both been single for many years and were not sure if we would ever find true love. We both said that our month together was the happiest month of either of our lives. I then returned to the states with plans for him to join me in the US soon. But our plans changed suddenly. After returning home for only a few weeks on December 13th I was notified that Vagelis was in a serious motorcycle accident. Vagelis sustained a serious injury during the accident, breaking the 5th vertebrae in his neck causing him to be paralyzed from the shoulders down. Immediately I rushed to his side in Greece to help him in the hospital during this difficult time. Unfortunately, after surgery to repair the broken bone in his neck, he contracted pneumonia. We believed he was beginning to recover from both the neck injury and the pneumonia, but very tragically his pneumonia turned to sepsis then finally septic shock. His body was unable to fight the infection and he went into a condition called multi organ failure. After one week in the ICU his heart finally stopped. Vagelis passed away at 9:55pm January 18th 2008. My heart is utterly broken. I have lost not only my love but my best friend. I am remaining in Greece for another week to help his brothers begin to sort through Vagelis' things. It is times like these that you realize life is so fragile and so precious. We must truly enjoy the moments we have here on Earth for they may be our last. I hate to be the armchair philosopher, but please heed my words: live your life full of love and happiness, do not waste your time with anger and hate, follow your dreams, and take the time to be kind to the strangers around you for they may return the favor someday, and never ever take anything or anyone for granted. I wish you all a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Jenny

105 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Jenny. That's absolutely terrible. I've been following your blog for awhile...and I donated some money on your last entry, but I'm so terribly sorry.

Anonymous said...

There's nothing really meaningful or soothing to say at a time like this, especially seeing as how I'm just an anonymous girl on the internet, but what you're saying is so true. Never take anything for granted, and never put things off until tomorrow, even that seems to be our whole modern way of life. You never know what's coming! You never know what you may regret ... assuredly, what you'll most regret is not seizing every single moment you're blessed to be in this life.

dkaz said...

I am so sorry. You will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry.
I enjoyed your blog and I wish I had any way to confort you.
My boyfriend also drives a motorcycle and I'm afraid he can have an accident.

Dev said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny, I'm so incredibly sorry. I hope that you continue to blog in some fashion.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.

marie said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

But thank you for finding the courage to be so inspirational to everyone in such a trying time.

Shelby said...

You're in my thoughts. ((HUGS))

Hanlie said...

Life is simply not fair! I am so sorry for your loss. This is just awful. Thinking of you!

Autumnseer said...

Jenny, my jaw dropped open when I read that your fiance had passed away. It must all seem as if things are surreal to you. How can you go from such happiness to what must only feel like despair? I pray that you God grants you and his family peace and please know there are many of us who read your blog who send our deepest sympathies.

Anonymous said...

I just checked your blog to see if you posted anything new, as I loved to read your writing (I have never related to anyone 's experience so much). I am so deeply saddened by your tragic loss, and will pray for you and for your departed beloved and for all your families. I was just a minute ago sitting here feeling sorry for myself and you just reminded me of how incredibly important it is to live NOW. Thank you, Jenny, and God Bless you always and may He bring you great peace during this difficult time.

Sarah Loyd said...

Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I had only started reading your blog within the last couple of months and I am so sad to hear about this!

You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Jenny. So, so, sorry. Life is short and unpredictable and we never know when we will lose the ones we love. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding everyone to not take life for granted. God bless you.

Robin Bayne said...

So sorry to hear that! Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. I am so glad you have some good memories.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. *hugs*

Anonymous said...

Many hugs to you--so very, very sorry to hear your news.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny, I am just so terribly sorry. This is incredibly, utterly unfair. I'm amazed you were even able to write - it really speaks to what a strong, determined individual you are. Please know that there are people in the world like me who you have never even met that are rooting for you and sending you love. I am so very sorry.

Anonymous said...

I am so unbelievably sorry. Thank you so much for telling us. I'll be thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

Jenny I am so terribly sorry to hear this horrible news. My deeptest sympathies to you and his family. I pray that you somehow find the strength to go through this while still believing in life, love, and the good things that will surely come your way. Remember to take care of yourself through this rought time please,Karine

Deven said...

I, too, want to express my sympathy for the tragedy you have experienced. Words from a stranger just don't seem to be enough.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. (hugs) I pray God gives you strength during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Hold tight to the good memories and the love you shared that will be with you forever. He lives on in you. I pray for your comfort and peace.

Anonymous said...

I was so saddened to read your entry... be strong through this time. God will give you the strength you need. I know what it's like to have a great Greek love...my thoughts are with you, I'm sure he was a very special man!

Kate said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, your in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so, so, so sorry!

SwissTwist said...

My heart goes out to you and his family. Sending you strength and best wishes.

Chubby Chick said...

Jenny, I am so sorry. You have my condolences. (((((Jenny)))))

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and I am so, so sorry to hear this. You're in my thoughts.

ManicZookeeper said...

There are no words to comfort you at this time.
I just love your blog, you have kept me going through some of my darkest times.
If this is any consolation, we all are hurting for you.

kellybmomof3 said...

My sincerest sympathy to you and his family.

bridget said...

Oh Jenny, I am so saddened by this news. I wish there was something I could say or do to make it all not true. Thank you for sharing and know that you are in my thoughts.
Hang in there!

Fairy Princess said...

Jenny I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you are doing okay. Please know that there is a light at the end of this tunnel no matter how dark it seems now. You are in everyone's thoughts.

Lidian said...

Jenny, I am so so sorry for your loss...you are in my thoughts for sure.

Diana Swallow said...

Jenny, there are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and to Vagelis's family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Jenny {{}}

You will get through this.

Unknown said...

My sincere condolences.

Anonymous said...

You are so right to not take anyone for granted and to live life to its fullest. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Take One Stripper Pole said...

Hi ... I just discovered your blog today. I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your loved one. Even though I am new I am still sending you loads of love and warmth!

Selma said...

Hi,

Just found your blog today. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all the people that loved him.

Selma

Anonymous said...

i am so so sorry for your loss... i can't even begin to relate, but you are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

mia79gbr said...

Hi Jenny,
I'm so desperately sorry. We'll all be thinking about you. Kind Regards Sarah

Hayley said...

this is so sad

and you are right: we must live our lives full of love and happiness

Mare said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
- Mare

Prickly Pear said...

God, Jenny!

I am so very sorry. How cruel fate can be. I hope you can use us as a source of support and strength should you need it.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for quite some time, and I had to come out of hiding to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss.

I wish for you to have brighter days in the future.

Anonymous said...

I am so so sorry for your loss right now. My heart is breaking for you.

Anonymous said...

There is absolutely nothing anyone can say in a time like this that would make you feel less heartbroken. You are an incredibly strong person for even finding a way to get out of bed in the morning--many people could not do that. I know that someday you will find love again. Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you, Jenny.

iCANdothis said...

i am so, so very sorry to hear about your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

i wish i could be more helpful to you in your time of need. i am thinking about and praying for you. i know that doesn't do much, but i am truly truly sorry.

Catherine said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I've been checking for updates periodically and was so hoping for good news. I know that there are no words that will help right now, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Been reading your blog for a couple of months and think your writing is amazing. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Vagelis' family. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I've been following your blog for some time now and I never expected that, coming back to check for any updates I would read something like this. So very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

By the way, since I happen to live in Athens, if by any chance you need to talk to someone at any point while you stay here, feel free to contact me (joad82@gmail.com) It would be the least I could do.

Anonymous said...

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Im so sorry for your loss. You are absolutely right. We cannot take anything or anyone for granted, because you never know, what will will happen the next moment. I have no words to express my sympathy. All I can say is, we live onces, we die onces and let's make it memorable. Let's all work together and live a peaceful life, until we are alive. Take good care of your self. May he rest in peace.

Unknown said...

I am so so very sorry... as many others have said, you have inspired and encouraged me. I am sure that your presence by his side comforted him and I'm glad you were able to be there with him. I hope others are able to come to your side right now too. We here in cyberspace are all with you, of course.

My prayers are with you and all who loved Vagelis.

Aly

Anonymous said...

This is the first time I've read your blog. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Γιωργος Μανουσακης said...

i thing that you are a very strong person. i 'm sure that you will get through this.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Vagelis sounded like a great man. Peace.

Anonymous said...

i just found your blog too and can't believe that I have come across such tragic circumstances. I hope that you are strong enough to pull through this sweety! I will be back for sure.

Big hugs!

Girl on a Mission... said...

God bless you and your family.
You have been through a crisis and it will take many years to heal.
You were blessed to have met the man of your dreams and spend the precious time you have.
Take care of yourself, and time will heal your void.

Tully said...

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss. I feel like I know you from reading your blog. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you and your fiance's family since I first read this post.

I am sending you all my love and I do hope we see you back here when you are ready. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I've just discovered your blog and would like to say that I have read a few posts and am very moved by everything you wrote.

I am so sorry though to read about what's happened to your fiance. That is shocking! I'm so sorry.

I hope things get a bit sunnier for you soon. xx

Anonymous said...

I just ran across your blog today and I wanted to say how very I sorry I am for your loss.

Anonymous said...

My heart just goes out to you and to your fiance's family. May God bless all of you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is absolutely heartbreaking news. I've been reading your blog for God knows how long now- and I was just checking back for any updates- this is the last thing I expected to find here today. You are such an amazingly strong woman and kind hearted person. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always. What a tragic loss this is, may you find the inner strength to deal with everything that follows this sad time. Much love, and many many prayers to you Jenny.

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Many prayers are coming to you.

Salty Rainbow said...

omg, I am sooo sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, truly and sincerely..

Anonymous said...

Oh my dear... I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you.

Angie said...

There are no words. I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

My condolences on your loss. So sudden. You reached out in the midst of grief to others. So very commendable. Please note you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

*Christie* said...

I am terribly sorry to hear what you are going through. I know there is nothing I can say, so I will just say that I am here if you need anything.

Nory Roth said...

I have been reading your blog for some time, and just checked back in for any updates. So sorry to hear your shocking news. My heart breaks with yours. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nory

rimafauzi said...

Oh My God.. I am so sorry to hear that. May he rest in peace. Be strong!

HappyBlogChick said...

I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Since I've read your post, I kept thinking of you and I just wanted to tell you how truly sorry I am for your loss. I've been reading your blog for quite a while and although we don't know each other I just want you to know that if you need anything I'm here to help in any way I can.
Take care.
Maria

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny, My heart breaks. What a gift however, living to experience such a magical month together. Before he passed, its clear he was happy. That's something we can all learn from. I'm so so sorry, and i wish you strength, and when you're ready, some peace.

Camilla

Anonymous said...

None of us have a choice when it comes to experiencing pain and loss. However, it is a precious sign of the ability to love and live. Let us treasure that in ourselves every day, like you said. I send you my deepest sympathy, Jenny.
Be strong,
Usha

Nicole (SummersComing) said...

I am so sorry. So truly heartbreaking.

Mrs. Nancy G said...

I just stumbled onto your blog by chance. This is my first time here. I am so sorry to read what has happened. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences. I hope you have some family and friends near to help you through as you grieve.

Hugs,
Nancy Grant

Anonymous said...

hey jenny, i just wanted to check on you, and let you know i've been thinking about you! i hope you're doing ok

SherriD said...

Jenny:
I found your blog recently, and I wanted to offer my most heartfelt condolences. I know there is nothing anyone can say to help ease the pain of losing a loved one, especially so suddenly. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of the many who read you, and hold on to those beautiful memories. Your Vagelis will be with you always in your heart.

Anonymous said...

Jenny - just try to remember that there was a reason that you both entered each other's lives at this time and that you have shared this experience together. Maybe it will bring you some comfort. I know it seems so senseless now, and it is maybe the most painful thing we can experience, losing a loved one this way. I'm very sorry.

I wish you love and peace of heart.

Richa Vachaspati said...

iam on your blog for the first time. iam really sorry for your loss. Reading your blog made me realise how we fret over petty things and forget thoes that matter most to us. May you be brave and strong.

Anonymous said...

I am much worried about your loss, and by seeing your words about life i am sure that all kind hearted peoples will follow.
http://www.hosurlive.com

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Anonymous said...

Oh my GOD! I am so, so sorry for you. I don't even know you, but I know what a broken heart feels like. I know what it is to love someone more than anything and not be able to have them. Just know that everything happens for a reason, even the most horrible things in life have a good reason for occuring. I hope that you will allow yourself to be strong and get through this, and best of luck on your weight loss. I also am dieting and exercising- I've lost about 40 and have another solid 40 to lose in a perfect world.
Best Wishes,
Mal

Lady Downsize! said...

With such a tragedy, I hope you are OK. It is now mid-March and I wonder how you're doing. Keep your mojo despite loss. It's hard to spring from grief, but the Lord will be with you if you seek Him and He will guide you forward. I'll simply pray.

I'm sooOOOO done being fat said...

Hi -- I have been a little absent from the blog boards and my heart just broke reading your last entry. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I was so glad to hear that things had finally turned around for you and that you were so happy!!! My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hang in there!!! Sending lots of hugs!

Jessica said...

I just came across your blog, and I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how you feel. Know that you have fans out there who still love to read your work!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jenny,

You are really great. Even after facing this tragedy you are still sportive and encouraging others to be motivated.

HATS OF TO YOU JENNY
ALL THE BEST
MAY GOD HELP YOU ALL THE WAYS...

Flabuless said...

girl...we are with you. you are so bold to have posted your grief.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I am so, so, so sorry. You are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jenny!, I just came across your blog today, I am sooo sorry to hear that!!!!, I am speechless and your story just hit me like a low blow!, I hope that you are doing ok!, keep on working out, it will help to release all the pain and it will keep your mind/body busy!!!!!! Don't STOP working out!

Jem said...

I am so very sorry for your loss! :'( Just reading this has actualy brought a tear to my eye. I know I am just some random person on the internet but I do truely feel sorry. Thankyou so much for being such a help for so many people! You are a wonderful woman. Dont ever forget that.

Regards
JWard

http://www.fastfatlossproductreviews.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. Keep motivating people. Helping others is what it is all about.
Professor Jay
http://secretloss.com

Anonymous said...

I am sooo sorry for your loss! We went thru a like scare with hubby last year... I almost lost him - I dont know how I could have coped should he had passed on!
You are in my prayers & I hope God gives you strength to cope!

hella adequate said...

My sincerest condolences. I honestly reckon you're so strong and amazing, and I wish you luck and peace.

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galgata said...

I'm very sorry for your loss :( , life sometimes sucks. Hope you are feeling a little better by now :)