*During physical therapy at NCH Outpatient Rehab in Marco Island, Florida, on December 1, Jen works on balancing on one leg.*

Jennifer Tuggle knows firsthand what it’s like for life to change in the blink of an eye. Her fighting spirit to overcome a tragic auto accident is an inspiration to others. She candidly shares her story which is filled with hope and renewed faith in living life to the fullest. She is eager to begin the new year with a stronger body, spirit, and heart. She will marry her fiancé, Mike Black, on April 2, 2022. They currently live in Marco Island, Florida.(Mike relocated from St. Louis, and Jennifer is from Texarkana.)

Jennifer was the owner of Texarkana Yoga, a business which she built up on her own over the years while compiling a loyal clientele. She and Mike have been together for two years, and their children actually introduced her. Jennifer’s daughter, Jordan Roy, is 22 and her soon to be stepsons are Ty and Troy. Mike’s wife passed away after they were married for 27 years. Jennifer feels like it was fate which brought them together as that was also during a time when everyone’s lives were about to change. The onset and subsequent pandemic severely affected her business. Unable to practice yoga except virtually, Jennifer made the difficult decision to sell the studio. Being a native of Texarkana, she admits it was hard to leave the area she called home but knew that it was time for a fresh start.

*Jen’s first try at standing on one leg took place in August at Brooks Rehab in Jacksonville, Florida.*

Jennifer was happily adjusting to her new home in the Sunshine State and acclimating to her passion of practicing yoga when her accident occurred. It was on June 21, 2021, shortly after her move in May. She was driving into Naples for a yoga class when she was completely blindsided by another vehicle. She was airlifted to a Ft. Myers trauma center and had to undergo a craniotomy for a brain bleed. In addition, she had broken her neck in four spots, had multiple pelvis fractures, and her right lower leg had compound breaks. Jennifer remained in a coma for 30 days.

*Mike and Jen went to Zapatas on his second trip to Texarkana during May 2020.*

Mike and Jennifer’s father, Rhett Tuggle, were constantly by her side. When she gained consciousness, she had complete paralysis on her left side. She was transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville for 30 days. Here, she was bound to a wheelchair and undergoing extensive inpatient therapy. Her daughter and brother, Brian, were also by her side, and when she was able to return home, she had rigorous physical and occupational therapy five times a week.

Six months later, Jennifer is walking well and getting more movement and strength in her left side. One lingering effect of the accident is strabismus in her left eye for which she will have surgery in February. She is determined to get stronger and credits her recovery to faith and being in good physical shape. Her doctors told her how it was a miracle she had survived amidst all of her injuries. She credits her survival simply on “God’s grace.” She views the world so differently now, cherishing each day she can spend it with loved ones. She credits her family with her getting back on track both physically and mentally.

*On June 21, 2021, a comatose Jen was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida.*

Jennifer’s education and background is in physical fitness. She studied Kinesiology at Louisiana Tech University, after which she focused on physical training and was a personal trainer but later found that her true passion was practicing yoga. She explains, “I was certified 25 years ago, and it’s been so important in my life. I was teaching at Texarkana Yoga and had an opportunity to buy it. I took a leap of faith, and I couldn’t be more proud of the business I built.” She shares how it was bittersweet to sell it and move away from Texarkana but focuses on her new life in Florida with so many positive and exciting opportunities on the horizon. She tries to never forget her ordeal and shares with others how important it is to be grateful for each day. “My hope is to show others to never give up hope. After 60 days of hospitalization, I came home with a mission: to show everyone that prayers, dedication, resilience, and the heart of a warrior can help you not just climb mountains but actually move them.”

*A huge Ohio State Buckeyes’ fan, this photo was taken of Jen before her motor vehicle accident which changed her life.*

After seven surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, Jennifer looks forward to getting stronger and returning to her yoga mat! Since she has always been a huge proponent of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this continues to aid in her recovery. She is gaining endurance in her walking distance and taking small steps along her journey. “My goal is to start walking one mile at a time and increasing up to five miles eventually,” she says. “I’m already lifting weights at home, and my therapy sessions are no joke. I will teach again one day. It’s what my heart wants and needs. There is so much joy watching others grow and feel strong and healthy.”

Jennifer is grateful for her friends and family getting her through the many times when she felt like giving up. She recalls her friends and daughter assisting with her care so her dad could return home for brief visits. As for her long-term care, she focuses first and foremost on caring for her mind and body. Along the way she has a renewed interest in helping others and has some inspiring advice for those facing a new year after extreme difficulty. “With this new year ahead of us, I hope that people first practice self-love. The last couple of years have been tough for so many. Love yourself and your life enough to commit to taking care of both. Start small in your journey, and find something you enjoy – a simple walk in the morning or evening, maybe yoga, maybe group fitness training. And eventually maybe all of the above.”

In addition, her tragedy has helped her overall outlook on life. The new year is a good time to count one’s blessings. “My life changed in the blink of an eye, and I’ve learned so many lessons. Truly count your blessings and be grateful. Pray incessantly ... God hears you, and He draws near to the broken-hearted.” She’s eager to keep a positive attitude even though there are good days and tough ones. With a wedding on the horizon, that should be easy to do. Entering a new year after extreme challenges is a way to start fresh and new. Jennifer’s life in Florida is moving forward with hope. She concludes, “My new journey is just picking up steam, and I’m ready to check off my goals one day at a time. This is the year for beautiful things to happen in our lives. See yourself at your best and go for it! It’s never too late to start.”

Feature Stories

In the Blink of an Eye