Yet another mile stone has been met as Jenny attended her first day back at church. I did not realize how difficult it would be to get Jenny ready for church compared to any other day. First of all, there is this skirt and panty hose issue. I almost put a pair of Jessica’s tights on Jenny that were somehow placed in Jenny’s dresser by mistake. The real stockings did not seem much bigger, but I was aware of the “dance” and stretching that is involved with putting these things on. Despite my deficits, Jenny still looked beautiful by the time we were done. She and I only attended the first of the three hours of meetings. I knew it would be overwhelming to be back to a place she has found such support and strength by means of friends and gospel message. I appoligize to those who hoped to speak with her since we left early. Jenny was emotional the whole time and struggled to compose herself. I helped her take the sacrament, which is something she looked forward to doing despite having it brought to her in the hospital on occassion. She also loved to hear the choir, despite her tears and emotions. She looks forward to returning next week.
Jenny has demonstrated more movement in her body. I noticed that her toes were moving in a rythmic, fluid motion as if she was tapping to a beat. When asked to stop, she stopped, and would continue when asked to do so. Her right hand has also began to move all its fingers and bend at the wrist when Jenny is asked to move it. She has not been able to repeat these movements that all appeared last evening, but I assume it is normal to have the ability to come and go. I can get movement in her left hand too, with a new therapy that I invented called, “booger therapy”. It is simple and plays on Jenny’s dislike of other people’s snot. I simply hold her hand out and slowly move my nose close to her hand and she either bends the threatened finger out of the way or the whole hand. I guess this could be a reflexive movement, but at no time do I touch her fingers (even though I tease her that I will put her finger in my nose). She usually laughs and enjoys seeing movement as much as I do. Jenny also is able to make movements, upon request, better when she laughs. I’m not sure how that works, but I tell Jenny that she will take her first steps at a comedy club if this is the case.
JENNY LYNN'S NEWS 
Congratulations Jenny. It’s good to hear that you made it to church. I’m also glad to hear that the intensive “booger therapy” is going well.
Rob
Hi, Jenny, Mark and kids –
It was tremendous to see you at church today. Jenny – you are beautiful and thank you for coming to be with us today – to have you in our midst is a great blessing. I’m looking forward to seeing you again next Sunday.
Love to all–
Sherry
Jenny, I was so sorry to not get a chance to speak to you at Church yesterday. My girls were all excited when they saw you there! I hope everything goes a little smoother for you next week! It is so wonderful that you have reached another milestone. My love always,
Lynne
Jenny and family, My daughter Rene’ had a brain stem stroke with lock-insyndrome in July of 03. She also had a trach. It was removed Dec 4 and before that some sounds were coming out. Since it’s removal she hasn’t been able to get any sound out. They say it is because she tries to talk on the in-breath and has to talk on the out-breath to get the sound out. She has a feeding tube but just recently has been able to eat some soft foods. She cannot have liquids yet and has a hard time with stuff to chew. It is a long process to get back some of the functions that were lost. It is a tought job for caregiver too. I know what you mean about getting ready to go to church. Her church is a casual church so slacks are allowed and it has to be easier than panty hose and dresses. Keep up the good work. Rene’ works on the computer too. Karen
Jenny,
It was wonderful to see you in church! Mark, I am SO impressed that you got her nylons on! I think Jenny just wanted to see you struggle like the WOMEN of the world have for years to get them on and off! Hope you had a good laugh, Jenny!
The Primary children will be singing in Sacrament Meeting for Father’s Day this Sunday, and I thought I’d give you a little warning, because I know this will bring a high level of emotion, but nothing could be more special than for the children to see your beautiful face in the congregation while they sing!
Jenny, you are so amazing. As I fulfill the calling of Primary Chorister, I am amazed at the way you truly “Magnified your calling!” I’m trying to do the same, but wish we could just have 4 more hours in the day specifically for “magnifying!” We love you! See you Sunday!
Love,
Vanessa
Jenny!!!!!!!
HOw wonderful that you made it to chirch. I think that it is truely great that you went back to such a supportive place. They love you there, we all do. I hope that the trip to church get’s easier. But I definatly think that you should have Mark do the whole nylon thing every week 😉
May the music fill you spirit. Let it move you, that is what it is there for.
God Bless you ALL!!!!!!!!!!
I love you all
In Love and Faith
Janet
Jenny!!!!!!!
HOw wonderful that you made it to chirch. I think that it is truely great that you went back to such a supportive place. They love you there, we all do. I hope that the trip to church get’s easier. But I definatly think that you should have Mark do the whole nylon thing every week 😉
May the music fill you spirit. Let it move you, that is what it is there for.
God Bless you ALL!!!!!!!!!!
I love you all
In Love and Faith
Janet
What is it about our children and body functions?
It is easy to see why I would not have Mark help me put on pantyhose?
I’m sure getting out has both good and bad moments associated with it and I’m thrilled for the good ones. President Heber J Grant said how the things we do get easier over time. I sure hope so as I adjust to my new diet and exercise program. I just remember he was tone deaf and eventually sang in the tabernacle.
Mom is feverishly working to outfit the other house so you can have more visitors from both in and outside the family.
Love,
Dad
Hi, Just a note to let you know how wonderful it is to see so much progress. I’m sure that it was a funny site to see Mark put your pantyhose on you. I was reading about Vanessa telling you that the children were singing on Father’s Day. I just had to tell you that she is doing a wonderful job helping the children to sing and learn the songs. Since Jenny pretty much had things in hand, it has helped the children as well as Vanessa to make singing time in Primary go smoothly. Thank you for being so organized and on top of things Jenny. You are so good at organization. I need some of your tips and a lot of help. As you keep working on your skills and talents and you do all that you can, Heavenly Father will help with what you don’t or can’t do. Isn’t it wonderful to know that. I sure need all the help that I can get. Keep working hard to improve all your skills. Love to all of you. Rita
Mark,
I’m so glad to hear of the progress Jenny is making. We really miss you a lot at work and wish you were still around. We think of you often and of course always talk about you. Your kids and parents ask about you frequently. One family even brought you in a card, hope you got it. We miss you a lot. Brenda CW