Today marks the 5th month since Jenny’s stroke. I am very pleased with her progress compared to what I had imagined things to be like 5 months ago. We continue to find new ways to utilize Jenny’s movements. Two days ago, I supported her arm while Jenny wrote words by moving her hand that had a marker taped in it. She would write a letter, pause, and I would move the paper over for the next letter. That worked out, so we played our favorite game again (MasterMind), but this time Jenny would point to the colors as I supported her arm. Last night, I took it a step farther and I put a 3/8 inch diameter dowel rod in her hand (which she held by herself) and she pointed to letters on a letter board. It was so much faster and easier to communicate. Instead of sentences, she spelled paragraphs.
I also had an early morning thought that turned out to be a good idea. I had been frustrated by the fact that Jenny could not take advantage of showers now that her trache is out since out bathroom addition would not be done for at least another month. The idea came into my mind that her showerchair might fit into our master shower/bath upstairs since Jenny demanded that the builders put in an oval tub. Sure enough, it fit perfect! I carried Jenny upstairs to surprise her with her first real shower in 5 months. Usually we wash her hair with a basin and cups of water. This time, she sat under the shower and let the water flow through her hair and over her body. For the first time, her hair looked clean and Jenny cries with happy tears the whole time. Melissa and Dustin left for California yesterday and we will really miss them. It made things easier and they made our lives more entertaining and uplifting. The kids miss them so much already. My mom is now with us and she does a great job and cooks like none else.
JENNY LYNN'S NEWS 
Hi, I am so thrilled that Jenny got to take a shower. I know that from being in the hospital a few times that a shower makes you feel so good!!!!
There is nothing that can compare to that wonderful feeling. I have been reading about the progress that Jenny has had over the months. I feel wonderful to know that Heavenly Father has blessed you and your family immensely (I had to look up this word, I am getting old and unsure of myself lately) (I spelled it right). I hope that you have a great day with many more to come. Rita
Writing! That is SO TERRIFIC!!! We can’t even imagine how great Jenny feels that she can express herself more now. We are SO happy for her! What a great blessing! Mark, keep following your promptings. You obviously aren’t the only one looking out for Jenny. We are thrilled to hear of her progress. Also, I can tell you from personal experience how very wonderful it feels to have a shower when you haven’t been able to for a while. I’ll bet Jenny wants to shower for a long time once she gets into the shower. And I would guess that she also wants lots of showers, too, unless they take too much work getting dressed after and tire her. I am just so happy for her that she can do both of those things now. You two have come miles and miles and excercised such great endurance and faith. What a wonderful example your family is. Tell Connie that we’re glad she can be back to help. What a blessing she is. We continue to keep you all in our prayers. And we continue to send our love. Uncle Dee and Aunt Lois Ann
Jenny, I’m the teacher from Puyallup, Washington. I just wanted to say that school is about to start again (2 weeks from tomorrow) and I will be sure to put you in our school daily prayers again.
I am so impressed by the love and compassion you have for each other and I really enjoy reading about your progress and your husband’s dedication to you. Should I get married again (I’ve been divorced for 8 years) I’d love to find a husband as wonderful as yours (actually I’m dating a man as wonderful as yours – so we’ll see…..)
Know that you are in my thoughts and I wish many miracles for you all (and they do happen).
God Bless you all.
Susan
Hi Jen and Mark! Great to hear about the improvements! I think about your family daily and pray for you. God is with you! You both are remarkable people! I’m happy to hear Jen is getting out and about! Take care! God Bless!
Jennifer DeLong
Hi Jenny,
I have been following your progress and I am so happy to hear of your great strides. Each day brings more hope for better improvements. Technology is so helpful. I bet the shower felt incredible, hopefully you are enjoying that often. My husband and I are thinking of you often and you are in our prayers.
Wirh love,
Melissa Burlini Teuscher