We were able to have both sets of our parents, Jenny’s grandma, and a few siblings with us for Christmas. Jenny felt it was one of her better Christmas celebrations. We played several games, all of which Jenny was able to participate in with little or no help. The kids, with only minimal help from myself, made Jenny a game for Christmas that she can play with no help. Overall, it was a wonderful time and Jenny was happy and positive about things. I was fearing that it would be just the opposite being that it was her first Christmas since the stroke. Each day has the potential of bringing tears as she does something for the first time, like wear her sun glasses that she has not worn since March, or finding that they don’t make her favorite hair gel anymore. Something that minor is as trying experinece because it is one more thing that has changed since her injury.
Jessica was so excited because she received a doll in a wheel chair for Christmas that she had been asking for. Playing “mom” has always been a favorite thing in their imaginary play, and this is now part of their everyday life. Jenny is touched that Jessica has been so accepting of her condition and still feels like Mom is a big part of her life. If I can take anything from Jessica’s play, there is nothing that Jessica feels that her mom can not do.
JENNY LYNN'S NEWS 
Happy Holidays to you all! It’s neat that you all enjoyed Christmas. Aren’t children wonderful? We can learn a lot from them. In our mind’s eye we can see Jessica playing dolls with her new doll-in-a-wheelchair. Thanks for continuing to write, Mark. We are always so happy to hear how things go there. The strength and purpose your family shows while learning and growing gives us strength and purpose in our own lives. You would be surprised how often I think, ‘If Jenny can do what she is doing, then I can do this….’ Thanks for that. It is a great gift you both are giving us – being able to share and learn with you. You both set such a good example. We send our love… Uncle Dee and Aunt Lois Ann
Dear Jenny and Mark, I’m happy to hear there is such a thing as a doll in a wheelchair. I remember the change my mom went through when she started using a wheelchair (when I was 15)Mom refused to go to church anymore and I just was sad about that – she was embarrased to be seen in it. She could have used the spiritual uplift and the help from others…It was funny – she mentioned at my highschool graduation how she thought I was probably ashamed to be with her in her wheelchair – but you know… I remember telling my friends before they met her for the first time that she used a wheelchair(when they’d come to our house) – not a big deal to me… and I NEVER felt embarrased by her needing a wheelchair… I didn’t even think about it like that… it was just what she had to have – and I loved my mother so much that I didn’t even think of it in those terms. Anyway – it makes me cry to think of everything my mom had to endure – and I have tears for you too Jenny and Mark – because I’m sorry you have to have such challenges in your lifes together. YOu are right Mark – my mother too had a huge impact on my life – even if she couldn’t do much physically… her presence in my life was incredible – I wish I still had her…..
Susan Armbruster
I HAVE MISSED A FEW POST WITH THE HOLIDAYS’ ARRIVAL. THEN TO TOP IT OFF WE HAD A HORRIBLE DEATH IN THE FAMILY A FEW DAYS BEFORE THANKGIVING. I WON’T ELABORATE FARTHER. SO I HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE COMPUTER TO KEEP UP ON THE UPDATES. I SEE THINGS ARE GOING WELL AND IT IS SO JOYOUS TO HEAR JENNY’S PROGRESSING WELL. SHE HAS MADE ALOT OF GAINS IN HER FIRST YEAR. I’M GLAD IT WAS A SEASON OF HAPPINESS FOR HER. I’M STILL AWAITING HER FIRST E-MAIL.
KAT
Happy Holidays….I am glad to hear that Christmas went so well. I am glad you are all able to spend the time together. I hope New Years is just as great. Keep up the good work adn enjoy the times, they are great.
In Love and Faith
Janet