Due to the generosity of a couple families who have offered the use of their pools for Jenny’s rehab, we have tried out aqua therapy with Jenny. Jenny was naturally scared to try, but anxious to see what being in water could do. I have to look at things from her prespective at times and realize how frightening it is to do something as simple as go into a pool. After a few minutes of reassurance, Jenny burst into tears- the good kind. She was able to move muscles that she could not do so before and she felt less restricted and free from having to lay down. She did not want to get out when it was time. Jenny is also moving new muscles in her arms and legs as she is resting between therapies. I try to watch and see what is moving so I can start working that new movement. There is still not enough of one moevment to allow her any ability to perform self help tasks, but she is getting so very close.
News
July 12, 2004
Zach had his 7th birthday today and I was hoping it would be a good experience for Jenny despite being the first birthday of one of her children since her stroke (did I mention that the kids’ birthdays are the most important holidays to Jenny and she really gets into them?). Jenny insised that I made the cake despite several very capable people offered to do it for us. Jenny eventualy admitted that she did not want anyone making a better cake than her. I am not sure how I am suppose to take that, but the cake was great. I admit that Jenny would have done it better, but I used star tips and character cake pans and all. Jenny cried only once at the party and that was during the singing of “Happy Birthday”. I am sure she wanted to sing to her son. She told me the other day that singing is something she misses most- more than walking or moving her arms. Unfotunately, it is the one thing she does not show any improvement on. Jenny eats better these days. She pretty much eats what we eat for dinner with little or no alterations to it. Chewing is still a problem, so I guess it is lucky I am use to cooking for young children who don’t chew so well so our menu does not ave to change much to accomodate Jenny. I see new movments in her arms and legs that are larger extensions of smaller movements. She is usually able to repeat them at least once more if I ask her to do so.
July 9, 2004
Jenny had family in town to visit again and it always seems to go better when new faces are here that she enjos seeing. Jenny tries harder in therapies and is happier. We tired letting Jenny sit cross legged on the floor with only her arms holding herself up. Her torso was strong and when she felt herself falling, she reacted by locking her arms and catching herself. Her neck still wants to pull to the left and so she fights this movement while she tries to balance herself and remember to swallow all at the same time. She was able to sit by herself for 30-5 seconds with no help and for several minutes with slight readjustments. She gets stronger in her neck and torso each day that we work on it. There has not been any new movements, but the old ones get a little stronger each day. Again, none of her movements in themselves are capable of performing any self help tasks at this time, but she is getting so close to making this happen..
July 7, 2004
Jenny has been a bit discouraged lately reguarding her progress. Appearantly, Jenny set a goal early on to be totally healed by Zach’s birthday (which is next week). I guess a 4 month total regaining of all abilities may have been too aggressive, but I respect her desire and faith. Of course, she has far surpassed all that she was expected to do and has the ability to go much farther. Jenny also stated that she has done all that she was suppose to do, but she did not get any better. In turn, I asked if she wanted to review some video I have been taking of her progress since she returned from Cleveland. After seeing this, Jenny changed her mind concerning her lack of progression. She still works hard and is slowly getting stronger. This was kind of a tearful day, but a good day none the less.
July 4, 2004
Jenny continues to get stronger and more able to endure her therapies. We have not been as aggressive or tried many new therapies, but Jenny looks great in what she is able to do. She went with us to see Spiderman last week and it was great to go to the movies as a family, and with the help of her sister Missy. The kids are feeling more comfortable around Jenny and her health. Appearantly, Jessie thought her mom was “sick” to the point of being contageous. I explained that her condition was more of an injury than being sick and Jessie has been more comfortable with hugs and kisses.
Jenny has also been a little devilish by being part of numerous pranks that I pull on her siblings as they come to visit. I usually do these on my own, but Jenny is more than happy to be in on my plans and often reminds me to make sure I don’t forget to carry out our plans. I am afraid I have created a monster now when it comes to tricking people.
JENNY LYNN'S NEWS 