| Jennifer's Childhood Jenni was born with spina-bifida (a congenital birth defect) She spent most of her infant and early childhood with casts on both legs and leg braces to the knee. It never slowed her down, she would always try to do everything. Countless trips to hospitals (some as far as 500 miles from home and stays lasting up to 6 months. Most of her medical care was done at Shrinners Hospitals, until she was 21. I believe she had somewhere around 30 surgeries. We are forever thankful to Shrinners for the care and love they share with crippled children and their families. Even in her adult life she has had to continue with corrective surgery. I mentioned the above only to get to this: She was a blessing to most everyone She didn't complain about pain She moved on with life as if she didn't have a handicap (we were the ones with the handicap). She rescued a little boy from the Umpqua, when she was 13 years old. It made Local and national news. Jennifer and her family got invited to the White House by President Regan and with a lot of help from our communities we went to Washington DC. She was honored by President Regan for her bravery. She was our "Hero" She was spunky, head strong, stubborn, determined, fearless, dedicated, bright, hard working, beautiful, strong (our rock), loyal, reliable, and could make us laugh when we didn't want to. Jennifer was: Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend We will miss her so. |