Remembering Jennie

Sweet Sarah

Sarah and Tony Brown welcomed our entire extended family into their home. When they heard we needed housing in the area, they rolled out the red carpet. All of their children gave up their rooms as wells as beds to perfect strangers because their mom said we were family. Sarah you have a servant heart in the truest sense of the word.

You housed at least 4 guests and as many as 20 through that entire heartbreaking 2 week period. But you didn't just provide your home, you provided practical help with dinners and fun activities for the kids and adults to keep our mind off things when we could. You provided a sweet shoulder to cry with and essential help with this blog. You stayed up late each night to chat and play and got up early each morning to help tend Hartley when we needed help.

You tended our Dad when we needed to leave him and loved our Mom as your own, not just as an Auntie. You organized help from your ward in the form of beds, food and support. Your ward kindly provided several large group meals including one after the funeral. All of this without us even being a part of your ward. Sarah I love you, you are so dear. We will always share a deep bond created through this time of pain. I'm grateful the Lord provided so much comfort for our family through yours. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Amazing Fort Collins

When Richard, Ken, and the kids arrived home late that first night, they were welcomed home. Anticipating not only the need for privacy at that difficult time by not being present, they left a trail of warmth and love to greet the tired travelers. The house had been freshly vacuumed and there were air mattress set-up in anticipation of family needing extra beds. Fresh flowers were lovingly picked and arranged from Jennie's "garden buddy" who also provided many more for the Memorial later that weekend, as well as a hot meal prepared ahead and warming on the stove.

Neighbors were waiting to "drop" by and invite the kids swimming, and offer love and support at that crucial time. The memorial service on Saturday was especially sweet and spiritual. Members of the ward shared so much with this sweet family preparing a special video to remember her always (we are working on uploading it soon) and a wonderful meal for friends and family. The speakers were inspired and the Spirit was with us all.

When we arrived home after the service, angels had placed cards along the drive all the way up to the front door. Sweet children drew pictures and shared memories as well as kind friends sharing thoughts, memories and special moments with Jennie. It all means so much to us, we know this little family is in the right hands there in Fort Collins. Thanks is not enough, but we express it to you all sincerely.

Card's full of love

She's an angel

July 7, 2012

Teagan & Hartley

Donations are greatly appreciated on behalf of Jennie's two beautiful kiddos, Teagan & Hartley. They were the light of Jennie's life and they will need all the love and hugs we can all send their way. Thank you for all that you are doing on their behalf. The friends and neighbors in Fort Collins have really reached out with loving arms and we are so appreciative of their continued support.

Memorial Video

Natalie Steele from Richard and Jennie's ward, is putting together a picture and video slideshow this week to be viewed at the Memorial Service.

Please send me any digital pictures of Jennie and her family that you would like included. We need the pictures by Wednesday of this week. Any photo can be scanned at a print shop or some home printers have color scanners as well, this will turn your printed photo into a digital photo. Please send to nataliesteel@gmail.com

Meeting up with Richard

The following post is written by Ken, Jennie's brother. Ken was the first family member to meet up with Richard after the accident.


It wasn't coincidence that I haven't found a job yet. I graduated in May with a Master's degree in Architecture.I had just spent the week at boy scout camp with my oldest son Jake. We arrived home Saturday morning and I unpacked the truck and put all the gear away. I was tired from the drive home and the short nights at camp. So I decided to take a nap. An hour and a half later Mom called  to tell me about the accident that Richard and Jennie were in. Mom was looking for a way to get Karla a flight up and since my wife Polly works for the airlines they wanted to know what I could do. We really did not have any way to help Karla in this case but I realized that I could go with Karla to be with Jennie and Richard.  We planned on arriving in SLC about 9:30 pm and then driving 3 hours out to Rock Springs where the accident happened. This was about 2 pm  around 3 hours after the accident it was 1pm my time.  After checking flights Polly found I could leave on an earlier flight than Karla and could make a second flight clear to Rock Springs by 9pm. So I called Karla and told her to go to be with Jennie when she got into SLC and that I would go straight to Richard. I flew standby to SLC but the flight to Rock Springs was on a little plane with not many seats.  I felt I needed to just buy a ticket even though there seemed to be extra seats to catch standby. Without a job I was concerned with finances but I needed to get to Richard so it felt like the right thing to do. It was good because the flight filled up and they were asking for volunteers  to give up their seats.


Polly had set up a rental car to be picked up at 9 pm when the flight arrived. After arriving at the Rock Springs airport, the thirty or so passengers disappeared from the airport lobby in about two minutes and I was left alone. There were two rental car companies with a counter there at the airport but both seemed deserted. The company I had my reservation with had a sign indicating that they closed at 5 pm on Saturdays. I wondered how I could get a reservation for 9 pm when the place shut down at 5. Well the other rental agency was empty but no sign said it was closed and there was a hand written note sitting on the counter that said to call Vern with a Cell number. It said he was just in town washing a car (the small airport was about 5 miles outside of Rock Springs). It was about 9:30 now and so I just called. An old man answered and indicated that the counter was closed. I told him my situation. He said "I guess I can come and open it for you. But it'll take 20 minutes for me to get there."   I gratefully accepted his offer. He told me that he had accidentally left the note on the counter from earlier in the day with his cell number on it. He also failed to put up the sign saying the counter was closed and the times it was open. Before long this little old man with a cane came hobbling into the airport and got me a car to find Richard. I then drove another 30 minutes or so to find Richard. He was in shock and just grateful to Sally for taking his little family in for the night. He slept on a strangers couch and I on the floor next to him. We were happy for a quiet comfortable place. The next morning we picked up a few things from the tow company and drove the 3 hours into Salt Lake City to see Jennie.I had a lot of help and inspiration to be available and able to get to Richard so quickly. Richard is such a great man and Jennie loved him so much. I am glad that I had the help I did so that I could help Richard. Later, Richard told Ken that he had never been happier to see a familiar face. 

Love and Support-A Note from the Family

We are so thankful for the love and support from everyone. We have been able to feel your love and prayers on a daily basis and have been immensely blessed during this very difficult time. We will be having a memorial service for Jennie in Fort Collins, Colorado on Saturday, July 14. The service will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be held at the LDS Church, 1400 Lynnwood Drive. We welcome any family, friends and acquaintances of Jennie at this service.

Goodbye My Love

We said goodbye to Jennie last night. The lord gave Richard confirmation that it was time to let her go home to our Father in Heaven during the last couple of days of her life. After the Dr.'s gave us the test results that her brain injury was indeed very grave, yesterday afternoon, we knew it was time. I knew that looking at her sweet but failing body I had been in denial, she has been hangin around just for her loved ones to accept the truth, she had been called back to her home in heaven. Last night at 10:00 Jennie took her last breaths on Earth. Jennie, the love we share is eternal. I'm gonna do my best to live my life in a better more purposeful way. I want to worthy to make it where I know you are at. You were an amazing example to me and my family. I love you fiercely and I know you love me right back. The 4th of July was her favorite holiday, Richard said she liked it better than Christmas. When Jennie took her last breaths their was a firework that lit the sky through the hospital window. It felt like she was letting us know that she is happy and it will all be okay. We'll be together again someday. She will continue to love and guide her sweet family from above. I feel the Lord has been walking with Teagan because he is still smiling and singing and telling us she will get her owies fixed in the resurrection. He's a little sober, but he says he's happy. She gave him and Hartley enough love, an amazing amount, in those few short years to last them through their lives. I promise I will love Richard and those babies forever for you Jen. I love you forever.

The Rest of the Story

Hey Danny from Oregon, thank you so much for contacting us. We want to know how you got Ken's number in Mesa, we are curious to know how you connected all the dots. You and your crew not only save the forests, you save lives!! We will forever be grateful for your timely help. The Harker and Cornwall families.

Another Tender Mercy

Dear Ken,

Here is something that I thought you would like to pass on to Richard and all the family:

Early on Sunday morning, 1 July 2012, I got a call asking for "Mrs. Harker".  At first I thought the caller was asking for Polly, Ken Harker's wife, so I explained that she was at work.  I asked if I could take a message for her.  When the caller began to explain why he was calling, it began to dawn on me just who he was.

His name is Danny Brown.  He is a firefighter with a Lakeview, Oregon Wild Fire Crew.  He said that he and his crew had been released from fighting fires in Wyoming and they were on the road, heading back to Oregon last Saturday.  Up ahead about a half mile, they saw a big dust cloud.  As they came nearer, they realized the dust was what had been kicked up by a car accident.  They pulled up to the scene and saw Jennie on the ground.  Someone had covered her with a coat or blanket, but from her position they knew she was in bad shape.  The firefighters are trained in first aid.  Danny said he could tell that Jennie wasn't breathing.  He was able to clear her airways and she began breathing.  They did whatever they could do to assist at the accident scene until the ambulance arrived.  Danny said that he and his crew had been worried sick about Jennie and her family all week after they returned home, but hadn't been able to get any information.  He just wanted to know what had happened to the family, and especially to Jennie, after they left.  I shared with him all I could about her condition, and that Richard and the children were in Salt Lake with Jennie.  I also told him about Jennie's blog and the updates the family members are sharing there.

I didn't think to ask Danny how he got our phone number here in Mesa.  I'm just glad he did.  I told him how much the family would appreciate knowing that he had been there at just the right time, and helped save her life.  I told him that they were angels that Heavenly Father had sent to be with Jennie and Richard when they were needed desperately.  As has been said before, there are no coincidences, only tender mercies sent from heaven to comfort us when we are in trouble.

Love to you all,

Barbara Johnson  (Polly's Mom) in Mesa, AZ

Nine Days Later

When we arrived at the hospital yesterday (Sunday), the nurse lowered the pain medication, which then lowered Jennie's heart rate to more normal levels. She expressed that the the pain meds can cause a form of sedation when they are too high. The family met with the Trauma PA last evening and were updated on Jennie's status. They expressed concern that Jennie had not been responding as they had hoped. Today Jennie had a minor positive improvement that seems hopeful. The nurse pinched Jennie in both her left and right armpits, which she responded to with arm movement. We have not seen any purposeful movement since the first night. There will be a neurological test administered  today called SSEP in which they place sensors from her wrist to her shoulder and spine and head. This test measures the response from her hands to her brain. We will get results tomorrow. Its not definitive but hopefully will give us some indication of her condition. Jennie's brother John and his wife Ashlie have joined our vigil and we will swap family members as needed. Richard's brother and sister-in-law will arrive as relief when Jennie's siblings need to return to their families. Keep sending your prayers and love, it's greatly needed and provides comfort to us all.

Rock Springs Rescue

Immediately after the accident Richard was only able to find Jennie's new phone, his was no where to be found. He found one familiar number, Jennie's mom Sherril, dialed her then Jennie's  phone batteries died. Sherril received a message and immediately returned the call. Richard expressed a need for the kids to be taken care of, he was injured and admitted for further testing. Mom knew her sister Amber had a daughter that lived in Wyoming and made a quick call. Amber received the call and remembered her Relief Society president was originally from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Her Relief Society president was at that moment talking to her daughter that resided in Rock Springs. She gave Amber her daughters number who then gave it to Mom. Mom called this wonderful lady and left a message which was returned within minutes. Mom met Sally on the phone and explained our great distress for those darling babies and Richard alone in the hospital at this tragic time. Wonderful Sally who is 8 1/2 months pregnant with a sick 4 year old said we are ready for them. I have a crib ready and waiting, I would be happy to go and pick up those children. When Sally arrived at the hospital the children were not released for a couple hours, she waited patiently outside in her car for their release. Richard and the kids were released together and they were all taken into her home. Sally bathed the kids, and cared for them and tucked them in for the night when Jennie's brother Ken was finally able to arrive late that evening. Sally rounded up new clothes for both kids and replaced car seats and got her husband and ward family involved in gathering the salvageable items from the site of the accident. Sally's love enveloped Richard, Ken and both the kids and soothed them in a time of crisis. We cannot thank her enough for her servant heart. The family wishes to express our thanks and love to her and to her entire Rock Springs Ward family.

Just Last Week

These pictures were taken last week during our family vacation near Vernal, Utah. We went to a Harker Family Reunion and then went to the Dinosaur National Monument. We had a wonderful time at the reunion and enjoyed special memories camping and exploring the Dinosaur Monument together. Jennie and I were glad to have a long-over due break. This was an amazing time for our family.

Here are a few pictures from that special vacation.

More Details

So here's an update on Jennie. Jennie has been off the sedatives for two days now and has not made any significant progress. She is in a coma due to the injuries to her brain. She is breathing on her own although she is still ventilated to protect her airways. She still has a feeding tube and is running a fever off and on. They are hoping to see some signs from Jennie to indicate that she is waking up. We would like to see a response to auditory commands or pain recognition. We also are looking to see her open her eyes. We are praying and hoping to see some response from Jennie and are grateful for all your continued prayers and support. Please Continue. Jennie needs all help she can get right now to come back to us.

It's Not a Coincidence

The following email was sent to Richard from a dear friend who lives in Vernal, Utah. It has touched Richard and the family and we wanted to share this with everyone. A special thanks goes out to Stacey for sharing this with Richard.




Hi Richard,
This is Stacey Taggart... I hope you remember me from CLP Ward in Fort Collins.  :)

We heard about your accident and we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially Jennie.  I'm put her name in the Vernal temple too so know that every hour, people are praying for her.

I'm not sure how to bring this up but I thought you might be interested to know...  

You may not remember due to the shock of the accident, but there was a couple that stopped and helped you guys right after the accident.  Andy helped you give Jennie a blessing, Tawnie got you some water and got Teagan's shoes out of the car for him.

They are our very good friends here in Vernal and our former next door neighbors.  They were headed up to Wyoming for the weekend and came upon your accident right after it happened.  They came home concerned about you guys and telling us about the accident but we didn't know who it was until we put two and two together last night.

I'm telling you all this to let you know that Heavenly Father is very mindful of you and especially Jennie.  I don't know exactly how to say this - and I don't want it to come across as irreverent - but based on what Tawnie told me, I know that Jennie is in Heavenly Father's hands.  

You see, Andy and Tawnie were supposed to leave for Wyoming on Friday night but at the last minute decided to wait until the next morning.  Then the next morning, as they prepared to leave, they couldn't find their car keys anywhere!  They searched high and low for two hours and then finally found them in a place where they had searched several times.  Finally they left Vernal but much later than they were planning and they came across your accident just minutes after it happened.  Tawnie told me that as they were trying to help, she was silently praying wanting to know how best to help (She could tell that you were very concerned about Jennie) and the idea popped into her head to suggest giving Jennie a blessing.  

Tawnie said she felt like you guys were LDS so that's why she asked even though she was nervous about it.  :)  She said the Spirit was very strong during the blessing and one of the most powerful experiences they've had relating to blessings.  

She was very concerned about Jennie as they could tell that she was very badly hurt but Andy said he felt comforted after the blessing that she would be OK.  They couldn't remember her name though as they continued on their trip, and she's been concerned all week and told me about it.  Tawnie's been scouring the internet trying to find some information on the accident because she's been so concerned.  It wasn't until Mason told me about your email and the blog that we put two and two together.

I'm not sure if you'll find this interesting or not but I thought that perhaps you might.  I hope that you find it somewhat comforting. :)  I feel a strange combination of sadness and relief.  I'm feel so sorry for the pain that you all must feel but I feel relieved knowing the circumstances a little bit and how Heavenly Father provided someone there to enable you to give Jennie a blessing right away.  I feel grateful that some of my friends were able to help our other friends.  :)  I just don't feel like I have the right words to say all this.... but I hope you understand.

Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you guys.  We're 3 hours away in Vernal and will be coming to SLC in July for some doctor's appointments so please let us know if there is anything we can do.  We will be donating to help pay for some of the medical costs but we also want to help in any other way we can too.

Love,
Stacey Taggart

Family and friends fast

We are inviting you to join us in a family fast this Sunday, July 1st. Jennie has been running a fever the last couple days. The Dr.'s and the family will be having a meeting that same Sunday, so we can use all the prayers we can get. Richard needs to attach his bank account to the PayPal and they aren't open on weekends, so hopefully Monday we can accept donations. Again thank you for all your love and support.

Jen-erosity for Jen

Jennie did not have any insurance. Donations are greatly appreciated on behalf of Jennie's 2 surviving children, Teagan and Hartley. The PayPal link is now working. Thank you for your continued support and love.

Happy Birthday Richard!

Today was a great day. Jennie is breathing on her own, with the ventilator only providing oxygen. She got her hair washed and fixed so she could look pretty and her face color was good. Today Richard turned 30 and we made sure he felt like an "old" man with lots of cane jokes etc. We convinced him to let us take him out to lunch knowing Jennie would want him to celebrate. Cheesecake and perfect strangers singing "Happy Birthday" made his day, well it made mine haha :) love you Richard!!

The Day After

Jennie spent the day recovering, she was taken off sedatives and they are waiting for the drugs to work out of her system. Next they will reduce her dependency on the ventilator based on how her body reacts. She seemed to respond to Richard's touch when he came into the room. It was a positive day. Richard was seen by the Orthopedic Dr. and he will not require further shoulder surgery. He will have a cool new bump on his left shoulder. The kids had a blast swimming with Aunt Karla.

Surgery Update:

She underwent back surgery last night to repair damage to the 4 areas that were unstable. She now has rods connecting the areas with the worst damage. Everything went well, the surgeon finished and hour earlier than expected, which we took as a good sign. The brain swelling pressures were down after surgery, which is awesome. Jennie squeezed my hand as we visited her and it warmed my heart. She is a fighter. We love you Jen.

The Accident

While traveling home from a family vacation, Jennie and her family were in an auto accident. The children and her husband are fine. During the accident Jennie sustained several serious injuries. Her spinal chord was injured mid-chest, her back was broken in several places and she will likely be paralyzed from the chest down. She also has head injuries with some swelling in her brain. Jennie has been unconscious since the accident. It could take 2-4 weeks for her to regain consciousness. She is scheduled for back surgery on Tuesday, June 26th. The surgery will repair the breaks in her back and it is estimated that the surgery will last 6-8 hours. We will update as new information becomes available.


She is fighting her battle in Salt Lake City, Utah with loved ones at her side. We know she is a fighter and she can pull through anything with the Lord's help. We love her so much. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.


Jennie is an angel, the sweetest person we have had the privilege to share our lives with. We are very hopeful she will wake up and smile at us and be able to hug her darling babies and wonderful husband.

Family

A little about Jennie's family. Her husband Richard is a grad student in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University. They have two darling children; Teagan who is 4 and Hartley who is 18 months. Jennie is a fabulous Mom first and also helps support her family as a part-time Dental Hygenist.

Purpose of our Blog

This blog is dedicated to Jennie Cornwall who was in a severe car accident Saturday, June 23, 2012. We would like to share information about Jennie's progress with her many friends and family who can't be by her side. Information regarding Jennie's progress will be updated regularly. We would love to have you share your memories, wishes and encouragement.