Our son, C, was admitted to OSF with aspiration pneumonia. What is significant is that C is a 35 year old male, with profound mental retardation and autism. Although gross motor skills are intact, he is not able to speak, has limited comprehension, is incontinent, and can be behaviorally challenging. Jennifer was his nurse while he was in the Neuro Intermediate Unit.

She was amazing to watch! Each time she came into his room, she acknowledged his vocal sounds as conversation. She responded to a grunt by saying "I know, that hurts" or "you're right, that sure is loud" or whatever was fitting to the situation. Within hours he was smiling. He even began to show us he was "working on his own recovery". This is a FIRST for C even after many, many hospitalizations.

Jennifer would request motor movements i.e. thumbs up, wiggle your toes, stick out your tongue. C has never been able to isolate these motor tasks but she made it a game and smiled and laughed at each visit. For the VERY FIRST TIME in his 35 years, C was trying to do what was requested. He was lifting his legs and raising his whole hand. Most of all he was moving his mouth in an effort to stick out his tongue. By mid afternoon of the second day and after countless times that Jennifer had been in his room, the requests came again. C tried, she waited and smiled. C tried again and finally, for the very first time ever … HE STUCK OUT HIS TONGUE. Jennifer smiled, clapped and gave him a high five. He was so very proud of himself.

I know this is a small thing but I watched a dedicated professional take the extra few minutes to show a young man with challenges he is someone special. She helped him understand he was a participant in the process of healing.

We will never forget the image of our son sticking out his tongue and smiling! Thank you, Jennifer, for giving us a wonderful memory that we will cherish forever.