Jenny gave what little free time she had to volunteering for children. For nearly a year and a half, Jenny was a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Appointed by a judge, Jenny served to be an advocate for children who were--or at high risk of being--neglected or abused. Through regular interaction with an assigned child, Jenny's role was to make recommendations for the best interest of the child and also to be a steady presence in that child's life.
So, starting in May 2021, Jenny began seeing a baby girl, whose natural parents were unable to care for her and was therefore in foster care. Every Saturday morning, Jenny would drop by to play with the baby who at the time wasn't even crawling. Jenny saw her develop into a crawler, then a walker and yes, even a runner. It was described to me by one of the parents that, "she brightened up every Saturday when she saw Jenny come through the front door" and that, "Jenny will have an impact on her life forever". The admiration was mutual. Every time Jenny came back home she told me what a loving household the girl's foster parents had forged for this little girl. Knowing the foster parents wanted to adopt her, Jenny made it clear to me it was really in the child's best interest to grow up in that home.
In August, I received the news that the foster parents would indeed adopt this wonderful little girl. I was extraordinarily humbled to be invited by the family to attend the adoption proceedings, which were held this morning. Tears of happiness streamed down my face as I watched this beautiful ceremony. I was happy beyond words not just because I saw a girl being adopted into a loving family, but because Jenny loved this girl, too, and helped make this adoption happen. I was deeply moved to hear the family give recognition to only one individual throughout the entire proceedings today to give their gratitude. It was for Jenny.
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