Faith, Hope & Price

Below is the story that launched my fledgling career as a writer.  It made me what I am today.... a fledgling writer.  All joking aside, this story and its the main character, Jenna Salter, have inspired me to continue to write.  Words, once written, are timeless.  There is something magical about that.  Jenna's story is as magical as it is difficult.  For those of us not living it, it is difficult to comprehend the strength and faith that shines through this little girl and envelopes all those who love her.

So many of us are merely readers or voyeurs of her story.  Our job is to keep Jenna in our thoughts and prayers as she continues her battle against an unrelenting foe.  Jenna has her family beside her.  I think they know that we are there for them too.  I will continue to write, all the while thinking about the little girl I piggybacked up the hilly coastal trail by my house.  On that day, I gave Jenna a lift.  Little does she know how many times she has repaid me, by just being who she is.  Enjoy the story.  It was written on December 16th, 2010.

The Leafs are Priceless

Could it be that 10 year old Jenna may be developing a soft spot for the Canadiens?  Attached is a photo of Jenna and Carey Price, taken last week at St. Justine Hospital in Montreal. Jenna is there receiving treatment for a form of leukemia. The picture is proof that the Canadiens may have a new fan.

One year ago, that certainly was not the case.  In December, 2009, several Canadiens players, including Price, were making the annual visit to St. Justine.  They happened upon Jenna, but things did not transpire as they normally do at most of their public appearances.  Jenna was alone in the room at that moment.  It was one of the few times that neither her mom or dad were at her side.  The hospital escort for the players told Jenna that the Montreal Canadiens were her to visit her.  Jenna thought about it for a moment and replied "I don't think that's my dad's team, so no, they can't come in."

Jenna's dad, Ian, is a Leaf fan.  Jenna's a tough little girl with a strong will, so there was no changing her mind.  It was one of the few times last year that Carey Price was involved in a "shut out".  Maybe it's a coincidence that this year Carey Price was "allowed" to meet Jenna and his play on the ice has also been incredible.  I like to think that Price just had to elevate his game somewhat, in order to be at the same level as this incredible little girl.  In Jenna's world, only winners and battlers are allowed in.

Habs Hospital Visit, December, 2010