How Jenna Bears came about

Jenna Bears was created after the death of our third child.  Not only did focusing on others help me through the grieving process, but also knowing how horrible burying your child can be, I wanted to be able to reach out to others and help them through the grieving process in every way I can.  This page is one more way to reach others.

God sent me a few people who He knew would help me through the hardest thing I have ever gone through.  These 2 ladies, Becky and Tanya, along with my husband, were a huge support in my endeavor to start a support program at the hospital Jenna was taken to.  We weren’t given anything when we left.  I remember a social worker would introduce herself a couple times and leave after she saw all the people there.  Well, all those people have their own lives and I was still missing my daughter!  How would other parents get through the death of their child?  I was determined to make a reason for this happening and it was up to me to be not only Jenna’s hands, but Jesus’ hands!

John 15:5 NLT

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

I decided to use new, donated bears and attach a card with Jenna’s story and list encouraging books and songs that I had read and found helpful.  Of course I named Jesus as the reason I “survived” this life-changing event.  I talked to two different people at the hospital Jenna was in NICU at and they decided they really liked the idea, but were afraid of offending people.  Could we take Jesus out of it?  No.  He was the reason I was sitting here, functioning, with a marriage even stronger than it was before!  He was taking care of my needs!  Since late 2005, Jenna Bears has handed out hundreds and hundreds of bears to and through friends, family and two very loyal MOPS groups.  Jesus and Jenna are working!  We even have plans for expanding around and out of Arizona!

 Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Jesus is truly the reason my husband and I survived burying our child and I want the world to know!

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”