Heart Felt

Jenna Marie Cooper penned this masterpiece while in middle school at Sacred Heart. The class was asked to illustrate examples of sexism. Ms. Cooper’s closing argument:

“When a table, or boxes, or something has to be carried, the teachers always ask for boys to come and carry the boxes. They think that the boys are so much better and stronger, that the girls can’t carry the whatevers. I have so much more to support my opinion, but my hand hurts, and we are going into Family Life. If you ever want me to share other pieces of my opinions, just ask me. I have a whole lot…”

This lovely group of Heritage League Book Clubbers could not have made a rookie author feel any more welcome. We had a great conversation. Good coffee and cake, too. Grateful for this and any chance to share Jenna’s story, especially during Donate Life Month. And the box of Kleenex, in case you were wondering, was for me. No surprise there. #JC3

Wendy Davies, who was born on Valentine’s Day of 1965, died on Monday, Nov. 20, in Green Bay. You can read her obituary here. She lived an incredible life but a difficult life. A good life, and Jenna gave her 13 extra years with her husband, Garth, and their children, Emily and Luke.

Lots of emotions here. Not all of them sad. But it is has been a tough couple of days, knowing that Wendy is gone. I always loved talking to her while working on Jenna’s story, which was also Wendy’s story. They are both heroes to me. Both families have been heroic, too, and it’s been an honor to get to know them.

Wendy is with Jenna, and that is the cool thing. Sisters joined by a heart that gave Wendy 13 more years with her family on this earth.

One amazing heart.

They finally get to meet in person.

With many members of Jenna’s fan club in attendance, Sacred Heart won the 2017 Cooper Cleat Cup match over Assumption in Louisville. Read all about it here.

Nebraska soccer coach John Walker has been true to his word. I recently dropped off eight copies of Heart Felt for the freshmen on this year’s team, and John had already given copies to the rest of the Huskers. As a new season begins, Jenna is still very much a part of the Husker soccer program.

Excited to report that Jenna’s story will be part of this year’s Nebraska Book Festival on July 15.

From 2:30 to 3:15 at Union Plaza in Lincoln, several local authors will do short presentations on their books, followed by a book signing. Thanks once again to Indigo Bridge Books for their support.

That’s Jenna’s brother, Billy, with a gift that arrived on Derby weekend. Former Husker Christy Harms and her brother traveled from Texas to present the Coopers with blankets made of Jenna’s t-shirts. Billy, Ellen and Rebel each received a blanket. Warm gifts. Incredibly cool.

On Facebook, Billy said: “While I lost my sister and best friend 13 years ago, I gained so many wonderful friends over that time, and all of you all continue to amaze us. Thank You, Thank You from the bottom of my heart ❤️. It means more than I could ever describe in a Facebook Post and You Girls Make Our Derby Week Amazing. Love you guys so much!!!”
#JC3 #GuardianAngels

Thanks for the nice turnout at Indigo Bridge. I was kind of a wreck, but it was good to see good friends and new friends and folks I had not seen in a while (like former Husker Meghan Hungerford). One of Jenna’s best friends, Tracy Bender, was there with her daughter Jaeden, and that meant a lot. Tracy has been a great cheerleader for Jenna’s story.

I know that April is a really tough time for Jenna’s family and friends — she died on April 25, 2004. I do not forget that the book brings back some horrible memories, and the good does not outweigh the bad for those who were closest to her. The book does not make it all better. I know that, and I’m sorry.

I do appreciate the support. You can get the book at Indigo Bridge or here online. Thank you.

Here’s a link to the story that aired Sunday, April 9. Grateful for a lot of positive media support behind Jenna’s story. I appreciate the fact that Channel 8 reporter Abigail Wood read the book before the interview. Not every reporter would have done that.