Some Memories of Jenny

(A letter to Heather from a dear friend of Mom’s)

The first time I attended the Church of Jesus Christ I met her.  She was the young woman who greeted me and made me feel welcome.  I was drawn to her by her smile and the way she laughed in almost a shy way.  She had beautiful blue deep-set eyes.  She conducted the music.  After two and a half weeks, I was baptized.  I wanted to be a part of the Church and the spirit I felt there.  Jenny’s husband Scott was our Branch President, and one of his counselors was Lane Cameron.  My first experience with M.I.A. was when we had an Olympics night.  Lane and I were always paired off together.  I found out later Jenny was behind it.  I was so excited about the Church, but my family was not, and I was so disappointed.  I went to Jenny for advice.  Although we were close in age, she seemed so much wiser. Scott married Lane and I November 7, 1970 and a month later Jenny had her first child, a beautiful baby girl named Heather.  A week later, Lane and I left for America.

It was seven years later when Lane was attending BYU that he bumped into Scott on campus, and again and our friendship was renewed.  In May 1978, Lane was out of town for a month when our 3rd child Andrew decided to come 2 months early.  Because of Jenny’s wisdom and caring, she was the person I called at home for help.  She was there in just a few minutes.  She immediately took over.  I was put to bed while she called my doctor, the hospital, Highway Patrol, and family in Salt Lake City.  Before we left, she knelt at the side of my bed with our children Aaron and Rebecca.  I cannot remember the words.  I do remember the spirit that filled my room and the peace that came as Jenny offered the prayer.  She drove us to Salt Lake in our old station wagon, but it was not until later she told me she was scared to drive it.  Neither of us knew where the hospital was, so when we reached downtown Salt Lake, Jenny looked for a police car and asked for help.  So, with sirens blaring, we rushed to LDS Hospital.  As I was whisked down the hall, I asked Jenny if this was the right hospital as they had crucifixes on the walls.  We turned around and went back to the car.  In his excitement, the young policeman took us to the wrong hospital.  This happen May 10th and on May 14th I received a call from Jenny asking how I would feel if she told me my mother was at the Salt Lake airport.  I almost fell out of my bed.  Jenny had raised the money to have my mother flown over from England to help take care of me.

Jenny left a big impression on my life, and I am sure she did on yours, too, Heather.  She was a good friend to many people.  I lost my mother-in-law over a year ago to cancer.  When I came to America as a new member of the Church, she took me in and made me her own.  We were very close.  I miss her terribly.  They were both good members of the Church.  I know on the other side they are both working hard to hasten on the Lord’s work and the Second Coming.  It is an exciting time for you to be graduating and starting out in life.

President Kimball said a few years ago, “the time for the Bamboo and Iron Curtains to fall is close at hand.”  As we see the changes taking place right now in Russia and China, we know the prophecy is about to be fulfilled.  In a few days, missionaries from East Germany will arrive at the M.T.C.  Now the Church will start to grow rapidly, and the doors will be opened to every kindred, tongue and nation on the Earth.  None of us fully knew what our mission is or where we will be called to serve or how long we have here on earth.  Just do best, Heather.  May Heavenly Father bless you on your mission of life.  Remember, there are many of us who love you here on earth, and beyond the veil and want you to succeed.

Love,

Sister Janka Cameron
Summer 1989

_____________________________________

Click HERE to return to Writings of and about Jenny