PH Dinner

We all attended the annual Pulmonary Hypertension dinner in SLC yesterday evening. It was a big success! Thanks to all of you who attended with us, and who donated to the cause. We were able to raise almost half of the total donations, only because we have such wonderful and amazing friends and family! Thanks again, you have no idea how much it meant to us! Here are some pictures from the evening. Hopefully we'll see you there next year!

Three of our favorite people...Dr. Brown, Natalie & Deedre. They were Jessie's Doctor and nurses, and they are absolutely wonderful people!

This cute little girl ins 10 years old and has Pulmonary Hypertension. She was diagonosed when she was 4 years old. You wouldn't know it though, she was cute, and bubbly, and lots of energy.

Our favorite nurse...we love you Deedre!

A work of art....

This is a picture of Jessie and her first little "boyfriend", Ryan walking with their arms around eachother. She was 2 and he was 3 years old. How sweet is this? Ryan is my moms bestfriends son and really is a part of our "adopted" family. It hit him really hard, like most of us, when he found out about Jess. I love this picture but it was so old and fading, so I touched it up in Photoshop and this is what I got. I love it! I am printing out and framing it in a cool antique frame I bought to hand on my wall. A lot of you have seen this picture, it's one of our families favorites, so it means a lot to me that I was able to touch it up and turn it into something beautiful.

The old picture, below:

Happy Birthday Sis!

Today is Jessie's birthday.... it has been a very emotional day for all of us! I know how much everyone misses her. Although it's been a rough day, it's been wonderful to once again read all of the beautiful things that people have to say about Jess. A lot of her friends and family are on facebook so we got to read their comments there. I've said it before and I'll say again...Jessie has the most AMAZING friends ever! Seriously you guys are some of the most wonderful human beings I've ever known. I didn't think it was possible for anyone else's heart to hurt the way ours and her parents do without her here, but she has so many friends that feel the same way we do. Jessie truly touched so many lives and seeing and hearing that from all of you is such a compliment to her. I remember the last words Jessie said to me; I was running to the store for something and she was in and out of conciousness (it was 2 days before she died). I wanted to tell her that I'd be right back in case she woke up and realized I was gone, so I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek and said "I'll be right back, I love you sessy." Her eyes opened and she gave me a smile and puckered her lips at me to kiss me back. So I said "love you long time....long time," (this is just a silly thing we like to say) and she giggled a little and whispered "long time." Those were the last words she spoke to me, and I am glad that they were so sweet. I'll always have that memory of her puckering up her lips to blow a kiss to me. Thank you again everyone for being a part of Jessies life, and a part of ours. We enjoy spending time with her friends so much! We don't make it to the "friday night borders group" as often as we would like too, but the times we have gone mean more to us then you'll ever know. Here is more cute pictures of Jess and her fancy birthday cakes mom used to always make.
- Jenny

This is Jess and her dad walking together, I'd like to think that's what they are doing once again!

This is Jess and Grampa Porter, who she is also once again with in heaven.

This is Jess and Grampa Enlow, who is also happy to have her with him again.

You know I gotta say I'm jealous that they get to hug you everyday now Jess, and I don't!

I miss you momma

So here is Sissy snuggling with her momma. Weird I know, but somehow this cat knows that her momma is in this fancy urn of Julies. Julie gets a little weirded out by it...so do I sometimes, because she'll just lay her head up against the urn and pose....she just sits there for awhile.....just staring off into space

Boom Boom Pretties

Sissy, the 4th of July was not the same without you! You would have loved all of the "boom boom pretties"! We miss you and love you so much!

Rest in Peace....

This is our sweet gramma at my grampas grave. Our parents took her over the weekend to bury some of Jessie's ashes with our grampa. My gramma is so happy that she will now be able to visit Jessie and grampa at the same time.

Her first adventure...

Jessie went to Bodega Bay today....she is swimming with the beautiful fish in the ocean. This is my mom making Jessie "one" with the ocean! My mom and dad had a rough time today, but they are doing what Jessie wanted!

Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - Jessica's burial service

Sweet condolences;

May 18, 2009
Dear Sandi, Jim, Jenny, Julie, Bobbi and Scott,I was so saddend by the news of Jessie's passing. So many fond memories of family gatherings, Camelot, camping fun times together and just knowing all of you was a great blessing for Wes and me. I know John and grandma Vera are elated to have her home with them. No sickness or pain, just complete happiness. I will be able to walk when my turn comes. It's comforting to know we will be together again. Jessie was such a sweet young woman. She always mothered her two younger sisters. May God bless and comort you right now and know that it's the beginning of wonderful things for Jessie. In God's eternal time, we are only here for a short time, and then the joy begins. We send you each our sincere love always.Wes and Sharon RossBrigham City, Utahwestonandsharonross@comcast.net
~ Sharon Ross,
Brigham City, Utah

May 16, 2009
Family of Jessica-being at the service today made me see just how much Jessica was loved by so many and how selfless she was with her concern for all those suffering in her honor. When I met Sandi and Julie at the hospital I immediately felt welcome and like I was a part of the family. Her family should take great pride in the person she was.I will miss her smile at the Rec and think of her always.
~ Melissa Bohne,
Tooele, Utah

May 16, 2009
Dear Sandi I was so excited when you brought Jess to meet us , i was so proud to be her uncle . little Jessie truely was a special girl with so many talents and gifts to share . she must have known her time here would be short because she didnt waste one minuete sharing her love and beautiful smile and never ending kindness with everyone that ever had the privledge of meeting her . it was so amazing to meet her friends and feel the love they all have for her . I am so proud to be her "Uncle Scotty" and so proud to be your little brother ,you are amazing and have 3 wonderful little girls I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO MUCH
~ Scott Enlow,
Murray, Utah
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May 15, 2009
"Jess" I will simply say, "Thank You." You gave me so much, I do miss you beyond what I am able to write here, you were what I have been seeking and needing for so long.
~ Karl Bergman,
Utah

May 15, 2009
Sandi,Jim,Jessie,Jenny and Julie.What a wonderful family you are.It has been my pleasure and privelege to have known you including john ,bobbie and grandma for the past 20 plus years.The times i have spent with you all,have been those of happiness,laughter and love. Reading the tributes to jessie,and the remarks alluding to all the love,support,caring,sense of humour,generosity,strength and sympathy she shared with us all are precious memories to keep. She was dearly loved,and will never be forgotten,and i'm sure all of us will have special moments when our thoughts of her will remind us how much we miss her,and what a privelege it is to have had her be a part of our lives.Sandi,Jim and the girls .My love and prayers are with you always.You are amazing. Love uncle John.

May 15, 2009
Jess, it was an honor, privilege, and a lot of fun working with you. I will miss your smile & great sense of humor.
~ Lynn Willis,
Salt Lake City, Utah

May 15, 2009
Jenny, Julie and Sandi,My heart is breaking for your loss, but you know she is free from the sickness and pain.I admire the love and support you gave her for the last few months, spending so much time with her at the Hospital and then at home keeping her comfortable and happy.Jenny, thank your for bringing Jessie into our lives. Family gatherings will not be quite the same. I wish we could have heard her play the piano and sing. Jessie and Daren could have wowed us with a medley of Christmas songs right after the gingerbread houses were finished.Love,Lisa, Daren and boys.
~ Lisa Black,
Centerville, Utah

May 15, 2009
Dear Sandi, We were so sad to hear about your sweet Jessie. We did not know that she was sick. She was always such a cute little girl. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your girls. Love Dan and Vickie Poulsen and Family

May 14, 2009
Dear Sandi,Jenny and Julie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. What dear women you are ! You so blessed Jessica with your loving care. It is good to know that she is well now and free of sickness and pain. She was a good woman and a sweet friend. We love you.
~ David and Donna Schmidt,
Pauma Valley, California

May 14, 2009
Jess, thank you for being such a wonderful sister to me for the past 20 years! I am especially grateful for the past 5 years that we had together, even though the past year or so was hell on us, I wouldn't trade my time with you for anything! I will love you always!
-Victoria Lowe

Jessica will be deeply missed by all of her friends at the Salt Lake REC. She was a wonderful woman and our lives have been enriched by knowing her.
~ Diane Eyres,
Sandy, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessica,I will miss your sharp wit and excellent sense of humor. I am thankful I had the privilege of knowing you if only for a short time.When I am next at Disneyland I will smile and think of you.Much love to you and your family.
~ Paul Johnson,
Salt Lake City, Utah

May 14, 2009
My heart goes out to the family. I'm grateful to have known Jessica, she was a wonderful woman. My sister Raeleen and Jessica grew up together, best friends. She was a member of the family, like a big sister. She will be sorely missed, and loved forever.
~ Wes Lovendahl,
Riverton, Utah

May 14, 2009
I met Jessica while working at the REC (post office). After I left the REC, I kept bumping into her, the last was in a Target. I admired her great sense of humor and her strength. She was an angel while she was among us, as I'm sure she is now in heaven. I wish her family and friends love and peace as we say goodbye to a truly special person.
~ Jessica McWrighte,
Holladay, Utah

May 14, 2009
Dear Porter/Lowe Family,Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. You're all in my thoughts and my heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. I'm so thankful to have known Jessie growing up. She was always one to look up and learn from. I'll forever have memories of Jessie I'll never forget. May family and friends find peace and comfort during this hard time. With love always.
~ Kamie (Nelson) Macaluso,
South Jordan City, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessie,I have very fond memories of playing together when we were so young and of our trips to Camelot with your wonderful family. I am grateful to have seen you again a few short weeks ago and am grateful my children were able to meet such a wonderful family and such a strong, amazing woman. Rest peacefully Jess.
~ Lyn Dimick,
South Jordan, Utah

May 14, 2009
Sweet Jessie,It seems like yesterday we shared that silly apartment. Sconecutter and a movie on the couch. You are going to be greatly missed. You taught me and so many people so much. Life seems so different to me now knowing how hard you fought. Your sister Jenny is right. The world would be a much better place if everyone had your will. I love you so much and we will pray for your family. All of our love.
~ Karli Thompson,
Las Vegas, Nevada

May 14, 2009
Jess,I am so very thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know you and that I was one of your friends. I'll never forget our special bonding moment, your infectious smile, sense of humor, generosity, and caring demeanor. It is comforting to know that you no longer have to struggle. You will be sorely missed.Hugs and kisses...
~ Chris Miller,
Bluffdale, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessica, It gives me comfort and peace in knowing that you are better than you have ever been now. You have always been a woman that possessed massive amounts of courage, strength, sympathy and empathy. Those traits were always obvious, but in the last few months, they were solid. What a teacher you are to all that know and love you. You are to me. Thank you for all the memories. We have many that span over 20 years. I love you and it strengthens me to know that we will meet again. I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my days. I love you. How about coming to Italy and Greece with me? ;)Jenny, Julie, Sandy and family- You are AMAZING people. What a lucky person Jessica is to have had you walk this life with her. Your love and devotion is truly inspirational.
~ Alisa Schmidt Boulter,
Syracuse, Utah

May 14, 2009
You were there for me when I needed a friend. I hope you are finally able to be at peace. I will miss you.
~ Amber Howell

May 14, 2009
Jessica, I miss you so much already. Having you in my life has been a blessing and I know you are smiling down on your family and friends. I will never forget you. You are so lucky to have such a generous, kind, caring, supportive and sefless family. The love you share with them shows in all of them. Your amazing will to make it one more day was incredible. I love you my dear friend.
~ Teresa Barrett,
West Jordan, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessie, I'm so glad I got to grow up with you in my life, You are such an amazing, strong and loving woman. Miss and Love You.
~ Bobbie Webster,
Taylorsville, Utah

May 14, 2009
My dearest friend! You will be sorely missed by many friends and family! My heart and prayers go out to your family and friends during this time of sadness. I will cherrish the memories of you and many others from our Somalia tour. God Bless!!!
~ Adam K Buchanan,
Sacramento, California

May 14, 2009
Dear Jenny and Family ~Rick and I send our sincere condolences ~ may your beautiful sweet memories sustain you through this difficult time. Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you. Rick & Lynda Westphal
~Rick & Lynda Westphal,
West Jordan, Utah

May 14, 2009
My heart goes out to the family! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time. All my love.
~ Tiffany Tye,
Taylorsville, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessie,A beautiful woman who touched so many lives. It says to share a memory; The first thing that popped into my head was the vision of Jessie as a little girl, at one of the many parties we had with the extended family at her mom's house and Jessie running around with that big beautiful smile and all that HAIR piled wildly on top of her head. Grandpa must have needed his little princess to hang out with in Heaven. I know your running again, with that wild hair blowing in the wind and that big smile upon your face. A memory I will never forget. I love you.
~ Teresa Shope,
Morgan, Utah

May 14, 2009
Sweet Jessie, there are no words. I can't even begin to express how much you will be greatly missed. We love you so much and hope you are happy and comfortable where ever you are now. You have been such an inspiration to my and my boys, we will always strive to have the courage you have showed us all. Give dad, grandpa and great grandma hugs for us all. There will forever be a hole in my heart, and I will think of you always. We love and miss you deeply.
~ Julie Smith,
Woods Cross, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jenny your sister can be very proud of you for all the care and support you once again gave willing for you family. Wishing you peace.
~ John & Marie Guarascio,
West Jordan, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jessica is greatly missed already and will always be in my heart. She is in a better place.
~ Hayley Locke,
West Jordan, Utah

May 14, 2009
My dear sister, words cannot express how much I will miss you! I have learned so much from you over the years. I will forever admire your courage and strength. Everyone should have your will to live...it would make the world a much better place to be. You are an amazing woman! You should be smiling down from heaven as you listen to all of the beautiful heartfelt condolences from your friends an family. Give Daddy, Grandpa & Great Grandma hugs & kisses for me, and tell them how much I miss them too! Until we meet again dear sister, you will always be in my thoughts and my heart. Miss you already, love you so much!
~ Jenny Ellis,
Woods Cross, Utah

May 14, 2009
Jess - We miss you already. Thanks for being such a great friend and being there for all of us during tough times. You will not be forgotten and you'll always be on our minds and in our hearts. You are my hero. You were an angel here; so, I know you'll be one up there. Godspeed my friend.
~ Pat Evans,
Midvale, Utah

May 14, 2009
My heart goes out to the family. I'm grateful to have known Jessica, she was a wonderful woman. My sister Kristin and Jessica grew up together, best friends. She was a member of the family, like a big sister. She will be sorely missed, and loved forever.With love, Erin Schmidt
~ Erin Schmidt,
Flagstaff, Arizona

May 13, 2009
Jessica will be greatly missed by all her friends at the Post Office. It won't be the same without her.
~Wendy VanValkenburg,
South Jordan, Utah

Pictures of friends & family after Jessie's funeral

Julie, mom & Jenny
Jenny, Chris & Julie

Jessie's sweet friends;Jenny, Galadriel, Land, Chris & Julie

Julie & Jenny

Jessie's handsome nephews; Brayden, Connor & Bryeson

Cutest little baby face

Army Bratt