Final Photo Essay

Mother Sclerosis

MOTHER SCLEROSIS-- Pictured here is Jennifer Mclellan, mother of two who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was 25 years old. She has shaky movement and can no longer walk with outside the assistant of a walker though she mostly uses a wheelchair. "It really sucks not being able to do all the things I used to, but I'm just grateful I don't have a brain tumor or something worse. I was diagnosed at the same time as my friend Adonna and we had the same symptoms, and she had a brain tumor and sadly passed away" Said Jen.

BRAIDED BACK--Daughter Jacqueline Mclellan has just french braided her mom's hair back to get it out of her face and make it easier to brush her teeth. "It's funny because I used to braid her hair and now I'm too shaky to do it, I guess the tables have turned" said Jen. 

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY- This photo was taken on December 11th Jennifer's 39th birthday and here she is seen pictured holding balloons her mother sent her. As another surprise her mom also sent her an edible arrangement because she unfortunately lives in Geneva, Illinois where Jennifer grew up and couldn't be there. "I love being able to go back every summer and visit my family but sometimes it sucks that they're not here all the time" Said Jen. 

BAD HABITS-- Here is Jennifer leaning out the back door to smoke a cigarette, a nasty habit she developed a long time ago. Although she has quit before it's a tough addiction to kick though she is not a heavy smoker at all. "It's a disgusting thing and I really would like to quit but I'm not really that concerned with it" said Mclellan.

FAMILY FUN--Here is Jennifer along with son Duncan, husband Michael and brother in law Scott along with his three dogs who Jennifer loves. Every year on any of the family's birthdays Scott brings over Hey Cupcake and his dogs for a small celebration. "I really wish we could get a dog, but there too much work and Michael doesn't really like them, neither does Jacqueline" said Jen. 

UNBOXING-- Here Jen is unboxing the Chirstmas ornaments to decorate the tree. It took Michael a really long time to find them in the extremely cluttered garage but he finally did even if it was only one box out of many. "Christmas is my favorite time of year, everyone is so happy and the kids are home cause they're on break even if they do get annoying after a few days"Said Jen. 

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES-- This is a christmas ornament made my Jennifer's grandmother Marty who sadly passed away a few years back.  Marty made these little mailboxes for everyone in our family although the Mclellan's seem to have misplaced all except this one. "I love our christmas tree because I see so much of my grandma on it, she made half the ornaments which is so special. I miss her so much" Said Jen. 

GOODNIGHT-- This is Jennifer and Michael trying to sleep and being bothered by their daughter. Michael a few days ago hung up the christmas lights and had some extra and strung them above the bed. "I think its hilarious how he made them go across the bed and not just on the wall, but he said he just used the tacks that were already there (hahaha)" said Jen. 

STUDYING HARD-- Jennifer helps daughter Jacqueline study for her upcoming spanish final using the abundance of flash cards she made. "I think other languages are so interesting and I wish I knew one, my friend Bayatreece can speak like five languages which is just insane to me" Said Jen. 

STAN THE MAN--This is my cat Stanley, who was found inside my best friend Dilynns moms tire in 2012. He mostly enjoys being outside and only comes inside to eat or sleep which he enjoys doing in the plushy wheel chair. "The dang cat is always in my chair and I feel bad making him move cause he's so darn cute." Said Jen.