DRAPER, Utah — The Jensen home has seen a lot of tears in the last few weeks, but Tuesday, they were happy tears.
“Things are going really good,” said Talesha Jensen, daughter of Charri Jensen. “The nurse is pleased with how she is doing.”
Charri Jensen, known as “Mama J,” was hospitalized Sept. 16 and returned home this week.
Talesha said her mom tested positive for COVID-19 after exposure from another teacher at Corner Canyon High School where Charri teaches.
“It was the most difficult experience we ever had to go through,” Talesha said.
Charri was in the ICU at Intermountain Medical Care for two weeks, and for much of that time, Jensen’s family had little to no contact with her.
“She was on a ventilator for her birthday,” Talesha said.
They couldn’t celebrate Charri’s 54th birthday, but now the community has lined the streets with purple ribbons and Charri’s students have sent messages of love and support — something she will need to get through her recovery.
“She requires oxygen still,” Talesha said.
The family is now responsible to take Charri’s vitals three times a day and help her with multiple therapy sessions.
Talesha said doctors expect her mom to eventually recover 90 percent, but Charri’s lungs will never be the same.
“She’s very raspy,” Talesha said. “She’s very quiet and if she overdoes it, you can definitely tell — her voice does get a little weaker.”
Charri has also had a hard time swallowing, but even at this stage of her recovery, Talesha said her mom is already planning for when she can go back to school.
“She wants to get back to school,” Talesha said. “That is her number one goal now. She just wants to get back to teaching.”