Strong in spirit

COEUR d'ALENE - Before the car accident that almost killed her, Jen Barrick was a straight-A student, a varsity cheerleader and soccer player. And she was quiet. Didn't care for speaking in public.

Not so today.

The 21-year-old is outgoing and welcomes talking in front of thousands. It's her gift, she says. It is why she'll be in Coeur d'Alene this week.

"She's not worried about what anyone thinks," said Jen's mother, Linda Barrick.

It was Nov. 5, 2006, the Barrick family, father Andy, mother Linda, daughter Jen, 15, and son Josh, 11, were driving home from a Virginia church when they were struck by a drunk driver going an estimated 80 mph.

All four were rushed to different hospitals. Jen suffered the most serious injuries and was not expected to make it. She suffered traumatic brain injuries, multiple skull fractures, and was in a coma for six weeks.

Jen's physical and mental aspects were shattered in the crash, but not the spiritual, said her mom. She has made an amazing recovery.

She continues to gain strength, speaks well in public and recently began running.

"God is using Jen and her story to impact thousands and thousands of people," Linda Barrick said.

Linda and Jen Barrick will share their story during a "Ladies Get-Away" conference this Friday and Saturday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Theirs is a story of hope and inspiration.

"Jen is doing things doctors said she would never do. She continues to astound everyone."

Not that she lives pain free.

Jen suffers daily headaches, has difficulty reading and struggles with vision and short-term memory.

"She's a totally different personality," said Linda, who wrote a book of the accident and her daughter's recovery, "Miracle for Jen."

Jen continues to share a message of faith and forgiveness.

"She had a lot going for her and it was all taken in an instant," Linda said. "We all have a choice in this life to become bitter or become better."

Jen encourages others to be ready for challenges, to do what they can, not worry about what they can't do.

"People's lives are being changed because of Jen's story," Linda said. "Jen just speaks from her heart. Her faith is contagious and her joy is contagious."

Sessions only are $25, and a banquet is $25. Two nights at The Resort include all three sessions and the banquet, and $100 in Resort credit toward its restaurants and spa.

The conference is sponsored by Candlelight Christian Fellowship.

Info: Ruth 772-7755