For nearly five years, Jennifer Flewellen lay in her hospital bed, silent and comatose, with her mother, Peggy Means, faithfully sitting nearby. Peggy would sing, talk and read books aloud, desperately wishing that Jennifer would respond. Even though doctors said the Niles, Mich., mother of three would probably never wake up from the coma caused by head injuries she sustained in a car crash, "something just told me," says Peggy, 60, "this was what I've got to do."
Then, in August 2022, the seemingly impossible happened: As Peggy told her daughter a joke ("My boyfriend said, 'I'm losing my butt, but it's growing out front""), Jennifer began to chuckle. "I was in awe," Peggy recalls. "Then it was like, 'Get the phone!"" Giddy over hearing her outgoing daughter's laugh for the first time in half a decade, Peggy recorded video of the moment. "It was beyond words."
This story is from the January 15, 2024 edition of People US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 15, 2024 edition of People US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Janelle James
THE EMMY NOMINEE, 45, STARS IN ABC'S HIT SERIES ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
THE G.R.O.A.T
TO CELEBRATE PEOPLE'S 50TH BIRTHDAY, WE GATHERED THE ALL-STAR DISHES OUR READERS AND EDITORS LOVED THE MOST
Shailene Woodley Spills the Tea on Aaron Rodgers Split
Shailene Woodley is offering rare insight into her breakup with ex-fiancé Aaron Rodgers.`
Jay-Z Fires Back at Claim He Raped 13-Year-Old Girl With Diddy
Jay-Z is speaking out after being accused of drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl in a civil lawsuit that also names Sean “Diddy” Combs as a defendant.
Katie Holmes Denies Suri Inherited Trust Fund From Tom Cruise
Katie Holmes is setting the record straight on reports about her daughter Suri's inheritance.
PARIS JACKSON All About Her Engagement
Wedding bells will soon be ringing for Paris Jackson.
Amber Heard Is Expecting Baby No. 2!
Next year will bring a big change for Amber Heard.
Barry Keoghan Responds to Rumors Amid 'Break' With Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan have gone their separate ways.
OLYMPIC GYMNAST STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK 'I Never Let This Stop Me'
DESPITE TWO EYE CONDITIONSTHE MEDALIST-AND DWTS FINALIST-IS STILL A WINNER
AUNJANUE ELLIS-TAYLOR A Film Star Finds Her Power
THE OSCAR-NOMINATED ACTRESS FIGHTS FOR ROLES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCEAND STAYS TRUE TO HER SOUTHERN ROOTS
