Schrocks welcome birth of daughter
Six weeks after losing all five of their children in a car crash, Jeff and Carolyn Schrock celebrated the birth of a baby girl.
Jolynn Marie Schrock was born on Wednesday afternoon. She weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces, and was 21 ½ inches long.
“Today, Jeff and his wife, Carolyn, rejoice in a new baby girl to again bring joy to their home,” according to a statement released by members of Pine Grove Mennonite Church, a congregation of 10 Chewelah-area families that includes the Schrocks.
The baby’s birth announcement also acknowledged the passing of her older siblings: “Jolynn Marie, sent by the One who holds Carmen, Jana, Carinna, Jerryl, and Craig in His loving arms.”
Carolyn Schrock, 35, was eight months pregnant when she lost her children in a Nov. 1 car crash in north Spokane County. Her husband – who was driving the family pickup when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle that had veered into their lane – also was seriously injured.
Jeff Schrock, 38, underwent three surgeries to fix a broken jaw, both knees and his right arm. He remained at Sacred Heart Medical Center for two weeks until his condition stabilized. He was then transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chewelah for two more weeks of therapy and care.
Earlier this month, Jeff Schrock returned home, where he continues to receive help from family members and therapists from Home Health of NE Washington.
He uses a wheelchair and can’t move his right hand and arm due to nerve damage. It may be several more months until he regains the use of his arm, according to the statement. While he’s able to stand a little, the doctor won’t allow him to walk until he develops muscle tone in his legs.
“Because of his broken jaw, Jeff’s diet has gone from ‘baby food’ to now being able to chew soft foods,” according to the statement. “He is still six weeks away from a steak dinner.”
Yet his condition is rapidly improving. According to the statement, the family “is grateful for his progress. Jeff and Carolyn want to thank all for your gifts and expressions of love and caring.”
While Schrock continues to heal, the man responsible for the crash, 55-year-old Clifford Helm, has continued to refuse requests by the Washington State Patrol for an interview as they investigate five potential charges of vehicular homicide.
“We can’t compel him to talk,” Trooper Jeff Sevigney said. “This is obviously a top priority.”
Detectives have made several calls to Helm’s attorney, Carl Oreskovich, but he has not scheduled a time to speak with investigators, Sevigney said.
“Once we’ve gathered all the facts, we will forward the case to the prosecutor – whether or not that includes Mr. Helm’s statement,” he said. “Obviously we want to get this wrapped up quickly. But we want to do it right.”