“Mrs. Heather, please don’t cry
Because toys you didn’t have to buy
Sometimes the shelves get kind of bare
But because of love for Mandy and children, people did share
Stuffed animals, blankets, cars, and Play-Doh
With such good choices, children’s eyes will surely glow
There is Spiderman, Stitch, Minnie, and Mickey Mouse
Lots of new toys have arrived at Junior’s House
So thankful for everyone’s help as I do strive
To take care of children and keep Mandy’s memory alive
After all the horrid things they do tell
I hope we can put the bad guys in jail.”
AS HEATHER Warden from Junior’s House read the poem Detective Carol Jean of the Shelbyville Police Department (SPD) had written, Jean’s words saturated Warden’s heart, and she cried tears of joy.
She replied, “I think you should continue writing these poems about Mandy Jean. They help you process your grief, and they encourage others who have also experienced loss.”
Named after a 6-year-old who died following severe abuse, Junior’s House began in 1996 with a mission to provide children a safe place to divulge their deepest secrets. It serves Lincoln, Marshall, and Bedford counties. As a nonprofit, Junior’s House is funded through grants and community support. Before the children leave, they are given the opportunity to choose something from the toy closet.
Carol, who has been in law enforcement for 34 years, makes frequent visits to Junior’s House.
“After seeing the low supply of toys they had available, I realized I could honor Mandy’s memory while helping children who have been through unimaginable trauma. It was another way of keeping her memory alive while making a difference. The toys bring the children a moment of joy — something that is purely for them, reminding them they are cared for and valued.”
Born on Aug. 18, 1993, Mandy Jean was Carol’s only child.
“One of her lungs collapsed at birth, and she had a seizure. Two hours later, she was transported to Vanderbilt Hospital in the Angel Ambulance. She had another seizure the next morning.”
Doctors told Carol before she took Mandy home three weeks later, “We don’t know what’s wrong with your daughter. We don’t know if she’ll live six months or a year.”
Eventually, Mandy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and she died shortly after celebrating her 30th birthday.
“Mandy’s mind was sharp,” Carol said. “She was nonverbal, but we had ways to communicate, especially between us. On Dec. 12, 2023, my world was turned upside down. It has been so difficult to live without Mandy. I know she is happy and pain-free in heaven, but I am having a hard time learning to live without her.”
In the spring of 2024, Carol’s sister suggested she share her thoughts in the form of poetry. Amber Chapman, who works at the SPD, typed and illustrated each poem before compiling them into book form for Carol to give to her friends and family for Christmas.
Carol keeps Mandy’s memory alive through sharing her poetry, and in honor of Mandy’s birthday, the community comes together to donate items to restock the toy closet at Junior’s House.
The first Mandy Jean Toy Drive was held last year.
Carol said, “The community has been incredible. From sharing the word to donating toys, their support made our first drive a success. It’s a beautiful way to bring people together for a meaningful cause.”
The second annual Mandy Jean Memorial Toy Drive will be Aug. 11-18.
“Mandy would’ve been 32 on Aug. 18. There will be a large wrapped box in the lobby of the Shelbyville Police Department, where items can be dropped off. Monetary donations or gift cards can also be left in the front office,” said Carol. GN
For more information on Junior’s House, visit www.juniorshousecac.org.
