Sarah Pajer and Jeff Johnson caught the eye of one another at a church service twelve years ago.
They had a brief conversation and went on their way. For eleven years following, they never spoke or saw one another again. Thoughts of one another were all they had.
Jeff Johnson is diagnosed with mental retardation and was a client of Cornerstone Services in Joliet at the time. He spent his days working, traveling, and playing hockey. Jeff’s hockey talents placed him on
a Special Olympics traveling team, allowing him to travel throughout North America, representing the United States on an international level.
Sarah Pajer’s life at the time was a bit more humble. She was diagnosed with mental retardation and post-traumatic stress syndrome at a young age. Sarah spent her early years in Romeoville. With no family to
support her, she lived in multiple foster homes until she was finally placed in an Easter Seal’s group home as a young adult. This is where she spent nearly a decade of her life, not seeing much more than the
South suburbs. In June of 2001, Sarah moved out of Easter Seals and into a Trinity group home. Counselors, therapists and new friends welcomed her.
In the same month that Sarah moved into Trinity, the Joliet and Channahon Special Recreation sponsored a dance for local adults. Attended by Sarah and a group of individuals served by Trinity, the dance changed
lives forever. Not having seen one another in over a decade, Jeff approached Sarah. They shared a dance. Eleven months later Jeff and Sarah became husband and wife.
Their marriage was held on July 20, 2002 at the Cherry Hill Conference Center. The event was attended by over 85 guests and proved to be a success. “I’m happy all the time, that’s how I know she’s the right one” stated Jeff.
What made the day such a success was beyond the fact that two individuals diagnosed with mental retardation found love and married, it was that a community of people came together. Neither Sara nor Jeff have family in the area.
They did not have many people to rely on for support and work the fine details that a typical wedding demands. Staff at Trinity caught news of this and helped relieve some of the burden and provided the necessary means for the eventful day.
Trinity staff designed and provided flowers for the wedding party. They reserved the hall, located a minister for the service, created invitations, and provided a reception for the wedding party and their guests. Plus, most
were qualified to help counsel the anxiety and stress that a bride and groom often face before the wedding. “They (Trinity staff) are great,” expressed Sarah, “they went out of their way for us.”
Jeff and Sarah Johnson currently live privately in a Trinity residence in Joliet. Sara continues to receive intermittent support from Trinity and Jeff receives employment support. He works full-time at Provena Health Center,
where he has worked for the past five years. Although they both face the difficulty of having a disability, their pleasures and hardships are identical to any other married couple. They get involved at their church, enjoy
walks and share meals together. They share housework and set goals. “You know the hardest thing about being married,” responded Sarah, after being asked about the difficulty of marriage, “It’s signing my new name. Sarah Johnson.”