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Richard Piatt ReportingAs of 5:00, Eyewitness News has just learned that Parker's court appointed legal guardian has just spent four hours in a meeting looking over the details of the proposal presented by the Jensen's attorney yesterday. And from what we understand they have come to some middle ground and have come up with their own response to the proposal.
The guardian ad litem says she doesn't know if the Jensen's have seen it yet; they may actually be looking it over as we speak. We should know more tomorrow after a 4:00 hearing.
Also today, he Jensen family rallied support for loved ones on the run with a call for parental rights at the State Capitol today. Today's rally shows the Jensen family isn't alone in its worries about the power the state uses to take custody of children.
There were hundreds of people at the state capitol, all in support of not only the family, but in favor of changing state law to strengthen parents' rights.
It's a theme that brought out parents from across the state carrying signs and wearing orange, Parker Jensen's favorite color. A strong anti-government sentiment dominated the politically conservative crowd.
Missy Counter, Supports Jensen Family: "I have several children and that's how it should be. So, I'm here to support--this could happen to anyone else."
At the core of the sentiment are questions about Parker Jensen's diagnosis. Most aren't convinced he has the deadly form of cancer his doctors say he does.
Nicholas Dejel, Family Spokesman "If it's not necessary then we don't want to go through that. I don't think that's too much to ask, and I don't know why the state would ask for something like that if it's not conclusive."
In this crowd, there is serious talk about changes to state law--back to what the Founding Fathers intended for parents and kids. But how far should parental rights go, as a rule?
Rep. Mike Thompson, (R) Orem: "The religious principals dictate that the parents have the stewardship over the children. The parents are the ones who need to be able to make those decisions.”
Denise Heninger, Supports Jensen Family: "Absolutely, it's their decision. And what happens if the state takes this on and he dies anyway, who takes responsibility then?"
These are very adult concerns about things parents would like to protect kids from. And there are members of the family already wishing to be carefree again.
Skyler Jensen, Parker's Cousin: "Yes, actually, ever since this started and I didn't see him all that much; all I've wanted to do is be with him, and play and have fun."
As far as Parker goes, the family has agreed to allow an out-of state doctor to examine him. That could end the stalemate with the state, something we should know for certain tomorrow.
