Friday, July 25, 2008

It's always darkest before the dawn!

It can't get any darker.

Jen passed away this morning.

I still can't believe that I am writing these words.

It rained today. There was lighting too. I remember the spring storm 5 years ago that brought the entire neighborhood outside. The thunder clap was so loud Jen was sure that it had hit our house. She wanted to be sure that we were all OK.

That was Jen.

We moved into our house in October of 97. Jen greeted us immediately. I was nine months pregnant with Maddy. She made sure I had help with the unpacking of boxes.

That was Jen.

When the blizzard hit 10 days before I delivered, she made sure that I was doing OK.

That was Jen.

When I ranted and raved about how ugly this state gets in the Winter, she told me things I could plant to help keep my yard a little green all year.

That was Jen.

She embroidered a beautiful blanket for Hunter's birth.

That was Jen.

She was my emergency contact, my baby-sitter safety net. We were going to be the neighborhood originals. The two families still standing, while others come and go. We would always be here.

That was Jen.

She took interest in our kids. She treated them like they were people. She listened to Hunter- Talk and Talk and Talk and Talk.

That was Jen.

She remembered every important date in everyone's life. I can barely tell you the date on any given day. She died today. Today would have been my dad's 64th birthday. I am thankful that she will share this date with him. I will forever remember her and her legacy of faith, love and determination. I know only one other person as strong as Jen in her will and determination-My Mom.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Janet - it sounds like she left you with tremendous memories!! Oh that we could all be a friend like that!!!

Stephanie said...

Janet, that was a beautiful tribute to Jen. Very moving.

Holly said...

Janet, I am so sorry you lost such a great friend and neighbor...

Tricia said...

What a beautiful tribute to her. I know you loved her... she inspires me, and I never even met her. What a legacy.

Walking in the Light

Wow! This year year has been a whirlwind to say the least. I am shocked we are near the half way point in February. Part of me wants to dance. If the start of the year is any indication of how it is going to go, I am happy it's flying by. I will usher in 2009 with bells and whistles.

Yet, I am humbly reminded that every day is a gift, and I need to walk in the Light. I need to let Him guide me through each day. I need to listen to His still, quiet voice...Yeah I know for me that's a stretch. I'm never still long enough to catch my breath.

As I write this, our dear neighbor of ten years is fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I am awed by the faith she has in God. I am humbled by the fight she has within her to beat the demon we know as cancer. Hunter, in his six year old wisdom said to me, "Mommy, why are you sad? We are just going to pray and Jesus is going to make her better." The faith of a child and the living testimony of one who is dwelling in God's amazing grace reminds me to walk daily in the His unfailing light.