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.