Jennifer was a devout Christian, and during an earlier visit she shared that she had peace with the diagnosis and decision and simply wanted to go home. Jennifer came home Wednesday, the next day. On Friday evening, Sam called to let me know that the hospice nurse had just left their home and to give me update me - Jennifer had about a week to live.
The next morning, I visited with Jennifer in her home and it would be the last real conversation we'd have. After that, I would visit every morning and sit by her side, praying, speaking softly, and caressing her beautiful skin and cheek. They had started giving her strong doses of pain medication to keep her comfortable and she slept deeply with little reaction to noise or touch.
That Saturday morning, I told her I had written something and I asked if I could share it with her. She quietly replied, "Please do". This is what I wrote and shared with her that morning:
"You won't see Jennifer out in the neighborhood - she and Sam don't own a dog, and Jennifer doesn't drive - but if you attended the annual block party, you definitely saw her. She was the sparkling, smiling gal carrying a platter piled high with fish cakes.
Always sparkling and smiling, I can't recall a time when she wasn't doing both. She loves her glitter, rhinestones and all things glitzy. Her hat, her nails, her phone case, her shirts, her house slippers, her water bottle - you name it, she added some shine. Sparkle is her favorite "color" and it suits her. Jennifer radiates faith, joy, kindness and goodness.
Jennifer and Sam created a cozy and inviting home. Each visit brought a new discovery - a framed photo, a memento from a trip, or plaque with an inspiring verse. Jennifer wanted people to feel welcome and comfortable, and I certainly always did.
If Jennifer calls you a friend, consider yourself truly blessed. You could be confident knowing she would be a true and loyal friend. Jennifer welcomes you in, cares deeply, listens with her heart and loves openly, all the while sharing her faith and leaving you feeling heard, loved and blessed.
I feel blessed for all the moments I shared with Jennifer and the many ways she helped me. Not just in the easy conversations, but through the tough ones as well. She listened and loved with the right balance of compassion and guidance, always rooted in the Word and grounded in love."
I finished up with, "Jennifer, my friend, my dear and treasured friend, I feel proud, honored, and truly blessed to have had you in my life these past four years. I am grateful for all you've done for me and for others and I love you my precious friend."
Jennifer was crying as I read this to her, as was I. When I finished, we sat in silence for a few moments, me just caressing the beautiful soft skin on her face and hand and loving on her. I thought she had fallen asleep, but then in a soft whisper she said, "Read it again, gather everyone around and read it again". The family members, about 15 or so, gathered close around the bed and Jennifer softly said, "Janet wrote this for me".
I read it again for the family. Jennifer was crying, I was crying and several family members were crying as well. When I finished, people came up to me, hugged me, and thanked me. They thanked me. Here I was blessed with this beautiful gift of friendship and love from their beloved "Jenny", and it will always be me who will be thankful.
Jennifer passed September 18th around 9:30pm with Sam and Jill by her side.
Jennifer, may God, who watches over us and hears us when we pray, grant you eternal rest - you are Home.
