Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sweet Jenny

I have another post I was working on last Wednesday, after they amputated her legs, but it just doesn't feel right to publish it. So, I won't. Instead I want to share more about my friend.

Jenny and I went to Abilene Christian University together. She was a young chick, and she pledged under me. I remember NUNU ROSS. So sweet. She liked to tell a story about pledging when she and another Nunu were walking and complaining about pledging when I walked up behind them. I had heard their grumblings, but she said that I looked at them in calm voice and said, "Didn't you know you would have to dress this way before you pledged, didn't you know you would have to pledge this long, so why are you complaining, make the best of it." Confession, I don't remember that at all, but she did.

2003, Stacey and I were attending Lake Cities Church of Christ when they were in search of a new preacher. Rick Ross came to try out, and Jenny, David, and Malaya came to support him. We reconnected. They drove from Mesquite to Trophy Club every weekend, then eventually moved to Keller. We lived in Corinth at the time, driving to Trophy Club for church and to Keller for about everything else, because that is where our friends lived. I vividly remember the Biz family bringing dinner to us just days after Parker was born, with Jenny listening to me as I moaned and groaned about delivering a 9lb 13oz baby! Malaya was bigger if I remember. She was so calm and a great listener. I remember us driving to Granbury to a drive in theater. That was fun. We soon moved to Keller, in their same neighborhood.

We lived life together. She was who I called when I went into labor with Emaline during the night. She came over and stayed with my kids until Stacey's aunt and grandmother got there. She also kept Emaline 2 days a week so that I could work at preschool. There wasn't room for Emaline in the preschool nursery at the time, so they got to hang out on those days. She was a wonderful friend.

I cried with her during her infertility. Cried. Hurt. Screamed. She needed more babies. She longed for more babies. She loved them so, and was SUCH a wonderful parent. I would get angry when others got pregnant, even hesitate to tell her I was prego. She was the first that knew I was pregnant with Bowden. Even before Stacey. I was so in shock. I hated to tell her though. We hadn't planned it. It just happened. I totally understood she was happy for me, she didn't want my baby, she wanted her OWN baby. She taught me so much. There were times when we would discuss parenting. One of the most recent was talking about body types. She helped me understand a bit more about a strong willed child, like Malaya. I am so glad she is.

We got up at 5:30 3 times a week for a month to go to boot camp. That only lasted 1 month! :) We joined the same gym and attempted to go at the same time, but that didn't always work out. I loved the ZUMBA class, but she almost passed out. She was next to us when I backed over a BMW after gym one day. Nice.

My favorite times were Friday or Saturday nights with the Biz family. We tried to go out as often as possible with each other on the weekends. Cheddars was convenient. That was our place. I love to cook, so when I had extra, I would always invite them over. They loved my lasanga. One night she brought dessert. It was the greatest ice cream bar known to man. I couldn't believe all she brought. EVERY topping you would ever want. Malaya BEAMED as she laid out all of our choices. You could tell the Malaya and Jenny had so much fun picking out all those toppings.

Most recent Jenny and I took the girls to see the Frog and the Princess. Then we went to Jason's Deli after Freebirds was too busy. Then we went to their house to just hang out. What we did best. Our kids play so well together. Parker and Emaline adore Malaya. The like to sing for us. I think the boys were watching the Mavs game, and Jenny and I were sitting side by side playing on the computer. I was showing her some digital scrapbook stuff and she LOVED one set and said it inspired her to redo Malaya's room. Which maybe for her M's birthday, I can make that happen, if she wants. Then we started talking about church. She asked about the Sunday that we now refer to me as "Pastor Paige". So we found it online and listened to it. She listened so intently. Afterwards, she looked right in my eyes and said, "I am so proud of you." I will cherish it always. She was proud that I spoke about my faith to others, and how I had grown.

She taught me so much about walking with Jesus. SO MUCH. She is still teaching me. Below is a comment I found on my blog from 2005, I think. WOW! I needed those words right this very minute.

I am so sorry you are hurting! But you are soo right, God does so much work through our pain. I don't understand and never will but it is truth. He knows what places to take us and how to take us there to get our utmost attention. God WILL use you! Your example will be His witness. I am praying for your perseverence and your focus and for Satan to keep his lousy rear out of your business:)

SERIOUSLY! JENNY BIZ is teaching me right now. I will talk about yesterday, but not yet.

Delete

15 comments:

Jenna said...

Paige,

My heart hurts for you, for all of her many friends, and for her family. I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Samantha said...

Paige,
There are no words to console this kind of heartache. It is obvious that Jenny was an amazing woman and loved by so many...the overwhelming community of prayer warriors pleading for her healing was proof that if you knew Jenny, you loved her. What a beautiful gift the two of you shared in friendship. I am in awe of the work that our precious, loving Father has accomplished through Jenny's sweet spirit and short time on this earth. She fought so hard but the peace and joy that Heaven offers was just too sweet to pass up. Life is hard and too often seems unfair, but we know even in the midst of our sorrow that He is at work. I am so sorry that our prayers were not answered as we had hoped, but we know that Jenny is rejoicing that she was able to play such a huge role in bringing glory to our King. My thoughts, my every prayer, is with David, Malaya, Jenny's family and her dear friends. I know her light will still shine and I can't wait to meet her in Heaven some sweet day!
Much Love,
Samantha Sparks Allen

Three Two Hold One Lost said...

I wasn't sitting there when Jenny said, "I am proud of you Paige." Yet, I feel like I was because I know her voice, how she turned her head when she was really talking to you, sometimes folding her arms, and I know you how you don't give yourself credit and how hard you work to bring others happiness. So I am overjoyed that you have that perfect memory with her. Focus on all the thoughts of your friendship that you shared on this post. The thoughts you haven't shared about her last day on Earth, the last few weeks even, aren't the best memories. Yet, the sting of death is so hard to contain in a thought or statement. Let those hard memories pull you to the Father. I know you will make Malaya's bedroom happen. Malaya's new bedroom-inspired by her precious momma--implemented by her momma's best friend. Love you, Angela

summer said...

Thank you so much for sharing this, Paige. I, too, feel I still had so much to learn from her. I hope you will continue to share from your heart. It helps me feel closer to her somehow.

With love and tears,
Summer

Margaret K said...

I am sad for your loss. I am sad for the world's loss. I have thought of this old hymn lately. It makes me think of Jenny.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soldiers of Christ, arise, and put your armor on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies through His eternal Son.
Strong in the Lord of hosts, and in His mighty power,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts is more than conqueror.

Stand then in His great might, with all His strength endued,
But take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God;
That, having all things done, and all your conflicts passed,
Ye may o’ercome through Christ alone and stand entire at last.

Stand then against your foes, in close and firm array;
Legions of wily fiends oppose throughout the evil day.
But meet the sons of night, and mock their vain design,
Armed in the arms of heavenly light, of righteousness divine.

Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul,
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole;
Indissolubly joined, to battle all proceed;
But arm yourselves with all the mind that was in Christ, your Head.

But, above all, lay hold on faith’s victorious shield;
Armed with that adamant and gold, be sure to win the field:
If faith surround your heart, Satan shall be subdued,
Repelled his every fiery dart, and quenched with Jesu’s blood.

Jesus hath died for you! What can His love withstand?
Believe, hold fast your shield, and who shall pluck you from His hand?
Believe that Jesus reigns; all power to Him is giv’n:
Believe, till freed from sin’s remains; believe yourselves to Heav’n.

To keep your armor bright, attend with constant care,
Still walking in your Captain’s sight, and watching unto prayer.
Ready for all alarms, steadfastly set your face,
And always exercise your arms, and use your every grace.

Pray without ceasing, pray, your Captain gives the word;
His summons cheerfully obey and call upon the Lord;
To God your every want in instant prayer display,
Pray always; pray and never faint; pray, without ceasing, pray!

In fellowship alone, to God with faith draw near;
Approach His courts, besiege His throne with all the powers of prayer:
Go to His temple, go, nor from His altar move;
Let every house His worship know, and every heart His love.

To God your spirits dart, your souls in words declare,
Or groan, to Him Who reads the heart, the unutterable prayer:
His mercy now implore, and now show forth His praise,
In shouts, or silent awe, adore His miracles of grace.

Pour out your souls to God, and bow them with your knees,
And spread your hearts and hands abroad, and pray for Zion’s peace;
Your guides and brethren bear for ever on your mind;
Extend the arms of mighty prayer, ingrasping all mankind.

From strength to strength go on, wrestle and fight and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down and win the well fought day.
Still let the Spirit cry in all His soldiers, “Come!”
Till Christ the Lord descends from high and takes the conquerors home.

Kristen OQ said...

My heart is so sad for you & Jenny's family. She sounds like she was such an amazing mother, wife, and best friend!

Praying for you during this loss.

Molly Woodall said...

Paige...You and Jenny's family have taught SO many SO much about praying in these last 2 weeks. I would get the e-mails telling of an update...I'd get a update on facebook from you...sometimes it only said PRAY. Prayer warriors need to listen to the call from their leader...Then go into action! That's what we did!
I'm just so heartbroken!
I didn't know the family, but through the updates and your posts, I felt that I did.
God has worked through Jenny...and will continue to do so!

Love you!

The Speck family said...

This is so beautifully written- I am crying here at my desk reading your incredible words. Thank you for sharing the sweet memories of your true, true friendship with Jenny.

Jodi said...

Oh Paige, what a treasure. Every word. I wish I knew Jenny better since ACU, but thankfully because of you I am getting to be so touched by her. Seriously, I am just so sorry. I know your days, weeks, months, years ahead without your dear friend by your side are unfathomable. So, I too will pray for Satan to keep his lousy rear out of your business. Jenny, hope it is ok.... I might have to steal that quote!! :)

I love you, Paige Bowden Pearson.

Rachel said...

Paige,
I doubt you remember me from ACU. but I was Jenny's age - we were in several classes together. I have been reconnected with her over the last few weeks and have been on my knees with so many begging for God to heal her on earth, weeping when he chose to heal her for heaven.

i just wanted to tell you that i am praying for peace to rain over you and joy to fill you also when the pain becomes to overwhelming.

much love and blessings,
Rachel (Brainard) Elder

Amber Smith said...

Thank you for sharing those very special words about Jenny. I love her quote about Satan getting his rear out of your business. That sounds just like something that she would say! I keep thinking of what she must be doing and enjoying right now. She lived her life well, blessed and encouraged many. Now she must be smiling and laughing that contagious laugh of hers, pain and worry free. Memories of time spent with Jenny have been flooding through my mind over the past few weeks. I am so thankful that she has a friend like you who can step in and continously remind Malaya what a wonderful mother she was blessed to have. Won't it be a wonderful reunion one day? You guys will once again, have SO much to talk about! Keep lovin on that sweet Malaya! I know you will. You are a true friend.

Erica said...

Thank you so much for sharing your friendship with Jenny with us. She was an amazing child of God, wife, mother, sister and friend. I too lost a close friend way too soon, it was about 8 years ago. You will cling to the memories and beautiful pictures you have of your precious friend until we all meet again in Heaven. You will be in my prayers over the coming days, weeks, months, and year. Thank you for sharing with us today, it made my heart smile in the midst of the darkness.

Shelley said...

Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us! We have all been praying for Jenny and her family and for her close friends like you over the last weeks! We will continue to pray for you! Jenny has taught us so much... I was at ACU with you all, but dont remember Jenny, but NOW we can never forget her! She has taught me to pray without ceasing, to rely fully on GOD, and SO SO much more!

HUGS, God Bless...
Shelley Everett Hale

Larissa said...

Hi, you don't know me...I found your blog reading through several blogs about Jenny. I didn't know her. I went to LCU, but had lots of friends who went to ACU who did know her. That was such a sweet post you wrote and I'm amazed by a person I didn't even know, because of the life she lived and minister she was to others. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I can't imagine what that's like for you, or her family. You all are each in my prayers. Thank you for being so honest.

The Wood Family said...

Hi Paige,

I went to HS with Jenny and she and I were in show choir together our senior year. We lost touch, but I've kepts up with her progress and learned of her passing on FB and her carepages. I'm so sorry you lost your best friend. I am so happy to have known her through your blog and other's compassionate comments. Blessings to you and her family and may God's love and peace begin to heal your heart.

Jennifer Wood