Up until this week I never had the strength to finish reading the cards that Jenny's friends wrote at her service 17 months ago. It was just too much. It was hard enough dealing with my own divine memories of Jenny, much less those of her closest friends and family. Whenever I learn something new about Jenny, I'm hit with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I feel that I know her better and in doing so she's kept alive in my mind. On the other, I discover stories of Jenny that I wish I could have enjoyed listening to while she was with me. Overall, though, it's a very positive feeling to read about my darling wife. The beautiful words her friends and relatives wrote about Jenny reinforced my knowledge that she was indeed a lovely individual of the highest order.
Please find below selected quotes from notecards submitted at Jenny's service. This is a continuation of my first post on this topic, which can be found here. I will post another set of memories submitted by Jenny's friends and relatives at the service in a "Part 3", to be out shortly. OK, here we go:
From a close friend Jenny met while the twins were in preschool:
Jenny was my Goodreads friend. I have read many good books following her lead. She was always ready to listen. I trusted her very much and sought her advice on how to raise children and handle work and life. Jenny was full of fun and with a big heart. She told me to live a life bigger than life. She made me a better person by knowing her!
--HS
From the wife of a close friend of ours--she of course became a close friend also:
I first met Jenny for the first time in Santa Clara when I was dating my then boyfriend (and eventual husband). She showed her kindness and warmth and I knew she was "looking out" for her friends. I am privileged to be a part of her life. I cherish the memories. Love always.
--KT
From the mom of two of the twins' closest friends:
Jenny and I have been in touch with each other since our kids' being in 2nd grade, raising our boys (twin boys!) in parallel. I will miss her dearly and she will always be in my heart.
--JS
From the husband of above:
Jenny always looked out for my boys and truly cared about J (my wife). We miss her so much.
--BS
From a UCLA friend of Loren's:
Jenny was always so patient, friendly and kind. What I remember the most were her beautiful smiles and Tinker Bell laughs. It must have been so fun in her house, with games nights, puzzling, creative cooking...so much love from Jenny to her family and friends, especially to her boys. I know she will always be watching over Loren and the boys in heaven.
--SY
Jenny regularly walked with a group of three other moms who met through baseball. The quote below is from one of those moms:
I will always miss our adventures. We had so many and I will cherish them forever.
--SA
From another mom from that group of walkers described above. Her son is very close to both twins:
Jenny was one of the most calm people I have met. The first time I dropped off my son for his playdate at Jenny's house, I was immediately drawn to the fragrance of her magnolia alba--the fragrant magnolia outside of Jenny's front door. I have beautiful memories of this plant in my grandma's backyard. Jenny told us where to get the plant. Because of her, we have the beautiful tree in our backyard--the fragrance of which teleports me to my grandma's backyard. The fragrance will always remind me of Jenny now. Miss her lots.
-MM
Thank you for sharing 💕