I have found this platform to be helpful in organizing my thoughts and sharing our journey and recognizing the support for Jennifer, myself and our family. I appreciate all of you for the care and support, and for following along...providing comments with positive, uplifting messages. At the end of this post, I have a message and request for you.

Watching Jennifer battle her cancer over the last 6 months was the hardest thing I have ever done, by far. During this time, we had many deep and sad conversations, and there were often lots of tears. I, however, wanted our time together to be as happy and joyful as possible. I wanted to stay strong for her. It was almost as if we were just going through the motions, but everything was just “matter-of-fact” or “taking care of business”. We both knew the end COULD be near, but we stayed focused on the daily routine. Good or bad, that is how we coped, I guess.

She was never really in the mood to invite guests over for conversation, but was always happy and pleased when they (you) were around. The support and outreach of so many really helped keep Jennifer’s spirits lifted. She enjoyed the company, appreciated the help and, as it turns out, made final connections with many. The cards, letters, flowers, gift cards, help with housework and lawn mowing, and even weekly meals and grocery runs, were so above and beyond I don’t even know how to sufficiently say “Thanks.” These gestures of kindness and caring allowed us to spend more time together when it was needed most.

When we entered Kavanagh house, it was obvious no cure was coming. It was a difficult decision, but the daily pain, the even more painful procedures and lack of comfort helped drive the decision. There seemed to be no other paths for us at that point. At Kavanagh, we were greeted with some of the most caring and gracious people any of us had ever met. Family began to pour in, we gathered together with Jennifer - even Ryder was allowed to visit and ran around greeting people. The idea of the end was terrifying, sad and extremely emotional but Kavanagh helped Jennifer and our entire family through to the peace and tranquility that Jen found on August 4th. 

The turnout at the visitation the following week was incredible with more than 300 people attending. So many friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, and even the Roosevelt High School volleyball team. I am so grateful to Hamilton’s for providing the space we needed and for their kindness and support throughout this ordeal.

 The service was held at Plymouth Congregation and our pastor and good friend, Mark Stringer, shared beautiful and meaningful stories about Jennifer’s life. Jennifer’s brother Jim spoke from the heart and created wonderful images to remember Jennifer by, as did her step sister Kim. Natalie, Rachel and Sarah stepped up to the pulpit and amazed all of us with their poise and grace. I truly believe it was a beginning for all three girls toward the healing process. If you missed the service and would like to watch it, you can find it by clicking on the link HERE. 

In Jennifer's memory, family, friends, co-workers and others made exceptional and generous donations, including donating leftover reception food to a Des Moines shelter. The many donations received for Jennifer’s charities went to Kavanagh House (EveryStep), A-Heinz 57 Pet Rescue and Planned Parenthood. I know Jennifer was proud to be a part of giving back. Her name will be on the wall at Kavanagh House because of these donations. 

My message to you; If you have a fun memory or a crazy story to share about Jennifer, I would ask you to leave it here as a post on this journal. I’d like to be able to look back and see how Jennifer touched your life. To see the slide show that was playing at the visitation and service, you’ll find it posted at the bottom of the obituary at Hamilton’s web site HERE.

 I wish the volume of prayers and the outpouring of love for Jennifer could have changed the outcome, but cancer sucks and as I said in one of my Facebook posts,” cancer can suck it!” Love to all of you.