Memories of Jennifer Bearden, (1985 - 2009)

Jennifer and Grandma

December 31, 2012

Jennifer and her grandma had a special bond. They shared secrets and often talked, just the two of them. Sometimes I would catch the two of them sharing a "knowing" glance about something and they would just smile.

Princess

August 9, 2012

A very memorable experience was the Christmas we were all going to Cracker Barrel. Jennifer loved Cracker Barrel and we were all excited about a family dinner there. Everyone was in a happy mood as the holidays also involve many birthdays and a time to get to visit.

Jennifer was sitting in the floor waiting for everyone to get ready to go when she sneezed. Her cry was familiar to her parents as one that meant a broken bone. They rushed to her and immediately went into high gear for a now impending trip to Shriner's Hospital.

While they made the necessary phone calls and preparations to go, I sat with her and explained that instead of going to Cracker Barrel, we were going to take a princess on a ride in my coach (van). The back would lay down to make a full bed and we would be able to make the drive with her in a more comfortable way.

She didn't complain. I don't think I EVER heard her complain. We made the trip talking about the princess riding in the coach and making plans about the next time we would go to Cracker Barrel.

Giggles

August 9, 2012

The first thing that always comes to mind when I think about Jennifer is how I could get her to giggle. Just because she was so quiet didn't mean she wasn't listening. So, when I'd think about the fact that she hadn't said anything in so long, it was easy to throw in a 'zinger' to get that reaction that told me how she WAS listening. Then, a follow up comment about catching her just brought more giggles. So, as I miss you, I always have a smile about our giggles.

Jennifer Learns to Drive

June 20, 2012

When Jen was visiting me for a couple of weeks she told me she wanted to learn to drive. I owned a shocking blue Mitsubishi Outlander at the time but it was small and I thought it was a great choice of vehicles to learn on. One night we loaded up and headed to the Mall after hours. The mall was closed and we found a large area where there were no cars. I brought all sorts of items that we used to alter the seat and pedal heights. Once we were comfortable with that arrangement, we took to learning all the different parts of the vehicle (ie the gas pedal, break pedal, blinkers etc.) I started off in the passenger seat and we took it very slowly. She was so nervous, however, before long we were laughing and having such a good time that time flew. Once she got comfortable driving around the parking lot, We worked on 90 degree turns. By the time the sun was just about to rise, she was perfecting parking and even managed to back into a parking space or two without crossing a line. In one night she caught onto so much. I was so proud of her that I treated her to a celebratory breakfast. To be honest I don't know if I helped her but that night meant so much to me. I think of her vist with the fondest of memories. She may not have known it but her shear presents helped me to see a light at the end of a very dark tunnel I was in at the time. I love you and miss you. I wish you were here to share the next chapters of our lives.

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