I miss my friend and every time I think of her it's with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

I met Jean when I lived in Des Plaines and took my children to the Choo Choo for the first time with a family friend and his daughter. My children thought it was so much fun and exciting. The train, the bell, the happy birthday music and the food along with the owner and staff were all focused on making everyone have a good time. 
Flash forward to when I enrolled my Children  at Holy Cross School she was shocked. It was the Ice Cream Social and there was Jean with her apron in serving ice cream with a huge smile on her face. She truly was a woman of service with a smile! Our school and parish were extremely lucky and grateful to her and her husband Dale for their generosity through the years.
As we became friends, our laughter grew stronger with stories and situations we shared.
When she told me she needed to go through Chemo the first time, I went with her to buy her wig. It was actually a lighthearted event as we laughed trying on different looks. Her Chemo treatment stories were always positive as she met so many brave people throughout her journey. She kept me posted on her health and after the treatments were finished her hair began to grow back. No need for the wig, until I saw her wearing it again at the Choo Choo. I asked what was going on and she made light of it as I found out she was having treatments again. 
As I sit and reflect on our conversations and visits, I realize how much I miss my friend. I spoke to her in June and she never mentioned to me she was in the hospital. I told her I’d love to grab coffee lunch or dinner with her and she said that would be great. I never realized how sick she was until I found out she wasn’t doing good from her ex husband Dale while at a friends home.  I’m glad I told her I loved her every time we spoke. She and her whole family are in my prayers and I hope she knows she will be missed and loved