Jenny

Jenny

June 6, 2026

So, what’s in a name? How can you unpack and write a story about just a name? It’s been in my mind for months now, even before the last story. This one was supposed to come out before that one, but for some reason, it was delayed. 

As with most of my stories, they are written in my mind and then brought to life through my fingertips on this virtual piece of paper. I could only imagine writing this with pen and paper or on a real type writer. This story is so different, and it has evolved in my mind with only two words: friendship and Jenny. More than anything, I want to honor both of them. There is one hindrance in this story and that is time. 

It’s been forty years since I’ve seen Jenny or even spoken to her, but her presence in my life was so impactful during the years we spent together. As I mentioned early on, this story has no direction as of yet, but I will do my best to paint a picture with words that illustrate how gratitude, love, and the presence of a beautiful soul can help steer the course of one’s life. 

Just yesterday, Lisa was asking me about my next story. I told her that I would like to write about Jenny. She had the opportunity to meet her back then. At this moment, I can feel the emotional tears rising up from deep in my soul as I recall this precious friendship. Friendships never die; they just linger in the background ever so lightly with a memory or a spot in time that changed us somehow. Jenny was the person; she was that friend. 

She didn’t know it then, but she played a pivotal role in bringing me out of an extremely dark time. She never dug too deep, never adjusted herself to accommodate me, and looked at me for who I was. I gave her the same respect back. Let me see if I can paint this picture for you. 

Forty years ago, before I met my sweet Lisa, I was a person full of pain and dealing with so much suffering from the trauma and torture I had come out of. Then there was Jenny. She had moved into the apartment across the hall from me. I had just finished trade school and had my first blue collar job as an auto mechanic at a local dealership. This is the same dealership where I met my sweet Lisa at as well. 

Right now, I am taking a moment to reflect on how much joy this story is bringing me; I see the gratitude, love, and presence of her friendship. I can visualize her face across the hall as she introduced herself for the first time. One word describes her presence: acceptance! As tears flow down the cheeks of my face, I can remember her smile and feel the love she has for humanity. Who was she? We became, in my mind, the best of friends. 

We spent the weekdays and weekends together, traveling and enjoying everything life had to offer. It was not uncommon for us to be at a concert on a Friday night and then at a steeple chase race the next day. She introduced me to culture, for which I am forever grateful. I think that’s part of this story and how it evolved. I was watching a horse race with Lisa recently, and I described a moment when Jenny and I had attended a steeple chase race here in North Carolina. I would be amiss not to mention Anna who completed this trio. She brought a balance to the group.

Jenny had asked if I wanted to go to the horse race, a steeple chase. I had no idea what she was talking about, but since it meant spending time with her, I was in. This is how I remember the event.

We came out in the apartment hallway at about the same time; she was wearing a beautiful colored dress and holding a vibrant hat. I was in shorts and a tee shirt. She gave me the up and down look and spoke with her eyes. I went back into my apartment and returned in blue jeans and a button-down oxford shirt. She nodded with approval and we jumped in her car and drove away. No words. Her eyes could speak words that never needed to be spoken.

Looking back, we adored our time together. We loved the time, the places, and the moments as if they were meant for healing. Every breath and every life experience with Jenny brought refreshment to my soul; you have to fill in the blank here. 

My soul was so injured in those times, and she seemed unaware at the time, even though I now know she always knew. That’s why our relationship was so beautiful. She knew, and she was accepting of the gratitude and the love, and she gave her presence to me. Who could ever ask for a friend like Jenny?

I was not worthy of her presence on most days, but looking back now some forty years later, she led me to my next journey, my sweet Lisa. Who, by the wonderful grace of God, accepted my friendship with Jenny as a wonderful part of my memory bank that I can access from time to time. As I sit here writing this now, I can see how much I adored Jenny. 

Oh, my soul was blessed by our friendship. It was a time of change, a time of giving, and a time of peace in my soul. Jenny brought life to me, but she didn’t know. Jenny brought promise to me, but she never knew. Jenny brought a new beginning to me, but she never knew. She lifted me high and brought life to a soul that was so wounded that only God knew what I needed at that time. 

I will leave you with this as tears flow down my face once again, my soul is blessed by my remarkable friendship with Jenny. Never take for granted those in your life now and those that are to come. There is a greater purpose in the works. Follow them, and be grateful for those relationships in your life both past present and future.

Jenny, thank you! If I never see you again or connect with you again, know that our time together was more than friendship. It was full of grace, gratitude, love, and mostly your presence in my life to make me a better person, preparing me for the next journey. 

If time allows and fate happens, then these are my words to you, Jenny.

A note to Jenny: I made it! We made it! Lisa and I made it. We raised two beautiful girls, Sara and Laura. We have five amazing grandsons and two beautiful sons-in-love. I’m still here. Thank you for the time you spent with me and invested in our lives together, never expecting anything in return. I love you, Jenny! You are a wonderful friend who has blessed my soul with life. 

Be mindful of the friendships that come into your life. They have a purpose, so adore each and every one of them. They are all part of the journey of gratitude, love, and presence which equals purpose. Purpose brings life.

Editor: Sandra Wester  www.sandwestedit.com