Jenny was a friend of mine

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next....delicious ambiguity." --Gilda Radner

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Jenny was my former boss. She was also a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a friend and so much more to so many other people. She died in a car accident on Christmas Eve. She was 32 years old. Her husband, Chris, died in the same accident at the age of 35. They had a 6 month old daughter, Emily Grace, who was also in the accident, but at this time she is still alive.

Jenny was a friend of mine...but not that close. She was “just” my boss. I wasn't always nice when I spoke about her. Sometimes her high-energy and attention to detail would drive me crazy. But I had so much respect for her, because I knew she would stand behind me, her employee, 100%. The customer was NOT always right, and she would always explain the situation to them with the sweetest smile and tone. She wasn't perfect, but she knew her job. She was encouraging. She was hyper. She was interested. She was intelligent.

I remember the first time I met Jenny. I was getting an application to work at Bath & Body Works. More than anything I remember her smile. I wish I could say I remember the last time I saw her. I know it's been nearly a year, but I don't know the last words I said. I'm sure I didn't give her a hug. If I had known it would be the last time I would ever see her or talk to her, I would tell her what I've told you, and I would give her a big hug. But, as Gilda Radner explained, life is about not knowing. I didn't know it would be the last time I would see her. I didn't know I would be reading her Facebook profile today and find the Radner quote, in an attempt to find something to connect with her. A piece of her to hold on to.

In knowing the ambiguity of life, we must strive to say what we mean, and ensure that those we love know how much we love them. This is the lesson Jenny taught me.