| (July 25th cont'd) We know that Debby's prognosis is still terminal, but her family is so grateful to have a little more time with her, even if it may not be that much more time. Every additional day her family gets to spend with her is truly precious. I keep thinking about the time we spent with her Saturday, watching Debby and Danny's wedding video. How funny it was to see ourselves, 15 years ago, with the 80's hair and clothes. How incredibly young Debby and Danny were. I got to see moving video of myself at the age of 11. We all laughed at moments throughout the video, especially watching Debby giggle as she recited her vows! How much those two have matured since then...I guess we all have. And there were moments, like when the minister spoke of the bond that should last a lifetime, when silence permeated the room. No-one looked at one another, but the feelings were palpable and universal. Whether "'til death do us part" means 50 years, or only 15, Debby and Danny somehow managed to overcome what may have seemed like the incredible odds against them -- to mature from the giggling, baby-faced pair they were, into the amazing couple they are today. July 29, 2002 Yesterday I took Andy and Allie and their friend, Mackenzie, to see the IMAX movie "Extreme" at The Science Place, where I work. It was amazing to see Debby -- whereas a week or two ago she pretty much had to be carried everywhere she went, and was unable to follow what was going on around her, yesterday she was up and walking around on her own and carrying on a conversation, albeit more subdued than her "usual" self. She and Danny were able to enjoy a dinner out while I took the kids to the IMAX. I know that my dad is updating everyone when I update this little on-line journal. Since that's the case, I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly say: I wonder if those kids have any idea how much I love and care about them. Even Mackenzie, because she's pretty much a part of the family too. Mackenzie and her family have been hanging around for I don't know how many years now -- at least I know that she came with us to the Turner Family Reunion when she and Allie were 7 or 8 years old. It's times like these when I am all too aware of my own shyness, and how hard it is for me to express how I feel at times. In that way, I have recently discovered, Andy and I are a lot alike. And it's times like these when those feelings need to be expressed more than ever. I have always found it much, much easier to express myself in writing than in person. During Debby's difficult week (on Sandi's birthday, as a matter of fact), Sandi informed me through tears that Debby had charged me with a task. My task was to take care of Sandi. I'm still not sure I understood that correctly. I'm still not sure she really meant it! Me?! I'll never forget how honored and humbled I felt by that. Even though I am technically "grown-up", I think the process of growing up never really ceases throughout a lifetime. Perhaps the next stage of "growing up" for me is learning to fill that responsibility, to not fear openly expressing my feelings face-to-face, and this experience is teaching me how. For now, I'll start with this journal. -Jenna August 12, 2002 It is over. Debby has gone to join her star. The pain ended this morning at 4:30 a.m. We, her family, are so thankful that her passing was so peaceful and with as little pain as possible. Her funeral will be Friday, August 16th. She will be cremated. Her ashes will be buried in Palestine, Texas. Thank God for every day you live your life with health. Just thank God for every day you live. Never live in fear, but live each day to the fullest. August 13, 2002 Plenty of tears were shed yesterday. And yet, mixed with our grief for a life lost much too soon, there was gratitude for the short time we got to share with Debby on this earth, gratitude for the fact that her suffering was not prolonged, and most of all, gratitude for this family. It is really true that in times of greatest crisis, wonderful things can still emerge. After watching everyone pull together yesterday, I know that if any family can make it through times like these, our family stands a pretty good chance. I think that Debby would have been proud of us all yesterday, and I pray we will always continue to honor her in everything we do. |
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| For Debby, p.3 |
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| When you're weary, feeling small When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all I'm on your side when times get rough And friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down When you're down and out When you're on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you I'll take your part when darkness comes And pain is all around Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down |
| Sail on, silver girl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine When you need a friend I'm sailing right behind Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down |
| Bridge Over Troubled Water By Paul Simon |
| For Bridge Over Troubled Water, please scroll to the bottom. |