At my Mom’s memorial service, I remember thinking how much she would have being there! My cheeks hurt from smiling that night as much as they did on our wedding day. There were so many great stories and memories shared about her. She would have loved to hear them!
So since I won’t be at my own memorial service whenever that is, can I ask a favor? Would you share your favorite memory you have of us together? It doesn’t have to be long, just a quick sentence or two. And if you have a photo, that would be fun to see as well!
If you are getting this by email, you can just click reply and tell me that way. Or, you can leave it in the comments below. You can also email them to Jennifer@LeavingCancerBehind.com.
I would love to hear them and right now, and could use some cheering up! I’ll probably compile them all into a post or some sort of document, so if you don’t want it shared publicly, please let me know!
Thanks friends and family.
Also, we are just 5 short days away from the #BeTheHopeWalk and just $1,382 away from our fundraising goal of $5,000. WOW!!!! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
Would you consider walking with us on Saturday, or making a donation? More details can be found in this blog post. Thanks for your support! It means a lot to our family!
We have many great memories of you & Tom, I’ll start with having the amazing opportunity to serve in youth group at CCC a lifetime ago. Do you remember the costume party where you guys dressed as the yellow and white pages? Do your girls know what a phone book us? LoL
While our friendship has not been long, it is a most treasured one! My favorite memory is not one, itās ongoing – our PJ Mama Morning/Zooms! I enjoy the company, conversation and friendship of our group so much! Itās something I didnāt know I needed until it happened and itās become something I look forward to immensely! You are one the most genuine, kind, faith-filled people Iāve ever known. You have touched my heart and my life, and Iām so grateful to call you my friend. Love you!
I have so many memories, it is hard to pick a favorite. Going to see Christmas decorations at the mall, the Fall Tastings , scrapbooking, going to tea, the Fourth of July at the Hollywood Bowl. But two of my absolute favorites were going apple-picking at Oak Glen and celebrating the new millennium at your apartment with all the food Tom prepared! Remember “pat’s pots?” The most important memory I have is the first time you invited Gene & I over for dinner to meet Tom. It is the most important memory because that night was the night we all became friends. I love you my dear friend Jennifer; you hold a very special place in my ā¤.
Being in MOPS with you and going to the Easter Bunny breakfast at the SuperMall.
Dear Jennifer,
I will never forget seeing and hearing you sing the new song, Trust His Heart at CCC where we still reside today in West Covina.
Tom was accompanying you as your soft voice so effortlessly sang the emotion in each word. It was as if you wrote the words.
āAll things work for our good – though sometimes we donāt see how they could. Struggles that break our heart in two sometimes blind us to the truth. Our Father knows whatās best for us. His ways are not our own. So when your pathway grows dim and you just donāt see Him, remember, youāre never alone.
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you donāt understand
When you donāt see His plan
When you canāt trace His hand
Trust His Heart. ā¤ļø
I always loved your voice and the ease and gentle way you sang. You stood tall, yet relaxed and blended so well with your alto voice.
I also remember how you and Tom went on short-term missionary trips. Was it Mexico or Argentina? You knew Spanish so you were quite equipped! It seems you two did this shortly after you were married.
Iāve recently heard that we are not to āleave a legacyā, but rather ālive our legacyā every day throughout our lifetime. Dear, Jennifer, that is exactly what you have done and will continue to do. Live out your faith in the God who created you for His glory. God will present you as His bride to His Son and place a crown upon your head.
One day we will all be together at His feet worshiping together in perfect harmony!!
Loving you!
I thought it was fun taking our kids to Wild Waves a couple times! I enjoyed catching up with you while the kids rode roller coasters or water slides.
It was also such a blessing to be in the same church body with your family and see you guys week in and week out.
I love this idea and is makes my heart so happy to read your memory and those that others have shared. I don’t feel like I have much to share because every time I taught for you, you weren’t there, but I can tell you that I love every minute we spent together in between. I have always admired you and learned about teaching from you. Decades later, I am finally a credentialed teacher, but the qualities that make my special started in those early years. To this day, I still play Pictionary with my students, which I started in your classroom! Thank you for allowing me to join you on this journey. <3
Oh Jennifer, One was in the hallway of LWES and us discussing me being Mollyās substitute or coming to your house one day to stay with Molly. Nothing extraordinary just a regular day. My other memories though are of your faith and lighting candles for you at different times over the years. That was the time when I felt your strength yet again. I am in awe of your gift to your girls and Tom. It makes me want to be a better Mom & wife.
Jennifer I’ve often thought about the time I was praying about who might be interested in joining me in doing the prayer folder my sister Sally put together and I saw you in the hall at church and asked if you would like to do it with some of us and you answered with a joyful “yes” and then hosted a group doing it at your home. What a special time that was seeing moms and their daughters listening to Sally speak about the importance of prayer and putting our prayer folders together. I also remember when you and Tom sang together at church thinking what a beautiful voice you have and your smile was so radiant! What a blessed time of worship, thank you both! I love and pray for you dear friend!
Hey Jennifer,
I remember being in bible study with you and thinking “man, and if I wasn’t an all boy Mom & she wasn’t an all girl Mom, we would be best of friends, because I adore her.”
It was your friendly,yet matter of fact way you had about you, and the perfect way you always let your yes be yes and your no be no! I love it!
And then I remember hiking with our kids…and it was lovely. Your constant and faithful presence in church & your honesty has always been refreshing to me. Even though we never spent a great deal of time together, I have always felt a kinship and admiration for your genuine walk with Christ!
Much love and respect for you and the race you have faithfully run!
I remember when you first came to teach at Wild Rose School. You were so young but did a great job. I was so glad to find out you were a Christian and wanted to start an early morning prayer time. If I remember Thursday morning. I was able to keep it going after you left till I retired. Thanks for the many wonderful memories at Wild Rose School.
We met at Azusa Pacific. My favorite memories are of Bel Canto, Choir tour and the 2nd West shenanigans with a chicken hat. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers. Much love, my friend.
I remember the baby shower that Sue Graf hosted for you when you were expecting Sage. So many of us that loved your Mom were there to celebrate you and Sage. Your Mom had requested before you were married that, if and when you had your first baby, I would crochet a baby afghan for you. I was so honored to do that for you in your Mom’s memory.
Goodness, there are so many memories. 20 years of memories and amazing life moments spent together. Iām so grateful for each one of them. I loved singing with you, doing ministry with you, enjoying Tomās fall tastings, decorating a night tree, celebrating birthdays and happy moments, and crying together through our sad ones. Living next door gave us the privilege of being pregnant together, being moms together, hosting first sleepovers, countless inspiring conversations, and just living life together as wonderful friends.
My favorite memory is when I first realized what a special person you were. At my wedding, you took many pictures throughout the day and created a beautiful scrapbook. It was waiting for me at my hotel door when I woke up the next morning. I just couldnāt believe how truly special you made me feel. I was humbled and honored to be on the receiving end of such a gift of love.
You always made me feel so special. I love you as my own family and i cherish our memories and our friendship.
When you went camping with us in Morro Bay. Mark, Tom and our boys went fishing one night and we stayed in camp to visit. Earlier in the day we all walked the beach. When the coals wouldn’t cooperate to cook the meat Tom stepped in, and made magic on the skillet while we stood around in awe. We had a great time that week.
My memory is from Wild Rose Elementary, where we started at the same time. You were young and a new teacher, but you had so much poise and confidence. And you were such a blessing in dragging us older teachers along in technology. And you never made us feel dumb. You just showed us what to do and let us practice with your guidance. I have enjoyed watching your family grow to include your beautiful daughters. My prayers for you on this last journey have been frequent and raised up in my church when we were still attending in person. You will always be in my heart.
My favorite memory is the evening Tom cooked food for the Wildrose staff and significant others under my carport ( which was about 50) total for a Christmas party. The food and comradery were very special .
I know I met you once at your Uncle Chuck and Aunt Patti’s house. But most of my memories of you have been reading your blog on your cancer journey. Your deep faith in our Lord Jesus and trust in him during this difficult journey has been a blessing to my heart. I have so appreciated your honesty and raw emotion displayed with grace. So glad to “know” you from far away.
I m writings long email OK
YOU HAVE MADE ME STRONG JENNIFER
My very first memory was measuring tweens together for Cinderella costumes for Tahoma Jr. Drama, and how welcoming and kind Sage was to Anna, during a really challenging time in Anna’s life. I recall my thoughts of how lovely, graceful and witty you were when we were first on board with TMST PTA, and loved your commitment and dependability.
I also regret never ordering you your Super Admin cape.
My favorite memories, though, (even it has been through such a challenging time with COVID and your battle) have been our weekly PJ Mama Zooms and hangouts. You are a spiritual warrior, and you brought me back to Jesus. The entire trajectory of my life has changed with Christ in the center, and I will always say I owe my ministry to you.
I read this today, and every word made me think of you.
“Six Signs Your Spiritual Life Is Healthy.”
(1) You have thought it out. There is an internal logic to your faith. You have spent time in critical reflection about what you believe.
(2) You want to go on learning. Your faith has a built-in curiosity. You have a sense of humility and are tenacious about deeper understanding.
(3) You value kindness very highly. Your sense of compassion radiates out, taking in all forms of life. You believe the Earth is a life worth saving.
(4) You have the confidence to see your own fragility. Each day is precious to you. You do not want to waste a moment on negative behavior but radiate hope to as many as you can.
(5) You are a spiritual veteran. You have known hard times and faced many fears. The foundation of your faith is not greeting card theology, but resilient commitment to the peace beyond struggle.
(6) You have seen visions. Even if through a glass darkly, you have caught a glimpse of the other reality that this world often obscures. You have seen beauty. You have felt serenity. You believe.
~Bishop Steven Charleston
I am so grateful that God placed you in my earthly journey. I love you.
“Gracious God, whose service is perfect freedom and in whose commandments there is nothing harsh nor burdensome, grant that we may listen with attentive minds, pray with fervent hearts, and serve you with willing hands so that we live at peace with one another and in obedience to thy Word, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.”
*I don’t see the option to submit an attachment for our photo…I think it’s a setting on your end, but I will email you our favorite photo. Love you!
Oh man, my all time favorite memory is you and I jumping in the lake on the first day of school when we had the dock and beach to ourselves! I canāt find the video thoughā¦ Another favorite is when Noah and Sage were in kindergarten together and thatās when our friendship began.
Dear Jennifer, I wish I had know you well before I started reading your blog, but I didn’t. Since reading your blog I have come to know that you are godly, wise, and kind. You have been so transparent and honest with all of us that these are the memories I will cherish. You have been brave and courage even if you didn’t know it.
I have another memory of the time when you wanted to give back to your church family by sharing a song with us on a Sunday morning. It was so humbling to know all that you were going through but there you and your girls were singing to all of us. I saw the encouraging looks that you kept giving to your daughters. I could see their nervousness and knew that they must love you so much to perform with you in front of us. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the song but I do remember that you all harmonized well together. The song was secondary for me, compared to what else was going on between the four of you.
Thank you for letting all of us be a part of your journey and giving us the privilege of praying for you and yours.
Dearest Jennifer,
I, too, hold so many sweet and dear memories of you and your passions. I was so honored to be your mentor teacher at Wild Rose. Your passion for the children and ensuring all their needs were met was completely awe inspiring. You were thorough and well organized. Your heart was filled with energy and love for your students. I still can see you working after school late into the afternoon. I remembered the day you glided into the staff room showing how to scrapbook and, moreover, how to make it creative. You are the reason that I made so many scrapbooks. And, you are the reason that I captured so many memories of my own family that I and my family treasure. Like Linda, I fondly remember the Christmas Party – yet the first that Tom catered- at Jean Young’s home near the Monrovia Canyon. Not only do I remember Tom’s amazing menu, but this is the one specific memory that I treasure of you and Tom. Dinner was served and everyone had finished the meal. Tom came out and found Jean’s piano. I recall him playing the piano with you sitting right there next to him. I will never forget the two of you sitting so lovingly together at the piano that night. Dear Jennifer, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Sending you love. As Emerson wrote, ” To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Just know that you have many so many lives breathe easier. You are my hero. God bless you, Jennifer – now and always. Love, Aileen
You let my son help on guitar with VBS music and even took time out of your busy life to schedule a practice session with him. He was young and still learning but you made him feel good about his contribution. Iāve always appreciated that so much! You have blessed so many lives, even during this season of cancer. I remember reading the article you mentioned once: Donāt Waste Your Cancer. You have not , dear one.
There are simply too many wonderful memories with you to list them. Your kindness and love for others has always been so visible and so real, it truly is a gift from God. One memory I treasure is of you and Tom singing and playing piano on our wedding day. That, and you applying my make-up before the wedding because I had absolutely no idea how to do it, lol. I loved being your maid of honor, and am so thankful you were mine.
You have been a faithful friend for so long. I am forever grateful that you found your way up to Second West from the first floor of Adams in September of 1992. Isn’t it funny how simple moments can change the trajectory of your life? I love you friend.
You are forever in my memory as the super mom who was always involved in every activity for all 3 of your girls. One memory that pops into my head that encapsulates you as a person perfectly, is the time that we were at LWES for the Missoula play as our girls were at the daily reversal. This was always a busy week of running meals to the school and late nights for the kids. We were chatting about our busy days and you stopped to share an idea of a quick and easy weeknight meal. Feeling excited and inspired your idea, I made that meal the following night and my family loved it! Soon after this conversation, I learned about your recent cancer diagnosis that you knew about at that time that we talked. I remember feeling so bad that I was complaining about being busy and coming up with dinner plans when you had the fight of your life ahead. This is how you are and who you are. Always giving to others, so patient and calm and continuing to live your life to the fullest all while supporting your girls, and feeling the news that was still new at that point. I admire you in ways that I canāt even explain. Your grace, your patience, your faith, your warmth and beautiful smile that lights up the room. You are inspiration to all who are lucky enough to spend any time with you. I have always been in awe of you and all that you give to others. Sending love, peace and strength to you and your family. ā¤ļø
Dearest Jennifer,
I remember you & Tom best when you were in elementary school, since Mario, our daughters & I moved to Ventura in 1987. You always had the most infectious smile & fun personality and Tom was rather shy! God definitely knew the two of you were perfect for each other. I have been blessed to follow your journey & to pray for all of you! You & your family have been an inspiration of trust in God, perseverance & unwavering faith!!!
Praying for all of you as you begin this phase of your journey
Much love to you allā„ļø
One of my most fondest memories of you was at Shiraās work our classes and how we both wanted to give up doing the ropes but we kept yelling encouragement at each other to not quit and keep going. Love you Jen! Sore arms and all!
Performing Arts Camp at MVPC is where I first met you and your daughters. I just remember your support of them and our program. Then having your girls in 5th grade choir and having Tom come to my rescue to play piano multiple times! Lastly, watching your journey on your blog over these past years. Your life has had a significant impact on so many these past few years. Thank you for letting us go on this journey with you.
I remember when you and your wonderful family first moved in and we met at the bus stop getting our kids on the bus. We would chat about life and just whatever came up and one day you asked me to come over for coffee. Little did I know that it would be THE BEST cup of coffee that I had ever had. You made me a delightful latte and we chatted in your living room it was wonderful. You are such a kind hearted soul! ā¤ļø
Jennifer, you were a huge help to the middle school drama boosters, especially during auditions. Carefully taking the kids’ measurements, and at the same time providing them comforting words of encouragement. You had a way of keeping them all calm. Thank you so much. I have great memories of you and you are in my thoughts often.
Dear Jennifer, Your sweet Mom would drop you off on her way to work and you would be a āMotherās Helperā for the day. I loved those times because you always kept āNessieā and Matt entertained. One particular day you asked if you could make lunch for them and said you wanted to make toasted cheese sandwiches. I said, āFine with me!ā From that day forward they always asked for āJennifer Keenā
( Small) sandwiches! We still refer to them with that title. You were always a blessing to us and we are holding you, Tom and the girls in our hearts and always in our prayers. With Love, Patti Eddy
From the day we met you have always made me feel like family.i was so nervous but you made me feel at ease right away.i love you girl and your whole family.ā¤
I remember as my 4th grade teacher. At wild rose
You had a California gold rush day and we did activities that related to the era, I took your scrap book class after school too.. I loved having you as a teacher !
Dear sweet Jennifer. How could I possibly pick just 1 memory. I loved being your roommate in college. I felt so lucky when Tom would come over and just throw things together from the cubboard to make an amazing dessert. It was also especially helpful when I couldn’t reach high things. I was so honored to stand by your side at your wedding. You had such a beautiful wedding on the Queen Mary. I had so much fun making lots and lots and lots of crepes with you and Tom for your parents anniversary. Jennifer you are amazing. Even though you are battling cancer you always reach out to me and see how I am doing and how you can support and pray for me. I love you so much and I want to be more like you in your faith. God has used your story to encourage so many people and I am so blessed to be your friend..
I loved our married housing days at APU! Iām pretty sure you and I wrote the proposal to get married housing started again. Those years of living life together and figuring out marriage were precious to me! We had something very special in that small community. And of course our freshman year in 2nd West was amazing and full of secret meetings to plan pranks in the boys dorm. Those were epic!! But my favorite memories with you have been the more recent times of reconnecting on FaceTime. I have enjoyed every minute of sharing life with you! I love you Jen!