Presence

Jul 27

“I am grateful to be present.”

These were the words Jen said at a Bible study meeting we shared last fall. We were taking turns in the circle, sharing highs and lows of the week. The words from her were few – but so powerful. The rest of us babbled on – it was lovely to look at fall leaves out the window and feel the crispness in the air, and talk about the joy of soft socks – but hers are the words that lasted for me.

It has occurred to me that I miss her presence in my life. Only when I can’t be with her, am I learning what it means to be truly “present” in someone’s life. She knew the meaning and importance of being “present”. When you talked to Jen, she listened, truly listened, those big green eyes looking at you, and gave you feedback – not all of it what you were wanting to hear, but always honest and thoughtful.

Jen advocated “self-care” and it has been most difficult at times to do the “self-care” – take the walk, smile, ask for help, be social, because you can only be your best when your heart is full and your spirit strong. “Doing Today Well” is a challenge. To be present, for all those who I love, is the next rung on the ladder of “Do Today Well.”

 

Roz (Jen’s Mom)

15 comments

  1. Lindsay /

    ❤️she was amazing at being present!❤️

    • Bonnie B Jackson /

      Roz, this is a built in trait of yours that Jen did so well!! I’m grateful to know this and have experienced this ❤️ for myself. Love you and Pray for all of you… By the Grace of God we’ll Do Today Well 🙏

  2. Sending love from the UK to all your family x

  3. Dotti /

    Roz!
    😌
    I pray for y’all! We are so sorry for you! Y’all take a lot of care!
    Dotti and Shawn

  4. Marlayne /

    🥰💔🥰💔🥰

  5. Jenna Schroeder /

    ❤️ what a good reminder for us all

  6. Kim Rourke /

    Roz, the words you write are actually words I would use for you! It is a gift to be able to block out the “noise” and focus on the person in front of you. You do this!! There was a big piece of you in Jen, and I pray that she is in you maybe gently reminding you to be patient and gentle with yourself, and that in doing this you will better be able to do today well for yourself and your circle of family. One rung at a time in YOUR time!❤️

  7. Carli /

    I love this post. Some of my fondest memories of our family thanksgivings are actually of you doing exactly this – being present. You always have had such a knack for making others feel important and heard and it’s something I’ve always appreciated. I suspect this is something Jen picked up early on from you. Thank you for being such a great role model for our family. Love you.

    Carli

  8. Christin Stegman /

    I got all teary-eyed as I read your post. Thank you for reminding me of this profound and simple message.

  9. Julie Talford /

    How lovely to have you on here Roz. Thanks for sharing the memory and for the reminder to Do Today Well.

  10. Michelle Wolfe Clapsaddle /

    Roz, in my experiences with you,I feel that you show exhibit that same ability to be present. A beautiful quality, not all have, that I think Jen inherited or learned from you. Much love to you, the girls, and the rest of the family.

  11. You are so right, Roz. I’m still here reading because of Jen’s legacy.

  12. Sharon House /

    I love this. I do my best to be present. I know I fail at it epically sometimes, but that doesn’t stop me from trying.

  13. Kimberly Bunn /

    So true Roz. I love this post because I also remember her saying this often. She was great at making the most of the moment.
    Kim Bunn

  14. Rusty abd Pam /

    We send our love from the other side of town.