The Cards and Letters...

Just keep coming. We're actually getting real mail - everyday there are at least four or five letters or cards from friends and family offering their condolences. Mason and I have opened and read each and every one of them. We read, we cry, we laugh and we enjoy the the written thoughts about Jenny and her memories. We find comfort in the fact that Jenny had so many friends - her circle is large and diverse. Responding to each one will be a daunting task, but Mason and I are going to start tackling that project very soon (just as soon as I can get to the store to buy a large quantity of thank you notes).

Some people have chosen to send e-mails - we love that! Some of the notes and e-mails contain some great stories about Jenny and the memories others have of her. Here are a couple of them, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did:

Laura S. wrote, "Your e-mail was the first I'd heard of Jenny's death. My husband and I were fortunate to have Jenny's kind and very competent services as our realtor a little over a year ago when we purchased our first home, a condo in East Ukranian Village. We were impressed by how quickly she knew just what we wanted - she "got it." She was natural and easy to be around, one of those sincere 'what you see is what you get' kind of people. Very trustworthy. And she earnestly laughed at all of my husband's jokes along the way, which I know he appreciated. Two friends of mine, Mila and Litha, were also in the email list, as they too know Jenny and we were all very saddened and stunned to receive this news. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. My husband John and I met your beautiful daughter on two occasions when she was along with Jenny. My heart goes out to you and Mason."

Len C. (grade school and high school friend) wrote, "I am moved to write because I went to the Madison School with Jenny, and I have some of my happiest school memories of playing tag and crack the whip with her on the playground during recess during what must have been the years 1967 to 1971 or so. It's the sort of stuff her parents must have presumed were a part of Jenny's daily school life, free-spirited running and playing in the warm Illinois sun with other little kids. There remains a person, me, now far removed in years from those days, and now far away in western Wyoming, who remembers with great affection her childhood beauty and athletic grace. She was the loveliest girl. Through my tender-aged eyes I adored her. I now have young children, a daughter Madeline who turns 9 in a few days, and a son, Reed, who yesterday determined with keen interest that he is now five and three-quarters. They run, they play tag, they do all the glorious exuberences of children. One of the next times I see them in full living stride playing with their mates it will occur to me to remember Jenny, and the moment will deepen my gratitude for the lives of my children, and give me one of those grown-up moments of quiet reflection that I would rather not have."

Merideth C. wrote, "Hi guys...we missed Jenny tons on tour Tuesday. So many realtors who barely say hello approached me to give their condolences....it's like out little comedy central caravan lost a wheel. I valued Jenny's advice, friendship and will miss her dry humor always. We will look forward to Mason joining us when she's ready."

Christy T. wrote, "Dear Max and Mason, I am so sorry to hear about Jenny, thank you for sending me the email. My daughter and I were in Chicago to look for new homes a few weeks ago. Jenny was so nice and gracious to take her time to show us around. I only knew her for a few days, but she was the kind of person you felt you knew your whole life. She was so easy to talk to and I could tell she was a person who was kind and caring. I know this must be an extremely hard time for you and your daughter, my thoughts and prayers are with you."

Margie and Dan C. wrote, "Please know how very sad we are for your loss and how very much we will miss Jenny. It is very hard to believe I won't see her each morning walking Daisy home from Roosevelt. I often stopped to chat with her and catch up on what you both were doing. She was a dear, sweet, thoughtful person and we will miss her very much. "

Mary Ann H. wrote, " Dear Mason, You don't know me, but your wonderful mother was my very dear friend. I loved her so much. I know you loved her and miss her more than anyone. When you see beauty in the world - baby kittens, lovely flowers, sunrises & sunsets - be reminded of all the beauty your mother possessed."

Kathy W. wrote, "We were so sorry and shocked to hear of Jenny's sudden passing away. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you. We so vividly remember seeing her in the driveway, getting into her car, so proud that Mason is riding her new bike. We remember seeing her walking Daisy. We still hear her bubbly up-beat voice chatting normal neighborly things. We will miss her vibrant, positive energy and her loving, caring humanitarian heart. She leaves behind many good memories and a great example to live by. She loved her family. You were #1 in her life. She was a care-taker of animals which was her gentle way..."

We will be posting more stories of Jenny - our memories and yours - very soon. If you have pictures or a story to tell, please send them to me at max_rose@sbcglobal.net. You can also read more about Jenny and the thoughts of friends and family at the online Guest Book.

Love,
Max and Mason