I have a friend named Jenny who is a continual source of inspiration.  She’s someone you would have to meet to truly understand what she’s really like.  I don’t think that there’s a writer on earth who could capture her incredible personality and her indomitable spirit.  She’s funny, mischievous, optimistic, determined, and loving–yes, most of all loving.  I adore her and I love to see her smile: it’s a million dollar smile that lights up her face and spells out “laughter and joy” across a big, blue sky!

Jenny was born with a whole bagful of challenges; she was placed into her parents’ arms, carrying disabilities with mysterious-sounding names.  I could go on to explain them, but what is there to gain.  While Jenny’s disabilities are with her still: they do not define her.  Jenny has written a life story that focuses more on the “I can’s”,  than the “I cannot’s”.

Someday I want to write an article about Jenny.  I want somehow to create a beautiful expression that conveys her spirit for living.  For now let me just tell you some special things about my very lovely, much cherished friend.

Jenny has this incredible quality of yielding.  She is like gentle, sparkling water…clear and pure; the kind in which, sunlight dances!  While you see the stones and sticks that the water runs over and through, they fade away as you’re captivated by the sheer loveliness of the free-flowing, bright, clear water.  Jenny’s life flows freely. Sometimes it dances. Sometimes it tumbles–over and through and around all the rocks and rubble she has known in her life.

Continue reading →