February 4th is a day that forever changed my life on so many levels. One year ago today, we lost our beloved Jen B. It was a horrible day and one that I will never forget. I could walk around today and have my own pity party but that wouldn’t be respecting who Jen was. Today I want to honor her – the little things that she did to show her friends and family that she cared and that you mattered to her. The pictures she took, the notes she wrote, the gifts she shared and the memories she helped create. So I am going to put on my Jen B hat and embrace this day. I am going to celebrate all of my girlfriends and honor the best friend I could ever ask for. Today, the Smarty Team would like to invite you to join us in “Smarty Hug-Your-Girlfriends Day!”
I could not live without my girlfriends. I rely on them for everything. Whether it is a quick phone call on my way to carpool. Or the 6am workout which is the last thing on the planet I want to do. My supper club that I look so look forward to once a month. My school girlfriends who I lean on to help me guide my children through their new horizons. Or even a call to come to the hospital after my babies were born because my husband was sent home with a 104 fever. And last but certainly not least, my Smarty team who helped pick me up just when I thought my world was crumbling around me. Girlfriends get you through it all. The good and the bad. Women need each other and it truly is a beautiful thing.
So today we encourage you to give your girlfriends a hug, a phone call, an email or even better, take them to lunch or out for a glass of wine. Enjoy all of the wonderful women in your life and celebrate the time you have together. Don’t forget to email this post to all of your Smarty girlfriends!
21 comments
I can’t believe it’s been a year. What a great way to honor JB!
This is perfect! Jen is smiling….and so proud of all of you!
What a great way to celebrate the beautiful person Jen B was inside and out. When she and I lived together years ago I got really sick once (really sick). I will never forget how she constantly checked on me and would slip notes under my bedroom door. I truly did not deserve such an amazing roommate and friend. I can not beleive it’s been a year since she has been gone. But I see her spirit in this website and know she will live on forever in her daughter and all of the special ladies at CSP. You all do a great job. I will hug every girlfriend I see today!!
Hugs to you all. Wish I was there with you all today.Katie M
I’m sure Jen would be so proud and amazed at how far CSP has come in just a year. You’re all doing a great job. I think of her all the time and can’t believe it’s already been a year. I miss you Jen!
Jen,What a great post and even better way to remember Jen. She would be so proud of you and all that you have done with CSP!
I love this idea!! I am going to send this to my girlfriends today. I think about Jen B every day and I definitely miss her. What a wonderful way to honor a wonderful woman!!!
Thank you so much for honoring Jen B today as the beautiful person she was and continues to be to all that loved her. As a good friend of the Lismans, I know how special she remains. Kay Faucette
As an “older” girlfriend I can tell you that the bond between girlfriends never ends, but grows stronger and important in different ways. I strive to show my friends and family the kind of friendship and love Jen gave all of us. I am grateful for the example she set. It is a gift that will keep being passed on. Nancy Bradley
Thank you for reminding us of how wonderful Jen was and how she changed all of our lives for the better. I am a better mother and friend because she was my friend.
A great big to all the ladies who support their friends everyday!!!What a great way to honor someone who touch so many lives. Staci Coppinger
A great big to all the ladies who support their friends everyday!!!What a great way to honor someone who touch so many lives. Staci Coppinger
When I wasn’t getting or giving hugs today, I thought a lot about the beautiful mom, wife, friend and colleague we all miss so much. She had such an incredible impact on so many of us. But I too, didn’t want it to be a sad day. Before I left for work I gave my young daughters an extra long hug. I tried to be efficient and organized all day. I took a moment to look through pictures of family and friends. And I said a quiet prayer with a small group that had gathered around a tree we planted in her honor. I wanted it to be a good day and it was. It was so JB.
Jen P, this is a lovely idea and I am sure Jen B is smiling too! I am so looking forward to toasting this wonderful woman tonight with you incredible girls! love, kat
“Super” Jen – you are missed!
I shamefully admit that I was unaware of today’s date and its significance until it was too late. I have no excuse other than I was too focused on myself and day-to-day life and not paying enough attention to you, my wife, (Jen P) during a time of such great sorrow. I know “I’m sorry” does not mean much now but I am genuinely sorry for your loss and not acknowledging it today. I will forever be amazed at your selflessness and your uncanny ability to bring people together during good times and bad. That is a trait possessed by a select few but noticed by all. Words can not express how thankful and appreciative I am for all that you do for me, our family, friends, relatives and the community. Lately, my actions clearly have not matched my sentiments and I can assure you that will change. Tonight, as you celebrated Jen B’s life with the ladies of charlottesmartypants, I reviewed years of photos, allowed our four children an extra long goodnight routine and gave each one an extra long hug as I tucked them good night. There will also be one waiting for you upon your return home.And finally, tonight my thoughts and prayers go out to Boris, Claire and the family and friend’s of Jen B. God Bless and celebrate Jen’s life by giving an honorary hug to your friends and family.Randy P.
Although I am logging on a day late, I did have Jen B in my thoughts yesterday, and cannot believe that is been a year. Jen P., you have done an amazing job with CSP over this year. I know Jen is proud. Also, what a man you have in Randy. His message made me cry. Many men forget, not many acknowledge it the way he did. Give him a hug!
I thought about Jen B all day yesterday. Thanks for honoring her and I nearly cried when I read your husband’s message.
I hug goes out to all the special girlfriends in my life… Jen B. you will always be remembered…randy, you bring tears to my eyes. Xoxo natalie
I can’t believe it is been a year. It seems too fast but I still remember her like if it was yesterday. Thank you all for honoring Jen’s memory the way that she would have loved it. We all thought about her all day yesterday with our deepest love and gave everybody a big hug.What a great way to remember a wonderful girlfriend!Marie B
What a beautiful tribute to Jen. I am a couple days late, here… February 4 is a difficult day. My thoughts were with all of you, but it is also my daughter’s (my oldest) birthday. This year she turned 10 and it seemed like such a strange day to celebrate such a milestone for her, and mourn the 1 year mark of saying goodbye to Jen. It is hard to believe that it has already been one year. I think of her all the time. She was an amazing friend that has forever impacted my life. Jen P…I am in awe of what you have done with CSP. I know that Jen would be so proud! I know I don’t know many of you at CSP well, but I’ll never forget your kindness when I was with you one year ago…so, even though I am two days late (Jen would not have been shocked by this) and many miles away, I give you a big long distance hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jen’s family and Boris and Claire. Kelly Zeiler (Jen’s NJ friend)