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I am deeply moved to have the privilege to share
a few memories with you of how Jean touched my life. And, in honor of
Jean and one of her many loves, I made sure that, while writing down my
thoughts, I took the time to the biggest chocolate chip cookie I could
find. I know Jean would have done the same for me.
Jean and I first met when I interviewed for a job with her in the late
1990's. She quickly became a role model, a mentor and a friend…always
gently supporting and guiding me through both my career and personal life.
In fact, one thing Jean encouraged me to do (that I admittedly continue
to avoid today) is practice public speaking. So when I learned that I
was invited to speak today, I had a feeling Jean might have a hand in
this.
I jotted down just a few things that I love about Jean
- Her ability to help me keep things in perspective (like when I was
panicking about my first real management job, she said, "don't
try to be the best…just focus on surviving the first year."
That didn't seem as daunting as having to be good at a job I had no
idea how to do. So I took her advice…and a year and a half later
I am still employed ;-)
- The look of feigned resignation and mild amusement when I'd appear
at work with yet another hair color
- I loved how her big, brown eyes were so strong and warm at the same
time
- The incredible power and strength behind her soft-spoken voice
- Her unwavering professionalism, support, friendship and devilish sense
of humor
- And the way she'd smile when I coveted the gourmet lunches that Jim
had made for her
I last saw Jean on a sunny Thursday morning, about 3 weeks before she
died. She sat in her chair in her living room with me, looking as beautiful
as ever, while Jim went out to do his weekly grocery shopping. Though
she mostly slept and, when awake, was sometimes alert and other times
seemingly in a dream-like state, she wanted me to see the carefully put
together photo album made by her daughters and share stories about her
life and the fun we'd had together.
When the time came to say goodbye, I told her how much she meant to me
and that she'd always be my mentor. When I grieve for my loss of a great
friend, I remember some of the last words she said to me, "no tears…just
coffee."
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