Braving the Storm Under an Umbrella of LoveThere's something magical about the bond our friends Jackie and Jen share. Happily married, these "silly sods" have certainly had their share of woes the past year or so. The couple once shared a lovely apartment in Toronto with their cat Rasmus (whom you may recall seeing in Scribbles, featured in photos reading a book, watching TV or exploring all the nooks and crannies of his home.)
Storm clouds hovered over the girls when last year Jen was diognosed with cancer. Although she had duel citizenship in Canada and her home land of America, confusion with official papers meant Jen would not be able to receive treatment in Toronto (correction, she could get treatment, it just wouldn't be covered by OHIP.) How would Jen get the treatments she so desperately needed without medical coverage? She would need to return to the States, that's how.
Initially Jen went back to the U.S. alone to begin treatment. Her family would be by her side, but Jackie would be left in Toronto where she'd have to extend her love and support via phone. It wasn't long before Jackie put life in Toronto on hold and joined her beloved in the U.S. Their belongings would be put in storage and their feline Rasmus would move in with friends of Jackie and Jen.
At a time when some couples might fall apart, the love between our brave friends J and J has done nothing but grown stronger. They've had bad days and they've had encouraging days and stood by each other's side throughout it all. Jen has made great progress in recent months, although she is not out of the woods quite yet. Jackie has remained in the States thoughout it all. Their strength absolutely astounds me. I am amazed by these lovely ladies and their postive attitude.
A fundraising website was set up last year for anyone who would like to offer support to Jen and we encourage all our Scribbles friends to do what they can to help make things a little brighter for her and Jackie.
CLICK HERE to go to "BE A GEM FOR JEN" website.
And to my dear friends Jen and Jackie I offer my love, prayers and support. You truly inspire me and I am so proud to call you my friends. I love you!
READERS COMMENTS:
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh darlin...you made us cry so you did! L O V E Y O U toooooooo..."
-Jen and Jackie
"Thanks Kenny for sharing the J's story on here. We all miss the J's badly & wish that they didn't have to be so far away to get the treatment that Jen needs. From what I've heard, Jen doing pretty well but we all need to send our positive... vibes down to her & help her believe that she will get through this. Jackie...I always knew you were 'brave & strong' but you seem to be finding more strength to carry on that any of us can imagine. Just know that your 'rock steady crew' is here routing for you & loving you both many times xx"
-Francesca Mackie