We never physically met in person, but she is one of my best friends. She lived on the other side of the world, we never hung out for movies, coffee or dining. She is one of my nearest and dearests. How can I say this about a person I have never met? She was my penpal since 2002. She wasn’t just a penpal though. She wrote long heartfelt caring letters. She always showed an interest in my activities and journey. She was present to me. She demonstrated this in my days of financial hardship sending me Stamp vouchers so I didn’t have to buy stamps so I could write longer letters than the old aerogram. She was one of the few friends who always remembered my birthday, Valentine’s Day and Christmas (even though I am slack with everyone on Birthdays), she was truly present to me and from all the Facebook posts, to many of her other friends and networks too. Her family can be so proud of such an amazing human being. Oh why cancer had to claim her. Though she mentioned she had cancer a few years back, she didn’t advise how bad it was. She played it down. Perhaps her penpalling enabled her to forget for a short time she had it. She so often listened to my issues. I hoped that she and her husband would come and visit me in Australia. She had a free room! I am sad humanly I won’t be able to host her. I did know she was sick again from last year, but not to the measure that she was dying. I sent her a couple of cards, thanking her for her kindness, apologising that I may not have been as there for her. Her response? I never thought you were not there for me. Her family, friends, penpals, other networks, country, planet have lost a beautiful soul up to heaven, where I have no doubts she is crowned very high with our Lord and God.
Today I want to offer thanks to God and general gratitude for bringing Jennifer Wimmer Moore into my life. I want to thank Jennifer for her lessons for me to continuously learn from of what a real friend is. If she was so kind and generous to me, imagine how much more she was to those who saw her. I was blessed with her friendship on the other side of the world. Jenn, please order a star bucks coffee for me for our huge reunion in person when I get there!!! Love you..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPj3GAYYZ0 Tears in Heaven Eric Clapton
http://www.hornefuneralservice.com/obituaries/Jennifer-Moore-2/
Against The Tide 