My mom's dear friend passed away recently after a battle with cancer. Jeanne was an intensely private person with a heart of gold. I feel glad that she was a friend to my mom because I think my mom was lucky to have experienced a friendship that was so pure. Now I feel sad for my mom because this is a loss like she has never known.
I just wanted to share an experience that I had with Jeanne that I think shows her strong character. When I was 15 (yes mom, I was only 15) I went to a local Planned Parenthood to get on the birth control pill. When I walked into the office Jeanne was there at the counter checking people in. I almost walked right back out the door because I didn't want my parents to know I was there. I paused briefly at the door trying to decide what to do. From what I knew of Jeanne, I was pretty sure that I could trust her to keep my secret. I made my way to the counter and Jeanne greeted me, just like she greeted anyone who walked through the door. A warm smile, her calm and soothing tone, and instructions on what paperwork I needed to fill out. I was so nervous. Jeanne didn't let on that she knew me and I'm pretty sure she kept my visit to herself since I didn't get a "talk" from my parents. I hope she never felt like she was betraying my mom in some way. I am sure that she helped many many people over the years and I thank her for what she did for me.
Jeanne, you will be missed. Thank you for being my mom's friend.
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