Dear Jenna-

My baby turns 8 months today and we were supposed to take off this morning at 7am to SLC to see my wonderful friend get married tomorrow. But as life goes, baby Juliet got an awful cold which has caused a double ear infection and her lungs to be inflamed. I took her to the doctors office two days in a row but it was concluded with her doctor advising me not to take the baby on a plane withe her breathing being as unstable as it is. I have been in terrible spirits all days. Crying. Grumbling. Being angry.

I was asked to be a bridesmaid. I had a dress. Shoes. A rental Car.
But my sweet baby needs to stay home and as she still depends on me as her food source, alas I must stay and take care of my sweet sick little love.

Jenna asked me to give a Toast. I am so honored that she asked and truly heart broken to not be able to give it. 

but an idea came to me. I can write a blog post. So here it is for you Jenna bob Joe...

Jenna and I met when we were 5 years old. When we were 10 her family moved a block away from mine. not long after we became the best of friends. I would run home after school and dial her number (6583543) in hopes that we could ride bikes, jump on her trampoline, sing karaoke, or play pretend music rock star on the old abandoned washing machine in the field across the street. Sleepovers, to birthdays, to roller coaster rides at state line where the guy let us ride 4 more times for free because we were cute, we were the best of buddies.

We shared the fun of adolescence together. We laughed over our first dances, first kisses, first time we could wear makeup to school, and being allowed to shave our legs! We sang together. Cowboy take me away is our favorite. We wanted to become a girl band, her mom gave us the name J'd. We wrote songs together, we had like 5 or 6 really good ones I swear. We stayed up late talking about our crushes, plans for our futures and we even cried over broken hearts together.

Jenna made my life better. She taught me how to wear my pants below my belly button. How to dance and not look like a total spaz. She taught me to always trust the Lord and has strengthened my testimony in Christ by her example and words of encouragement through the years. Jenna stood up to bullies for me. Did you know that? Yup. Those girls never messed with me again after that.  She comforted me after both of my parents died. She is one of a handful of people who actually had the privilege to know both my mom and my dad and they were both smitten with her.

My dad used to say, "You will be able to count your true friends on one hand," and he would always follow that up with, "And Jenna will always be one."

He was right, Through all of life of the past 20+ years Jenna has been there for me.

I remember when Jenna started going to school I got very jealous. Not of Jenna. Despite her beauty, intelligence and wit, I wasn't jealous of her but of those who spent time with her. I was always secretly afraid she would notice how cool everyone else was and wonder why she hung out with little plain old lame me. She was and is the coolest person I know, you know?
But no matter how many friends she gets, she has never abandoned me.

And maybe that is why there is such a sting in my heart from not being able to be there tomorrow. I haven't even met this wonderful man whom she has given her heart to. But I know that he must be fabulous. The way she speaks of him. Her eyes light up in a way I've never seen.

There is no one more Selfless, kind, good humored, full of love, brave and resilient. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for allowing us to be in each other's lives.
I am beyond thrilled that Jenna has found her Brock to be her best friend, partner and Husband.

I know no one who deserves more happiness, love and adoration than this beautiful bride. I pray that everyday they spend together is happier then the next and that their lives are more full because of the love they share.

I love you Jenna, my dear sister and I am so happy for all the happiness that lies ahead for you. Cheers to you and Brock.
My heart is with you and Brock. May tomorrow be the best day of your lives this far.