In Memory of Jeannie
I would like to tell you a little more about the person who inspired my call to action against MS, my Aunt Jeannie. I humbly share with you the eulogy I wrote for her funeral. The way she lived her life inspired me to believe that anything is possible. She was my first music teacher (after my mom) and my biggest supporter. This "Christmas Dream" of raising money for MS would have made her so happy! She was only 55 when she died.
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Mary Jean was my auntie Jeannie. I was named after her (I’m Wendy Jean) and we had much in common, including being the youngest in our families and having a passion for music. We have always had a special bond.
One of our favorite things to do together for many years was to go out to our favorite cafes and order lattes and talk for hours about life and music and hopes and dreams. When she could no longer get out to the café, I brought the café to her. When she could no longer use her arms very well to hold up the cup, I’d hold it with a straw. If you could have seen the huge grin on her face every time I entered her home or hospital room with one of her favorite things, a latte from Starbucks – well, it was priceless.
She remained grateful for all of the blessings in her life until the end. What really struck me was how, in the midst of her own suffering, she still remained mindful of those people in the world who had it worse. Her heart went out especially to those living with MS who had no resources or family.
In spite of loss after loss over these years living with MS, she NEVER felt sorry for herself. She always greeted you with a genuine smile and an interest in you and what was happening in your world. You would rarely hear her complain – which is an amazing thing.
Perhaps there is a lesson in there for all of us. Maybe the next time we find ourselves opening our mouths to complain about something, we could stop for a moment and picture my auntie’s vibrant smile and positive attitude about life. Maybe we could reconsider whether or not what we want to complain about really merits any focus or attention at all.
If I had to sum up some of the other life lessons she lived everyday they would include the following:
Count your blessings everyday and realize that however bad things may seem for you, there are many people who have it much worse.
Keep hope alive! NEVER EVER lose hope!
Find joy in everyday, whether it’s the sound of the leaves in the breeze, or watching a bunny rabbit hopping past your window (she loved that one).
Go after your bliss and chase your dreams with reckless abandon! Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you cannot do something. You must try. Anything is possible!
Oliver Wendell Holmes once said “Many people die with the music still in them. Why? Too often it’s because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” We can all take comfort in the fact that she left this world after having given all of us the beautiful music within her. She lived her life with passion and enthusiasm and impacted SO many lives through sharing her love of music.
I was so lucky to have my auntie Jeannie and I will miss her so much.
Rest in peace dear auntie Jeannie.
Love,
Wendy
Jeannie was a brilliant music teacher who touched SO many lives over the course of 30 years. Below is a tribute from one of her former students:
“i have so many great memories of her. wow... i remember her energy. such great energy... thinking about her and that often awkward time in my life really gives me pause. i remember that she made me feel like i was special and unique. and that i was "ok"... during that very confusing time in life - high school. she really was kind of like a mom to many of us. i remember hanging out in her office at hill murray. i felt comfortable there. i knew that i could be me. though painfully shy and insecure, i was ok there. i was safe. we all were.”
thank you.
Tommy Barbarella
Tommy is currently touring with A & M recording artist Johnny Lang, and was originally with Prince’s New Power Generation
