For Jenni Ballantyne on Easter Morning
A prayer for Jenni Ballantyne, sweet mom, faithful friend and gentle soul, as she continues on her journey from this world to the next.
May you know this Easter morning you are loved, that hope always rises out of darkness.
May you experience a whole world of kindness waiting in this moment and the one right after that.
May the women who meet you in these pages have the courage to ask the question you are asking yourself right now: What would you do if you had one year left to live?
May every need you have and the ones you cannot even speak yet be met–with a kind of wild generosity that takes your breath away.
May you have the time and space and energy to do every single thing you want to do, and may the memories you make with little Jack be vivid and joyful.
May the burdens that worry you the most fall away.
If you would like to help make some of Jen’s most critical dreams come true in these last months of her life, please donate directly to Jenni below or contribute something to the Ebay benefit auction organized by the kind Bella along with the soulful Meg Casey and myself. More details about how to participate in the auction here. I’m convinced one of the sweetest gifts we could give Jenni and her son Jack is the knowledge that Jenni inspired us to live fully, to give generously and to take responsibility for the sisterhood we create here on the web.
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Jen, I linked here from Jeni’s blog and am thankful for your post. Next to my kids, she’s been in my thoughts more than anyone. Happy Easter. Meredith
March 24th, 2008 at 3:22 am
i found you from the links about jenni. this post is beautiful.
March 24th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Jen,
Thanks for the great post about JenBallantyne. I keep looking for updates from her and I hope she’s well. I do worry when time goes by and I don’t see a new post from her. Will send her something in support as she’s given us such lovely moments (as have you, thank you!).
Beautiful artwork you’re doing - wishing you the best on your newest adventure, too.
Best,
Cate
March 24th, 2008 at 6:17 am
That’s a beautiful prayer, and I know what a comfort and support all your actions are for Jen. Bless you.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Dear Jen, thank you so very much for this, just beautiful. I had taken about a week off from my computer and have missed so many beautiful posts and wonderful things people are doing to help me and my boys. I can’t thank you all enough but please know you all touch my heart and truly make such a big difference, it is living proof of what woman can do when we all work together compassionately and authentically. I have seen such beauty and strength and have made friendships that I will never forget. Thank you again dear Jen, take good care and hugs to you. xxx Jen Ballantyne xxx
March 26th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
This is beautiful Jen, as always
March 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
[…] The web, specially Swap-bot, has brought me wonderful human beings, people with hearts the size of the sun. I am pretty sure that if I was ever in need I would have their helping hands through the hardest of times. This is exactly what Jeni’s friends are doing for her at this very moment: giving their loving support to her and her little one. […]
April 8th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
[…] Heart Opening This is my shout from the rooftop: I love Jen Lemen. Every visit to her world becomes an opportunity to open my heart and connect. Jen inspires dreams and supports the birth of hope everwhere. After years of holding her dream in balance with her mothering, the time has come. Africa is now knocking on her front door. Please support her in saying yes. […]