Words of Wisdom from SharLeigh

TO JEAN - A VERY SPECIAL LADY

Many of you have met Erik and Jean from 10-4 Magazine at the various truck shows and charity events.  They are both very caring and wonderful people, but this article is dedicated to Jean.  When you count Jean as a friend, she is one for life!  I first met Jean at a job interview many years ago.  I got the job and the two of us worked in the same office.  Our friendship developed because of our crazy senses of humor.  When she left to work for 10-4 Magazine we did not lose contact.  We had a great friendship.  And no matter how much time had passed since we had seen each other, when we got together, we picked up right where we left off.  When she found out I was getting married, she offered to create the table decorations.  And when my husband died, she was there to support me.  Jean’s true character shined through when I asked her one day to drive me to the doctor.  All she said was, “What time shall I pick you up?”  That is the day that I found out that I had advanced cancer.  When I exited into the waiting room, there was Jean.  Looking back at that time, Jean was a blessing.  It was Jean’s compassion and strength that held me together during those trying days.  She was always there for me during my fight with cancer and helped me through many surgeries.  During this battle with cancer, Erik and Jean believed in me and allowed me to continue to write for 10-4 Magazine.  I cannot describe how writing this monthly article helped to keep me sane and gave me a purpose in life.  During our lives, certain people’s actions affect us.  But how often do we take the time to tell that person the profound difference they make?  Jean has been more than just a friend to me – she has been a lifeline.  Without her support I would not be here to celebrate my sixth year of being a cancer-free survivor!  So I wish to thank you, Jean (and all my readers).  Life can be good, but with the right people, it can be great!