Sometimes we meet people and only see them a few number of times here and there. Sometimes those people touch our hearts in ways that last forever. Such a person for me was Jeannie Kendrigan.
My father-in-law had one family member from his birthplace ine Puerto Rico living in Houston, his cousin Dr.Efrain Garcia. Efrain became like a brother to my father-in-law and the men’s wives became the best of friends. Thus my husband Mike and I often received invitations to events at the Garcia house. It was always a beautiful family time with unrivaled hospitality. Dr. Garcia’s sister-in-law, Jeannie Kendrigan, was a frequent guest who joined the celebrations spreading her joyous friendliness to anyone who was present.
Jeannie was only about four years older than I am so we almost immediately connected with each other. She was still attending college when I first met her. She was a student at Dominican College where she studied to be a teacher. In fact, she and my mother took some classes together. Somehow the coincidence along with her outgoing personality drew me to her immediately.
Jeannie had grown up in the Chicago area along with her twin brother and two older sisters. Given our slight age difference we might have been sisters. We seemed to have so much in common even though I had spent all my days in Texas. Jeannie and most of her family had moved to Houston at the invitation of her sister. To my great joy we were often included in gatherings because I so enjoyed being with the entire family, and most especially, Jeannie.
Jeannie was a “tell it like it is” person. I loved her frankness, but she was also incredibly kind and thoughtful. I always knew where I or my beliefs stood with Jeannie. She was never rude but she did not lie either. I have always been diplomatic but in awe of people willing to be one hundred percent honest about their beliefs. Jeannie somehow knew how to be up front and polite at the same time. I was in awe of her skill.
Jeannie eventually graduated and became an elementary teacher for the Houston Independent School District. During her long career she held posts on several campuses and no matter where she was working she enjoyed talking about how much she loved her job and her students. Her eyes would light up and a smile would stretch across her face as she spoke of the joys of teaching them how to read. She was definitely someone who loved her career.
Jeannie never married but she was a super aunt for her many nieces and nephews. She spent the whole year looking for the perfect gifts for the people in her life. Sometimes she even made special items with lots of her love tucked inside. She was devoted to family and kept busy with them and with her students. She exuded joy and contentment.
After Jeannie’s father died she became her mother’s caretaker. The two of them lived together for a time. When her mother became too incapacitated to remain at home, Jeannie helped her move to a nursing home and then visited with her every single day, often checking in with her mom before going to work. She was more generous and good hearted than almost anyone I have ever known.
Eventually I saw less and less of Jeannie. Sadly we mostly renewed our friendship at funerals. Still I found myself drawing a bee line to her whenever I had the opportunity She was frank, funny and rather wise. I felt so comfortable with her, as though we somehow had an unspoken connection. Maybe it was because she had a classic Midwestern friendliness or maybe it was because we were both teachers. Whatever it may have been i found myself numbering Jeannie as being one of my favorite people.
The last time I saw Jeannie was at the funeral of my father-in-law’s cousin. She was wheelchair bound by then and accompanied by an aide from her nursing home. She still had her welcoming smile and unchecked wit. More than ever she was saying whatever came to her mind. I loved being with her. She inspired me to be more bold.
Jeannie Kendrigan had a fall that sent her to the hospital earlier this month. She was optimistic about her recovery but not even her energetic spirit was able to insure that she would get well. She died still sending optimistic and loving texts to her loved ones. Last week we gathered for her funeral. I missed her wit and her honesty about life. It was difficult to know that I would not see her again. I surely hope that she knew that I thought she was wonderful, one of a kind, a person that I truly loved and admired. Perhaps we’ll meet up again in heaven one day. I’d like to think that it is so. Until then I have such wonderful memories of her and all of them make me smile.
All It Takes Is A Little Love 