TO JENNIFER, WITH LOVE

TO JENNIFER, WITH LOVE
by Timothy Rollins, Editor and Publisher

January 14, 2003 -
Originally written December 16, 2002

With the turn of events of this past year and more particularly the last six months, many good and wonderful things have happened in that time to offset those that have tried my faith in ways I would never thought otherwise.

With my divorce, things have become tougher for me in some ways as I've been on the receiving end of some pretty rough things, to include some threats that I've had to deal with on my own. Nonetheless, it's been a joy beyond expression to experience many of the things that have been a part and parcel of my life in that time.

As I've started to branch myself out and explore new avenues, many new things have come to light. Long dormant talents were rediscovered, and in the process, some new ones emerged as well. Perhaps the best part of the year was to have met a friend whose very presence in my life was my single greatest blessing in 2002.

I had the privilege of first meeting Jennifer back in July when she returned to the area after being out of town for several years. Although we only briefly said 'Hello' at first, we had the chance to meet again in September when our children, both 6, reintroduced us to each other at a children's activity our church had scheduled for them and their parents as well.

As we got acquainted - something I hadn't really intended on account of the age difference between us, we found we had a lot more in common than I imagined. Our backgrounds were quite similar as well as our outlooks on life. In many ways we thought alike, yet there were sufficient differences to make our interactions a pleasure in our everyday dealings with one another.

In dealing with her family, it was a delight to meet her sisters, brother, brother-in-law and parents, each of whom are not only a pleasure to be with, but all of whom I've learned a great deal from as well, and each of whom I have grown to love dearly for the ways they have made my life better just for being who they are.

More than them however, I've grown to love Jennifer for who she is, and for who I've become when I am with her and even when I am not with her. As I best put it in my journal some time back, "I am marveled, amazed and left in awe at the magic we make when we're together - and even when we aren't."

Such has been the magic that has marked our time together as friends - for she truly has been a friend indeed - a Star of the First Magnitude - one that shines far brighter than the others in the constellation. For any way one looks at it, Jennifer has been just that - a star from the heavens - sent to brighten and bless the lives of all with whom she comes in contact. Her daughter has been a miniature version of her mother in that she too, also brings sunshine with her wherever she goes. Surely she has also been a ray of joy in my life and I am a much better man for her being in my life as well.

After my children, Jennifer and her daughter have come to mean more to me than anyone else I know, as they are to me, the greatest source of joy in my life after my relationship of course with the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom I've always turned as the Source of all blessings. So I as go into this Christmas season, it is done with a most thankful heart indeed - for the things that have happened that have stretched my heart and strengthened its character and for those who have come along my way and made me a better person in the process.

As for Jennifer: She gets a special 'Thank You" all her own, for the influence she has had in my life in the comparatively short time I have known her has been deep and pervasive. In many ways, it has been completely life changing, and that is something for which I will be forever indebted. She has in a relatively short time been able to earn my absolute trust and that is something I have not been able to extend to anyone in over 15 years.

With a purity of motive and a lack of guile, I have learned once again to be more trusting of others in general, and that has been very good indeed. My faith in my fellow man (and especially woman) has been largely restored, and for that I am truly thankful.

If there is any one thing that can be said about having met Jennifer and becoming her friend and she mine, it is this: Not in a very long time has someone had so deep or so pervasive an influence for good in my life in so short a period of time. Never has someone been so good at bringing out the very best in me, and doing it so well.

So, at this Christmas time of year, I am indeed thankful to have not only the love of my children, but also to have met a friend whose example of love, friendship and ongoing encouragement shines like a ray of sunlight in all that I do, and such a friend surely exists in Jennifer.

If everyone were so lucky. ***

Photo of Timothy Rollins courtesy of staff files

EDITOR'S NOTE: For the record, the Jennifer listed here is NOT Managing Editor Jennifer King, who is married and lives in Florida.