About six months ago I met Jennifer McCabe Marino through a recovery group on Facebook. We exchanged posts and she became a friend, a member and faithful listener of www.herewomentalk.com and in particular of my show THIS IS YOUR LIFE: Courage to Change. She would often jump on the chat line during the show and drop nuggets of encouragement and kindness. Not once did she even mention her poor health, or exhibit a victim mentality, although she certainly had the right too.
I only learned of the severity of her liver disease through another FB friend about a week ago. Her sister Jeanne was asking for friends to come and sit with Jennifer during this difficult time. Immediately I asked if I could come to pray and support Jennifer like she had been supporting me.
Friday morning, I gave Jeanne a call to let her know I was on my way to visit Jennifer. She informed me that Jennifer had slipped into a coma and was unresponsive: I got there even faster.
Upon arrival, I could feel the love and care being administered in that home before I walked through the door. Jeanne, a beautiful woman, full of grace, ushered me downstairs. As I entered the room where Jennifer lay, again the comfort and compassion in this home overwhelmed me; pastel walls, beautiful décor and a woman extremely frail and unconscious lay tucked into a cocoon of pillows and crisp sheets. Jeanne and I spoke briefly, and she left me for a few minutes of time with Jennifer. During this time I held her hand and read several Psalms and Scripture. The presence of the Lord was so evident and the atmosphere so peaceful.
Moments later, Jeanne appeared with the Hospice nurse, we all spoke for few moments, prayed together and I began to leave, telling Jeanne that I would call in the morning and come back to visit Jennifer.
Jennifer McCabe Marino died that evening. Little did I know that the first time I met Jennifer would be my last.
There is a great lesson to be learned here. It is easy to embrace people on the internet whether on Facebook or on the radio chat line and never really comprehend that they are individual people, with lives and feelings and situations. And just because people don’t advertise their difficulties doesn’t mean they don’t have any; it just displays true humility.
The Bible says to think of others more highly than ourselves; that is what Jennifer McCabe Marino imparted into my life, and for that I will remain forever grateful.
Thanks so much to everyone who honored Jennifer’s life with such gracious and loving remarks. I am blessed beyond words by your compassion. Tomorrow night is the service to celebrate her life and say goodbye, again I am so moved that I am able to be a part of it. Love all you guys!!
Sending love and support to you, Lisa, for the loss of your friend, and to Jennifer’s family and friends. What a wonderful way to honor her memory, Lisa, by writing this post. This member of Here Women Talk’s community will be missed.
Lisa, thanks for sharing the story about Jennifer. Even though I never met Jennifer or knew her even on the internet, I feel like I knew her through your story concerning Jennifer. So sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family. What a great example of humility. Blessings, Deborah.
God Bless you Lisa as you continue on. I am sorry for your loss and I hope that we could all have the same bravery and fortitude as Jennifer, as she probably lived her life with more of the same dignity and grace that she had in her last days. Thank you for sharing your experience and have a blessed holiday season, knowing that your friend is in the arms of the angel.
The stars will light the sky for you Jennifer Always and Forever. God be Praised Always.
The internet is home to many, and they consider those they meet their family. I think we all should be mindful that we never know what’s going on on the other side of the screen. Just because someone seems cheerful, we never really know.
It’s sad to know someone in the HWT family is gone, but, thanks to you, Lisa, she isn’t forgotten.
I spoke to Jennifer via email and threw comments..I am reading this and can’t believe it..I hope she is in peace and her soul is free..Rest In Peace Jennifer…
Thank You Lisa..
Thanks Lisa. What a beautiful testament. Your compassion for others continues to shine. Blessings, Chris
What a story… it filled my heart…thank you for sharing this
Hey Lisa. What a beautiful piece and legacy for all those that knew Jennifer. It goes to show that connection with an-other has little to do with effort, or knowing intimate details and even, face to face, but about the essence their being.
What a warm tribute – and so kind of you to be there. I have to believe she knew you were there. We have another HWT member slipping away from us who lives in my area and I’m trying to provide moral support to them and their family. This hit very close to home. Thanks so much for sharing, Lisa.
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this post about Jennifer. I actually had the privilege of talking with Jennifer on the phone. You’re right, she never presented herself as a victim; I had no idea she was sick. When we spoke, she was positive and upbeat. RIP, Jennifer McCabe Marino.