Just three years ago, Sandlarks sat spellbound, as an enthusiastic, vivacious and down-to-earth woman explained to them how she was so struck by the plight of young children suffering homelessness she committed herself to creating a special place for them and never let anything stop her. She honored us by asking if we would join those she had recruited to help her. Jennifer touched our hearts, encouraged us through praise, inspired us through example, and shared her warm, joyful friendship. In the unbearably short time that she was part of our physical lives, Jennifer not only led us to help make others' lives better, she helped us better ourselves. Jennifer we will miss you so - and we know what you would unabashedly ask us to do - what is our best comfort - to continue supporting your achievements and special brand of caring.

These thoughts and "guidelines" are shared in honor of Jennifer, because they reflect an attitude and life style that she embraced - living life to its fullest. She wouldn't appreciate moping; she would expect us to "get on with it" and to do it well! Think what could be done if everyone packed in as much, gave as much as she did. Jennifer, thank you for the difference you made in so many lives, especially ours!

Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long, and loud.

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where guilt is.

Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by what takes our breath away

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." ~Mother Teresa

Life should "NOT" be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather, you should skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, margarita in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming - "Woo Hoo! What a ride!"