When I was 12, I stole a maternity bra from J.C. Penney. 12 year olds do weird things. I don’t have an explanation.
Last week was the first time in a quarter century that I stepped back in to a J.C. Penney. I glanced around to see if there were any pictures of my 12 year old self, in the neon pink sunglasses, next to the register. ”Be on the Look Out”.
I was there to meet Alexis and her mom so that whatchagonnado could buy this sweet little girl a party dress for the Miracle Party. Alexis is adorable and opinionated. She had a very clear idea of what she did and did not want to wear, so after 6 stores, (well, 4 stores, 2 of them twice) she decided on the perfect purple dress and the perfect purple purse and the perfect purple ring. She will be a sight for sore eyes. As we looked through racks and racks of dresses, I was clearly aware that this is something I will never do with Tuesday. Still, it felt good to be able to give this memory to another mom.
I made it through the day without crying, without being banished and without the urge to steal a bra. All and all a good day.
I have all these things I want to say at once and I don’t know how to sort them out all pretty so here goes:
You are amazing. You probably hate hearing people like me tell you how amazing you are but I am so amazed at your heart.
I am so sad that you didn’t get to go dress shopping with Tuesday. That breaks my heart. It’s awful. Cancer is awful. Picking out a dress for sweet Alexis, that is wonderful. You really truly are killing it with kindness, Jessica. I bet you being there meant so much to both Alexis and her mother. I know it meant a lot to you too.
Purple is the coolest color ever!
A maternity bra, huh? Maybe you liked the idea of having flaps in your bra? Or maybe that maternity bra was super huge and cold fit like 2 rolls of charmin in it? I get it. Being a carpenter’s dream then and sadly now, I get it.
I think what you are doing over at whatchagonnado is awesome. =)
Praying right now!
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Jess,
I’m also so sad that you won’t get to shop for a party dress with Tuesday. I’m sad that Piper won’t get to go to a party with her…I’m sad for all of you….
I think you totally rock for doing something about sucky ass cancer.
And I’m very glad there was no BOLO out for you at the register.
I love you,
angela
You. Da. Bomb.
God bless ya Jess.
Thinking of you and your family all of the time.
How did I miss this post?
LOVE you Jess and so glad your heart is helping other moms.
and OMGOSH… the neon pink sunglasses! We are SO totally the same age 😉