Wednesday, February 14th

Sitting in my office, extremly stressed and busy as usual, when the phone rings.. It’s 4:30pm, and without even looking at the phone, I know it’s Mom. How do I know this? Because she is the only one who would call me at 4:30pm when I have two days left to finish all my work before I come back to Michigan and then head off to another recruiting trip in Europe.

I almost don’t answer the phone. So busy… so much to do.. had to cut her off, yesterday, to take a phone call from Russia and too busy to talk now. Really, she knows I’m overwhelmed this week, but call’s at 4:30pm anyway? Ring ring… I keep staring at the phone and then answer it..

“Hello?” ( Trying hard not to sound irritated by the interruption)

Silence…

The silence tells me it’s Kerrie on the phone.. silence because she’s struggling to get the first words out..

“Hello?”

“Hellooooo!”

“Hi Kerrie. How are you?”

“I’m fine how are YOU?”

“Oh just sitting, trying to get my work done”

“Jenny, I have an important question to ask you. Will you be my valentine?”

I darn near burst into tears, because I almost didn’t answer this call. “Yes Kerrie!! I love you.. will you be MY valentine?”

“Oh! Oh! Yes I will”

She sounds happy on the phone, and actually talks to me a little more than she usually does when she’s on the phone. I even tell Mom she “sounds” happy and Mom says that she’s comfortable and content right now. She’s had a good day with her Therapy, and now she’s laying in bed and watching tv. “Happy” may not be a feeling Kerrie knows anymore, but it’s nice to hear her sound that way and hear that she’s comfortable and content right now.

I’m overwhelmed with her call and damn glad I answered the phone. Just thinking of Kerrie’s question to me will help to keep me warm… when I get home and have to dig out my driveway so I can get IN to it.

Barely got out this morning, but after a little digging.. and 20 minutes of rocking the car back and forth.. I finally made it out. I know getting back in is going to be another story… but I’ll just think of Kerrie will keep me motivated and smiling.

Love you Ker-Bear. Happy Valentines day..