Imperfect Progress Titles

Hey, Dad,

Hey, Dad,

Three years ago today we lost you to an accident that changed my life forever. I miss you so much and I wish I could talk to you about all the exciting and difficult things going on in my life right now.

The world is going crazy because of COVID-19 and my extroverted self is really struggling with the social isolation. Web conferencing helps but it doesn’t cut down on the feeling of being stir-crazy after being trapped in my house for days at a time.

Back in October, I met this boy. It makes me sad that you haven’t gotten to meet him. You would really like him. He reminds me of you in so many ways and he’s really good at making me smile even when I am being negative.

We really like each other and have been talking about marriage. But every time I think about a wedding, I just feel the hole left by you being gone and it sends me into tears. He tells me that you’ll be there, even if we cannot see you.

He and I are in a rough patch right now and we agreed to take a break. It sucks because I am missing both of you a lot today. I really hope we work through this and it’s not forever.

Matt and Asha are engaged and will be married this October. In true Barrett fashion, they chose October 10th so it would be 10-10-2020 and I know that would make you smile.

Russell is doing well too; working as a welder in South Austin. Since he doesn’t travel out of town anymore, I get to see him a lot on the weekends and we have grown much closer.

Cassie is in Oman with Jordan but they are hoping her next assignment with be in the US. It would be good for all of us to be in the same country so it’s easier to plan ways to get together. We have been trying to Skype as a family at least once a month to stay connected.

Work is going well. Back in April I got the chance to move into that software role we had talked about forever ago. It’s awesome and I really like it, although navigating the COVID-19 situation has been difficult because I can’t exactly walk by people’s desks to offer help.

Tell mom I said “hi” … I miss you both but I am sure Heaven is a much better place to be right now with all this pandemic craziness.

I wanted to hit up IHOP today for our traditional meal of chicken fried steak and pancakes with blueberries on top. Unfortunately all the the restaurants are take-out-only and I don’t think it would be the same to eat at home.

Love you so much!

2 responses to “Hey, Dad,”

  1. Roland Moore Avatar
    Roland Moore

    I remember that Wednesday as I recall it now when your dad passed away so unexpectedly.
    I knew about the accident before I was told about who was in it. Sometimes getting all of the details down in your own life in a way that makes any sense proves out to be far more difficult than putting mere words in order to accomplish the same result. As a story teller you can edit, erase, move back and forth through time, and even remove what you don’t like. The story of life unfortunately always keeps our sorrows and disappointments with us all unedited. So today you are missing a forever love from your past and an uncertain love from the future? As Neil Diamond writes in his lyrics “Love on the rocks, ain’t no big surprise”. On the other hand, Kevin Russell with Shineyribs says it better in his lyrics “Baby I ain’t got time for you to love me like a lawyer. I just want mine, I don’t care which one of us is wronger.” So in the story of your life would you now prefer the Dues ex machina approach to resolve romantic conflicts or the Shakespearean method of a Mid Summer Night’s Dream and go for the love potIon on the eyelids? I feel uniquely unqualified to offer you any advice on those two approaches, or any other solutions that might be on offer. I wish you continued success in your vocation and that happiness somehow finds you once again.

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  2. gayle testerman Avatar
    gayle testerman

    Jenn, it is sooo good for you to let us into your heart and life …to let us feel your pain, and be transparent about your love for your Dad, and that you miss him greatly right now..
    I know you are going through a “rough patch” with your boyfriend, who appears to be “the one” you will spend the rest of your days with…We’ve been married 43 years now, and there were a couple of times we needed a “break in our relationship “, but if God is love…which He is😁❤️…and we give our problems to Him to work out in us, (focusing on our own hearts❤️🙃)…He has a way to bring us back together, stronger than ever!
    Listen to what your father would have said to you, as you just KNOW what your dad would probably say🤗,…but TURN to your Father in heaven to listen to what He would say to you, as He KNOWS your heart BEST, and HE is ALWAYS right😁🥰😘!
    Concerning this VERY strange time we are going through, it’s a BIT like Paul, being stuck in prison, yet always being faithful to his calling, placing God before him, and His glory…using his time there to lift up the churches, and to spread the Gospel everywhere…as WE are benefactors of that period of time , stuck in prison, for Gods glory! Make the MOST of this time, God has called us to live in, and realize that He is UNSTOPPABLE, and in control, We have a GREAT God, and a HOPE that MUCH of our world cannot even imagine! ( The section of Scripture I am referring to is: Acts 26)😃
    God BLESS you Jenn!! ❤️❤️❤️Gayle Testerman

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