remembering Annie

Hi friends,

A year ago today my mom passed from this life into the next. It was an emotional, difficult, yet peaceful time for my family because of the belief we have that she is with her Savior in Heaven and free from the pain that her body caused her.

Ann, or Annie as she was more affectionately known, was a warm personality who always noticed those on the fringe and made them feel welcome. She was creative - a strong visionary for bringing ideas and concepts together to create beauty. And she was an entrepreneur - good at coming up with ideas others would never conceive (even if she wasn't the best at execution).

I'm particularly thankful to her for those traits because of who they have allowed me to become. The unique experiences of this advent calendar are a tangible example of her legacy living on.

As I was reflecting on my mom's life this evening, I wanted to take a moment to share two other things with you to honor her life.

1. Each of you that were in my life at this time last year (most of you!) were a great comfort to me. It was in the midst of last advent season via heartfelt messages, in collaboration and support at the Aldi office, and/or in attendance at my mom's service that you showed up for me. If I had to imagine what losing a parent should look like in the best-case scenario, it sure felt like I won the lottery because of you all. Thank you.
2. I know we are here to enjoy whiskey this Advent season (and I'm all for that!) but I also want to acknowledge an original reason for the Advent season; the anticipation of Jesus Christ coming to Earth to be near to us. If you don't have that anticipation, ever feel hopeless, or want to chat more about it sometime, I'd be happy to. I want everyone to be surrounded by the hope that I have been given.

Thanks for indulging me. You all are the best.

With love,
Jere
12/17/2024

A favorite memory of my mom and I running into each other at O'Hare in transit to our respective lives on the go