Jerry Ann Haynam

Jennifer Cowan

500w ago

Lynn and I were still on our honeymoon when Jerry passed, and I didn't get the chance to say goodbye as I wish I had. But, she and I were family, and she knew how I felt about her, and her death (aka NEW LIFE!) to return home to her Lord and Larry. Jerry was SO FAR beyond a friend.
Your idea of "family" is a bit more encompassing anyway when you are an adopted kid, but my relationship with this woman is akin to only one other person on the planet. Jerry was, at times, my best friend, my therapist, my lawyer, and the list goes on. She told me EVERY single time we spoke that I was like a third daughter to her. She threw my 16th birthday party. I call Kelly and Kim my sisters, and they have always blessed me in treating me like one.
She quite literally saved my life once, when I was a very depressed, very emotional teenager. Without her, I am honestly not quite sure I would be breathing today. Because of her, I was finally able to mend a relationship I had once severely injured with my mother. And the list could go on.
Stories and poems and songs have been written about people like her. And not one of them would have done her justice.
As I told her amazing daughter Kelly the other day, I am happy for her and sad for me, and a bit jealous. If there is one thing I know about Jerry, I know how she loved Jesus. I think I was about 12 when I met her, and it was obvious from the beginning. I am beyond thrilled to know she is with Him now, and reunited with Larry. I wish I were there, but I will wait my turn and enjoy this new life with my own special husband in the meantime.
Well, that's all I have to say. If you are reading this, and you have someone in your life as special as Jerry, I hope you stop right now and thank God. And I hope you let that person know how amazing and special they are, and what an impact they have had on you. There was a song when I was younger called "Thank you." The first time I heard it, I knew who it was written about. Jerry, this is for you:

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."