Kyle and Jeanette sitting in a tree!

K-i-s-s-i-n-g! Or so she wanted! Let me introduce you to a woman that has forever changed my life. Meet Jeanette:

She is ancient. She has dementia and is losing her memory. She has taught piano her whole life and was born and raised in Texas. She has two daughters that married professors that teach here at BYU-I. She lives in an assisted living facility here in town. She has a crush on EVERY single young man that comes in the door and my sweetheart is no exception.

I first met Jeanette when we went with the Elder's quorum for a joint activity. She was so happy to have visitors and she and I bonded rather quickly. She is the sweetest thing and is always happy. I asked her once why she is so happy and she said, "I guess it is because I can't remember to be sad!" She is full of wisdom and courage. She is a sassy lady and I think that may be why we get along so well.

For Valentines Day my roommates and I made homemade Valentines cards and took them to the nursing home. When we walked in we saw her sitting at the lunch table with a friend. I came over to her and told her that I had a Valentine for her. I sat it down on the table and she read it. If you can see it in the picture it has a bird and a tree and it says "Your love makes we want to sing." It was made by Dollie Mae. She looked at me and said, "Shoot girl lets sing!" She was laughing and so happy to have a valentine.

She saw Kyle and asked me to have him sit next to her. I told her that I wanted him to take our picture. She agreed and started cheesing for the camera. She said that she would let me get her picture if "that handsome man" would take it, referring to Kyle. He turned red and I thought it was so adorable! While I was sitting talking with her she said, "Is that your boyfriend?" I told her that he was my fiance and she said, "Girl if I had a man that handsome I would tie him to a tree!" I thought I would die laughing! I couldn't tell if I was laughing at her expression or Kyle's! He was flattered and devastated at the same time!

I continued to talk with her and Kyle was standing at a safe distance. I asked her who the lady was at the table with us and she said, "I know I should know that because she is my friend but I don't! Some things just aren't worth worrying over." I really appreciated her insight and her positive attitude. She donated the piano that is in the nursing home and often plays it while she waits on the next handsome man to come through the door. She is wonderful and has taught me about finding happiness in the worst of situations. I dearly love her. I see a lot of my crazy fun side in her and it gives me hope. I want to be like her when I grow up. I want to make the best of every situation. I do hope however that my handsome man is always with me, even when I can't remember his name!