… Apples. For many years, I joined Jen and several other friends from the Purcellville area for a ladies’ long weekend in Massanutten, VA. We would all rent a house, usually on the Columbus Day holiday weekend, and come together to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and scrapbook until the wee hours of the morning.

I remember lots of great talks catching up with Jen, infused with much laughter and occasionally some tears, and always accompanied by yummy food and special treats we had brought to share with the group.

One year, Jen gleefully unpacked a giant container of honey crisp apples she had picked up from Costco; she raved about how good those apples were as she introduced them to us, and she was spot on! I had never had a honey crisp before, and it was amazing! Honey crisp became my favorite apple, and every year when the fall rolls around I am excited to bite into my first one of the season. It never disappoints, and it always makes me think of Jen’s smiling face, genuine laugh, kind ear, and generous spirit, and those wonderful weekends filled with fellowship and so many blessings.

We will always hold Jen close, in memories big and small. Love you, JVann!

[Submitted by Kim Pritchard]