Let’s Call It, “The Jennie Candle”

I feel like she would laugh at it because it was a Facebook pop-up ad, but at the same time want one.

This was initially supposed to be a Facebook post, but then writing the post it got too long. I remembered I started blogging again. And tada - a blog post. (It takes awhile for the lightbulb to come. Keep flipping the switch, something will spark). And I figured most of you would be asking, “why is this candle so important? Are you getting money from these people?”

The day after we found out that Jennie had passed away (by the way, I really don’t like that phrase. But is there really a good one?) Lizzie and I were looking at all the posts people were making about her. Then we came across an advertisement for this Maya Bleu candle. It has real (let’s just go with that they are, because I’m pretty skeptical) shark teeth in it. And then once the candle is gone, you can plant the little seeds that are in it and have a plant.

Lizzie looked at me and said, “Mom look, it’s like Jennie is sending us a little message. We have to get it!” And so we ordered one.

So you’re probably thinking, “okay that’s great, Kerri, what’s the point. Why is this a big deal that you have to blog about it?” I’m getting to it. Jennie and I worked together. When I had Lizzie, I left work and we stayed in touch. As Lizzie grew, I felt like she some how was actually Jennie’s child through some weird osmosis. Jennie agreed. My girl was funny, a bit snarky, loved all reptiles, favorite shark was a Megalodon and loved dinosaurs…especially raptors. She was a miniature Jennie. And I fully expected to be served papers to have Lizzie sent back to her rightful mom.

Lizzie got to see a person who went through a major hurricane with a smile on her face when we went and brought them food and what little cleaning supplies we could find. Jennie and Lizzie even used the kids’ version of Facebook Messenger, to chat. I don’t think it was much but silly pictures. But it meant a lot to Lizzie. So when she saw this candle, she wanted it to remember someone she didn’t know well but well enough.

And that’s why the candle is important.