I can't believe it has been three years. But yes indeed, it has. My good friend (and co-worker) Jeni Bishop was killed in the Tinley Park Murders at the local Lane Bryant store. The anniversary of her death falls on February 2nd. I miss her terribly.
Last year during the week of this anniversary my co-workers and I celebrated Jeni's life by wearing pink (she loved it), drinking Starbuck's coffee (she LOOOVED it), eating apples (classic Jeni) and having "carry-ins" or potlucks at work (another of her loves). We focused our carry-in's on foods that are showcased in our Nursing Measures Cookbook (compiled and published with proceeds donated to her children by our very own ICU).
This year will be a similar celebration of her life. We will wear pink in honor of her and cook great food for carry-ins throughout the week in her remembrance.
For me this 3rd anniversary is stirring up lots of emotions. I miss her terribly and my professional life hasn't been the same since she's been gone. At first I kept thinking she would walk around the corner or into the break room in the morning. Then I stopped looking for her in tangible places. I turned my grief into sheer determination. I became (and still am) determined to do all of the things I told myself I always would.
So, here I am. Insanely focused on school, working every Fri, Sat, Sun, spending many hours devoted to committees at work (in my free time...ha ha) and in between I am a Mom and Wife. All of a sudden with 2/2 looming this feels slightly backwards. Jeni didn't even get to see her youngest son take his first steps. Yes, my school work matters and no, I won't stop with the committee work. But yes I am going to start to look for Jeni again. This time I'm sure I will find her on the faces of my little girls.
Here is a copy of the memo that will float through the hospital to invite everyone to celebrate Jeni's life. Even if you didn't know her, feel free to put on some pink and celebrate with us!
In Honor and Celebration
of
Jeni Bishop
1/29/1974 - 2/2/2008
The third anniversary of the death of Jeni Bishop is quick on the horizon. Three years ago on February 2nd Jeni's life was taken and she left behind her husband Brian and three children: Jake, Joci and A.J. Jeni is easily remembered as a quick witted, intelligent and sassy nurse/friend. Jeni was loved by her Memorial Hospital family and we have a few things planned in remembrance and celebration of her. Jeni loved hot pink, so the weeks of Jan 30th to Feb 5th please wear pink in honor of her! Jeni also had a strong fondness for Starbuck's coffee and work "carry-ins". Some of these things are planned to take place in the CVICU but please feel free to join us or take part on your own individual units.
