I met Jean though a “Neighbor Visits Neighbor” program sponsored by St. Patrick’s church in Watertown.  The program matched parishioners with the elderly community for companionship.  This was the easiest thing I ever did.  I would walk into her room, say “How are you, Jean?” and she would talk for the next 2 1/2 hours.

Jean never told me a story about someone without telling me their nationality, hair color, eye color, skin color, and how tall they were.  She was interested in people and would like finding out about their lives.  She used to say that she could write a book about some of the characters at Brigham House.

Jean had a great memory.  Her stories included a lot of reminiscing and she would remember all the details of people, places, and things.  She had a curious mind, never wanted to stop learning, and was interested in a lot of subjects.  I always had to keep up on world events so that I would be ready when she asked for my opinion (which about 50% of the time was not the right one).

She took great care of herself.  As long as I knew Jean, her months were filled with doctor’s appointments all of which she meticulously managed; along with her medication.  I knew that I should be worried when Jean started missing some of her appointments.

For some reason over the last year when I would visit Jean at Brigham House she decided that I needed to have dessert on my visits so she would get an extra dessert from the kitchen.  On evenings when I would visit her I would always have to eat a light dinner or I would be 300 lbs. by now.  Saying no thank you was fruitless because anyone who knew Jean knew that she would not take no for an answer.  It was much easier to just give in.  Don’t get me wrong.  I appreciated it.  It was very nice of her to think of me and I do love ice cream.  I reciprocated by bringing her treats from the local Armenian markets.  She always liked to try something new.

About once a month she would say to me, “You’re hair is getting long.”  This is our conversation after I recently cut my hair:

Jean:  You cut your hair.

Me:  I cut it just for you

Jean:  It could be shorter.

I have been visiting Jean weekly for about three years and will miss having her to keep me out of trouble on Wednesday evenings (and telling me when I need a haircut).

God Bless You, Jean.