Learning to Live Legendary

So I'm sure I'll write more once I get to actually read it, but I want to encourage everyone to check out this book: Learning to Live Legendary by Jen Smith.  Although I can't yet endorse the content officially, I can enthusiastically endorse the author.  Jen is the sister of my old roomie and one of my closest friends, so I have had the privilege of knowing Jen for almost 10 years now.  She is legit.

Her journey with cancer and my journey with mental illness and chemical dependency have surprisingly brought us together in a unique way.  She is passionate about living, yet has been cursed to die.  I have longed for death, but have been forced to continue living.  And in the midst of our very different situations, we have found a lot of similarity and understanding.  She has challenged me to look at life differently, and encouraged me as a fellow traveler in darkness.  I am thankful for the friendship that has grown through our pain these last few years as we have prayed for one another, shared the highs and lows and the struggles and triumphs.  


Last year I received this e-mail from Jen-

Love you and your gift of words/writing. I know Sara said if you write a book she'd be first in line to buy it. I'd be a very close 2nd.

Jen, I love you and your gift of words/writing.  And even though you've already given out copies and I'm not even close to being second in line, I can't wait to read it.  I am proud to call you friend, and it is an honor to see/hear/read about the way you continue to live so intentionally, love Corbin with everything in you, love your family so consistently, and inspire all of us to understand cancer, death and life more fully.  Thank you for your life, and your willingness to share it with all of us.