My Packer friend Jean Spring

My long time friend, Jean Spring passed away this morning at Unity Hospice in Green Bay, WI. Jean was diagnosed in January with terminal brain cancer. She was moved to Unity Hospice the end of January. She was not happy most of the time, but I think it was because of the circumstances. One of the things she wrote to me...

Double-whammies are a bitch!! First I find out that I have cancer, then I find out that it is terminal. On top of that, you can only get into this hospice if you have six months or less, to live. That really SUCKS!!

Even though she was terminal, she was always asking others if they were OK, She was concerned that Michael and I did not have enough time together. She was concerned for me to be careful and not break another ankle. She was worried I did not have the milk to make my latte yesterday morning! Jean was like that, always thinking of others. If she had it, she would give it to you.

Jean lost her job last year and had become homeless. She gave away all of her precious Packer memorabilia and White Sox stuff to her nephew. Everything she owned was in 2 suitcases. She ended up in the shelter in Green Bay, became sick, went to the hospital where they found the cancer through her whole body.

Two weeks ago, several of her PPCC friends were able to visit her --she had SUCH a wonderful time visiting with all of them. I had made my plane reservations for the weekend of April 10-11 to fly back and see her. I waited too long, and I am incredibly sad about that.

but I have decided to make the trip. Many of her friends are going to gather in Green Bay and have a service for her on the weeknd I am there. Some, like me, are flying in from around the United States. Others are driving up from Chicago, Joliet, Milwaukee and others live only a mile from the hospice.

Jean had friends all over the world. Bruce in England, Nate in Australia, and so many others, all made through the Packers Partners Club Of Champions, the official fan club of the Green Bay Packers. Even though we did not get to see each other more than once or twice a year, we have become family. Jean valued her friends in the PPCC and loved to have them visit. I was able to have a nice conversation with her last week via phone. I am so glad I picked up the phone and dialed her number.

While I am incredibly sad that I did not get to see Jean one last time, I am grateful that she is no longer in pain and is at peace.