Jay Greenleaf

I cannot vacuum without thinking about Jay Greenleaf.

He popped by our Gladstone home some time in 2010 to cook something up with John. Probably to discuss the launch of Church for the Highlands of which he was a huge part.

With three dogs there was more than just love in our Dutch Colonial there was an abundance of dog hair. Embarrassed, I whipped out the vacuum while John and Jay continued their serious conversation.

Sitting facing each other with a rug and coffee table between them, I began my approach on the outer edge of the carpet, working my way closer. I guided the Kenmore Pop & Go in the direction of John’s feet. He reflexively lifted his legs without missing a beat.

The sight of a housewife in panic mode while the husband carried on a discussion must have tickled him greatly. I wasn’t sure if he thought John a Neanderthal or thought me completely nuerotic but when I turned and saw Jay’s rosy, laughing face he said, “Kinda like a sit-com, huh John?”

Over the roar of the machine I heard him and bellowed back, “Jay- you have no idea!”

It turns out that friends either don’t notice or look past things like dog hair and zany married couple dynamics. And give you credit for a tidy house even if it was not so when they arrived 30 minutes ago.

I sometimes think of Jay when the Saints or Tigers play or when a sassy Blue Jay bathes on our fountain or when I drive by Centenary. But I always think of him on the days I vacuum.

#jaygreenleaf

#truefriends

#housework