My BFF, Debra Jenkins...

One of the reasons I moved to Atlanta was to take a recruiting position at CNN. The other reason was because I would be closer to my best buddy, Debra Jenkins. She lives in Lawrenceville, Ga. While CNN is a great organization, where I made great friendships, the position wasn’t the most ideal fit for me at the time. Therefore, I left after a year and a half, and took a different position with an Executive Search firm in the Perimeter area in Atlanta, called Accretive Solutions. I listed Deb as the person to call in case of an emergency. And, because I talked about her so much Laurie (the Director, and my manager who took me to the hospital) felt comfortable calling her when I was admitted to the hospital.

I have always believed choosing Deb to be my best friend was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. She verified that by the way she stuck by my side. While I was in the hospital, Deb spent her time calling my family and friends, keeping them informed about my condition and development. She combed my hair, put oil on my skin, and tried to make sure I looked presentable – while I couldn’t do for myself. (Even though, coming out of the coma was everyone's main concern, I’m told how badly I looked at that time, now that I’m recovering so well). I had so many visitors – Deb knew that even though I was in the coma, it would matter to me how I looked to my friends... "Thanks again, Deb, for careing."

I don’t know how she did it, but I’m amazed when I’m told about the extent she stood by my side. She’s a single mother, who is dealing with her own health issues, yet she managed to be there for me everyday. I call her my “super friend”, because she made everything look easy. I only hope I can be half as efficient if the situation were reversed. I’m told she never missed a beat… she took care of her child, Austin, her 7 year old at the time -- getting him up in the morning, preparing his breakfast, getting him ready for school, taking him to school, and then getting to the hospital to be there for me as often as she could. I still don’t know how she did it. And, while doing all this, she was in school working on her Master’s Degree, and graduating in June.
While I was deep in the coma, Deb called my family, and my other close friends whom she heard me speak of over the years and kept them informed. Ann Hook, the Vice President of the executive search firm where I worked, later told me how impressed she was by Deb’s loyalty and friendship. Many of my other friends as well, have told me how fortunate I am to have a best friend like Deb. All I can say is I’m so happy that I’m getting well, because I want to her know how much I appreciate her friendship and support. I’ve asked her, how I can ever pay her back. She said, “Just be there for me, when I need you.” Deb, I promise you – I will.