Jennifer Crum was one among the Ferguson Junior High girls that my group of friends would hang often hang out with. In fact, she was pretty much Christi’s best friend when Christi and I began dating. Jennifer also got a job at Hardee’s in late 1988, where I spent some of my most formative working months. We also shared a Cartooning Art class at Beavercreek High School (can you believe there was such a thing?). But mostly Jennifer, above all others, and I shared the same warped and out-of-this-world sense of humor.
We talked all of the time and would often hang out - with the sole goal of amusing one another with whatever brand of insults, witticisms, odd observations, strange noises, nonsensical words (like “meeps” for example), or strange artwork we could muster. We saw each other through many trials of teen angst as we meandered in and out of friendships and relationships. I would most certainly consider her to be one of my very best friends in high school.
As Christi and I had our baby and Jennifer became entwined in her relationship with Sean, her high school sweetheart - and Cartooning class and my high school days came to an end, we slowly began to all drift apart. Shortly after her graduation, Jennifer moved with her Dad to Seattle. I believe it was in the Summer of 1993 when she made a return visit to the area and I last saw her. I had been completely out of contact with her for over 13 years.
When I finally tracked her down, I found that she was now Jennifer Katheiser, happily married to her husband Jon for ten years, working for Hallmark as a graphic designer, and living in Kansas City. In talking about how it might be easiest to meet up, I discovered that she and her husband were going to be visiting Chicago to attend the Green Festival on Sunday, April 22.
It was easy to see right off the bat that Jennifer had found her soul mate in Jon, for he too shared the same off-the-wall sense of humor. Jennifer herself was still the same - initially shy but always crazy. We chatted about the old days, old friends, her life and plans to move from Kansas, her teeth, and Christi. In fact, I called Christi and the two chatted for the first time in about as long as it had been for me.
We had a great time at the Green Festival and roaming around downtown Chicago, but mostly it was just great to see her again. Hopefully, I was able to convince Jon and Jennifer that they need to make a trek to Ohio soon where we can all hang out without the distractions of the big city.
poops! Oh meeps is right - look at that high school photo!! I guess it was obviously the eighties (that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it). It was really great to see you Brad. Jon wants to make love to you he thinks you’re so funny. We will definately be coming to visit you soon. SO be prepared!
Turtley teets
Jennifer Katheiser
April 28th, 2007