If you’ve never heard of That Wife, shame on you. That Wife — aka Mrs. Avocado — aka Jenna — is a beautiful person inside and out, a great blogger, a fantastic photographer, and one special friend.

When I first announced my pregnancy, Jenna enthusiastically emailed me to let me know that she just recently found out she was pregnant too. Being only a week apart, we kept in touch and dreamed of mommyhood together.

A few weeks later, I was able to meet Jenna in person at Christiana (aka Mrs. D’orsay)’s wedding and again at the NYC Bee Party ’09.

Although we’ve only met a couple of times and are by no means bosom buddies, I think that Jenna took the news of my miscarriage especially hard. It is difficult to have a friend who had committed to the same journey as you suddenly — and unwillingly — be pushed out of the ride. As a pregnant woman who was practically at the same stage in development as me, I think that she was able to sense the pain of the loss without even going through it. In addition, I am certain that both her and her husband worried sick about their own baby, knowing that our due dates were so close together.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Jenna that brought me to tears. One line in particular hit me hard: “I always include you in my nightly prayers said aloud with [my husband].”

It was then that I realized I needed prayer more than anything. And it was then that I realized there are so many people out there, even people we’ve never met but only know through this blog, who were praying for me and J.

I have received so many encouraging words, and even presents, from my internet friends. TissueBlossom sent me a care package as soon as I announced my pregnancy. Girl on the Park sent me the cutest and fluffiest Yoshi doll (complete with a note on a geeky postcard that she knew I’d love) upon reading of all the hardships we had been going through in the past few months.

The emails and comments I receive from strangers never cease to amaze me. And all the prayers said on our behalf! Geez I’m getting weepy just writing this.

Why this sudden “thank you, I love you all” post? Well today I received a present from Jenna: a commissioned painting of my wedding dress by the talented artist Sabrina!

Last month Jenna had held a giveaway on her blog for a custom dress painting by Sabrina. I entered, but did not win. Well obviously Jenna had noticed my entry and decided to surprise me with a painting of my own!

This is the picture I had sent in with my entry. Please darn close, don’t you think?

Jenna, you rock. May your outlook on life always be an inspiration to others, your faith always steadfast, and your family life be blessed!

And to the rest of my friends and readers, another heartfelt THANK YOU!!!