I was not only blessed to find my soul mate when I married Scott, I was given a gift that I never expected. I was given unconditional love from his grandparents Jens and Teenie. These two wonderful people made me feel like I was the most precious person on the planet. I loved every moment that I was able to spend with them. Their stories made me laugh, cry and gave me an understanding of seeing people in a different view than most people saw.
Every Sunday Scott and I go for a jeep ride out into back country to see what we can discover. We are always looking for an adventure. Today we went north and ended up on Jens and Teenie’s original homestead. I thought what a better day than today to share their story of their journey from Denmark to Canada.
Teenie was working as a cooks helper, as one meal was in progress Tennie reached for a bun and stole a pad of butter on the tip of her knife. A hand slapped her hand as she was caught and caused the butter to fly through the air and land on a young man’s shoulder. That young man was Jens Jensen.
Jens and Teenie fell in love. Jens had a dream of bettering his life, he told Teenie that he heard Canada was the land of opportunity and had seen posters advertising wages up to 50 cents and hour. Teenie agreed that he should go. In 1926 Jens left Teenie behind and promised to send for her once he was settled somewhere. 2 years later he sent for Teenie. Many many letters were sent between Canada and Denmark by the two young people. It was true love, 2 years is a long time to be apart from each other.
September 26, 1930 Jens and Teenie were married. Their first child Joyce Estelle was born on July 27, 1931. Their house was finally finished in 1934. The family history book states that this home cost approximately $200.00. This family didn’t have a lot but what they lack for material goods they made up for with love. They shared whatever they had with their neighbors and friends.
August 27, 1939 another daughter Joan Denise was born. ( today was the first time I realized that Auntie Denise first name is really Joan not Denise). June 12, 1944, Cheryl Elaine was born (my amazing Mother in law).
I think in 2019 we take too much for granted. We have opportunities all around us that people like Jens and Teenie didn’t. The Jensen family had to build their own home with very little for modern tools and material, grow their own food and travel for hours to go 12 miles to town for groceries. The Jensen’s will always be an inspiration to me, in their perseverance in life and their love for their family and friends.
