I was born Jenny Ellen Haynes on August 20, 1976 at Sumner Memorial Hospital in Gallatin, TN. I grew up in Castalian Springs with two older brothers, Bill and Karl, and two parents who loved me very much. I was the youngest and the only girl, so maybe I was spoiled a little bit. I so looked up to my brothers and to this day much of my life has been shaped by their influence: my love of music, movies, books, and random knowledge. I had a very stable home life growing up. My brothers were there for me to play with and mom and dad always took care of me. We ate all of our meals together and went to church together three times a week. I am glad to have had the security and sheltered life of my youth, as I believe that helped shape who I am today as well as helped me to choose wisely when it came to many decisions of my high school years.
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When I was only 8, my brother Bill left home. I was devastated. This was the first thing in my life that I remember being traumatic to me. My whole family was devastated. We all went to therapy. We all needed it. I continued to do well in school and play with my friends. Eventually Bill would come and visit with his new family and I was happy again.
I changed schools in 5th grade. I see this as a wise decision on the part of my parents but it was difficult for me at the time. All my friends were going to a different school. I started Friendship Christian School in fifth grade and would continue there until graduation. I have created some lasting friendships and wonderful memories by being there. I believe my life would have been much different if I had stayed in the public school system. Once again, a sheltering of my life that I am quite thankful for.
My youth was filled with slumber parties, trips with mom, and I began modeling and acting. This was fun for me as I got to meet a lot of new people and see a lot of things I wouldn't get to see. I was constantly busy and loved it. I did quite well and got to travel some. In my youth I had several boyfriends, some more memorable than others. I was still more interested in hanging with my friends. I am thankful that I never drank or smoked. I was always a good girl.
In 11th grade, I began dating my brother's best friend. He was five years older than me but we hit it off so well and had such a good time together. I have many fond memories of our times together and the fun we shared. At this time I also began riding horses at a stable in Lebanon. I had always loved horses and here I actually got to lead trail rides and ride as much as I wanted. I was in heaven.
In 1994 I began studying Horse Science at MTSU. I eventually changed to Art Education and then finally got my degree in History with a minor in Art History. I loved college. I was still a good girl. No smoking, drinking, or partying. The most we did was go to the Waffle House and study at all hours of the night. I truly believe part of this is because of the great people I associated with. My dear college roommate was one of my friends from high school.
In 1996, my boyfriend and I broke up. I had made a mistake that was irreversible. There is nothing like seeing pain in the eyes of someone you care about, and knowing that it was you that caused it. I was devastated. Also around the same time, my parents had just gone through a divorce after almost 30 years of marriage. And if that wasn't bad enough, my brother Karl had just eloped with his first wife and no family was invited. All of these things were coming down on me at one time. It was too much. I felt lost and vulnerable.
It was during this emotional mess that I met my ex-husband. I still do not speak his name to this day. I do have several names I use for him, however. When we met, he was charming, loved music, and drove a Camaro. He was different from anyone I had ever dated before. We were married after dating almost five years. Our marriage lasted less than three. For those of you that know me, you know much of what happened during those terrible years. For those of you that don't, feel free to email me any questions. Talking about it is like therapy. I felt so terribly alone during those years. No one, not even my mother, knew what I was going through. I am lucky to say that I was able to leave. Let's just say my ex-husband was not a very nice person.
By the time my divorce was final, I was a mess. I felt completely lost to myself. Where was the happy go lucky girl that loved Disney and was full of innocence and wonder? Was she lost forever? I am blessed to say she was not. In 2004, I began dating my husband. He had been a client at the bank I worked at for a long time. Of course, being married at the time, I never thought about actually dating him. When I was going through my divorce, my boss kept telling me I should ask him out. I thought she was crazy. I was still coming out of a messy divorce where my self-confidence was at an all time low. Who would want to go out with me? But fate has a way of making things happen. I happened to be in Wal Mart one day and who else was in the music section but Dennis Parish! We talked for a little while and exchanged numbers. I called my mom as soon as I got into my car! I asked him out for our first date. I had free dinner tickets at the new Chili's opening in Smyrna. We had a wonderful time. There was not a lull in our conversation even once. When I got home that night, I wrote in my journal about the great time I had and that Dennis had made me start to believe in people again.
In March of 2004, my dad and I visited France. It was a wonderful time. I was happy to be able to see France but more happy to have two weeks to spend with my dad. I had studied French in high school and college and was fascinated by the language and culture. We started in Paris and made so many great memories. We were also able to visit Nice and Normandy. My dad's dad was killed in WWII in Normandy and it was touching to be able to be there with him seeing the things his dad must have seen (although in a very different light, I am sure). These are lasting memories that will always be close to my heart.
2008 was a busy year. In February, mom and I got to visit Italy. This had always been a dream of mine since I studied Art History in college. Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance! We were able to visit Venice, Florence, and Rome. Just like with France, I was thrilled to be able to see the wonders of Italy, but was extra happy to be able to share it all with my mom. In May of 2008, mom and GR Davis were married. GR is a wonderful man and we are so lucky to have him as part of our family.
William Scott Parish, or Scotty as we call him, came into the world on November 26, 2008. What a beautiful and perfect child. I never knew that kind of love existed before he came along. What an awesome responsibility to be a parent. I will be honest, it has been an adjustment. Dennis and I had been used to going and doing whenever and where ever. But what a blessing. One look at his beautiful smile and I forget everything else.
