First email to Jen's network

It's a comfort to hear that Jen believed our spirits live on in others -- it fits so perfectly with how Jen lived. So often when I'd puzzle over the big questions in life she'd make it all seem simple, telling me that loving the people in your life, loving them deeply and letting them know it with your actions and your words, gives life its significance. That it's enough.

She was right.

But that makes her sound saintly and a little too goody-good... Ha! Jen was never saintly or boring or superior. Rather, she was real and down-to-earth and drop dead funny. I always adored her sarcastic wit (okay, MOST of the time, because occassionally she'd really zing me!), the hint of mischief in her eye, the hilarious stories about the annoying parts of being a parent (we shared quite a few of those), and her frankness. And as Jen's Aunt Rae just mentioned, the roll of those big brown eyes! (How perfect to imagine her doing that at five!) But she was extraordinary, I think, because all she did was imbued with the thoughtfulness, empathy and generosity that so many have written about.

That generosity was evident even when she was young. My mother and I were reminiscing about Jennifer the other day, and my mom said, "I'll never forget that stained glass ornament she gave me, the one with the hummingbird that caught the light so beautifully." That pretty glass hung over the sink in our family's kitchen for years, and I'd completely forgotten where it had come from. Jennifer had brought it as a gift for my mother when she visited us in California in the eighth grade!

It's a very sad time, indeed, but it's lovely to read all these stories about Jen. To know Jen believed her spirit would live on in others, and then to see here how true that is... well, it makes me know just how right she was about life and love and what's really important. I hope that, whenever it's the right time for them to read these stories, the kids take comfort in knowing what a loving and beloved friend Jen was to so many, that she was kind and funny and good, but also just plain FUN, and that they will all carry her spirit with them forever.

My thoughts are with you, Bern, and with all of Jen's family and friends. Mr. & Mrs. Doran, and Rob, my heart goes out to you. I am thinking a lot about Andrea, these days, as well. I have such fond memories of staying at your house in Acton way, way, way back when.

Peace to all. As I ended so very many emails to Jen... sorry for rambling on!

Love, Beth
(aka, Beth Manning... met Jen in 7th grade at ABRJHS and became fast friends; moved to California the next year and began a world class letter-writing ultra-marathon with Jen. She was a great writer even then -- and I was, at least, ... prolific. Experienced a sad & lonely hiatus from those communications in the years after college; thankfully reunited via email several years ago. Jen, my darling almost-sister, thank you so very much for taking me back into your fold! I love you!)