Dearest Jackie,
Since the moment I heard the news about you, my mind has been a million places. To the first hug you gave me when we finally met in person at Estes Park and that last hug before I left the hotel to return home. No goodbyes; just see you again. I think about us, in Beckla’s car, heading up the mountain to the visitor’s center, singing along with the tape she had made. Time spent strolling through the open market in Estes Park on our last day there. Time spent visiting and talking and you making sure I was okay when I’d gotten myself so upset over something that I shouldn’t have been upset over. Too many wonderful thoughts to list right now.
You always made everyone on the forum feel so welcome, especially in the Diner. It was always so easy for you. You, just being you: warm and loving, straightforward and honest, kind and compassionate.
You always seemed to be there when others were in need. Always thinking of others. I wish I had the ability to make this right and make things better for you. If prayers and the love of your friends and family were all it took to make you better, you’d be healthy again in no time. Sadly, it doesn’t always work that way.
I wish I could say these words to you in person. I wish you and I could be sitting, laughing at the country house with our friends as we were in the dream I shared with you. Though there are miles between us, I know in my heart that you know how much you are loved not only by me, but by so many of the friends we have made here. This gives me strength because while my heart is breaking with this sad news, it is also soaring with the warm memories I have of you. Nothing can take those away from me and I will always be grateful that in addition to developing a friendship here on the forum, I was blessed to be able to meet you.
Sister mine, you have my love and will always be in my heart.
Janice
