The afghan has been given to Travis. It was well received.

At the memorial, I said this (with some tears):

Jen wasn’t one, in my experience, for fancy words or flowered frippery, which is good. I’m usually verbose, and I feel like I should say something eloquent, something wise. But though I am someone who bases my life on word and description, I have nothing wise, nothing eloquent, nothing elegant, nothing that can truly do justice to her life. So I guess I’ll have to make do with heartfelt. My poor attempt at poetry, it’s all the words I seem to have right now.

I remember.
I remember “Morning!” every day as I came through the door,
and “See you tomorrow guys!” every afternoon at four.
I remember a light and a grin whenever the word “hike” was spoken,
And a laughing, “there’s no crying in science!” when another experiment proved broken.
I remember a quick smile and quicker offers of assistance,
And kind supportive suggestions of persistence.
I remember a kind heart, an open mind,
And strong opinions of the well informed kind.
I remember one of the strongest, smartest, best people I have ever met.
I remember someone who makes me happy to have known her, even if it was for far too brief a time.
I remember… Jen.

I’ve never been one to believe in angels or the like, but I did – and do – believe in Jen. Thank you, Jen, for making the world a better, richer place, even if you had to leave far before you should have. Everything you did, you did completely, with all you had, from football to science to mothering. You are an inspiration.

There are no words that can capture the strength of her personality or the depth of her character, so this will have to be enough… I’m going to miss you, Jen.

~The Gnome