Jennifer Jaff, New York Times
Dear Jennifer,
I was thinking of you today. I thought of all the people you helped through the years. The countless emails and phone calls you took, answering questions patiently and thoroughly. I thought of how hard you pushed yourself to make the world a better place for those with chronic illnesses. I thought of each person that was impacted by your presence and I count myself blessed to be one of them.
I have not been to your blog since you passed. I went today. I missed you and your regular posts and wanted to read something to remind me of your peppy, never give up spirit. I went to the last blog post you made before you passed away and read it.
"Mini-Break
I've waited all summer for a time when I could take a few days off. There was always something in the way -- until now. So I'm taking a couple of days off from blogging (and from life). I'll be hunkered down with the most purrrrrfect Ms. Emily, a couple of good books, a few good movies, and nothing else.
But before I go, a bit of good news to leave off on -- the number of Americans without insurance has fallen to its lowest rate since 2008, all due to health reform, mostly due to coverage of people under age 26. If only the American people will let this play out to 2014, things really are going to get better. Here's the proof that it's already happening.
Have a great week-end. See ya Monday! Jennifer"
But before I go, a bit of good news to leave off on -- the number of Americans without insurance has fallen to its lowest rate since 2008, all due to health reform, mostly due to coverage of people under age 26. If only the American people will let this play out to 2014, things really are going to get better. Here's the proof that it's already happening.
Have a great week-end. See ya Monday! Jennifer"
Jennifer, I can't help but wonder.......did you know? Were you aware of how sick you were? That death was imminent Was this blog post one more attempt to put everyone else first, sot hat they wouldn't worry?
I find it ironic that you said you were taking a break "from life". I guess that's exactly what happened. I am certain that you feel no pain now and that is truly a wonderful thing.
You have been such a great inspiration to me. An attorney that used her chronic health illness, not as an excuse to do nothing, but as motivation instead to volunteer and help others navigate the world of chronic pain.
I hope that my last days are filled as yours were; putting others first, volunteering, keeping others spirits lifted high.
Your beauty has lingered in the world you once inhabited.
Thank you for posting that.
ReplyDeleteJennifer is truly missed - still hard to comprehend the loss of someone who so fully gave of herself despite her own pain. Amazing when we go beyond ourselves as humans to truly help one another in the way she managed to do, so exceptional and outstanding.
We remain humble in light of her ability to do for others and fight so hard.
Jennifer was a great inspiration to me. I talked with her via email several times through the years, and referred others to her. Her selflessness was a true gift just to witness and her compassion for others was the "real deal". I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to know her.
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