Farewell Jessica

Hi there Brandon

I just wanted to reach out and say how profoundly sorry I am about the loss of your beautiful Jessica. I'm thinking of you and your dear family.

I'm so sorry my message is so belated; I haven't been into Facebook in ages and have just seen your post about the memorial.

What a shock it is to lose someone you love in such a tragic way. I can relate just a little bit because I lost my dear dad in similar circumstances but its even harder when it's your own child.

I hope you are doing ok.  You are such a legend and we all love you so, so much. Life's hardest knocks so often happen to the very best of us. 

I hope the sadness in time becomes mixed with many happy and precious memories of a sacred life. Jessica, in the photos you shared, looks like such a loving, gentle, radiant being. I know she struggled greatly at times, but there was so much beauty there and a life full of priceless moments and experiences. Life is such a beautiful struggle, isn't it, so full of extremes.  Virginia Woolf, who also struggled with her demons, said  it better than I can: "The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder." 

I'm sure you've read or heard it before, but just in case you haven't, here is my favourite poem that always gives me some comfort when I lose someone dear.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

Sending lots of love your way

G