Jennifer Griffin Obituary

Happy birthday

Thinking of you today, my friend. Your death feels like so long ago and yet just yesterday. I´m writing this to honor you- your joy, your love, your giving. Love to you my friend.

I moved back to Alaska. It was scary and hard. You would have encouraged me and given me a litttle bit of your courage to take the first step. It’s beautiful and reminds me of you. Missing you my friend.

Karen

Every day is a new day, a new start, a new chance. Every day I remember vividly, and I ache silently. I pray you are comforted by those who met you, and those who miss you.
Where did the time go?

I had this flash of memory of you on your hands and knees scrubbing your kitchen floor in Alaska with a scrub brush. How hard of a worker you always were. How I always admired your resiliency. Missing you, my friend.

Thinking of Jennifer today, as I do so many days. It's hard to believe it's been so long. I hold our love in my heart.

There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts - before this, and after this... forever and always missing you

Went home this summer made me miss you more than ever. Love you

Thinking of you

Miss you momma. Happy birthday

Had a dream about you and all the people we hung out with in high school last night. Those were good times. I remember when you were living with John and Ginger and Ginger made me write down 100 reasons why I liked you. It was the easiest thing I've ever done. I remember chillin in her room listening to Hearts Dreamboat Annie and how she thought Tommy Lee was the cutest guy alive. Miss those times.

Today you are deeply missed. As every day, but today I announce it. Shout to heaven, for maybe you'll hear.

Jennifer's poem always give's me solace this time of year:

And If I go while you're still here...

Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.

You will not see me
So you must have faith.

I await the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.

Until then, live your life to the fullest,
And when you need me,
Whisper my name in your heart
...I will be there.

Thinking of you today and remembering the your beautiful soul.
-Karen

Miss you Mama

I Knew Jenna back in high school. we were best friends for just a moment in time and i am speachless to know that she is not with us anymore. I am sad. God bless the entire family.

Thinking of and missing you so!

Happy 41st my dear Jennifer. I hear the Angels singing, it will be a glorious celebration! XOXOXO

It's raining in C. Springs. Unbelievable

Thinking of you, my friend.

April 30th, 2005 we landed in Rome.

April 30th, 1991 Michaela Nicole was born.
Fourteen years apart and tonight, they seem like yesterday.
Landing in Rome; Jennifer, Michaela, Nicole & myself, we felt exhausted, but excited, anxious, and courageous.

Similiar feelings at Michaela's birth, except I was holding Jennifer's hand helplessly, not terribly courageous.
Our Italy trip was one we had dreamed of for years, but never thought would happen. Life taught us nothing was impossible. Jennifer was thrilled to see Michaela celebrate her 14th birthday with a passport stamp that read "Rome, Italy". There we were, four generations of Adeline's girls.
We walked miles every day making the most of our time in Europe, enjoying all the six or seven "David's" we could, eating bruschetta as often as possible and celebrating our sweet Michaela's birthday. Never a complaint of being too tired, sore or overwhelmed, Jennifer amazed me.
Tomorrow as we celebrate Michaela's 19th, I will enjoy the beauty and strength of this young woman, as I did with Jennifer. Her gentle nature, intelligent humor, and compassion for people remind me daily of her mom.
What a blessing!

Thinking of you today.

I can't believe that it has been 4 years since Jennifer's passing. Each day I think of her and remember her sweet smile, the mischeiveous look in her eye and her laugh. Too soon, she was taken from us, yet I am forever grateful for the time we had together. My love and sympathy go out to the rest of the family on this difficult day.

October 24th, 1970.
Happy 39th my dear little sister

In July, 2003, on our honeymoon to Yukon Territories, Jennifer and I talked about one day floating the Yukon River. This year, I (and 5 other friends) floated our first section: Whitehorse to Dawson. What an incredible trip, full of Goldrush history, wildlife, comraderie, and gorgeous scenery. We covered 715 km, honed our paddling skills and thoroughly forgot about the worries of day-to-day life. Throughout the trip, my mind always wandered back to my inspiration, my dedication, my best friend and closest companion, Jennifer. I felt that she was with us each day of our trip. I dedicate this first, and the many other trips on the Yukon to her. Here is a picture of Jennifer at Lake LaBerge in 2003 and also one of the memorable sites along the river where I scattered some of her ashes. Thank you, Jennifer for enriching my life.

The axis on which the Earth spins has not faltered. It provides the continuous evolution of life, never missing a spin.
The loss in my heart is continuous. It never falters, but continues the struggle to embrace the evolution of Life.
For you I bleed, For them I heal.
For myself I know no happiness as before.

Jennifer has been in my mind and of my soul lately. I miss her. Here is a saying from Kahlil Gibran I think sums up the feeling. I think she would appreciate it:

Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
Kahlil Gibran

In her eyes the stars...in her smile the sun... In his laughter filled with tickles...in his snuggles and kisses are the heavens... I find you in them everyday.... your spirit surrounds us... Happy Birthday my beautiful Sissy.

October always reminds me of Jennifer-not only for her birthday- but as breast cancer awareness month. I walked in my first ever 5k breast cancer walk last week--- all the while thinking of Jen and her couragous battle. A lady I know very well heads up the the breast cancer walk each year here in Montrose... and for some weird reason-- i always make an excuse to not participate (maybe that I would get too sad)-- but it was really great to finally be part of the walk/run...... thanks jen. Laurie

I've had Jennifer on my mind as I've been spending a lot of time in the garden. Last year I transplanted some chocolate lillys from the woods to my garden and I wasn't sure they'd be happy there. They came back and have been blooming and blooming all spring. I consider them a special "ode to Jennifer" as they were her favorite and always remind me of her.

I am sitting here in what I regard as the most beautiful place in all of Alaska, Katmai National Park, and with being here, I have so many memories of time spent with Jen in Juneau. I am watching bears court, listening to loon sing, and watching mating pairs of bald eagles fly overhead. I try to stop and remember Jen at these times, for I know she would love them as much as I do.

Jen,
I had a dream with you in it last night. It was so vivid, as dreams often are. I woke, with it fresh in my mind, not wanting to lose the feeling of you being there. I knew going back to sleep wouldn't bring you back.

I really miss you.

I'm thinking of Jennifer today and want to say that she is still missed and definitely not forgotten by her Alaskan friends. I think of her so frequently...when a memory of her pops in my brain, when I see a beautiful Alaskan moment I know she'd enjoy, when I see a book she might like, when I make one of the delicious recipes she shared with me...
Peace to you and your family Jennifer with love, Cameron

Embracing a lifetime of blessings. Today, and everyday.

Anne

Happy Halloween to all the Alaskan ghouls and goblins. I miss you all terribly and hope you are celebrating in "Jennifer" style.

Love you,
Anne

Anne's entry of July 31 reiterates how life keeps speeding along, and how necessary it is to stop and reflect on the lives of those who have passed before us. I have been so busy of late that I realized I didn't share my trip to Lena Point on June 22, which would have been our 4th anniversary and the 10th year that I've known Jennifer. This year Anna(our black lab) and I again brought flowers, including some of the dried lavender we had at our wedding reception to Lena Point N of Juneau. The weather was rainy in the morning and just like the day we got married cleared to broken clouds, blue sky and warm sun in the afternoon. Jennifer's favorite SE Alaskan flower, the Chocolate lilly, were in bloom by the hundreds that day. Eagles roosted in the trees, sealions snorted, salmon jumped and whales spouted. The type of Southeast Alaska day Jennifer would have revelled in. Yet, although she was not there, in the flesh, she was(and is)still with me in spirit. There are times that I miss her with all of my soul, but I also know she would want me to enjoy my life, make use of the time in this beautiful place and to know that she is still sharing the experience with me in some form. Although life changes at an breakneck pace, she is still a part of me. Memories of her determination to make the best of situations, her strong spirit, her positive attitude through so much adversity, her smile and humor make me proud to have been a part of her life. In life's trials that lie ahead of me I hope that I come through them with as much character and charisma. All of my love to you Jennifer.

Jen,
Another month passes.

I remember the first time I realized you were physically gone from my life. It filled me with complete sadness as I walked the winding, collapsing streets of Dharmasala, India, tears streaming. You see, just before, I was sitting in a internet cafe filled with Tibetan nuns, with an Indian raga playing in the background. I was writing about India, ready to send my e-mail to my "friends" list, and saw your address. Just a simple thought, a realization that you would never reply.

I really miss you a year later.

I miss you. Your laugh. Your eyes. Your smile. Your touch. All of you.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006.

Today I hiked the short trail to Lena Point to celebrate Jennifer's 36th birthday. This is the spot where we were married and where we scattered Jennifer's ashes that Johnny brought up the Alcan and Cassiar on his motorcycle this summer. Facing towards Haines, up the Glacial fjord north of Juneau called Lynn Canal, this spot has a vista extending from Young's Bay to the southwest, along the east side of northern Admiralty and Shelter islands all the way to the glaciers of the Chilkat mountains on the far mainland shore. Here's the entry from my journal:
Anna, my black lab, and I walked to Lena Pt this morning, left a bouquet of flowers; reds, pinks and whites. Seagull sounds, south winds light to variable. We sat in the sheltering lee of this rocky headland, emerald green glacial waters surrounding us. Cotton-like clouds broken by patches of intense, greyish blue, almost the color of Jennifer's eyes. First morning without rain in weeks. Distant Sentinal Island lighthouse lit by a bright ray of sun, shining white in the distance. Common Murres, Black and Surf Scoters, Goldeneye ducks, Pelagic Cormorants in the waters below. The southward fall migration has begun. Steller's Jays, Magpies and Song Sparrows chip and squack in the brush behind us. Squirrels terrorize the dog to near frantic behavior. Fun, Centering, Empoweering, Beautiful - much like Jennifer's best qualities. This is as it should be, for this was one of Jennifer's favorite spots. She liked to hike here, picnic or camp here, or just hang out on a nice day, with her daughter or her friends. This is the place where we were married, and where her ashes are spread. Not unlike my relationship with Jennifer, this place, like the love we shared, is both powerful and sacred. Thank you Jennifer for sharing a part of your life with me. Happy Birthday!

Hello everyone,

Just wanted you to know that Dan and I are thinking of Jennifer on her birthday. She loved this time of year and we are looking forward to celebrating Halloween with Dave and friends this Saturday. We're thinking of you Jennifer and we miss you! With love, Cameron and Dan

Hello to all,

I'd like to share this special day with everyone of you and let you know how unique it's always been in our family. In 1970 we were given the gift of an angel. Little Jennifer was born. At the time we all knew she was pretty cute and brought sunshine to our family, yet, in all of our wildest dreams we never imagined how really precious our baby was.

And, on this day no matter how tight money was, or how rocky the month had been, our mom made sure her Jennifer was treated with little girl celebrations. The gifts were pink and frilly and her name was handwritten ever so carefully on mom's homemade cake. However, they only shared seven of those earthly birthday parties.

Today, after 28 years, they are together once again celebrating Jennifer's birth. Just imagine how beautiful her cake will be and how lovely the decorations will shimmer, sparkling with the delicate love only a mother can provide.

As our family has always done, we will celebrate today for what it's always been. The day that we were blessed with an angel.

So, if during your day you hear distant laughter, or feel a little hug in your heart, consider yourself part of Jennifer and Adeline's celebration. Tip your glass with theirs to a day filled with love and happiness.

Love to all of you.
Anne

Thank you Dave, for organizing the solstice memorial for Jen at the Point Retreat lighthouse. It meant a lot to be able to celebrate her life together with friends and family.



I have written a few words about that day that I will bravely share with you and others:



Day of rainbows

Warm sun confronts grey rain,

Cloaks the mainland in its prism -

Waves lash eastern rocks, while

Tide slides over western boulders

Laughter winds up the peeling staircase,

Spills out over dogs fetching on

Fireweed-fringed lawns,

Mingles with smoke, stories,

Whales breathing.

Sadness swirls near lavender

Surrounds, penetrates, sinks

Leaves eyes red, raw, blurry.

Her rainbow, our grief and love colliding,

Rises from chocolate lilies, purple streamers, and

Raindrop-beaded window panes:

An arc of irises, turquoise, copper, and fire.



With much love,

Dear David, Michaela, family and friends,

I just learned last night of Jennifer's passing after an e-mail I sent bounced back to me, and I googled her obituary. I'm sorry for not knowing sooner, but the loss wouldn't be different nor the long-term effects of her life felt by us all.

I met Jennifer in 1996 as microbiology partners at Metro State in Denver, CO. Jennifer was preparing to move to Alaska to study marine biology, and I was preparing to move to Philadelphia to study to become a nurse practitioner. We hit it off as friends, and I have valued and thoroughly enjoyed her friendship ever since. I was able and fortunate to visit Jennifer and Michaela in Juneau in August of 1997 and met David that one time. Her love was obvious both for David and Alaska. And, Michaela, your mother loved you beyond words could ever say, and so many decisions in her life were around you and how they would effect you. She always wanted the best for you.

After moving to separate cities, Jennifer and I had sporatic communication through e-mail, letters (she always wrote so beautifully), and phone calls. No matter how much time passed between communications, my admiration, respect, and joy of knowing Jennifer grew as she continued to persevere through tragedy and continuous battles. I'm not surprised to read all the guest book letters that express the same emotion for her. She had that effect. Everyday, she is an inspiration.

The e-mail that I was trying to send her and she never received last night was an announcement of the birth of our second son, Davis. Somehow, even though Jennifer passed four months ago, it's appropriate that I learn of it now. In life comes death. As I rattle through the long nights with a newborn and feel my body recovering from giving birth, I will not/cannot complain because Jennifer lived and died an optimistic fighter, and she continues to give me strength.

For David, Michaela, and the family I know she loved so much, I wish you strength. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Jennifer remain strong.

Dear David, Michaela, Johnny, Bobby, Anne and family not a day goes by that I don't think of all of you and hope each day is bringing some light your way.



I am so thankful that I got the chance to spend time with sweet Jennifer over the past four years. I wanted to write in this book sooner but I was struggling as to how to express my words, but decided I do not want more time to pass. Karen, thank you for allowing us to share our hearts among each other. It has been a comfort just reading all the wonderful letters from some friends and family closest to Jennifer's heart. It also has been heartwarming to know so many people loved Jennifer so much. She was easy to love.



From the time Jennifer was a little girl her sweet nature stole all of our hearts! He life was marked with a unique beauty and in remarkable ways has blazed a trail of courage and inspiration for us to follow. Her strength I want to learn from, her kindness I want to grow from, her humor we all need more of and her passions and love of life I want to honor by living mine to the fullest. Jennifer's life was not an easy one and anyone that knew her is aware of that. Jennifer nonetheless set goals for herself that most of us would only dream of. She fullfilled them. She was a warrior for life itself and chose to look at the best in each day. She took on this battle with such courage all the while trying to spare us from pain. I miss her terribly as I know all of you do. The love, tenderness and admiration I have in my heart for Jennifer will never dissolve over time.

One last email I'd like to share with family via this website. This email is from an old friend of mine, whom I've always admired for his support, caregiving and can-do attitude through difficult times, who lost his wife Peggy to breast cancer several years back. His comments are extremely poignant and break me up each time I read this email. Like Jennifer, Peggy was also a very special person-a fighter, she always managed a smile, and she was upbeat and positive no matter what she was going through. Both Jennifer and Peggy were tenacious, empowering personalities, and were an inspiration to be around. I experienced, and Jennifer's friends always said the same about her. I am honored to have been a part of Jennifer's, and to lesser extent, Peggy's lives. We could all learn alot by their examples...David Love



To: "David Love"

Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:03:00 -0600

Subject: Thoughts are with You...



David, Feb21



...last night I had a very vivid dream... with You in it - walked up

and shook your hand firmly - gave a BigBearHug - and told you that I've

been thinking of you every day since the BadNews was delivered... and

that I felt your pain...



I guess this means I'm overdue somewhat with a note to you, ...so here

it is.

I will say that I truly have been thinking of you often as you progress

through the trudge of Life following the Death of your beloved

Jennifer. One Day at a Time Dear Friend. It doesn't really get any easier...

you just learn to live with the loss and move on. I'm sure you will miss

her every day for the rest of your life... quite sure.



One Day at a Time...

Be as Well as you can be David, and know all are thinking of you.

Warmest Regards - keith





Keith David Carpenter

Here is another email I received from Dan Monteith and Cameron Young, two very good friends of ours in Juneau. On the day of Jennifer's ceremony, Dan and Cameron had an Italian dinner party in Jennifer's honor to celebrate her life and share with Jennifer's and my friends...Of course the Online guestbook has been extended past Feb 18...David Love



Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:04:06 -0900

From: "Cameron Young"

Subject: Re: Online Guestbook for Jennifer's family

To: "David Love"



Hi Dave,



I just wrote you a letter this morning describing the dinner party and enclosing a list of names and addresses, as well as some notes people wrote for you. I'm sending it along today with several copies of yesterday's Empire. I wasn't sure how long you would be staying in Colorado or if you are heading back to Sodona soon. Hopefully the mail will reach you in time.



From memory, here are the folks who attended the dinner:

Tom Matheson

Dan Fremgen

Mary Tonsmiere

Kristi and Kendra Buerger

Leslie Kupper

Barb Bonner

Robin Jung

Lisa Eagan and Tim

Ulla

Gene Harrison

Julie Neilsen and Alan Steffert

Julie and Annie Shelton were going to come and then called and cancelled because Annie got sick.







Seems like I'm forgetting somebody, but that's a fairly comprehensive list. Hindsight is always 20/20 and we realized several people we forgot to call to invite: Rick Bellagh, Jeffy, Brian and Jan...I'm really sorry that we forgot people! We did call Sandy and Everett Hinkley and talk to them for awhile. I believe they are sending you a card.



Take care, Dave! We're sending lots of love your way... Cameron

----- Original Message -----

From: David Love

To: Cameron Young ; Daniel Monteith

Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 5:56 AM

Subject: Online Guestbook for Jennifer's family





Dan and Cameron-



How was the dinner party? I hope everyone is doing ok. We stayed up late here and laughed alot, which of course feels good. Sometimes the best comedy comes on the brink of tragedy. I can't imagine how I will be when I leave this house. Hey, I just discovered that the Colo Springs Gazette provides an online guestbook for anyone who wishes to write a message to the Griffin family. Maybe folks that came yesterday would be interested-I know the family here would love to hear from Jennifer's friends in Alaska. Would you mind sending me a list of people that came to dinner last night and I'll try to contact them. website is www.legacy.com/gazette. It will be online until Feb 18. Love you guys, Dave

Here's a copy of an email I received in January sent by two of my friends here in Juneau. David Love



From: "Ryan & Erin Briscoe"

To: [email protected]

Subject: My condolences

Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 17:14:24 -0700



Dave,



I was saddened to hear the news about Jennifer. My family is praying for peace and comfort for you, your stepdaughter, and Jennifer's family. I appreciate the way you and Jennifer exemplified what friendship and marriage is truly about. You were there for each other for better or for worse, and your example has been an inspiration for others around you.



I will see you when you get back to town.



Ryan

I did not know Jennifer, only of her. I remember reading in a letter years ago, "David has a new girlfriend. Her name is Jennifer." After that, her name appeared in letters from David. I met Jennifer once for a fleeting moment, lasting only ten or fifteen seconds, in the parking lot outside her apartment in Elizabeth. With occasional scraps of information from David I watched the two of them fighting for Jennifer's life. Through David, and because of my love for him, I came to care very deeply for Jennifer. I developed a profound admiration for their commitment to their battle and to each other. Jennifer touched me without knowing it, and although I never knew her, I will never forget her. Nor will I forget Anne, Johnny, or Bobby, all of whom I came to know, through David, long before I met any of them. Jennifer's memorial service moved me very deeply, a great out-pouring of love and grief that was in itself a testimony to the place Jennifer and her family held in people's hearts. I am full of admiration for the way the Griffins are living through this tragedy, and especailly David, facing it every moment of every day. I still wake up at night, thinking of Dave and Jennifer, Michaela, and the Griffins. Especially Dave and Jennifer. I have been much moved by all of you and will not forget any of you.

Thank You All for the wonderful thoughts and submissions to this guestbook. I take great comfort in all the thoughts you have shared. I take each day at a time, but feel fortunate for all the good friends and good memories shared here.

I first met Jennifer when our family came to crash on Dave's floor one year, while traveling through Juneau. Jennifer was always cheery and friendly, and we came to love and admire her. Her loss to this world is our loss and we will miss her.

It saddens me to hear Jennifer has left us. I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer during Halloween two years ago. Jennifer was a wonderful sister, mother, aunt and a dedicated teacher. She was loved by so many people. Jennifer will always be with us in our hearts.

I would briefly like to thank all of you for you kind words and wonderful memories. You have touched Jennifer and now you touch me. Thank you so very much. Anne

In honor of my friend Jennifer:

"But oh, the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one's deepest as well as most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort of feeling safe with a person-having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away."

To Jennifer's family,

Hello from this beautiful place covered in snow, today. The snow in the past week has somehow made the world seem a gentler place, which has been comforting to us as we grieve Jennifer's death.



The Italian dinner Dan and I hosted on Friday night was a wonderful event. Nearly 20 people were in our tiny house sharing stories of Jennifer, laughing, crying,and eating good Italian food! I'm so glad to have been able to provide a venue for her Juneau family to be together. She was loved by so many people!



Dan and I have met so many of you that we feel you're good friends and we hope you will always feel free to call us up and come visit Juneau again. We are definitely planning to see you in June.



Some of my favorite memories of Jennifer are of skinny dipping at midnight at her wedding reception, celebrating Halloween at her house, eating many wonderful meals with Jennifer and Dave, and riding with Jennifer and Michaela in a limo to our wedding reception while drinking Dom Perignon!



We loved her, too! We are thinking of you all and wishing you the best. Take care, Love, Cameron (and Dan)

It's hard to imaging how difficult it is to lose someone as close to you as Jennifer is to her family. She's an inspiration to many and has the spirit and determination that many of us are envious of. She is part of a very tight and elite family unit and will be strongly missed by many. God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Lisa Priest

Jennifer was a gifted teacher who greatly impacted the lives of not only the students she taught but also those of us who had the privilege of working with her. She is dearly missed but her incredible spirit lives on in all of us. The students and staff at JDHS are so fortunate to have know her personally and proffessionally. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Kelly Hopson

I had the pleasure of having Jennifer Griffin as my science teacher. She was an amazing woman who went out of her way to show every one of us how much she cared about our future. I will miss her greatly. Her laughter and warmth will always be in my heart. Peace and love to the Griffin family in this time of need.

Dave and the Griffin Family,

Although I did not know Jennifer well, through Dave's stories I have gained admiration for all of her strength and character shown throughout her struggle. May you be comforted by the joyful memories that you each hold of her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer during my time of service in Juneau, she was always warm and kind, and she gave me tips on adjusting to Juneau life. She was an outstanding teacher, and she will be missed, but always remembered.

I only got to meet Jennifer once--at On Your Knees Cave in Alaska. She was a kind and beautiful woman, and a perfect companion to my good friend Dave Love. The struggle for Jennifer's life seemed to being them especially close during their years together. My heart goes out to Dave and to all of Jennifer's family.

Dear Family



Your loss saddens me beyond words. I never knew Jennifer as an adult but have wonderful memories of her as a little girl and the exceptional bond that she had with her older sister. I wish all of you strength through this very difficult time.



Our prayers are with Jeniffer and each of you.

Dear Family, Adeline and Bob Griffin became Godparents to my son, Mark Hammer, in 1960. I still miss my PCH high school friend, Adeline, very much. I like to believe that Adeline and Jennifer are again together. Sincerely, K.S. Singer

My heart goes out to all of you during this most difficult time. I know how hard it is to lose your loved one at such a young age. May

God be with her into her new journey as her life continues. Her Sprit is in good hands and lives on. I truely believe this is only the beginning of our journey.



Kenny Castle & Family

Dear David, Michaela, and Griffin Family-

Jennifer was, is, and always will be a shining light. So many of my most vivid childhood memories involve cracking up about something with Jennifer and the distinctive sound of her laughter. Jennifer always made me feel loved and accepted even when I felt like the annoying "little" cousin. (I even changed the way I wrote the letter "J" because I liked the way hers looked.) She was a big influence on me given the limited time we spent together and I always felt connected to her somehow. Perhaps because she was the kind of person that could make everyone feel special in some way. There is nothing I can say that seems right, so just know that I love all of you and I love Jennifer.



Emily

HI All,

I am so sorry to hear about Jennifer, I know how special she was to all of you. If there is anything I can do , please call.

You will all be in our prayers and

thoughts. We love you all so

much. I am greeved that you have had to go through so much in this time. I pray that God will bring His peace in this time.

Love, Larry B. & Family

Dear David and Griffin family,

Please know that I am thinking of you all and wishing you all the strength and love in the world at this difficult time. I wish that I could have spent more time with Jennifer, she was such a beautiful person, and, I feel a kindred spirit. You are all always welcome wherever I am.



With all my love, hope, and courage for the future,

Lori

Dear Griffin Family -- Although words cannot adequately express our sorrow, may it give you some comfort to know we love you and are praying for you. Jennifer exemplified your family's strength, character and unwavering support in the face of more than your fair share of adversity. She was (as you all are) an inspiration to all of us. That family unity and strength will undoubtedly help you through this trying time. We want you to know we respect your privacy but also want you to know we will always be there for you if and when you need us. We love you. John and Linda