Thursday, January 14, 2010

Remembering Jen

I want to tell you about Jen.

Jen was my dear friend, Louise's daughter. Jen went to college to study acting. Once there, she recognized the competition and realized that acting was not for her. So, she looked around and saw the light. Literally. Theater lighting became her passion. She earned a bachelor's and a master's in it and had a summer studying it at Yale. 

Theater lighting in today's world is a combination of art and electronics, physical activity and computer assisted design. Jen excelled in it all. Her talent took her across the country with touring productions several times. Once when she was in San Antonio, I had lunch with Jen and was delighted to see what a funny, intelligent young woman she had become. 

Eventually, she settled in New York City and took advantage of all one of the world's biggest cities has to offer. She had a young man in her life. One year ago today, Jen died suddenly, without warning. We later learned she had an undiagnosed congenital heart defect.

I always have the thought that when someone dies, that I need to live a little more since that person is no longer here to do it herself. Jen is a tough act to follow. She was true to her muse. She lived life fully and was able to find a profession where she was creative, respected and self-supporting. She is greatly missed by her family, friends and peers.  

So, thank you, Gentle Reader, for your time as I've remembered Jen. And if these few moments prompt you to live you life more fully, then her legacy continues anew.