Kauai, Hawaii: far from the madding (and maddening) crowd, on this rock in the vast Pacific, amazing people spend their days. The backdrop is (mostly) blue sky with fluffy clouds, whispering trade winds, all-encircling blue ocean, and the constant crowing of the feral jungle fowl. The larger world is far-removed.
In this paradise, for many decades, a woman lived who was held dear by many. She passed away, a month shy of 60, recently and her friends held a memorial service to celebrate her life. One wrote the poem which follows. Please spend a moment to honor the life of Jessei Jardin:
What is a Life?
What is a life?
Who is to say how it should be spent?
God gives us the spark
And we are the keepers of the flame.
We can smile and light up a room
Or we can quietly teach by example.
We can walk or sway to the beat
Of our own drum.
We can sew glorious costumes
Or sow seeds of friendship wherever we go.
We can force others to bend to our will
Or let them learn at their own speed.
We can allow others their illogical way
Or walk away without judgment.
It is up to us.
Jessi you have always had all your “ors” in the water.
You are a wonderful example of God’s Spark.
I am glad to have called you friend.
You were a wonderful example of God’s love
And a special blessing in my life.
Written June 7, 2010 for Jessi Jardin by Stormy Cozad