A Letter to Jen…
Dear Jen,
This was supposed to be a letter from all of us. I have tried very hard to write it that way, but I just can’t find any words to put on paper that will even come close to what we are feeling. There is not a human being alive whose life you have touched who isn’t aching inside beyond description. Your strength, your smile, your very soul radiated like a light straight from God himself and has affected all who knew you. I want you to know that there are so many people who loved you that it’s beyond belief. It’s like everyone you ever came in contact with is now mourning the empty spot in their lives that you filled, from the clerk at the grocery store, to acquaintances, business associates, and friends, to your inner circle of family.
Your nephews, Kyle and Thomas, are better people because of the love you have shared with them. Kyle became a man this week. Thomas can’t understand why this had to happen to someone so fun and so young. Dakota will be told every day about you and the wonderful person you are. Your sisters, Stephannie and Alisha, are hurting so deeply it’s beyond words. Stephannie has shared so many wonderful stories already about the things you and she would do. And your brother-in-law, Steve, is full of pride for having known you for the last two years. Your soulmate, Jenny, is lost without you. She said that she can feel you with her. Your “adopted” kids, Jordan, Jessica, and Justin, have all said how much they love you and will miss you. Your guiding hand in their lives will be felt for generations to come. Your aunts, uncles, and cousins, too, have wept, as have your multitude of friends.
As for your Dad and I, our lives will never be the same. Our pain is too great to put into words. You have been a tower of strength through everything life had thrown your way, a true inspiration. Your Dad said it best: “Once in a lifetime something comes along that touches your soul, adds a warm glow to your heart, and makes your inner being smile. Jenifer Gitchell was that once-in-a-lifetime thing that made our inner beings smile, a believer, a friend to all children, a grown- up child, a true free spirit, and our love, not leaving any family behind, just waiting for them to catch up!” We love you. We’ll miss you more than words will ever be able to describe. I won’t say goodbye because you will always be in my heart and in our hearts forever.
–Mom, Dad, Stephannie, Alisha, Steve, Kyle, Thomas, Dakota, Jenny, Jordan, Jessica, and Justin
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Jenifer was born on January 14, 1972 in Olympia, Washington. She passed away on July 5, 2006 in Olympia. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2006, at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater. A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Jefferson Middle School, 2200 Conger Avenue, Olympia, Washington.
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