The Jenniferius

     I wanted so badly to write about this but now that I have begun I find it difficult to put what I think and how I feel in writing.  Truthfully, she is the bravest, kindest, most inspiring person I know.  Her name is Jennifer, and (I don't want to give away too much of her private life) she has spent the last few months in the hospital.  
     This is my way of letting Jenn know how I respect and admire her, but for your sakes, I think I better stop jumping around.  I met Jennifer about a year ago, in the first couple days of school.  We were both in Mr. Whitney's physics classroom, waiting to talk to him.  I had come to see Mr. Whitney about some scheduling conflict, and nearly walked into her.  I didn't think too much about the tallish, pale girl with the swirl of soft raven curls and black-rimmed glasses.  Not even after noticing the sweet face, the flushed cheeks and the shy smile.  Why is it that people always overlook the beauty of kindness in the search for the extraordinary?  Because in truth, the truly good are a much rarer phenomenon.  But I digress.  She let me go first, assuring me that she would take a while.  When I finished, I confess that I listened to her conversation as I deposited my things into my seat.  First with an incurious idleness that then grew into sympathetic surprise.  She had come to tell our physics teacher that she would be missing most of the class due to her imminent hospitalization.  
   When they had finished conversing, she looked about her timidly, for class was about to begin.  I caught her look, and patted the stool beside me, smiling (hopefully encouragingly).  Her uncertainty vanished in the gentle radiance of her smile.  That was how I got to know her, the best of all of us.  
    Jennifer, how we miss you! If you only knew how Emma and I celebrated the advent of your transplant.  If you saw how we clasped hands and spoke of our excitement and anxiety for you in hushed voices-the reverence due a saint.  
     There is no way to tell more of this extraordinary girl's life without violating her trust in me, so I won't.  But know that like every good story, there is more to tell.  Every day, every breath she takes will add more to her story.  Jennifer, my dear, you are truly an inspiration.  I would hope for your perpetual and never-ending happiness if not for the fact that sorrows bring out the true flavor of joy.  It is in honor to be your friend.