Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Jen Jen

Last month the worst thing that can happen to a parent happened to my friend Jackie.  Her 27 year old daughter died suddenly in her sleep.  My son is 27 years old and I can not even imagine what Jackie has gone through this last month since Jennifer, or Jen Jen as she was affectionately called, died.  I know her pain is greater than anything I could even possibly imagine.  A parent should never have to bury a child.

I wanted to provide comfort, but had no idea how, when I thought to do a memorial charm bracelet honoring Jen Jen's life and achievements.  This way Jackie can fondly remember her daughter and have a piece of Jen Jen with her at all times.  

I had absolutely no idea how I was going to accomplish this. So I thought about the things that Jen Jen did and took those thoughts to the nearest craft store to see what I could create.





I knew that Jen Jen loved silver, so I started with a silver chain bracelet and started adding charms and crystals along the way.








First I started with a toggle clasp.  The toggle end is an angel and the loop end has four hearts etched on it.




Jen Jen was very active in plays and chorus during high school.  She was also active in a local theater.  So this musical themed charm is a tribute to Jen Jen's musical and theatrical talents.




Jen Jen was a fire cracker baby, being born on the 4th of July.  These Swarovski crystal hearts are red in honor of Jen Jen's birthstone.  They are used to accent the other charms on this bracelet.


Jen Jen was an avid softball player and volunteer coach.  She loved the sport and to help others.



Here is Jen Jen's high school senior picture.  



This charm says it all......



J is for Jen Jen.



Jen Jen inspired others with her creativity, so this charm is a tribute to her inspiration.

After her passing, many, many people have related their own personal experiences and achievements due to Jen Jen's encouragement and dedication.  This bracelet can not truly reflect all of Jen Jen's great characteristics ~ I'd need a million charms ~ but I hope that it can provide some comfort to my friend and help her remember the good times with Jen Jen.

I normally sign all my blogs Happy Beading!  But this is not so happy beading :(


Betsy

4 comments:

  1. What a great tribute to a much loved young woman.

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  2. What a wonderful thing to do for your friend...this gift will memorialize all the wondrous things in Jen Jen's young life...a real lifetime treasure.

    Trish

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  3. A parent should never have to bury a child; never. Be there for her, she needs you. Many Blessings.

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