Rest in peace, dear Jennifer. I will always remember your smile.
Today, in the middle of a journey filled with new places, new people and so many small reasons to be happy, I received the heartbreaking news that my writer friend Jennifer F. Steil has passed away.
We met only once, in Tashkent. We walked through Eco Park, talked about writing and life, and shared a little piece of an ordinary day. I later read her novel and followed her writing from afar.
Some people cross our paths only briefly, yet somehow leave a lasting impression. Jennifer was one of those people for me. I remember her warmth, her smile, and the generosity with which she shared her words and her life with others.
Today, while I am travelling, taking photographs and sharing beautiful moments, I find myself wondering whether it is strange to continue smiling when someone has left us.
Perhaps it is not.
Perhaps remembering someone is also allowing ourselves to keep living, noticing beauty, meeting people, writing, laughing and carrying a little of what they gave us.
Jennifer, I wish our paths had crossed more than once. I am grateful that they crossed at all.
My deepest condolences to Tim and Theadora, and to everyone who loved her.
She may be gone, but her words are still here and they will keep travelling.
