Wednesday, July 8, 2015

July 8, 2009 - July 8, 2015



When looking into the kaleidoscope of life, how is it that those long ago moments of time can, without even exhaling, appear as if they just happened?

Six years.

The “new normal” which grew out of that day has become a point of entry for the events of life that have since followed. Time has done little, except allow the sorrow to be branded deeper within our soul.   Heartache did not loosen its grip upon our world, but glimmers of hope have shown brightly through its cracks.

Jack and Amelia would have been the joys in your life!  How I wish that they could know you and love you as we did.  And with them in mind, your sister gave us all a wonderful reason to celebrate you in a way that would make your beautiful smile shine.

For those who had never met our Jessica, her first job was at our local Bruster's Ice Cream shop.  She was employed there in high school and during college breaks.  The family who owned the business worked with her during her illness to allow her to work as much or as little as she wanted, for as long as she was able to.

Three years ago after Jack was born, Stefanie found the perfect way to honor Jessica’s memory, on the anniversary of her passing, with an "ice cream day".

Stefanie's posting on Facebook reads:  "Enjoy ice cream with your loved ones in honor of Jessica Zifchak.  Invitations are extended to anyone who wishes to remember her beautiful spirit."

She continues: "If there is one thing you worry about when a loved one passes much too soon, it's that s/he will be forgotten.  Our annual ice cream day is one way our family celebrates Jessica and the beautiful person she was.  We choose to turn the anniversary of her death into a positive day filled with lots of memories that are being passed on to her nephew Jack and niece Amelia.  Please use this day as a reason to remember her and to spend quality time with your loved ones.  Because life really is short, but sweet for certain."

And although this day is set aside to remember our Jessica, we encourage everyone to join in to reminisce, celebrate, and spend time with those you love.  So please…stop! and add more beauty and color to your personal viewer, as you enjoy extra special moments of life, with those you treasure and hold most dear.

Goodnight Miss Jessica.  I love you.  Always.

“How long is forever?  Sometimes, just one second.”
-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

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