Name: Jenny Kraemer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Relationship to Jessica: Forever Friend and Roommate
I met Jessica 10 years ago at Georgetown University.
Jessica & Jenny in Chicago, Summer 2009
Jessica & Jenny Candid
Jessica. We remember her laugh, her huge heart and the love she had for everyone she met. Just thinking about her crazy, infectious laugh makes me smile. All of her hard work trying to help others in need, contributing to charities, raising money and her generosity. She was an amazing friend. She could make me laugh when I was sad. She always cheered me up when she knew I had a bad day – sometimes that meant just sitting with me in silence after a crappy day. But she kept me company. That’s the trademark of Jess – like so many other people have pointed out…She always wanted to make people happy and make people feel better.
I remember when I heard the news – I simply could not believe it. Jess was too young. But Jess lived her life wonderfully. She had done so many things on earth and I’m sure she’s doing even more in heaven. I will forever be grateful to have known her. I will forever be grateful for spending 10 years of my life with a friend like her. I will forever be grateful for the memories I have shared with her. Jessica will forever live in my heart.
I’m adamant about one thing: Don’t ever forget Jessica. She never wanted this, never wanted people to cry or be unhappy. She wanted to make everyone happy. We should all be thankful that we were given the chance to have known a woman like Jess. What an inspiration she was and still is! What an amazing woman.
The pictures I have included are from when Jess came to visit me in Chicago. I remember that day like it was yesterday. We were soooo tired but we dragged ourselves out of bed to walk around the city, get breakfast and make the most of the time together because the trip was short. All the pictures we took of us that morning weren’t to our liking. She didn’t like how she looked and I didn’t like how I looked. Having just rolled out of bed and rushing to get out of the apartment, we didn’t feel “camera ready” and she made me delete almost all of them on my camera. But now looking back at the pictures…they are probably two of the best pictures of us. So real and in the moment. With me planting a kiss on her cheek and her arm wrapped around me – that is how I will remember Jessica. I’ll forever cherish these pictures.
Jessica will forever be missed but I know in the right time, I will meet her again. We will all meet her again and she’ll make us laugh in tears again.
This is a goodbye – but only for now. Love forever and ever.
Jenny,
I love love love your post! and the pictures. She always made me delete pictures of us too! Often getting a hold of my camera and deleting them herself. I wish I had some of those bad takes now because they end up being the best. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories.
xoxo,
Theresa