My goal was to be just a ‘tourist with a camera’ on the island that day. And Jennifer’s goal was to spend time with her family and friends and have lots of fun. Even though the boat going to the island carried a small group of tourists, Jennifer and I never met.
When the boat docked she went her way to party on the beach with the dozen or so that joined her. I went my way to take pictures. Both of us to different parts of the island.
The waves were high and strong, people were having fun, and in time no one noticed where Jennifer was. An hour went by and her family worried. The waves that she was having fun in were the waves that carried her lifeless body to where I was far far from the crowd.
I was no longer a tourist with a camera, I was - as the state wide news later reported ‘a tourist that pulled her from the water.’ The two of us met and my life changed - although sadly our meeting was an hour too late.
I was once the photographer in solitude, now I was suddenly surrounded by other tourists, lifeguards, and law officers. There was Jennifer’s family that met with me, a Unitarian minister that offered me counseling, and a mediating Hare Krishna lady that gave me a garland made of gardenias for good luck and blessing.
I read Jennifer’s obituary and can share that she loved her husband and children, was creative and artistic, loved holidays and decorating, loved shopping. She had a beautiful smile and always something funny to say. Her laugh and enthusiasm was contagious and she brought joy and happiness to those where she worked and those that shared her family life.
These are the happy photos from that day. In memory of you Jennifer…until we meet on God’s happy shore. Someday when God calls me home it will be your turn to reach out your hand, grab me and pull me in …..and welcome me to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. See ya then…….