|
|
|
|
|
One of the hardest jobs any journalist ever has to do -- whether you're an editor, news reporter, or even a sportswriter -- is to write an obituary.
And when you're writing about someone you knew, it's three times as tough. Too often, the tears will come long before the words, and finding the right words to say is a daunting task, to say the least.
Some time ago, I asked Mabel Petty Zanforlin if she would be so kind as to write a few paragraphs in tribute to her best friend, Jennifer Jennings.
It's been over a year since I asked. She still hasn't written it.
I have come to the realization that if it's so hard for a journalist to write a tribute for a dear friend, then it's almost impossible for a lay person. And considering how close Jennifer and Mabel were, I have elected to write a few words about Jennifer myself. I only hope that what I say will do her justice.
No matter where or when you looked, those two were together almost from elementary school until high school, when Jennifer's father -- the longtime pastor at Banning First Baptist Church -- accepted an opportunity to minister another congregation and moved the family to Tarzana
Mabel and Jennifer did almost everything together -- we all know that Mabel is a very talented musician and singer; Jennie was as well. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and was adept with the flute. She was also very religious, and showed her devotion to God in the church choir.
Jennifer graduated from Tarzana High School in 1974, and both her and Mabel registered at the University of Redlands.
Sadly, Jennifer became very ill with Lupus, the disease that would take her life on January 11, 1977. Had she lived another 6 1/2 months, she would have celebrated her 21st birthday.
As a journalist, I have to reserve my tears for when I'm out of the public eye. But as a human being … and a friend … not being able to picture Jennifer and Mabel side by side is heartbreaking.
--Duke Vernoy
|
|
|
|
|
