Sometimes you learn the most without even trying. This knowledge is gained slowly, over many years, through a teacher who isn't even attempting to teach you anything. It is wisdom you gain through friendship, just by being around someone special.
In addition to being my best friend, Jill is also my best teacher. She has accomplished so much in her life just by doing the things she loves. I love hearing stories about Jill, how she volunteered for the Peace Corp in Gambia West Africa, spent time teaching special education in Hawaii and Florida, and later moved to Colorado where she became the first female Chief of Police in the State. She did some more teaching after that, but I met her when she served as a Case Manager at a local transitional housing program. After she retired, she continued working as a volunteer, delivering meals on wheels and at a local wildlife rehabilitation center taking care of injured and abandoned squirrels. I only worked with Jill for 5 years, but we have remained friends ever since.
I have watched Jill in action for around 15 years. She survived the Lyons flood of 2013, and we worked together (with many, many others) to rebuild her home after the St. Vrain River attempted to wash it away. During this time, she was always making sure that everyone in the town was taken care of. I remember saying to her one day, "Hey Jill, you should let some of the other volunteers do this, you know you lost your house too." But that is Jill, always helping those in need and forgetting that she might need something also. In the days after the flood, Jill would make frequent trips to Lyons to make sure that the squirrels in her yard had food and fresh water.
I have learned so much from Jill. She taught me to always do what you can, to love what you do, to keep going, take time out to be silly and laugh, to give away what you aren't using, to try new things, and to have a big heart. Jill taught me how to help people without enabling them, how to be supportive, encouraging, and how to make a difference.
I am devestated that I had to say goodbye to her on August 31, 2016. I am also feeling so blessed because of all of the amazing things she did in this world, she chose to spend some of her life with me. I am a better person because of her, and I am forever grateful.
Two days after Jill passed, I heard a squirrel hit the roof of my house. He began squawking and chirping. It was so loud it was bordering on being obnoxious. He kept up a solid stream of loud chirping until I finally looked out the window to see if he was ok. I was hanging out the window and looked up to see this squirrel on the peak of the roof of my house looking down at me. He let out a series of noises that almost sounded like he was laughing. Our eyes met and I felt a connection that could only be described as a "knowingness" that Jill is ok. I told the squirrel "Message received little buddy, thanks!" and he scampered off. I know it sounds like I am just sleep deprieved and a little delusional over the loss of my friend, but I think Jill sent one of her squirrels to let me know she's alright. And even if I am delusional, well, at least it made me smile.
Jill has impacted my life in so many ways and has inspired me to shine my light in this world. I am so blessed to have known Jill and am grateful that she was in my life. There is so much I want to say about this amazing woman, but the bottom line is that she is a shining example of what people can be and has inspired me to continue to grow as a person and to do what I can to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
I love you my dear friend Jill, you will be missed. I will make sure the squirrels are fed.
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