Ever since June 13th i've been struggling to put to words the death of Tim Russert. As evidenced by my lack of a post, i failed. Hard. And not long ago, while trying again to do the impossible, June claimed another life. Brilliant comedian/social commentator George Carlin was taken from us at the age of 71.
To the nation, and perhaps the world, these deaths are horrible tragedies. They were viewed no differently in the word of MaT. The loss of two icons is a painful reality at best, but June decided to one up itself one last time for Pinky and i. On sunday, June 22nd, a beloved friend was taken from this world at the age of 22 by a drunk driver. Her name was Jennifer "Fayth" Murray, and she made MaT possible.
i first met Jenn in 6th grade in band class. She played flute and i baritone. She sat in front of me and i would often listen in on her conversations because i'm a nosy prick. One day she turned to me and asked why i never talked. i told her i didn't know, which prompted her to demand that i do so. i asked what i was supposed to say and from those incredibly random beginnings grew a friendship that changed my life.
Jennifer loved way more than most normal human beings. She'd do anything for her friends and loved ones, and took it a step further in working to make the downtrodden's lives easier. She reveled in and took pride in her differences from the main stream and worked to protect those who found their selves bullied for their uniqueness. She wrote an essay to the principal of Silver Lakes Middle calling for action to help put an end to the bullying she and her fellow students faced every day. She took her first hand experiences and added them to the faces of the other victims, calling for their safety and never bothering to mention hers. It remains the most well written and selfless essay i've ever read.
It was actions like that which defined Jenn's life. Whether it be raising a quiet introvert into an outspoken extrovert who stood up for himself and believed in himself or merely doing a favor for a friend, Jenn put her heart into everything she did. And i was blessed enough to be the recipient of her love more often than i deserved.
Her impact on my life was immeasurable. She made me who i am today and gave me what i have. my relationship with the indescribable Pinky is a direct result of Fayth. Not only did she change my life, she provided for me the people who would eventually do the same. How appropriate that she would leave a legacy that would continue her work.
And that is what made Jennifer so extraordinary. Nothing she did was small. If it wasn't big in itself, it had giant repercussions, and you always came away in a far better place then where you started.
Any part of Jenn and her life can be summed up with one word: "Love." She was love, she gave love, she commanded love, she deserved love. i loved her and always will. She was a mother to me, a sister, a best friend, and so much more and the last words i spoke to her (tragically over AOL and not face to face) still hold true. i miss you and i love you.
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