In Loving Memory of Karen Jenkins

"I'm not sure what to write about the love of my life – words don't express it adequately. Her life was not so much about expressing with words as it was about being there as her authentic self, making deep connections, showing kindness, building trust and understanding.

The love she offered was wholehearted, thoughtful, pure and innocent. She cultivated it, and relished seeing it in others. She despised meanness of any sort, and would advocate for those whose challenges in life would expose them to indifference, disdain or derision.

In her final days, she wanted to be surrounded with friends and family. As we sat around, I told a niece that Karen's specialty was working with special needs students, and added 'that's why she agreed to marry me'. Though she wasn't able to speak, she smiled – being there as her true authentic, kind and loving self."