In Loving Memory
Jennifer ReynoldsLargo, Florida Parents: Siblings: Click here to view photo gallery |
In loving memory of our daughter, jennifer who died on Jan.15, 2009. We love you, Jen and will miss you forever. Love you so much, Mom, Dad, Trey and family
My daughter, Jennifer Reynolds,died, Jan.15, 2009. She had just turned 29 years old.
Autopsy findings from Jennifer’s Medical Examiner, reports that her manner of death was an accident. She died of pneumonia, a kidney infection and multi-drug toxicity.
We come together this evening, to remember Jennifer and the many other loved ones that have tragically died this year.
Grieving the death of a child is indescribable with words. There is no measuring stick to show someone the degrees of pain you have experienced. To get the knock on the door in the middle of the night and a see a Sheriff Deputy in Uniform standing at your front door is a sickening feeling, to say the least. When you hear his words say your child has just died, everything goes in slow motion at that moment. I had to see her to even believe it. Processing Jennifer is no longer here, that she has died and that we buried her is still shocking to me as her mother. Grieving is a lot of work. My husband, Andy and I took Griefshare classes to help us as work through our pain of grief.
In writing Jennifer’s memorial, I first got out her photo albums to remind me of who Jennifer was as a child. In our family, she has one older brother, Josh and a younger sister, Sarah and a younger brother, Nathan. She was a great daughter, loving sister, and a wonderful friend to many.
As a child, Jen was always ahead of the curve on doing things at her age. She learned to walk and talk early; she could ride a bike with no training wheels at 5. As she moved through her elementary years, she had lots of friends, was very active and loved swimming, roller skating, cheerleading and softball. She was outgoing; fairly popular and made friends easy.
After a routine physical for middle school, the doctor discovered Jen had scoliosis. This was a severe blow to her. She took this news very hard. She was entering her teen years, with an active life and all of this came to a halt with the discovery of her diagnosis of scoliosis. This disease required wearing a full body brace made of plastic 23 hours a day for over a year under her clothes. This was to keep her spine from further curving to a crippling state. She hated wearing this brace, looking different and being different from all of her friends. She had to stop doing her normal hobbies and activities. Her friend’s lives were moving forward but Jen’s life had changed. Even with the orthopedic brace and closely monitored exams at Shriners hospital, Jen’s spine continued to curve at an alarming rate. She had to have a very serious surgery, a spinal fusion at age 12. She was in intensive care for 3 days.
I believe this surgery was a pivotal moment in Jen’s life. She experienced horrific pain, with 3 herrington rods attached to her spine with hooks to hold her spine from further curving. She was put on IV morphine to manage her pain. This was her first opportunity to have opiate pain medication.
Jennifer continued into high school, an active person, involved in art, student government and cheerleading.
She had a great passion for cosmetology, hair, make up and fashion design. All who knew her, would agree, she would have made a great hair and make up artist or a fashion designer. She also was very good at helping others and counseling her friends.
How ironic, she would end up struggling with an addiction that came to rule her life.
Jen’s life had a turn of events, one, which produced her beautiful and only son, Trey. She was a loving mother and struggled to pull herself into a life of recovery for his sake.
Our Pastor, Mike McGinnis wrote these words at Jen’s Memorial service:
Today is a day when words like sorrow, sadness, heartache, tragedy, and grief truly become an overwhelming reality in the minds and hearts of all whom gather here. One cannot help but be effected by the pain that death brings with it. Yet, in the midst of overwhelming grief, the peace and comfort of a loving God can fill and heal the broken hearted. Today. Hope is what we must cling to….
29 years ago, a ray of sunshine burst onto the scene in our family. Jen brought joy and passion to our family. To describe Jennifer, we use words like, Kind-hearted, passionate and poetic. Her friends call her a clean freak, organized, OCDX3 and thought she was always right when she was wrong. Jen touched many people. She never saw the color of one’s skin or their ethnicity. Jennifer’s life was filled with the joys of a loving family, bonds of loving friendships.
Jen’s life also revealed the battles and the scars that each one of us endures in some way in our lives.
She understood the spiritual battle with Satan- and in spite of his continual attacks and her stumbling and falls along the way, she was determined not to allow Satan to defeat her.
In the end, an accidental overdose, ended her life.
I will read her poem she wrote, “My God”.
My God
Written by Jennifer Reynolds
~2007~
Life is a web, tangled and caged
But I see things each day as I’ve aged
I see new things now
It all begins with redemption
All in your heart, it comes with conviction
There is a man upstairs; He’s there when no one cares
The nights when you are all alone, praying and wishing to be home
Our Lord God sent His Son
For us to be
Free of sin and torture
He died for you and me
We see Him on the cross
But he’s alive and living
A God who rose again, so caring and giving
We are products of His miracles working
Even though we have demons starving and lurking
For more sin to manifest and decay our spirit
Jesus almighty, the truth is there
If you choose it
I let the words out of my heart
However they flow
Roads of gold, no sin or pain
Heaven is where I want to go
God, the Son
And the Holy Spirit
Make up the trinity
They are more precious than silver or gold
True divinity,
You see, my Lord has eyes that see no sin
I am proud he is my Father
My first true kin
I choose today to serve a new master
If I would have surrendered sooner
My peace would have been faster
Candles
Remembering you, sweet Jennifer today, January 15, 2020. You departed us to your heavenly home, exactly 11 years ago today. We miss your laughter, your fun spirit and our family times together. You would so proud of your son, Trey. He has graduated from high school and is now in college. We haven't been able to see your precious son since you left, but we hold him dearly in our hearts, along with you. Nothing is the same without you here. We fought the good fight to keep you here, but God decided it was time for you to go. Sending you my love and prayers you are forever in perfect peace. Much love, Mom |
We are sorry for your loss. I wish parents would listen and be proactive. All I hear is "not my kid". Jen maybe folks will remember you and let me know why parents won't accept our help.
Sincerely, #Caliberandme |
I knew you not, tho somehow I do. I will burn a candle in your memory today Jennifer.
Your mother continues on without you, you are her angel in heaven and she, your angel on earth. |
I didn't know Jennifer, but I did an opportunity to meet her mother. She came in to my former place of employment to have some N.O.P.E. materials printed. I was able to open up about how my brother, Aaronn, passed from drug-related addiction.
Sharon, I thank you for your kind words & empathy! I pray you continue to reach people and help others.
In memory of Jennifer, God Bless! |
Prayers love hugs beautiful angel |
You are deeply missed by many ♡ |
you were a beautiful girl...and now a beautiful angel...you remind me so much of my sister Wendi..she passed in Dec and her birthday is in Jan and also my son's middle name is Trey...Your Mother loves you so much and I admire her for trying to desperatly help other...there are so many that need help....God Bless You Jen can't wait to see you in Heaven <3
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very sad to see this. my thoughts n prayer are with her family. rip |
In memory of Jennifer Reynolds
www.TheJenniferAct.com |
I AM IN SHOCK RIGHT NOW .. I LOST CONTACT WITH JEN IN 2006 ME AND JEN WERE VERY CLOSE BUT.. I LIVE IN NEW YORK AND LOST HER NUMBER AND ADDRESS WHEN I MOVED.. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER FAMILY... I FOUND THE ARTICLE ON FACEBOOK... AND BROKE DOWN IN TEARS .. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND HER FOR YEARS.... JEN WAS VERY SPECIAL... AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED..... |
God Bless You Jennifer.. |
Jen was unbeliveable. I was truely blessed to have known her & have her as a freiend since 5th Grade. She is missed by many :) We will always love you Jen |
you are loved and very much missed! Love you |
– From Tami Lynch (Nelson) on October 24, 2011 |
This touches my heart i dont know you but what touches me is daughter was born the same day God took its like trading spaces, may God bless you and let you rest in peace..... |
Heartbroken to hear about her passing.Rest now Jennifer you deserve it. |
My dear Jennifer, It has been near 2 years now since you passed away. I placed some yellow roses on your grave with a beautiful yellow butterfly yesterday. Jan.15th will always be a sad day for us. I hope you are dancing with the angels in heaven and your soul is free. I hope you are in perfect peace. Know you will never be forgotten and we all look forward to seeing you in heaven one day when God calls our names. I love you, Jen, Mom
In your memory~The Jennifer Act
www.TheJenniferAct.com
|
For Jennifer and her family. |
My dear Jennifer, Your candle is still burning and shining brightly. Your spirit lives on and is helping other people with The Jennifer Act advocacy in your memory and in your honor of your beautiful warm and giving spirit. You are not forgotten. I put up a Christmas tree with your ornaments on it. We all think of you daily and miss you terribly.
Rest in peace now my angel~
~Mom~ |
Jen I am just now finding out that u passed away noone really wanted me to no , i guess because we were so close , i have one thing to say ur Heaven now with thw angles no more torture u r at peace , but its so sad it had to end that way , i feel 4 ur mom hi Sharon , May God have mercy on ur soul and keep uu safe and warm , love Chester |
May you rest in peace and meet my son, Daniel Tripi, he also was a beautiful soul, like yourself. I hope you meet. He died at about the same time you did. Wish you love and happiness! |
This candle lit for you is in rememberence of the little blond haired, blue eyed little girl who climbed in bed with mamaw and papaw when the storm was raging outside. You felt safe and protected, but somewhere along the road of life a demon snatched you away, and your innocence was no longer. Our prayers go out to the many souls out there who like you are seeking safety from the storms, and the demons of addiction? |
Still miss you, cry for you, and smile when I think about how much we used to laugh together...Love you girl..you'll NEVER be forgotten. |
Rest in peace Jen |
You are on my mind a lot and I continue to pray for your son. We had some good laughs and even some tears together. Everytime I hear Trapt, I talk about you to whoever is around b/c we used to jam out to them. I remember having conversations with you about how the lyrics applied to our own lives. You're never forgotten and the picture of you that I keep in my living room will forever stay where I can see it. I know that you don't suffer anymore but I still miss you; you were on of the coolest chicks I've ever met, so beautiful on the inside and out. You inspire me to live life to the fullest. Love you girl. Love Lee Ann |
– From Anonymous on June 5, 2010 |
– From Leah on January 2, 2010 |
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4 (KJV). Jennifer, We love you and miss you. Papaw and Mamaw |
My dearest Jen,
Yesterday was your birthday. I went to your grave and brought you pink roses. I really cried hard when I stood there and looked at your headstone with your picture on it. You were smiling in your picture and I know you are smiling now in heaven with Jesus this year. It hurts not having you and Trey here. I miss you every day...we all do. Your memory lives on in my heart. Your life is touching others because you are helping others who are struggling. Jesus depends on us to spread the word of his healing touch to all the world. You are doing that, Jen. Your life has touched many is is impacting lives as we "go tell it on the mountain" that Jesus Christ is LORD"! amen. We know Jesus sets the captives free...and we know as the children's bible song says, "I am weak but HE Is strong." We will continue the march for those who cannot help themselves...with The Jennifer Act bill. We will ask for freedom of bondage and justice to help them reach the other side. All my love forever, your mom |
– From Anonymous on December 29, 2009 |
– From Anonymous on December 24, 2009 |
Merry Christmas Jennifer. This is your first Christmas with Jesus and our first with out you.
Your memory pulls on my heart strings and those of your son, Dad, sister and brothers. You are in our thoughts every day.
Your birthday is four days after Christmas.
"Happy Birthday dear Jennifer, Happy Birthday, to you my precious child.
Love you so much and miss you,
~Mom |
– From Anonymous on December 2, 2009 |
– From Anonymous on December 2, 2009 |
In tribute to Jennifer's life- please visit:
www.TheJenniferAct.com
As we go through the valley of healing, we will remember Jennifer, as the beautiful person she was and hold on to the memories and laughter and good times in our hearts forever.
My mission is to help others who are addicted by drafting the bill, The Jennifer Act,in Florida.
Love you, Jen,
Mom |
May God Bless our children |
i think and pray for you every day sharon may god bless you and keep you and your family safe |
i think and pray for you every day sharon may god bless you and keep you and your family safe |
God be with the family and give them the hope they need to see them through this. My God Bless You and Be With You Everyday and Everwhere. Jane |
Jen you will be missed forever |
– From Cindy on October 21, 2009 |
You are so greatly missed, Jen. You were such a beautiful lady! |
You will be missed |
Jen, my beautiful sister, your beauty shined from the inside out. It's hard to go on every day knowing that you're not here. You were my best friend. I miss you so very much. I Love You Always |
– From Anonymous on October 15, 2009 |
Jen, my beautiful sister, your beauty shined from the inside out. It's hard to go on every day knowing you're not here. You were my best friend, my best sister. I miss you so very much. I Love You always. |
Jen, I lost of piece of me when I lost you. I cannot describe how much you meant to me. I look forward to the day I get to see you again. |
I miss you dearly Jen, I will never forget your love. |
Written by Jennifer Reynolds-Gonzalez
~died Jan.15, 2009
My God
Life is a web, tangled and caged
But I see things each day as I’ve aged
I see new things now
It all begins with redemption
All in your heart, it comes with conviction
There is a man upstairs, He’s there when no one cares
The nights when you are all alone, praying and wishing to be home
Our Lord God sent His Son
For us to be
Free of sin and torture
He died for you and me
We see Him on the cross
But he’s alive and living
A God who rose again, so caring and giving
We are products of His miracles working
Even though we have demons starving and lurking
For more sin to manifest and decay our spirit
Jesus almighty, the truth is there
If you choose it
I let the words out of my heart
However they flow
Roads of gold, no sin or pain
Heaven is where I want to go
God, the Son
And the Holy Spirit
Make up the trinity
They are more precious than silver or gold
True divinity,
You see, my Lord has eyes that see no sin
I am proud he is my Father
My first true kin
I choose today to serve a new master
If I would have surrendered sooner
My peace would have been faster
|
u will always b missed. |
You touched many lives, while enduring the demons, in the end they didn't win as you are in a better place with GOD where peace and happiness prevail. No more strife - the battle is finally over. You will be remembered by us that loved you. |
– From Anonymous on October 9, 2009 |
– From Annie on October 9, 2009 |
You are truly missed by us that knew you for the breif time it was. You will be remembered. |
Jen is extremely missed and will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to her family and friends. |
Jen, I remember many fun times with you when you were little - playing beauty shop was your favorite. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Love you Jen... |
r.i.p. |
I hope knowing you are at peace now, will give your parents some comfort. You are greatly missed and loved |
Night fell, and your pain ended when your short life ended, but the pain goes on for the ones who loved you most. Oh, that first you had never been tempted to partake of Satan's deadly potion! |
– From Megan Terrell on September 17, 2009 |
Sadly missed. |
Love you and miss you so much, Jen. Stay official, my love,forever in my heart, mom |