Last Tuesday marked three years since my closest female friend-Zen Dionne Staple Jarrette-Chung-died. Friendship is really a condition that cannot be quantified in words, since so much of it is actually about emotions, feelings and experiences. In the too-short time Zen was in my life, she was one of the most open, honest, free, loving, generous, human beings I've ever known. She was like a drug, positively infecting and affecting everyone she ever touched-a trait that I never grew weary of witnessing first-hand.
Like Zen befriending then seven-year-old Yannick Holdip, son of Justice Malcolm and Diane Holdip.
For some reason, a beautiful and strong friendship developed between Zen, then 27, and young Yannick, one which included them "liming" at shows. Among the people Zen touched in a most profound manner were her colleagues on the T&T Guardian Features Desk, especially Carol Quash, Avalene Harris, Patricia James and Marsha Mokool, and scanner Vidya Thurab.
Avalene Harris: I'll never forget you!
Three years have passed and I still can't seem to get her out of my mind. Over my desk at the office, I keep a photo of her. Not only does it remind me of her startling beauty, but it inspires me whenever I look up and see her face, I get the encouragement to go on when the chips are down. I will always remember her words: "Ava, you can do it; it's not as bad as it seems. You are a strong woman, a praying person, don't let this faze you." These words forever echo in my mind each time and I shed a tear.
I really do miss her. I can never begin to imagine what your parents and siblings feel at this time, because I don't know what it's like to lose a child, nor do I know what the pain is like when a sibling dies.
But what I do know is that I miss you, more than words can explain and it hurts a lot. Only time will tell, and for the past three years, it seems like the memories of you keep lingering and refuse to fade. We were partners in crime. I miss that. As naughty as it sounds, I miss the mischief that we used to make whenever we got together after an assignment or after work. I get bored at times because I am yet to find that person to do all the crazy stuff that we used to do together.
I know that the angels are enjoying her company, because she was the kind of person who would make you smile even when you didn't want to. Such a go-getter, such a determined person. She would never give up on you! You were more than a friend, my sis. A most treasured co-worker Zen, you will always be in my heart. I never knew the day would come when I would have to say goodbye to such a perfect and beautiful human being, heaven sent. I will never forget you ... never!
She was also extremely close to the guys and gals of Gayelle the Channel, especially Reagan Des Vignes and Stefan Simmons. Harris, who now works at a city bank, remembered Zen on the anniversary of her passing, but because of limited space, I was unable to publish her piece on that day.
