I’ve been thinking about writing this blog post all day,
about someone I didn’t even know yet have all day felt the pain of her loss, to
the point I’ve choked up a time or two, and as I write this my eyes have begun
to water. I’m talking about Young broadcaster and victim of last night’s
tragedy in Aurora Colorado Jessica (Ghawi ) Redfield …
Her Blog: Jessica's Blog
I didn’t know Jessica ; What I simply want to say in plain terms is that she was a spark. Just reading her words, I felt that spark. Looking
at her tweets I’ve felt that spark…and seeing
the impact she left on everyone she touched she lit something in them.
From the first tweet making me aware of who she was to the countless mentions
from friends, family and random strangers such as myself on twitter, that was
evident.
Today Jessica touched many people, she was able to connect
with heart, in the most realest sense, even after being taken away in the most unreal… the most senseless
way possible. As a young broadcaster
myself, I immediately identified with Jessica’s passion. You could see it in
her photo’s, in the path she was taking, and the connections that she focused
on and obviously cherished. There’s no telling where Jessica’s path would have
taken her, one can only assume it was to success…but as I write this tonight, I
can’t help to feel that she has succeeded, not in the way she should have by being the
next great sports reporter but instead
she has succeeded in showing other young broadcasters how do it right.
She certainly did it right, she wore her passion on her
sleeve for everyone to see. She decided to leap when others would have skidded to a stop
at the edge. She trusted her gut, and
because of that she garnered the respect from others. In your career follow Jessica’s
foot steps. ..Don’t be afraid to take those chances, wear your passion on your
sleeve, be honest, be real, and do
whatever it takes. Make sure that you are following the path you want, no
matter if it’s smooth, rocky or full of thorns. Be a spark no matter what level you are at, there’s
no telling who you can ignite to help them and there’s no telling who will stoke
your spark into a flame. Today Jessica, stoked my spark and I will make sure to
carry that with me on my path…it’s a shame it had to be this way.
As the sun sets on this day full of emotions, confusion and
pain…I don’t have anything else to say, except to Jessica’s family and friends
whose long journey of grief has just begun…Thank you for being pillars and supporting
her. I can’t even begin to understand how you feel…but please take solace in
the fact Jessica’s spark will never be lost, and it will be shining bright for
ages.
