There were things I wanted to express at the church congregation where the remains of Sis Jen was laid and when the last tributes in her honor were being said. I was uncertain whether I could control my emotions and doubtful if I could hold my tears from falling. To my regret I did not have the chance to say these tributes. So, on my return trip to LA (with my wife, Lynnette), while waiting for our flight, I finally found the guts to write the following:
My name is Tu Lim, a long time associate of both Joel and Jennifer. I remember when Joel used to play the piano in the lobbies of dormitories in Silliman University, when we were visiting young girls that included Jennifer. Both Joel and Jen happened to be members of a Greek-lettered student organization (Alpha Sigma Phi) of which I also belonged. One of the rules in this group was that “brothers were prohibited from courting sisters,” and no smoochy relationships were allowed, otherwise some physical, psychological and emotional consequences may be imposed upon violators. But none of these consequences could stop the two from following the dictates of their hearts. Matud pa, “mapunggan pay baha, dili ang gugma.” Years later, I’ve learned about their marriage, the conception of Dax, Cloy and Minji.
Today, still in half belief, I’m saying farewell to Jennifer. I’m thankful for being a part of her and Joel’s life. Through them, I’ve learned a lot. To live a simple life with utter humility are some of them. To know and apply the meaning of True Love. It’s true, she was quiet, very supportive, a “worrier of other people’s problems,” a sincere friend, and a music lover. Her laughter was contagious it sounded like music. Yet she could also get upset, and when she did she still expressed it with patience and simplicity — like when she wanted something done and Joel sometimes took his time to move, Jennifer would say, “pag sinirious ra gud mo diha, lingkuri ninyo na harun mahuman.” This was usually followed with a smile.