Hi friends of Jessi!

Grief is not something us humans do alone, a grief specialist once told me. Our brains are not made that way. In grieving we become children again, depending on the brainstem and frontal lobes of the ones around us, to safely process and return to stability.

Losing your parent can in that way be a double loss, or enforce the loss already existing in the relationship. The one you would need to comfort you is the very person you are grieving.

Even if we can’t be there in person for Jessi in her grief after her mom and dad, let’s make her feel cared for! Jessi told me she longs for some alone time at a spa, and maybe a massage, to process it all, but that right now she can’t afford it. When asked what spa she would prefer, she said she’d heard good things about Cascada. It does seem wonderful! A day pass is 100, a shorter massage 180, and I hope we could include a nice meal as well.

Feel free to check with Jessi that this fundraiser is legit, since I might not know you but got your contact info from her. The one day Jessi is free, in the coming weeks, is this Friday, so please don’t wait too long if you wish to support.

I got to know Jessi at our co-op preschool here in Pasadena, where she somehow helped out more than required, while also doing a PhD, while also working, while also caring for two small children, without any support from family, while also being active in a church, and probably doing a whole lot more that I’m not aware of. (Like driving me to an appointment one day when I needed a ride.)

Ever since we became friends she’s been the person, apart from my husband, who most frequently checks in on me. Even after moving from LA. It took some time getting used to, since few of my other friends show that same concern, but now I treasure it. Rarely have I met someone as supportive as Jessi. It is clear that she’s had to grow up fast. Let’s make room for her to be small, for once.

Thank you for your kindness. Take care!

Sofie