Dear Gelman family,
I
wanted to write this letter to let you know what an impact Jascha had on
my life. I met Jascha in law school where we remained friends
throughout. I always knew that I would be greeted with the same perfect,
boyish, mischievous smile and awkward giggle. I NEVER saw him in a bad
mood. Jascha always came through when I needed someone to lift my
spirits. He also had a knack for providing "personal crisis
control" when needed. He made my law school experience a better
one.
When we
graduated, we promised to keep in touch and did initially. However, we
both seemed to get side tracked with our new careers and changing
lives. Fortunately, on Tuesday, October 6, 1999, after a few
months of not keeping in touch, I called him. We spoke for 45 minutes
catching up on all the gossip and vowed to get everyone together within
the next few weeks. Little did I know, Jascha had a different way of
getting the law school crowd back together. In the short time I
knew Jascha, he touched my life and many others in ways that others
never have or ever will. He was one of the most unique individuals I
have ever known and I deeply admired his lust for life and selflessness.
I have to agree with whomever commented that "he was the only
person who thought I was perfect." He made me feel important,
funny, smart, happy or whatever I needed to feel at a given time. That
is an amazing and unique quality.
I know
that I don't have to tell you what a wonderful person Jascha was,
perhaps it makes me feel better and helps me cope with his loss.
Clearly, someone capable of touching so many lives in such a short time
is truly a tremendous loss. I know that he will be greatly missed by
many, but never forgotten.
Please
know that you are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Kristi
Widgren
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