Rainbow Brite

Interview #6 – Jennifer aka Rainbow Brite

It’s been hours since I spoke with Jennifer yet here I am still in awe of her grace, strength and the all encompassing love that emanates from her. It’s rare to find someone who has endured extreme trauma yet still has a childlike twinkle in their eyes. I feel blessed beyond measure that I was able to speak with her and have a moment of my life brightened by her hope.

There we were sitting on a dirty bench in the sprinkling rain armed with delicious hot dogs and ready to begin, “When you hear the word courage what do you think of?” I asked.

She took a breath, “I think of my old dance partners Mom. She is the most courageous person I know. It took so much strength for her to go on after losing her only child and her brother-in-law in that car accident. And there she was willing to be there for me.”

It took me more than a minute to make all the proper connections in this story, “So, you lost your dance partner too! That must’ve been terrible. How old were you?”

“I was fifteen and yes it was hard. We had been dance partners and best friends since we were two years old! We had just been accepted to the American Ballet Theatre! Then Chris died and my injuries made me unable to dance or even walk.” She looked down.

My head jerked up, “Wait. What? You were in the car crash too? Were you the sole survivor?” I was in shock.

“Yes,” she said sweetly, “Chris saved me and I know he watches after me now. My own guardian angel.” She smiled at me.

Fifteen years old, an incredible dancer with an amazing best friend/partner/love and then it’s all taken away in the blink of an eye. My heart was aching as she told me the details of her story. In the car crash both her legs were crushed. The doctors said she might never walk again. The mother of her friend that passed away in the same crash stayed by her side through the entire recovery and paid for an experimental surgery to help her regain use of her legs. With lots of physical therapy and support she went on to walk and even dance again! Physically her healing was going as well as anyone could hope but emotionally recovery took more time. At the time of the accident the whole situation was too traumatic for her mother. We all have different reactions when under pressure and at that point in her life she was not able to be there for Jennifer. (They have since mended their relationship.) She also lost the person she was closest to, the man that told his mother every year since he was little that he was going to marry Jennifer when they grew up. She felt guilt and sorrow. Her self esteem dropped. Yet, she never gave up on herself and her life!

Chris’s mom would remind Jennifer that he would want her to be happy, and keep dancing and never give up. Those words still motivate her today! She’s living her life in a positive way for both of them. Life isn’t easy and that isn’t the only difficulty she’s gone through but I felt empowered, encouraged and immensely impressed looking into her eyes and seeing her hope.

When she’s having a hard day she tries to dance, write poetry, do graphic design, take photographs and spend time with her “Miracle Cat”, Jimmy.

The rain intensified as we sat there finishing our hot dogs. I felt like my heart was going to burst from my chest. The life she’s had could lead some people to be angry, bitter, and unhappy. Yet here she was smiling, laughing, reminiscing and blowing me away! She shined with love and hope. When I asked what advice she would give to others who are dealing with abuse or trauma she said, “You are never alone. It’s not the end of the world. I learned to walk again. I know you can overcome!”

Jennifer’s daily goal is to make at least two people smile. I know she met her goal today! :)