Smiley: A Short Story

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

This was a lesson that many of Jericas’ friends and family were gracious enough to learn from the loving and caring spirit that Jerica had. Not only did she dance in the rain during the rough and happy times of her life, she wanted to dance in the rain.
As a close friend of Jerica’s, as I reminisce back throughout our friendship I can only remember positive, uplifting thoughts and experiences about the girl everyone called “Smiley.” When she came into the presence of anyone, her smile lit up like the sun’s rays beaming in the sky-uplifting the spirits of those in the room. Jerica was always bright, colorful, creative, and lived life to the fullest-and
in turn, she made it her job to try to ensure that everyone else did as well.
Jerica always found something to love and a positive vibe in everyone she encountered-even those who did not always do right by her. She always took time out of her busy life to help those who may have needed guidance or a helping hand, doing whatever she could to help make others successful. She gave a lot, and asked for very little in return.
I will forever remember the “go-getter” spirit that Jerica always had.
She was determined to accomplish each of the goals that she had set out to accomplish-no matter how big or small they were she always put in her all. She was a perfectionist and procrastination was never a friend of hers. As a dancer she would practice long hours to perfect her routine and even if she practiced all day long, she would always find a way to do a move differently or better. She was a beautiful dancer who put her all into dancing, especially as a child of God. Her church family will always remember her graceful, long, flowing moves and the hope and faith she brought to others through her moves. She danced physically, she danced in spirit and in soul, and she danced through the hard
times.
Jerica had so much love for the people in her life but she also had unconditional love for animals. She volunteered at the local animal shelter and her dogs, Jade and Leo, were like human children to her and she treated them as such. She was one of the most loving and caring people that I have ever met. Jerica also loved to cook and she loved to send out pictures to her family and friends of the delicious, delectable meals she had prepared-often times making our mouths water as we viewed the images and wished she was around to prepare a meal for us.
Jerica had a unique level of love for her family as they were the core part of her life.
Her sister, Jasmine; mother, Lovett; father, Chris; and two dogs, Jade and Leo meant more than words could ever explain. She loved to make her family laugh and always strove to make them proud of everything she did. They will forever miss her but they will always remember the joy that she brought to each of their life’s and hearts. She was their daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter, friend, and so much more to all of those who loved “Smiley”. Her community will also miss her as she fought and stood up for those in the African American community, as a lawyer and advocate.

It never occurs to us that death has a connection with the day already begun or that death could arrive this same afternoon, this afternoon which is so certain and which has every hour filled in advance.

It is an honor to stand before you and share my precious memories of Jerica. She will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in us all forever. Jerica, thank you for everything you've given us – and the warmth we shared during your treasurable time on earth. We especially give thanks to God for the life of a woman I am so pleased to be able to call my friend- the unique, the extraordinary, the complex, and irreplaceable Jerica whose beauty, both internally and externally, will never be extinguished from our minds, our hearts, and our lives. God bless you.
Always.