10 Comments
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Kim B.'s avatar

I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Jena. The love for her will live on, and thus keep her memory alive. May she continue to inspire you in surprising and unexpected ways.

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Jena Ball's avatar

Thank you, Kim. She won’t be forgotten, that’s fore sure!

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Laura La Sottile's avatar

💕☮️ Sorry darlin'about your friend ~ HUGS 🩵🪷

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Jena Ball's avatar

Thank you, Laura. Hugs right back.

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Kimberly Montgomery (CA)'s avatar

Jena, I am so sorry for your loss and for the loss of her community and family. What a beautiful tribute to her. ❤️

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Jena Ball's avatar

Thank you Kimberly. I wish you could have known her. She could be goofy and fun but had this practical Canadian side (honed as an educator I think) that brooked no nonsense when she was trying to get something done. She was also one of the first people who felt very real even as an avatar to me. I met her later in physical reality, but honestly it wouldn't have mattered. She was real in any and all worlds she entered. That is the big takeaway for me from SL. People are "real" no matter what skin they choose to put on :-) She will be missed.

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Kimberly Montgomery (CA)'s avatar

The educator in me completely understands goofy and fun vs practical no nonsense when needed. My middle school students knew I could crack up with them and be goofy, but also they knew when it was down work time. Sometimes, in the middle of kids quietly working, someone would think of something we had all cracked up about earlier and we would all bust up again.

I wish I could have known her, too. She sounds like she would appreciate moments like that.

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Jena Ball's avatar

Oh! You taught middle school? My mom did too. And she was just the same way. With a last name like Ball you can imagine the stuff the kids came up with (cue eye roll). I always appreciated her ability to pretend nothing fazed her. Then she would come home and say, "OMG do you know what those kids did today?" That said, she loved them and they knew it. You must have been a wonderful teacher.

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Kimberly Montgomery (CA)'s avatar

Middle school teachers are a special breed. 😊

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Jena Ball's avatar

Biggest understatement Ever! LOL!!

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