s one of the many things we have in mind as a tribute to Jeff's memory and the light he brought to our lives, we have adopted a whale in Jeff's name.

irius is a calf of Fringe. This active and entertaining male is often seen around whale watch boats. Born in 1982, he is named after the brightest star in the summer sky. Sirius holds the dubious honor of having eaten a herring gull by mistake. At least, a mistake is assumed because Sirius appears to have a sense of humor.

etween August and September, Sirius was sighted by the Center for Coastal Studies, the Cetacean Research Unit, and the Research Fund of the New England Whale Watch.*

ore pictures and information about Sirius will be posted as we receive it.

re you interested in adopting a whale of your own or for someone you care about? We found 46 East Coast Whales and 9 West Coast Humpback Whales available for adoption.

hat a gift it is to have such caring and supportive friends, even if I've never met them in person. One such group of Internet friends that I call my 'Simply Family' have been simply wonderful in their caring and support. These friends live all over the world; Canada, Austria, Sweden, Germany, South Africa, England, Italy, and right here in the US.

hey decided they wanted to get together and purchase a tree as a memorial to Jeff. It's my understanding that they wanted a huge oak tree or something of similar stature, but such a magnificent tree would not fit in my yard. After much discussion they settled on a weeping cherry tree.

t the hospital, in a small courtyard out front, are three miniature weeping cherry trees. On Easter Sunday as we stood outside waiting for CAT Scan results and talking about the consequences, the cherry blossoms were falling gently on the ground around us. I remember taking note of them and feeling the irony of acknowledging beauty in such a time of despair. I also remember feeling that Jeff's spirit had already begin its journey. The words, "He is such a strong spirit.", kept repeating in my head. I even spoke them aloud. I think I just knew.

don't think my Simply Family knew the significance of the weeping cherry tree at the time they decided on it. For us at home in our new life without Jeff, its presence outside our front door serves as a constant reminder of love, caring, compassion and the strength of spirit. Thank you so much.

e believe in the power of prayer and positive thought and are glad to know that we aren't alone in those beliefs. Another Internet friend, upon learning of Jeff's accident and fight for recovery, made an online Get Well card with a guestbook. We took a lot of strength and positive thought from those guest entries. We're thankful for all the hands that were holding ours as we stood near Jeff in his fight for life.

fter Jeff's death this Get Well card turned into a Memorial page where many have posted thoughts about Jeff and well wishes to us, his family. We also get strength from these memorial posts as they let us know that we're not alone in our grief and our appreciation for what a great person Jeff really was! Thank you, Kate, for beginning this memorial.

ur Community and the staff and students of Allentown High School have been wonderful in their showing of support and love for Jeff. Allentown High School recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a 'Family Day' on June 10th, 2000. You can read about the preparations for the day, and see pictures and read about the events of the day.

weeping cherry tree was planted near the teachers parking lot along a walkway between two entrances to the school. A memorial plaque dedicates the tree to Jeff's memory. The choice of tree donated is again proof of the power of spirit.

hank you to all who have shown and continue to show us how much Jeff meant to you and how his spirit still lives in your hearts.

*Information about Sirius obtained from the
International Wildlife Coalition Whale Adoption Project

fter browsing the web and viewing the fabulous artwork of the very talented Johanna Pieterman,we commissioned her to create a 20" X 30" painting of Jeff. After sharing many stories, photos and memories of Jeff with Johanna, she created this fabulous work! (Click on the thumbnail for a larger view)

We have not yet gotten the painting framed or decided on a place to hang it in our home but will be doing so soon.

e also obtained her permission to use the painting on Jeffrey's headstone and are pleased to say that the stone was finally set in the cemetery in January. It is absolutely beautiful and turned out much better than we ever imagined it could. Many thanks to Willie and the crew at J.M. Bowker & Sons in Bordentown, NJ.

We have plans to add a bench near the stone very soon.