A year has gone by, but it all seems like yesterday when I first saw her walk through the doors of the Trinidad Publishing Co Ltd.
Wow! she reminded me so much of myself, all decked off in her "stately" black attire, long, black hair pulled back in a pony tail, plunging neck line and sporting those six-inch heel stilettos which I envied so much.
I always looked forward to seeing Zen Dionne Jarrette making a grand appearance with her signature statement: "Stop the press, stop the press, I am here." With poise, she would strut her stuff up and down the newsroom, causing lots of distractions.
She was simply remarkable. Her radiant smile was like a beacon of light, which would transcend throughout the room.
Her deep-set black eyes, accompanied by her long vivacious eyelashes, would mesmerise anyone at first glance. Her zest, determination, drive, her intelligence and willingness to work, no matter what, just to get the work done, was so admirable; so committed to her job she was. Zen was truly a godsend. I really had grown to both love and admire her for all that she was, and for all that she would eventually turn out to be, but God had other plans for her.
You will always be a gem to me. There is no one who could ever take your place......still. I am yet to find someone who is as dynamic and as extraordinary as her. Zen taught me so many life lessons; lessons that I have found myself applying to my life up to this day. She would leave herself undone, just to make sure that everyone else was OK.
She was a selfless human being, one who had a passion and love for animals, especially her pet cat, which she nursed back to life. What a heroic act! You touched the lives of so many people with whom you came into contact. I can't think of anyone who would not have appreciated you for who you were. "I finally found myself a twin," I remembered her saying one day to her colleague. We were inseparable. I had not only found myself a great friend, "riding partner," but I found myself a sister.
There were times when we would go on assignments and not come back into the office until late. We would go window-shopping, joy riding or even stop to have a quick bite. I loved when she ate and ate to her heart's delight. You maybe gone, my friend, but your memories would forever live on in both my heart and soul. I thank God for sending you my way; you would always be precious to me.
Rest in Peace, Miss Busy Body.
I love you.
Avalene Harris