Losing a loved one is never easy. The pain and suffering that comes with that loss can oftentimes feel unbearable. The sorrow may even feel as if it will never subside, and there are no words that can soothe the intense heartache that comes with losing someone you love so deeply. However, it never hurts to reminisce and look back on the memorable times that you and your loved one(s) have shared.
On January 30, 2015, the world lost two beautiful souls, Jeannie Martin and Keontaye Watson, to a drowning accident at Park Jefferson apartments.
The loss of these two lives truly had an impact on the entire city of South Bend, Ind. It was an unexpected tragedy. Jeannie and Keontaye were both well known and loved by many.
I, personally, had the pleasure of meeting Jeannie Martin during my first week as a freshman at Washington High School in 2009. I, for one, immediately admired the type of person she was, even after only knowing her for less than a couple of weeks. She was honestly one of the most beautiful people, both inside and out, that I had ever met in my entire life. Her smile lit up the room, and she had a level of confidence that most people only dream of having. Jeannie was such a strong human being; she never allowed anyone to take that smile off of her face. Her laugh was truly contagious, too. And who could forget about those curls of hers or those fierce hair colors? She was unique, intelligent and independent. There was something about her presence that just made the aura in the room change dramatically when she walked in. It was a great day whenever she was around. Jeannie was so passionate about everything she did, and that trait definitely showed through. She had a bright future ahead of her, that was for certain.
Jeannie showed me a great deal of tough love throughout the time we had known each other, and now that I took the time out to reflect, I could not have been more grateful. During our time together in high school we built a friendship, one that carried into our freshman year of college at Indiana University-South Bend. We had two different career paths in mind, but we promised one another that we would stand by each other and motivate one another until we both walked across that stage with our degrees in our hands. Don't get me wrong, we had many moments when we bumped heads, but Jeannie was the type of person who was always around when you needed her. She never gave up on you.
I did not know Keontaye as well as others, but he was a kind soul, and anyone could see how much love he had for Jeannie. The two of them were undoubtedly inseparable. They have been, and always will be a "power couple" in my eyes.
Yes, Jeannie, and Keontaye are physically gone, but I do believe that they are, and always will be, looking out for those whom they love in spirit. I feel Jeannie's presence quite often and, even though I long to see her again, I will continue to take all of the advice she has given me, and work to become the woman she so desperately wanted me to be.
There will never be another "Jeannie Bo Beannie," nor will there ever be another "K-Watts."
Losing a loved one, despite the reason, will never come easy, and the mourning may never end. But neither will the memories.
Rest in peace, Jeannie and Keontaye.
