There are these people I'm in awe of. I enter their presence with appropriate reverence. I dissemble and try to put on my 'Sunday best' self and behave like a worthy human, although I know I'm not worthy. Then, the object of my awe speaks to me, and within seconds, I'm talking and laughing with a delightfully down-to-earth person--a neighbor I met at the store or at a community supper. I no longer can even imagine anyone, even me, sticking them up on a pedestal, not because they don't deserve respect but because not accepting their warmth and humility would somehow be disrespectful.

That's Jean. We all know her because of the music, but I think Jean's biggest contribution is Jean. May all of our wishes and prayers help comfort and heal.