We tragically lost our daughter in April, 2025. In my shock and internal devastation, I searched for something to do. Some way to help. Some way to gain back a little control while honoring this incredibly complex woman, our little girl. So I began to write. I wanted to share her complex personality: somber and contemplative, joyful and uplifting, silly and mischievous, artful and profound, compassionate and kind. And through it all, there is her smile.

I wrote this piece in about 5 days following her death. I will be forever grateful to the members of the Sheridan College Symphony Band and the Sheridan High School Band who volunteered to perform “Jackie’s Smile” in our pasture during the Celebration of Life held in Jackie’s honor. It was a beautiful afternoon and the band, through this piece, portrayed Jackie to the gathered friends and family as I know her.

She loved to travel to far-off and beautiful places – from Hawaii to Iceland. I would love to continue to remember and honor Jackie through the performance of this piece around the world.