Rebecca Jarabek

West Point, 2000

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Walter Hollis on November 15, 2006:

We met in DDS of '96. After one class, I noticed my jacket and cover were gone. I waited till everyone else left, and then took the only set remaining. It is a very unique feeling, traveling from Thayer to Ike, wearing a jacket 2 sizes too small and wearing a female's cover. As soon as I got to my room, I jumped into gym-a, looked up her company, and headed out. After (or because of?) such an obscure and humorous event, we became friends. Throughout the rest of our time at Greyskull, I knew her as "Jarabekky". She was one of the the kindest and happiest people I've ever known. I distinctly remember the shine in her eyes when she told me her sister was coming. Rebecca not only derived great joy out of life, she infused glee into others with her aura. There is a shortage of truly inspirational people in this world; now that shortage is greater. Rebecca will be missed. Mick, my brother, was killed almost two years ago. His death had profound impact on me. I was raised in the church, and I knew to expect countless recitations of "It's all part of God's will. He has a purpose for this." But that idea infuriated me. Whether it was true or not, I didn't want to hear it. All I really wanted was someone I could vent to, without them saying "It's God's plan" as though that was justification. I can't really offer any great insight or revelations, but I offer myself as a sounding-board if any of you / your family just want to vent to someone who is not going to hold anything against you. I've been there. My email is included. Peace, Walter

admin