I was so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. It made my heart fall, and also rise, remembering her.
I met Jean through the TA (Transactional Analysis) community, at conferences and through her books. So you could say my contact with her was professional, but the impact she had on me was as a person. Being in her presence was being in the presence of authenticity. She was real, she was there, she was in contact. She was both grounded and open. She radiated respect and liking for herself and others. Her affirmations were beautifully thought, felt and written. I have multiple sets that she gave out for free at her workshops I attended. I have also seen them referenced as resources for the treatment of childhood trauma.
I remember a few comments she made that remain with me. One was about writing. She said that when she was working on a new book she would solicit comments from others, and was struck with how the very way of expressing an idea that one person said was great, another really thought was terrible. She drew the lesson from this that while feedback was useful, in the end there was no one perfect way to say something, and that it was ok to make her own choice about how to express what she wanted to say. As a perfectionist, I often find this insight helpful.
The other thing I remember her say is that while TA often talks about what children learn from their parents, she had found that she had learned equally from her children. As a parent with a grown son, I have also found this to be true.
As you celebrate what Jean was to you, you can also be sure that she was important to many people you will never know, who mourn her loss with you.
What a beautiful tribute, Jennifer. And I hope that the Celebration of both your mum and Dick is all that you want it to be. Like so, so many, my life was enriched by Jean's presence in it. Love Steve
Thank you so much, Jennifer. I will not be able to be there in person and am so glad there is a livestream option. Your mom changed my life and gave me the tools I still use to unravel trauma and discern healthy ways forward. My love is with you. Amy Johnson
I was so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. It made my heart fall, and also rise, remembering her.
I met Jean through the TA (Transactional Analysis) community, at conferences and through her books. So you could say my contact with her was professional, but the impact she had on me was as a person. Being in her presence was being in the presence of authenticity. She was real, she was there, she was in contact. She was both grounded and open. She radiated respect and liking for herself and others. Her affirmations were beautifully thought, felt and written. I have multiple sets that she gave out for free at her workshops I attended. I have also seen them referenced as resources for the treatment of childhood trauma.
I remember a few comments she made that remain with me. One was about writing. She said that when she was working on a new book she would solicit comments from others, and was struck with how the very way of expressing an idea that one person said was great, another really thought was terrible. She drew the lesson from this that while feedback was useful, in the end there was no one perfect way to say something, and that it was ok to make her own choice about how to express what she wanted to say. As a perfectionist, I often find this insight helpful.
The other thing I remember her say is that while TA often talks about what children learn from their parents, she had found that she had learned equally from her children. As a parent with a grown son, I have also found this to be true.
As you celebrate what Jean was to you, you can also be sure that she was important to many people you will never know, who mourn her loss with you.
All my best,
Bobbie Barry