Keeping The Memory Alive

After an accident took the life of her husband, Jennifer Drake didn’t back down. After making a conscious decision to stay in the town they had lived together in she has since gone on to create a business in his memory, reports the Times-Gazette.com.

To cope with the grief and to memorialize her husband of five years, Drake plans to launch a new business, J & J Paper Design, on Eddie’s birthday, March 17. The business, a wholesale stationary company, was a dream the two nurtured together.

They started researching the business last summer after fielding numerous inquiries through their stationary company about wholesale purchasing opportunities. Their plan was to establish the whole business to allow Eddie to leave his job at Lorain County Corrections to work at home with Drake.

“He was so proud of me. He was so proud of what we accomplished. This is what he would want for us,” Drake said. “That’s kind of why even on hard days that I just think of him and how supportive he was and how much he wanted this for us. … He’s like cheering me on.”

Drake is opening the business with designer Jessica Anderson. While the new business will mean more work for Drake, she will be aided in the enterprise by Spectrum Photo and Digital Services, which will handle the company’s printing and shipping. And the workload helps Drake cope with her loss.

“To be honest, my business has really helped keep me busy,” Drake said. “If it wasn’t for my son, you know, he’s kind of the reason why I wake up every day, and why I have to stay strong and provide a good life for him and stay stable.”

Photo by salchu

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