Though Jenna's exit was a loss, the way the show handled it made for some powerful drama -- and consoled the audience.  In a special episode after Jenna's death, viewers were able to come to grips with the enormity of what had happened before the actress and her character were taken off the canvas.

Jenna began on GL as a jewel thief and ended a heroine: She died trying to protect her loved ones.  Jeffrey had just learned that he was the father of Jenna's little boy, Rocky.  With ominous threats, the ex-con ordered Jenna to drive to the boy, who was with his his brother Coop, and her husband Buzz.  After driving in circles, Jenna crashed the car, believing it was the only way to keep the felon from harming her family.

The extent of Jenna's sacrifice became clear after the crash, when injured she called her husband on the car cell phone. , whispering, "There's been an accident. Hurry, hurry," before passing out.  A dead Jeffrey lay beside her.

A frantic Buzz rushed to his wife's side.  "Don't close your eyes; don't go to sleep." he pleaded.  As Buzz rambled desperately to Jenna about the happy times they still had ahead, his portrayer Justin Deas had us reaching for the Kleenex.

Fiona Hutchison played a surprisingly serene Jenna who appeared at peace with her fate.  "My dream already came true, my darling.  That's why I'm not afraid," she assured her grief stricken husband.  Then tragically, after the final "I love you," she died in his arms.  Buzz sobbed as he held his lifeless wife in his arms.

Almost as moving as the accident scenes were jenna's after-death visits to the people she cherished.  "Harley, my dearest Harley," she told the step- daughter who had once been so hard on her, "Don't you know how much I love you?"

To Holly, who blamed herself for Jenna's death, came redemption.  Holly apologized for leaving Coop and Rocky without a mother.  "My sons are going to be just fine," Jenna comforted.  "I won't judge you.  I just want to see you well."

Jenna then visited Vanessa.  "Don't ever let Matt Reardon slip away.  Cherish this magnificent gift you've been given," she counseled her friend.

Alexandra, who just returned to Springfield after a long absence, was the only person who wasn't surprised to see Jenna, who advised her, "To leave your family when you don't really have to is a tragic waste."

The most touching exchange was between Jenna and Buzz.  To her husband she entrusted her boys' memories of their mother.  "Keep me alive in your hearts by telling them how we met; how we fell in love; how we desperately love them," she said.  "I love you with my heart and soul, always...."  And with that she vanished.

Respect for the audience is an important element of soap storytelling.  GL knew that we'd be upset at Jenna's death, but by having Jenna face her fate with grace and acceptance, the show offered a measure of comfort at the same time it broke our hearts. *