In June of this year, a former student of mine passed way from cancer. Jake was only 49 years old, had a family, and parents that loved him. This passing still makes me so sad when I think about it.
Jake was born the only child of my former boss and his wife. He was a very sweet kid that always had a smile on his face. I never heard of Jake having confrontations. It was hard being the principal’s kid. I believe everyone judged you and thought you should behave a certain way.
Like my kids, Jake was mediocre in sports. He played basketball but wasn’t the star of the team. His dad was the coach, and he was compared to those stars who “shown” on the team. I guess we have “stars” at the age of ten or twelve. Jake was also an altar boy at our parish. We saw him often because of church, smiling as he proceeded down the aisle to the altar.
I had no idea that Jake had been fighting this terrible disease for four years. I would have been praying for him. So young! I know this is part of life, but sometimes I find it difficult to swallow. It makes us wonder why.
Working in the Media Center of my school, I got to know most of the kids and their names. I would mix up the identical twins. One cannot get it right all the time. These kids become yours eight hours a day. When something happens in their lives, you are affected, even though it is twenty years later. The tragedy stays in your mind.
Jake worked at the airport in his hometown and loved being near his beloved airplanes. I can only hope he is flying around in the heavens- with that smile on his face.
Well dear Jake, please rest in peace. I am sure you are missed by your beloved family and friends. You will always have a special place in our hearts. Until we meet again…