Beautiful Tribute to Jessie

Wes posted this beautiful tribute to Jessie on his Facebook the morning after she slipped away....(Wes, please forgive me for sharing this without asking your permission.) I have learned some things from Jessie as she made her journey -- what a powerhouse of love and generosity she was.

When I woke up this morning the last thing on my mind was birthday wishes and wanted to take a minute and tell everyone thank you. The love and support that has been shown to myself and my family during this difficult time has been overflowing and heartfelt. I've known for the last 25 years how incredible Jessie was, but didn't realize that she had touched so many other people as well. For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to know her let me tell you what you missed. She was what I like to call a participant in the parade of life. There are those people who are content being spectators. Not Jess she was determined to taste, touch, smell and see all the world had to offer. She appeared fearless. Don't get me wrong she had her fears but she rarely "let em see her sweat". I cherish those moments that we shared when she needed that reassuring "we'll figure it out Jess" or simply an non judgmental shoulder to lean on. People were drawn to her because of her positive attitude and her incredible zest for life. She had an amazing capacity to love, and at the same time wasn't afraid to let you know when she felt you had made a mistake. She had an incredible sense of humor and impeccable timing always able to lighten the mood in a tense situation. She was more concerned with the well being of others above her own. She was that person that chose to care for others when they could no longer care for themselves. And she loved doing it. I could go on and on but this is a glimpse to you of the Jessie that I know and love. My memories of her from the time she born and would take naps laying on my chest to when she was playing drums with the pots and pans in the kitchen with her casted broken arm to the time she and I bought her college car to a couple weeks ago as I carried her down the stairs from her bath with her head on my shoulder and said to me " don't worry dad it's gonna to be ok it's almost over" kissing me on the cheek as if to console me. Those are what I hold close to my heart and know that they can never be taken from me. I've always said to her "I love you more than you'll ever know"... Well there's no doubt in my mind that she now knows how deep and endless my love for her is and will continue to be.

I love you Jessie Gene!! Infinity x infinity plus one!!

Family Ties

Hello All,

Tuesday feels like Friday as I think back to the whirling blur of the last 7 days. We had such a great time at the reunion and it was such a nice thing to reconnect with everyone! Of course we missed Russ (who just had a birthday!!) and Delia, Nate, Sean and MD, Alex, Megan and Mario and Max, Wes and Rebecca, Graham, Marty and Dianne, Abi, Austin and Mallory, and Hayden. Hopefully the memories we made will last us another few years! Alan took some video while we were all having fun and I'll post them here as soon as I can upload them. Here is one of the Tug-O-War https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201750138778872&set=vb.1343108754&type=2&theater that Lani posted to FB...very fun memory! And here is one that Alan posted to YouTube. It's one of the MANY group photos we had taken. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwZRBh0BEEg&feature=youtu.be More to come.....!

On Sunday morning we received a call from the assisted living center where Alan's sister Cheri is living. She was non-responsive and they called 911. By the time we got there, the paramedics were there and they transported her to St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise.Throughout the day and evening there weren't any changes and they ran tests and labs which produced nothing but negative results. She has had things like this happen frequently with the same outcome. Today is Tuesday, and though she is somewhat better, she continues to decline with each episode leaving us still wondering where the next few days will take us.

Cheri is 61 years old. She is retired from the Navy, never married and never had children. She was a brilliant woman who spoke Chinese and traveled the world, but lived a solitary, rich, inner life. She is a 16 year brain cancer survivor; a miracle in her class as most of these patients don't live longer than 2 years following treatment. Cheri is 1 of 2 children (Alan is her only sibling). They lost their mother when they were children. Their father died some 15 years ago. These are just facts basically, but they give you a snapshot of her life. And ours.

My heart is full as I think back to just a few days ago where we were surrounded by love and laughing, kids squealing and playing, and the wonderful ties that bind...and my heart aches for those who don't have a net of family who hold onto each other and catch each other when we fall stumble. I can't imagine the weight that Alan must feel as he not only parents his own 2 children, but manages his sister's every need, knowing that he is all she has. I am so grateful for all of you. For your unique gifts and situations -- how they enrich my life! I'm so thankful for your generous outpouring to us personally and willingness to accept the changes that come into all our lives. Family always has your back. Family is the common denominator for all of us, no matter where we live or what our challenges are. Know it. And never take it for granted.

Much love, C.