Jake remembered at the Beach.

Today, May 31st, is a day that will be remembered in our family forever and ever.

It is the day that Staci called me from the hospital to tell me that "they found a mass" in Jake's belly. It is a day that forever changed the course of our lives.

Being down here at the condo, I thought I would put together a little tribute to my sweet nephew. I am sure that the many of you who have followed my blog since the caringbridge day will not find this surprising. I have little memories of Jake tucked here and there in all areas of my life. My house, my offices, and here at the condo.

This is what I found to share today.
I can so plainly remember Jake coming to the condo two times the summer of 2005 when he was no longer on chemo (his body required a break!). One time, it was with his brothers, and me, his mom and JinJin. The second trip, you may remember was with his bestie, Emma Lou.
This balcony often reminds me of Jake! He and Emma climbed up into the same barstool and took the sweetest pictures together. They were really good buddies!

And you may also remember when we through caution to the wind and used Press'n Seal Saran Wrap to cover Jake's central line ("buddies") and let him jump right in the pool.

This is one of Jake's sippy cups (Buzz Lightyear) and the heads from his little golf clubs. His swimmers too. Bless his little heart!

I NEVER swim in this pool without thinking about Jake and remembering his flying off the side of the pool (far left, in fact), right into our arms. He was never afraid. He had never had swimming lessons and had very, very limited experience with swimming at all. However, he trusted us, and just like my personal motto, he decided to "CHOOSE JOY" and live in his moment!

This was Jake's too. I am a little sad when I see SpongeBob anytime. I used to buy Jake anything and everything that had SpongeBob on it. I miss buying him bandaids, and packs of gum, and stickers of all sorts.

That couch is where Jake and Emma played doctor, with Emma and Jake flushing the lines of their babies. Emma also worked on Jake. She was the nurse, and Jake was the willing patient. They had an especially sweet bond. SHe talks about him even today!

Not long after Jake died, I spent time with Emma helping her make a scrapbook of Jake with extra pictures I had of him. Would you believe, almost four years later, she still comments to me about that scrapbook fairly often. Never underestimate the value of spending time with kids, and especially creating memories they can emotionally hold on to and, as in the case of a scrapbook, physically hold on to, too.

Know what I remember about this exact spot?! Two things...

First, Emma would put on Jake's shoes for him. He liked wearing her Crocs.

and Second, this is where I have pictures of Jake swinging his golf clubs. The same ones pictured above.

And there are photos of Jake all over the place.

The Beach Club has requested that I remove some of my personal artifacts, as they feel it will be more comfortable for the guest renters. And I care..... why?!

I personally think it is endearing to see who owns the condos and what means a lot to them through their pictures and things. Am I crazy to think that?!

For instance, this is in the second bathroom, where, when we are here, the sitters live. And someday, my girlies will sleep. This is what is on the bedside table.

And this is the artwork that hangs here. I can vividly remember Jake and I sitting down and using the paint colors that were in this room at the time. I had the big boys living with me at the time, and I took three canvases and asked each one of them to create for me a picture of something that was important to them. This is Jake's original artwork!

And these are the work of Hunter (left... LSU football game), and Hayden (his motorcycle).

This may be what "the man" is talking about and trying to get me to remove.

Well, I ain't! These photos represent the story of my summers here. And, I know, I know... I need to add pics of my angel baby, Gabbi girl. I promise... I will! And update Ellie's pics too.... although I love that chunky little bald headed baby girl!

SOrry about the quality of this photo, but I LOVE the JOY on his face!

Here is a pic of the good buddies and one of their babies! Does anyone remember Jake's baby's name?

Coach! After mine and Todd's yellow lab.

Here is another memory. I seriously remember very clearly Staci being at the water's edge with her three boys.

Ahhhh.... just a breath of fresh air to remember these happy times.

I don't really have words. Right this moment... only a few tears.

So, this is a day to remember Jake! I wish May 31st, 2004, had not occured. But had it not, neither would any of these other sweet occurences. Happy times. Sweet memories. That's what life is all about!

CHOOSE JOY!

Mo