I remember Jake played at least twice at Normandy. Or at least twice at the place that Normandy was at, the Landing Zone in Columbiaville. One time I have a picture of him wearing winter clothes and one time summer clothes.

Jake being Jake he wore a bright pink T-shirt when everyone else was wearing camo, and the picture that I have shows the confidence that he has.

That time Brandon was with us and those two we're badass and just having a great time. I was there but I was not too fast and I've never been really too good at it but it was great just being there with my son and Brandon and Izzy and Dave. I was always so proud to have Jake with me anywhere I went.

I don't remember a whole lot about it but I do remember that Jake and Brandon were off of the top of the hill by the Machine Gun Nest. And that Jake got out quite a few people. He was very Fearless in some areas, God I love him.

I remember one time that he took a pretty good hit in the side of the neck and got a good picture of it.

He was such a good athlete and when they were able to run so fast I want to be like him again. I know now that it's true that sometimes we live vicariously through our children. Jake was so many things that I never was. He had the confidence he had the smile he had the way with girls he had the athleticism.  Part of me died when he died, part of it was because he was my son and I love him, and part of it was because he was an extension of myself.

I imagine that is true of most people that we see, in our children, ourselves going on, I hope I'm not just selfish that way.

I grew up going to school with Jake and we even dated when we were kids. As time went on we drifted apart as people sometimes tend to do in high school. After graduation we got reconnected mainly because he practically lived at my bestfriend house. He would go out and drive around the country and deliver people furniture, then he would come home and tell us of his adventures with Mason. Words will never describe how much I miss him. I just hope that hes up there watching over us drinking a PBR. 

With all the tears we shed today I hope you remember to lift your drinks up high and cheers to him the biggest happy birthday.

 I love you Jake. Miss you more then ever man. Keep your boots handy, we will walk the tracks again and have those deep conversations. 

It is an honor, to be one of many, who is/was forever touched by Jake! Jake running around my house and yard, since the boys were small, is something that I will never forget! I see him and Orrin jumping in our pool (completely clothed of course), sitting around camp fires, shooting guns, eating, etc! Jake will always be my second second son! 

We found a knife that we thought was Orrin’s, but as it turns out, it was Jake’s. I have it in my nightstand where I see it nightly! 

I’m trying to move away from devastation, but I don’t think it will ever happen. I love all the good memories I have to push through it! Again, it is an honor to have been a part of his world! 

I LOVE AND MISS YOU, SON