Jesse and I were at the recruiter's office filling out his paper work.  He looked around at me and whispered, "Tish"  I went over and he said, they want to know what religion we are.  I'm a Christian.  I told him we worshipped in the Baptist religion, and they needed to know in case he got hurt and needed clergy to minister to him.  He said but I want them to know I'm a Christian!  So I told him to put Christian/Baptist, and that satisfied him.  Jesse didn't boast, or gossip, or criticize people.  If I did, he would say softly, "Tish, we're better than that"  He was a good grandson, a good daddy, a good husband, and the best soldier this country ever had.  He gave everything he had into whatever he was doing.  He loved the guys in his unit, had fun with them, and they loved him too.  I was proud and honored to walk behind the cason carrying him to his final resting place.  Jesse, I will see you soon.  You're with the angels now.  Rest.  You did your job well.  I love you.

I have known Jesse Cole for many years. From teenager to adult. This past year, Jess and I bonded over some similar personal experiences we were both going through and Jesse and I became BFFs. I talked or saw him everyday. He was my "go to" person for needing to talk at 9am or 4am. As I was his. We drove around in his truck for hours, laid on the couch and talked for hours upon hours about life and shared so many things. While I have many memories of Jess over the years, I treasure this past summer with him the most. He went from the teenager I once knew to the man who became my best friend. Without him, I am unsure how I would have survived several of the days i went through. I miss him walking in my house, hollaring my name. I miss the random goofy texts. I miss him coming to my work or him yelling at me to "hurry up and get ready" as he was extremely impatient. I miss coming home from work and he would be sitting on the couch waiting for me. I miss my cuddle buddy to watch movies with. I miss his voice and hugs so much!!

Jesse loved his daughter with all of his heart. He would have given the entire world for Eisley. He wanted so much for her and I am saddened that she may never know the depth of that love. 

My heart aches daily. I am unsure if this pain will ever truely fade away or just get easier with time. I hope I always feel his presence, love and he continues to give me the strength I need to keep moving forward. I will hold his memory close to my heart forever. My life has a void in it now because of his absence. 

Jesse Cole, I miss you everyday, every hour, every minute, every second of the day. My heart smiles when I think of you. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Thank you for being in my life, forever. Rest easy, BFF!