As J.T.'s teacher for three years in the SHARP program, I was always impressed by his creative mind, wonderful sense of humor, and a real sense of purpose for his life. Therefore, I wasn't a bit surprised when I learned that J.T. decided to devote a year after his high school graduation  to being a counselor at Camp Hi Hill. We shared a deep love for this place and program. I was greeted at the bus with a big hug and grin, and my class was very impressed when I introduced them to my former student, J.T. Of course, they all wanted to be in his cabin and trail group!!  Later, while J.T. was awaiting his heart transplant, we had a chance to sit and reminisce and reflect on those precious days. I was tremendously inspired by his strength of spirit and positive attitude while facing such enormous health issues. I feel blessed to have been a small part of J.T.'s life. I will miss this fine young man and cherish my memories of our times together. My love and prayers to Jerome, Marvie, and Jemari. May you find strength in the knowledge that J.T.'s life, though far too short, was profoundly meaningful and influential.    Love, Karen Parker

 We bear witness today that our lives were enriched by JT's presence among us.  Through his measured responses to life's surprises, by his ever ready smile that could light the darkest corners, in the way in which he allowed us to be our imperfect selves in our relationships with him, he showed us glimpses of life at its best.  Managing the painful grief we feel in the wake of his departure is made easier as we remember how he would have instructed us.  A lesson plan writ large is there as we consider how he faced his own life-threatening dilemma.  JT's model was one of calm, easy acceptance of unwelcome reality.  He confronted the issues head on; without a visible display of fear (most surely for our benefit, not his).  He talked freely and openly about the valley of the shadow of death he trod.  Not one to shy away from the critical issues he faced, his choice was to dive in and learn how to cope.  In so doing,  he demonstrate for us possible ways to play the hands we are dealt.  In the manner in which he offered detailed analyses of his varied and sundry medical procedures, he showed us the power of words in the service of taming an unruly adversary.  His facility with words allowed him to give expression to thoughts and feelings that for most of us, go unspoken,unreported, absent from the discourse.  His willingness to speak, to write, to engage us in dialogue means that we have a treasure trove of memories to draw upon.  I was especially delighted to read one of JT's blog entries as he described a conversation with one of his physicians who had awakened him one morning at 1am to report that a heart had been located.  His use of humor was on display as he captured his thoughts for us to read.  As he pondered the doctor's message, he realized that he didn't know the protocol for such an encounter; what does one say?  After all, he said, this was the first time anybody had ever offered him a body part.  In truth, a gentle, caring spirit has been transported beyond our reach.  The light of his presence has dimmed but the glorious aura remains to guide our pathways and highways and byways as we traverse the roads we have left to explore.  JT was loaned to us for a season, but his impact will last a lifetime.  Cry, we must, for in so doing , we pay tribute to one who meant so much to so many.  But as the tears diminish, we realize that not all is lost.  Though the clouds of grief will linger, the healing sunshine of joy waits for those moments of readiness when we can allow the rays to dispel the clouds.  And as JT himself might counsel, don't rush the process; don't push the river, let it flow.    Jerome Terrence, you walked among us and left a bold footprint.  May we walk taller henceforth, better able to face life on its own terms, willing to seek higher ground.  May God grant you rest and peace in His Eternal kingdom.