Jacob & Jena
I've been struggling to navigate everything that has surfaced and continues to come up within me since learning we lost Jake. There are never going to be enough or the right words to express the feelings.
I remember the first time meeting him. My friend told me, "good luck trying to fight the urge not to smile the whole time". Immediately there was something about him that drew you in and made you feel comfortable, intrigued, and ignited.
Every time since then, being around him and having the honor of getting to know him over the years, no matter the time or place, I'd feel seen, I'd feel listened to, I'd feel special. There is no one I've ever met in my life to date that made me feel so confident within myself, to be myself. In the most sincere and genuine light, he provided so much care and attention. To now see his impact on thousands of people within the community, my heart bursts with his ability to love so massively and so personally to so many people. How does one magical human make so many people feel that way?
Even before reminiscing over his wide variety of talents, attention to detail, and what seemed as effortless acts of kindness and love, Jake in himself was...a true gift. Even the way he would text me and express his appreciation of our friendship or of knowing me after every time we were able to connect, showed that his #1 priority was to put love first. I never once felt a wavering moment or lack of love when I was around him.
I can only hope that he felt as appreciated and seen by me as I did by him. But deep down I know that what I gave to him goes unmatched to what he gave to me. I will spend the rest of my life trying my damn heart out to love as beautifully and as out-loud as he did (and remember to be as light and as silly as possible while doing it).
This world will never be the same without him. Ever. But as Jake's community as a whole, we can all carry his light within us to share with the world in our own authentic ways.
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Jake & Daniel put their Howdy all on hold for an entire weekend to coordinate my wedding to my husband Ian in October of 2021. Curating their magic, it was the best moment of my life. I'll never stop thinking of the two of you and your love, and will forever be here carrying you with me. I love you Jake. I love you Daniel.
