Jacob & Tess

I knew Jacob from college, I was the admin in his major department. I enjoyed all the students I came in contact with but Jacob was special. As we all know! I would look up from my desk and see him coming down the hallway with that big smile on his face. He would see me and instead of taking the stairway and getting on with his day, he did what Jacob did best. He came in and brightened the day. He would come in and chat, I would ask about his family (which he clearly adored) and he would ask about my own family. We would talk about his class, the internship he had for his major, and of course whitewater rafting. He earnestly promised to take my family if we would make the trip west. Jacob made sure I knew Isaac was HIS little brother. Jacob stayed in touch via social media after graduation and it was a delight to see him flourish at World Relief. Can you imagine being tired, walking off a plane to all the scary things about immigrating to a foreign country and seeing Jacob with that smile and that warm voice? Their hearts surely calmed and they knew that kind man would take care of them. Then the world turned upside down and what did Jacob do? Ride the rapids and start making bagels. And some donuts if I remember correctly. But more importantly I saw Jacob really living into who he was created to be and of course more importantly find the love of his life in Daniel. While I never met Daniel I knew he had to be just as special as Jacob. Their love for each other, their talents, the joy they gave out freely to any and all people, their beautiful home redo, their flowers, all of it spoke of who they were. I haven't made it to Howdy Bagel, but a friend did and she and Jacob took a picture and sent it to me and as always he had that smile. 

Daniel you are prayed for and loved by many in this moment, and I am so sorry you lost Jacob too soon. While the world seems dimmer without Jacob, here's the thing. Jacob's smile, his kindness, his love is like glitter. Everyone he met still has Jacob's glitter in their heart and soul. Let's not hoard that glitter, let's keep spreading it just like Jacob would have wanted. 

Much love to you Jacob,

Tess