Jake and His Broadcasting Career

THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE AND LESSONS LEARNED

This past friday, March 18th, my Aunt Beverly Sue passed away at 53 years old. I had arrived in TN on Wednesday for my annual trip home and went to visit her on friday morning. Shortly after my visit with her I received the phone call that she had passed away. It is pretty insane how it all happened. What were the odds that I would be in TN when she passed away and that I would have had the amazing blessing to see her, talk to her, and tell her I love her moments before she took her last breath? Nick was flying in on Friday and his plane landed just as I received the news of her death, therefore being able to be there as I grieved. For the last couple of years as my aunt's health was deteriorating I worried so much that I wouldn't be able to afford a last minute plane trip home for her funeral or that she would pass away without me getting the chance to tell her how much I love her or how much she meant to me. However, I was there. I was there to tell her I love her and to honor her life.

It's crazy how participating in and attending a funeral and burial of a loved one brings so much perspective on life here on earth and how short it is. My aunt was one of the most amazing people I have ever known, she was selfless, giving, and just flat out real! She is one of the few women that took me under their wing and helped fill the empty place that I had in my heart for a mother. However, despite the unbelievable woman that she was and the influence she had on many people's lives, her earthly experience ended being lowered into the ground and dirt being dumped onto the top of a metal vault. Her magazines were left open, her water bottle was at her bedside, and all of her STUFF was just sitting there.

God taught me two things this weekend that hopefully will forever change the way I live my life: God is in control down to every last detail and the only thing you leave behind is what you give to others.

Beverly I love you with all my heart and will miss you everyday! Thank you for what you gave to me!!

ELI'S SIXTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Eli's birthday party was so much fun! Eli has been going through a western phase, cowboy boots and all so we decided to have a cowboy party to celebrate his big day! We had pony rides and smores pops with some of his closest friends, what a blast! I think the adults had their share of fun as well. Here are some pictures of our celebration.