08/05/2024
Eleven years ago today, we lost you, Jeremy. Eleven years. When you left us, the boys were 5, 3, and 1 1/2. Now, they're growing up—Christian is 16, Castiel is 14, and Chance is 12.
You would be proud. Our boys are becoming amazing young men! Christian is smart, loves playing football at Warrensburg High School, and is the proud owner of a Burgundy '66 Mustang (the color is almost the same as yours). Castiel is strong, has embraced being an athlete (he LOVES football), and has your sense of humor. Our baby boy, Chance, has a heart of gold, loves sports at the Middle School, plays D&D, and can't wait to grow up.
Your decision to end your life threw us onto unknown paths and into direct traffic. As Captain America once said, "I can do this all day," but I felt like I couldn't. Despite prayers, God could not trade my life for yours. I was angry for our boys. How dare you force our sons to grow up without their Daddy. They needed you. I needed you.
Schedules were full to keep us busy, but when everything slowed down at night, there were echoes of you everywhere. Nearly everything we did began because of you. We continue, because of you.
Not every day is full of butterflies and rainbows. We have our tough days. The memory of you fades from our sons' eyes with each passing day. We watch videos or go through photos to hold on a bit longer. We tell stories. We enjoy some of your favorite things, like watching the latest Marvel movies and quoting iconic lines.
Eleven years. In these years, we have learned how to save and change lives in honor of you, Jeremy's Legacy. Now, we help inspire hope for mental wellness and su***de prevention through Cos4Hope.
We reach out to let others know they are not alone. As Cap said, "I'm with you 'til the end of the line." Our journey started because of you. We impact lives because of you. We help people because of you. Cos4Hope is proud to be a family-run nonprofit.
We miss you every day, Jeremy. You are never far from our thoughts. We will love you to the end. Thank you for loving us "to the end of the line."
We will always love you.
April, Christian, Castiel, & Chance