Thursday, December 7, 2023
I don't know where to start. Jake has always been a larger than life character in my memories who will forever be this gregarious, funny, intensely curious, brilliant person who was built like a bear (this would explain his hugs) and had the zest for life of a 12 year old.
I worked with Jake for over 7 years but one of my favorite memories is when I was teaching the gym First Aid and when explaining the Heimlich maneuver, I told Cindy to find Jakes hips, follow it around to the front and find the belly button 2 inches from there. Everyone I had taught to that point had gone UP 2 inches. That day, Cindy went DOWN and started reaching further and further into Jakes sweat pants. When I saw this and the resulting expression on Jakes face, I almost died from laughing so hard I couldn't catch my breath.
For the next 25 years, I would take a moment to smile about my old friend, and make sure to highlight their hand was to go UP!
You will never be forgotten Jake. And thank you for the gift of showing me how important it is to follow my dreams. No matter how crazy they are.
