I lost both my parents last year, within just 9 1/2 weeks of one another. It was not completely unexpected because of their age and health issues but I still was not prepared to lose them so close to one another. Reading Jenna's blog and account of her husband's passing, is one that I won't forget. Living in North Ogden City (Not Ogden lol), we are a close community and have very close ties to those in the surrounding cities. I remember when her late husband, Chase, passed away because we have several mutual friends and it was all over my facebook. My wife and I felt so sorry for them because it as difficult as it is to lose one's parents, it is nothing like losing a spouse, especially with such a young child. Reading her account brought back memories of the nights I held each of my parents hands and prayed for God to take them and ease their suffering as we surrounded them with my siblings, praying and singing. It was more spiritual than I ever could have imagined despite the pain I felt as I held each of their hands. When my mother joined my father, I will never forget her waking from her comatose state for a brief moment and looking me in the eyes as I asked her if Dad was there. She tried to mouth yes, looked up behind me, and as I told her to go be my dad's companion again, she took her final breath and left. It changed everything about me and gave me an entirely different outlook on the Plan of Salvation and eternal life. Jenna's words fully captured the same feelings that I felt, even though I could never imagine the strength it took to do this as Chase's eternal wife.
Having now read both of the shared blogs, I have never been more of a fan Jackson's and everything he is doing. He has found his true calling in life and I will never forget his words that he wrote to little Jack's father. He has taken on a task more important that anything else he will ever take on and his maturation and understanding of what life is all about, has prepared him for this mission. I wanted so badly to see him reach his full potential on the court this season but now I am grateful to see him reaching his full potential in life. Very amazing and he will always be a successful Cougar in my book!