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Jason's Memorial Service - April 15th, 2006 A few words from his father... Hundreds of people attended Jason's memorial service, far exceeding the church seating capacity. These are the words spoken by Jason's father at the Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 15th, 2006... First,
I would like to say thank you… to all our family and friends.
I know many of you have traveled from great distances.
Your presence is a blessing and comfort.
Thank you one and all for coming…
Thank you, for your love and support. A
few words about Jason. He
was independent and adventurous. What
ever there was to do, he wanted to do it. He
was honest and open – to a point that was sometimes almost embarrassing.
But that was simply Jason. He
was who he was, and had no reservations. He
loved people and loved sharing. As
a consequence, and evident in this room, many people loved him.
He often formed the nucleus of events and gatherings. He was a true gentleman and a good sport.
He had no prejudice and did not discriminate; it mattered not if you were
young or old, male or female, black or white, nor what your religion.
The only thing important to Jason was honesty, and that you share his
love for life and happiness. Over
the last two years, Jason provided a great deal of love and support for his
sisters and me. After 23-years as a
family unit, the life we had known came to an unexpected end.
It was done in a way that caused great heart ach and pain.
Lifelong relationships were severely damaged or destroyed.
It was an extremely difficult time for our family. Many in this room bore witness to these events; many offered
their love and support. Jason
was a leader. In times of crisis,
he could find direction, take charge, and move forward. At one point, we no longer felt safe in our home.
Our sense of security, already frayed and torn, was shattered.
It was a terrible moment in our lives.
I didn’t know what was next or which way to turn.
When all seemed lost, Jason pulled us through.
He rented a townhouse, and with the help and support of his sister and
friends, provided furnishings and a place for our family live.
With
the news of Jason’s death, it seemed a blow to great to bear.
After two years of pain and confusion, we as a family needed a fresh
start, and had just determined our new path.
We were each excited about our new plans – no one more so than Jason.
In the last week of his life, I have since learned he told dozens of
people our plans; that he was filled with anticipation and joy.
I could do little more than sob in my hands and stare at the walls.
I felt so alone in my grief, and powerless to help.
Then once again, as had been the case so many times in last two years,
our friends and family came with love and support.
At
a time of ultimate devastation and sorrow, people began remembering and sharing
their thoughts of Jason. Soon there
were smiles and laughter. At first
I didn’t understand. How could
anyone smile or laugh at a time like this?
But as I listened, I realized how much joy and happiness Jason had
brought to so many. It caused me to
remember and rejoice in the many blessings he gave me.
I came to understand that his life was full and complete.
What greater gift can there be, than to be loved by so many?
What greater gift could a father have hoped, than for three children so
loving and caring, as Jason, Jennifer and Sarah.
My life is truly blessed. Jason’s
friends were part of his family; his relationship with each, special and unique.
No words can express the comfort I take in the people who loved and
supported Jason, and whom he loved. There
are so many people I am grateful for – Jenny and Sarah, Jenna and John, Wanda
and Rick, Mom and Dad, Kelly, Jason’s many close friends, and each and
every person in this room, who touched Jason’s life, and he in turn
touched theirs. Your love and
support has lifted me, and raises us all. Jason
will always be with us, and remind us each to love and cherish one another.
These are the greatest gifts we can give or receive. Today
we mourn the loss of his physical presence.
But I now know Jason is very much alive. He lives and dwells in each of our hearts.
When we remember him; when we speak of him; there is joy and laughter,
and he is with us. Our lives will
always be richer in knowing him. As
he has in the past, he guides me now. He
would not wish for our tears or sorrow. Had it been someone he loved, he would go forward with
courage and love. He would be
strong; he would be happy; he would lead; he would bring us comfort and joy
through his smiles and laughter. As
a beacon in the darkest of nights, his light continues to shine with beauty and
brilliance. As you are now here for
him, and we are here for each other, he is very much here, now and forever, for
each of us. Receive the gift
he offers; hold it, cherish it, share it. For all of the love and support we’ve received from
family and friends, the many acts of compassion and goodwill, the flowers and
cards, the food, the assistance, your kind words, your company, your presence
today – I am profoundly grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I
love you Jason. I was blessed to
have you in my life and cherished every moment.
In all the days of the rest of my life, your memory will never fade –
you will always live in my heart. I
love you, Additional Speakers included Jason's friends, Jenna (her poem), John, Kevin, Buddy, Tim, and Jessica. |
