Monday, February 19, 2007

Losing a Friend

My heart is very sad today, but at the same time full of joy. Yesterday, I lost a friend of mine. Jacob Crabbe passed away yesterday morning. He would have been 27 in March.

I first met Jacob when I was in middle school. He went to church with me, and I hung out with his younger sister, Kristal. It was easy to see how he could steal my heart....he was older, athletic, and had an unbelievable way of charming anyone. I think my heart melted the first time he kissed my hand. It was such a gentleman's thing to do.

Jacob was always quite a ladies man. He loved the ladies, young and old alike. He could get any woman to do anything he asked...it was always a simple hug, a mischievous smile, or a kiss on the hand. I wasn't the only one who fell for it, trust me. My husband, John, often commented that Jacob could get more lip from me than he could!

Jacob had this amazing way of remembering everyone he met. He also had an unbelievable capacity for love and friendship. I don't think he came across anyone's path that didn't fall in love with him and count him as a very special friend.

I mentioned that Jacob was quite an athlete. For as long as I've known him, he was an accomplished star at the Special Olympics in Stillwater every year. Many newspaper articles were written about him, many medals were given. He loved competing with his friends from around the state.

There's so much more I could write about him....but I could never do him justice. I could never describe for you all how loving, how kind, how sweet, how wonderful Jacob was. He could brighten your day from across the room. He was so very, very special.

I am so sad that I won't be able to visit with Jacob. Or listen to him sing Jesus Loves Me in church. Or have him kiss my hand, or draw me a picture, or teach me about his letters and numbers. That I won't have anymore hugs. But I am so joyful because every time I remember him, I will smile. He is one of those people that brought nothing but pure and total joy. His lifelong battle has ended, and I'm thankful that he's in a better place. I sure hope they have Special Olympics in Heaven.

Please keep Jacob's parents, sisters, and niece in your prayers.

3 comments:

mom said...

Beautifully written...couldn't have described him better myself. I do think they have Special Olympics in heaven. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

Love you,
Mom

Audrey said...

So sorry about your friend. Sounds like one of those guys everyone should know. Take Care!

Kelly said...

I remember how he would plunk down next to me at church and start kissing my hand and would squeeze. Then Diane would try to pull him away, but I never really did want him to go. He was a special boy and always made me feel precious. He is certainly in heaven kissing on all the pretty girls! Thank you for helping recover such a sweet memory.