Dear Jacob,

It's been rough with you not here. Everything has been so quiet, I have been so sad, I have cried a lot and questioned why, but I have learned that you were an angel that God created for Himself to make Him laugh. Jesus asked His Father if He could send you to us to bless our family. God missed you and took you back to Heaven to sit on the throne. I take comfort in that, meaning I understand that it will be okay, this is what God wanted to happen. I thank God for choosing me to carry you in my womb, I thank Him for letting me raise you.

One thing you did so well was make everyone laugh. Everyone misses you and talks about you. I love you so much and I miss you, I wish you were here with Keyth and me. I miss getting you up in the morning, I miss the loud noise you make, your attitude and your smart mouth.

Jay, you made me a strong, independent woman. You were my fashion consultant, with superior taste. How could you lie so well? However, I knew every time that you did. I remember when I would pick you up from school and the looks you would have which would immediately let me know you did not have a good day.

As a baby, you were a joy, but you were always into stuff, and you ate a lot, you ate EVERYTHING! I remember all the hair you had; you started walking at seven months.

Writing this has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I remember I was so scared, confused, and worried about our future when I found out you were in my womb. I was determined to make it, and I DID. I knew then that your LIFE had a purpose, I just didn't know what.

I have been so angry, and I still am that you are not here, but I know that you are in Heaven, and knowing that keeps me sane. I can't wait for the day when we meet again. For right now, I will down here on earth trying to make it, and raise your brother. Please tell God to keep watch over us. This is by no means goodbye, just until we meet again.

I Love You, My Jay

Mama

For Jacob, My Son

The first thing I want to say to you Jacob, is that I love you. I will miss your laughter and your smile tremendously. You had such an effect on everyone you encountered, it was amazing.

One of the reasons that you got so much attention was that you were so handsome and sweet. The other reasons you got so much attention, I cannot explain. People love you, Son.

I couldn't understand how you had so many people asking about you. I thought it was strange, but you had the same effect on animals. You loved all types of animals; dogs, cats, birds, etc. It was like watching Dr. Dolittle. We'd be at the park, and birds would come around. If I wasn't looking, you would pick up the birds. I've never seen birds allow a person to pick them up, but you did. My sister's dog was so excited every time he saw you.

Everybody will miss you, Buddy. You were so wonderful and tough. You would fall or bump your head and get right back up and keep playing. That taught me to be more tough in my life.

You had so much energy, you never liked going to bed. Now I see why, you knew you were only going to be here for a little while, and had a lot to do in that time, so you didn't have time to sleep. Had I known you were only going to be here for a while, I would not have made you go to bed as good fathers do. I would have stayed up and talked to you.

You and I talked all the time like two old men that knew each other for decades. Sometimes I would forget that you were just a baby. I thought I'd get to see you grow up to be a man.

I see now Jacob, that you were sent by God. Now I feel very important to think that God allowed me to be a father to an Angel. Please tell God that I said "Thank You!"

When you and I talked, I always said "I miss you, Buddy." I'd then say "I love you, Buddy," and you would say "I love you too, Buddy."

I have a few things that need to be done here, but I cannot wait to see you, Buddy. I'll be just as excited as my sister's dog was when he saw you. So I'll say goodbye for now, Buddy. I'll see you later.

I Love You

Your Dad, Tony Adair

Family Prayer

God makes no mistakes. And we say again, God makes no mistakes. For every life God has an ordained purpose and an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Who then can contend with a sovereign God who created us all to fulfill His own divine purpose in the earth that He created?

God did not purpose Jacob's life to be among those who grow up and go out into the world to make their mark and stake their claim. Jacob did not have that opportunity because God chose a more noble purpose for him. God ordained Jacob's life solely for the purpose of touching every life represented here today. And touch our lives he did!

Do angels walk amongst us? The Holy Scriptures in the Book of Hebrews teaches us to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. (Hebrews 13:1). Also, the Scriptures teach that "a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6). We, Jacob's family, believe he was our own little angel sent from God to lead us. In the pondering of that statement, one must ask the question: "how can a child lead us, or me?" We know and are aware that some people don't learn very well from textbooks and seminars, but only learn by example and by hands-on experience. It is our opinion that Jacob's life was "an example that we experienced" best defined by the wonderful qualities that exemplified his life.

To know Jacob was to love Jacob. It is truly amazing how such a little boy only four years-old could impact so profoundly on everyone who knew him. To know Jacob was to love Jacob, and to know Jacob was to want to know Jacob more. He was truly a very special child. A child whose life had to have been touched by God for the purpose of teaching us something. In Psalm 90:12 King David prayed: "so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," and the Scriptures teach that "the fear (or reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalms 111:10).

As we remember the things that were so unique about Jacob, of which there were many, we glean three life-lesson examples which stand out above the rest. The first example was Jacob's fearless approach and genuine love of exploring new things and meeting new people. Upon first meeting Jacob, you immediately felt his enthusiasm and genuine joy of meeting you, and when it was time to say goodbye, you were always happy you'd had the opportunity to meet such a delightful little chap. We don't believe Jacob ever met anyone he didn't like. The second example was the extraordinary zest for life Jacob possessed. Everything Jacob did, he did with great exuberance, and with every ounce of strength and energy he could muster; his whole heart was in every task he took on. It was just plain as the nose on your face that Jacob thoroughly loved every minute of his life. Lastly, Jacob's life taught us that we must be ready, for we know not the day, nor the hour when the Son of Man shall come for us. (Matthew 25:13). We have not lost Jacob, because Jacob is now happy in Heaven for all eternity, but more profound is the thought that Jacob can lose us if we are not ready when the Son of Man comes for us.

If God is sovereign, and He is, then our little Jacob's life here on earth has closed because, and only because he finished the purpose for which God intended his life. God alone is sovereign, and He is still in control. So we weep, but not as those who have no hope, for Jacob was in our past, but now resides in our future, waiting for us all to come home. AMEN.

My Dearest Jacob,

Whom I affectionately referred to as "The Militant Midget," I can't believe that the time has come for me to bid you farewell. Although our time together on earth was not long, I will hold dear to my heart each and every memory of you. I will forever cherish your angelic smile that always brightened the room. I than God for lending you to us to bring the joy and happiness that you did. My pain of your loss is only comforted by my knowing whose you were, where you are. for I know you are on high singing and dancing with the angels. Until I see you again in Heaven, little one.

I love you very much,

Grandma

Ode To An Angel

...for thereby some have entertained Angels unaware (Hebrews 13:2)

I will never forget coming to see you when you were born. Such a small bundle, wide-eyed, yet still. You looked at me like you could see straight through me, like someone old and wise. I recall telling your Momma "he is going to bring our family so much joy." Little could I have known and imagined just how much such a little bundle could generate.

I have always thought you were too big for your skin, and now that I know "who you really are," it all makes sense to me now. I also understand why you had to go. Your innocence and design, unscathed from the sins of this world, provided you with a "Return Ticket" straight back to the Father's Throne.

I am comforted Jacob, by the knowledge that you are back doing what you were created and designed to do: make God happy. I praise and thank God for allowing us to have you all this time. I am sure your Heavenly Father (because you are truly His) has missed your smile, your laughter, your bounce, and all your bounding joy. And now I can understand your little friends who used to sit on your dresser. They were sent from God to watch over one of His "pride and joys."

I will miss you, but I can smile being fully persuaded that you are back home playing around God's throne, making Him happy. You "bounced with joy," and only Heaven has enough room to contain it.

Love,

Aunt Dawn

Who You Were To Me

When I think of all the family that you had, it was always hard to find a place where I belonged in your life. You had parents that were amazing, the coolest big brother ever, and grandparents Renee' and Michael who knew how to make you sit still at church with one glare from the front row, yet I always thought that we were close.

Watching you on the weekends while you slept in your bassinette were the best times of my life. Then you grew up and could talk. I was so happy to be called Aunt Jen, and every time you said it, I couldn't help but smile. I'll never forget how everyone would make fun of my bear, but you would ask me "Aunt Jen, can your bear sleep with me? I'mma be nice to him." The answer was always yes, because no one in their right mind could say no to that.

I don't know how to act now that you're gone, but I know even though I can't see you, you'll be walking in the back of my line at camp singing those silly songs with me. So with everything that you've been to your family, and the many different roles you've fulfilled at such a young age, to me you'll always be "just my little JakeyPoo."

I'll love you always,

Aunt Jen

Our Prayer

First I would like to say thank you God. Thank you for all the time you have given us with Jacob. Please heal the broken heart of all who grieve and mourn his loss. Father we ask that you take care of him.. Remind him that we love him, that we are proud of him and that he is dearly missed. God we stand united as a family before you giving praise to your Holy name because your word says that a family that prays together stays together. Your word also says that when two or more are gathered together in your name tens of thousands of angels are put to flight. We believe Jacob is now one of those angels that every time we pray he is called to flight. Father we lift up Avonda to you and ask you to give her peace, comfort and understanding. Lord we are turning to you, trusting in you because we know that this is your plan. Remove all the hurt, sadness, pain, and anger from everyone’s heart. God we ask that you show mercy and forgiveness to those who are in need of it, and that you keep and help us through this time of need. We love you and thank you again.

Amen “J” we love you and will always miss you

Joe

Dear J Fox,

No words can express the way that I feel inside right now. On one hand, I'm hurt and feel as if a piece of me is gone, and on the other hand, I'm happy because I know that I have an angel in Heaven looking over me. I know that you are in Heaven right now asking Jesus enough questions for all of us. The time that we've spent together was filled with laughter, joy, and a lot of great times. I really miss you. Even right now as I'm writing this, I'm waiting for you to run around the corner and jump in my lap, but then I realize that it's not going to happen. Even though you are not here with us, we all have you in our hearts. Memories of you rapping, singing, and just acting crazy will stick with me until I'm reunited with you. You brought so much happiness into my life and everyone's presence that you graced, and I thank you for that. You will be remembered and missed dearly.

Love,

Damien

For Jacob, Our Little "Pardner"

When you left, Mrs. K, De'De', and I thought that you left much too soon. We kept grappling with questions of "WHY?" But as we recalled memories of you, we now know that someone can enter into strangers' lives, capture their hearts, and give them theirs without compromise. You let us know that real love allows you to enter into a place without conversation, remove your shoes and socks, hug everyone there, and feel right at home. You reminded us that at the beginning of each new day, we should always find joy and wonderment with the common things around us created by God: a stick, shells on the beach, a frog named Frank, and people we love. Thanks, Jacob, for knowing and showing us the way.

With eternal love,

The Kirklands