This message goes out to my middle and H.S. friend, Jake, who left us all way too soon. May his heart finally be filled with the peace for which he yearned, but sadly couldn’t come to find through the thick of life’s adversities at the time.

Hey, Jake—Aaron Here,

Just wanted to let you know
that I’m sorry you were hurting so,
that you felt you couldn’t go
to anyone to seek consolation or guidance or just to be heard.

I know that even though we went our separate ways
from our grade and middle school Stateline Comet Football and Rec. Basketball days,
and ended up in H.S. choosing different paths—
you with football, baseball, and basketball,
and me with XC and track—
and even though our circle of friends changed as a result,
I always considered you my friend.
You could light up a room with your smile,
and make me laugh with your antics.
Your sense of humor was contagious,
and your commitment to family, friends, and teammates unwavering.

Your death, Jake, made me realize
just how fragile life is.
One minute you could be on top of the world
with everything going smoothly as planned,
and the next moment you can stumble and fall
when life throws you a “ball”
that seems to come out of nowhere,
and you are knocked “out-of-bounds” and sometimes stay down.

Our parents try to referee our “game of life” the best they can,
but at times they don’t even see certain “plays and penalties” that stifle us,
seemingly throwing our present hopes and dreams to the wayside.
Yes, life can be harshly unfair,
and when you felt despondent and despaired,
I wish you would have reached out to the people who mattered most in your earthly life
and to your Maker above,
for we were there right alongside you all the while
walking that rocky path with you.

How your family and friends ache for your presence with them again.
I pray that I will always take the time
to notice a friend in need,
and to never take for granted that
others will be there to listen and/or do what can be done.

When you died, Jake, you took a part of my innocence with you.
I fell under the weight of a heavy heart with your tragic passing
and from various other disappointments along the way at that time.
It took me a while to stand back up, brush myself off, and realize that
I was not going to let circumstances dictate my happiness and success going forward.

No, I had decided that I was going to promise you that I would prevail
under the toughest of times with the many defeats and disillusionments.
I know that my Divine Creator, who has a special plan for me (as he did for you),
will forever walk beside me through all the elations and adventures,
hardships and setbacks in this lifetime,
helping me to shine again in His Radiant Presence (as you are now shining with Him).

I will see you soon, Jake,
and we will play ball and laugh together
till our hearts’ content once again.

Missing You Very Much,

Aaron Spivey