Happy Birthday Jacob!

by Janet Martin on 01/10/2011

in Jake's Mission Featured Articles

Today we celebrate Jacob’s 24th birthday!  As our family’s gift to him, we will “make a memory” today.  We are presently in the mountains of North Carolina and received 8″ of snow overnight, with more expected today.  Great conditions for sledding!  It was our tradition as a family that on your birthday, you got to “skip” school and do something fun!  The picture that you see was taken on January 10, 2003, Jacob’s 16th birthday!  He wanted to skydive….and he did!  What an experience! Below is a beautiful poem written by Jacob’s Aunt Carol…

SKYDIVER

Floating freely in the sky
You may ask me why?

To be free, free of the gravity of thoughts & cares
To soar without restraint, like the birds of the air.

Watch me fly without wings
Watch me live if only by a string.

Thrill seeker, adventurer you say
Yes & more for this is my day!

Please don’t worry, rejoice with me
This is the day I want to play.

Arms outstretched like an eagle’s wings
Soaring through the air I feel like a king.

Heart pumping, adrenaline rush
Land approaching, a gentle hush.

As moments turn into today’s memories for tomorrow,
I will rejoice for having fully lived,
Leading and not having followed.

Create a memory with someone you love today!  We’d love to have “24″ people purchase a DWR wristband today & pass it along to someone they care about in memory of Jake’s b-d!  Thank you!

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Remembering Jacob

by Janet Martin on 10/23/2010

in Jake's Mission Featured Articles

Dear Readers,

Today marks the third anniversary of our son’s passing.  Tonight at 6:30 we will gather as a family surrounding the beautiful tree we planted outside the “Chapel In The Woods” near our home in the mountains of North Carolina in memory of Jacob.  Please take a moment at 6:30 tonight and reach out to someone in need that could use a kind word and a warm embrace…and whisper “this is for you Jake”.  When you read this, please spread the word of JAKE’S MISSION and forward to at least one person on your email list!  God Bless You!

A Letter From Heaven

A Letter From Heaven – Ruth Ann Mahaffey

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, theres no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.

I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night….My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented… that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go…from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…you’re coming here to me.

God Bless You Son,

Your Loving Family

  

 

 

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The Value of Appreciation

May 6, 2010

Excerpt from The Simple Truths of Appreciation, by Barbara Glanz “My friend, Bob Danzig, has an amazing story. Simple words of appreciation and encouragement changed his life. Bob was in five foster homes during his youth, and said he spent his childhood trying to find someone to love and appreciate him. When he was nine [...]

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Tuesday’s Quote on Appreciation

May 3, 2010

“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.” ~William James, Founder of Modern Psychology

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“Free Things”

April 27, 2010

I was meeting with a wonderful guy named Tony and we were discussing ”social media marketing”.  During one of our brainstorming chats, he came up with a brilliant plan…to catch people do something “right” and then give them a free gift with one of Jake’s Mission cards.  The good deed could be as little as opening a [...]

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A Police Officer Named Robbie

April 14, 2010

While in North Carolina a couple of weeks ago, our car’s alternator went out forcing us to pull over which happened to be at the entrance to Western Carolina University.  It was a Friday evening, on a holiday weekend, in a small town.  Quite a comedy of events began to occur, however, I’ll spare you the details.  [...]

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Bethany’s Message

April 5, 2010

In March, we initiated a monthly winner drawn randomly from our Facebook Fans.  Our first winner of a DWR Wristband, DWR Hat, and DWR Decal is Bethany from Fort Myers, Florida.  After learning she was the winner, she wrote the following and gave her permission to share it with all of you!  We can only [...]

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“If Everyone Did What Was Right!”

March 30, 2010

Contemplate the contents of this wonderful poem by Robin Moynihan…. IF EVERYONE DID WHAT WAS RIGHT! If everyone did what was right There would be no reason to fight The wars would all cease And love would increase Leading the world to endless peace… If everyone did what was right ~ If everyone stopped speaking [...]

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Let Your Life Shine!

March 29, 2010

Happy Monday!  For your listening pleasure ~ Indigo Girls Click here for the lyrics!

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Jacob’s Birthday Message to His Mom

March 25, 2010

I am Jake’s mom, and the founder of  Jake’s Mission.  Today is my birthday and I am missing Jacob very much.  In years past, my happiest moments were when my children were gathered around me.  I always felt that was the greatest gift anyone could receive, to be surrounded by the children she loves more than [...]

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