Memories
Entries in order of author's last name... T-Z:
Thomson, Marcus Van Gend, Richard Vik, Nils Vilks, Tracy
Wilson, Bruce Wohlsein, Cassi
Richard Van Gend
Nils Vik
Tracy Vilks
Cassi Wohlsein
Marcus Thomson
Bruce Wilson
I wasn�t one of Jason�s good friends, but whenever I saw him he would always be smiling and was nice to me. I will always remember his huge smile that put a smile on my face too. Everyone will miss Jason very much.
I am sad to say that I did not know Jason very well. I saw him a few times in the v + v class helping Schram , by the looks of things he must have been a great guy, for having all such good friends.
Jay was just such a make you smile kinda guy, he could lighten up a room, and I will never forget the time he told me on ICQ about how we was doing with his relationship with God, and it was just so inspiring to see how God worked in his life, and to see him strong in his faith. I'm so glad he was confident on where he stood with who he was and where he was going. Jammin' it won't be the same without you my friend. You'll be missed. Just thinking of you makes me smile.
My memory of Jason is from the bike trip. When we were ridding there Brittany fell behind so I ended biking with him the rest of the way. We talked a bit and he was really nice to me. Usually the older kids just scorn at the younger one when the struggle with something or make a mistake, but Jason didn't do that. Also on the bike trip I remember him always wanting to play heed. From what I saw he was really good. I wish I could have gotten to know him better, but from what I did know he was a really great guy. He will always be in all our hearts, and when our journey is over, we will meet again.
To say Jason was a good kid would be an understatement. He was a wonderful kid and even through the early teen years when most kids hate their parents, etc� he was still terrific. We went through cubs and scouts together with me being a leader. I often wondered if he would rather not have his old man around all the time, but I�m sure we�re both glad we had that time together. The last few years we would reminisce about all the camps we went on and the crazy things that happened. Jason left a legacy of good memories: his wacky sense of humor, (inherited), his kindness and compassion, his love for the wilderness and God, and especially his love for Catherine. One of my fondest memories occurred on the way to Tinkertown. Jason was 12 and Nicole was 6. We had turned south on Hwy 304 near Beausejour, and Nicole was being a typical 6 year old, acting silly and complaining. I had told her numerous times to stop, but she kept carrying on. Now if there is one thing most of us know, is that Jason was as sharp as a tack. Finally, I turned to Jason and said �Maybe it�s time you told Nicole about Billy.� Without missing a beat he turned to Nicole and told her that before she was born he used to have a younger brother named Billy, and one day we were on our way to Tinkertown on this very road. Billy had been really misbehaving and finally Dad stopped the car and made Billy get out. He finished by saying �That was the last time I ever saw my brother Billy.� I adjusted the rear view mirror to look at Nicole and her eyes were big as buttons. The car was deathly silent. Finally we couldn�t hold it in anymore, and we all broke out laughing. Jay told Nicole it was just a joke, but she wasn�t quite certain about that yet! (I see it as more stuff she can use when she writes her book about her terrible parents) Jason was like that, spontaneous, witty and a very dry humor at times. He cared so much for his friends, on a few occasions that I know of, he took the blame for his friends. On one occasion the snowmobile came back as a crumpled heap. He explained they were riding double and coming over a hill the skis wouldn�t turn, and they hit a tree. I wasn�t angry, having wrecked a few sleds myself. I just told him we better see if we can fix it so he could get out on it again. I never knew that he wasn�t driving at the time of the accident, but that wouldn�t have made any difference anyway. Losing a child is every parent�s nightmare. I can�t do a damn thing about it, so I am trying to accept it. Jason was all a father could ask for, and he will live in our hearts forever. �God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change� �Courage to change the things I can,� �And the wisdom to know the difference� I love you Jay, XXXOOO Dad.
It's hard to realize what you have until you lose it. I felt close to him, event hough I only knew him for a week (IMC). As soon as I was done reading the letter, I went fumbling through my pictures to catch another glimpse of him. I remember that he was always smiling or laughing. I know this is hard, but all you need to remember is that he will always live on in your hearts, and mine as well. His unfortunate death is a big reminder that we only have so much time here on earth and we should make the most of it, which I think he did. Tomorrow I have to go to the Region One-Act Play Festival and act my heart out. I am hoping for an acting award, but it will be hard to do my best with Jason's memories filling my mind and heart. I will still try to do my best though, just for jason. I am sure that he is wathcing over you every day. It may be hard to understand now, but God has a reason for everything, so don't forget that. Jason's parents are in my prayers, and even though I may not know them, I kow that if they raised jason, they must be truly wonderful people. You (Catherine) and Jason together, are how I will always remember not to take loved ones for granted. Remmeber that it is always, always okay to cry. It helps to heal the soul.
