This is Jake's Story...

Jake is a 20-year-old twin who has been diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. Going through a vigorous daily radiation treatment and weekly Chemo treatments make him extremely tired, weak and sometimes nauseous.

Jake is otherwise a normal teenage kid. He likes playing computer games, paintball, swimming and golfing. He loves hanging out with his four brothers, 4 wheeling, camping, and ruining his mom's laundry baskets while making home videos. He hopes to someday become a computer programmer.

This blog was started to keep his family and friends updated on his status.

Addendum: Jake became cured of cancer, free of pain and everything this world brings on September 29, 2010. He continues his journey in Heaven. He is doing awesome! Hope you're doing the same!

His family thanks you for your generosity in donations, love and service. God has shown us many tender mercies!
Thanks for being one of them!





Wednesday, October 5, 2011

I can't believe it's been a week!

I can't believe it's been a week already! Jake has been with me since his spirit left his body...until 2:30 this morning! I woke up...and he had gone. I seem to hear his guide say..."It's time to leave her, Jake! She's going to be ok now...just let go of her heart. I promise it won't break if you let go." ...and then he let go...my heart kept beating...still in one piece. He left to go do whatever he is suppose to do now.
I recall when Jake was 6 and I was going into labor with Spencer. He hated seeing me in pain. He held my hand...it was all I could do not to crush is little hand each time a contraction came. He watched my face and listened for my breathing to increase...then he would grab my hand.
I left the house for the first time Monday. The viewing was amazing! So many hugs! My friends did an awesome job setting up pictures, had music
Beautiful flowers!
Beautiful casket spray designed and created by my SisNlaw, Janet
White Cali Lilies for peace
While roses for heaven
6 red roses for the ones he left behind
1 red rose in the middle...because Jake is still part of us
made with love, sweat and tears!
The funeral started with the fire alarm going off for some time...before we could start. We found that amusing! Zack read the obituary, then he and John told of the Jake-isms we remembered. The one I forgot to include is how he would sit downstairs, in the dark and wait to scare me. The bigger the scream, the bigger the accomplishment! I think they would rate them...a good scream was about a 6 and a scream and a punch was a 9! He would often bleat my name like a sheep...Maaaam, Maaaam! I can't beleive he got John to do the "Jake" dance! Jake couldn't lift his feet too well from some of the chemo he got...so he made up his own little dance. All the boys would stand in a line and do it...so funny!
I somehow found the strength to talk at his funeral. I will post that talk later, for those who weren't able to hear it.
The brothers, uncles, friends and best friend's dads carried him to the hurst and to his final resting place at the Lehi Cemetary...in our newly acquired deeded property.
Even in this saddest day of our lives...lots of love in the Holladay Family!
Greatful for my awesome guys!
My RS Peeps

A few (not all) of the awesome friends who put everything together!


Our friend, Rich, who played some amazing guitar while we ate our fabulous luncheon!
Lucky Charms was Jake's gaming name and gummy sharks were his favorite treat.  I don't know how they got these, but someone printed out the Lucky Charms label and found all these small boxes of cereal and put them on every table!  My friends are the coolest!
So many hugs!  So many friends, neighbors and family here for our support!  Flowers...so many beautiful flowers!  We have them in every room...even the bathroom!
We thank everyone for the love and kindness and your support during this sad time for us.  Even my racquetball buddies came and my Biggest Loser Team and trainer!  Friends and neighbors came from near and far to show their love and support for Jake and our family...not to mention the valet guy from Primary Childrens, some of the nurses, the sweet lady who ran the parent support group, all of Dave's work buddies/bosses, old friends from old neighborhoods and college, old friends from high school...I bet if I asked all of my best friends to raise their hands...half the audience would have.  You guys are amazing!

3 comments:

  1. It looks like it was a beautiful day. I'm so glad you were able to celebrate Jake's life with so many people who love you and your family. I wish I could have been there, but you have been in my thoughts continually. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings with all of us "For the Sake of Jake" fans. With much love!! - Missy

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  2. Rose, For some reason I've been thinking of you and Jake for the past week. I'm always so slow to react to promptings but tonight I finally checked The Healthy Wife blog. There was a post that directed me here to this blog. Although not unexpected I was still sorry to read of Jake's passing. I know you have great faith, I know you have been blessed this past week with an abundance of blessings, love and support never-the-less my heart aches for you and I mourn with you. The loss of a child is a test no one wants. You know and I know your Jake is pain free now, he's in a really great place seeing and doing incredible things but that doesn't change the missing....I lost my younger brother to a rare cancer two years ago. I miss him terribly, I talk to him all the time....weird because I don't feel the same way about my parents who have also graduated earth life. I have such respect and admiration for you and your family as you have supported and fought the fight against cancer. I'm so grateful to read that you have been surrounded by angels, love and support. I send mine from afar along with my prayers. May the Lord bless you in the days ahead with comfort, peace and continued strength till you meet again with your Jake. I also agree with Missy's comment, thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings......lovingly Victoria Carlson

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  3. Thanks for your kind comments...and Missy, you were there when we needed you to be!

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