Saturday, December 13, 2008

Inspiration



Jer & Aldee




Dear Faithful Readers,

Indy asked me to be a guest writer on her blog. A little bit about me, my name is Jer some of you might know me from winning the first give away on “I am not talking about it, I am just saying. . .” I know Indy through her younger sister Aldee.

Inspiration

In a time when so many people are facing hard times I am very thankful for those to those who have inspired so many of us to pick ourselves up from our boot straps and keep pressing forward. This year I have 4 people who have inspired me, my Aunt Gina, my Mom, my friend Aldee and my friend Marcel Jefferies.

I will start with my Mom who is a single mother who raised 4 boys. This year she finally bought her first house with her boyfriend. I am so very proud of her. She has the biggest hand in making me into the man I am today. My mom has inspired me for the last 24 years. She has taught me it doesn’t matter how many times you fall it matters how many times you get up. I hate to see my mom sad especially during the holidays when she stresses out about gifts. The best gift my mom ever gave me you cannot buy. What she has given me is worth more than all the money in the world. Not only has she given me the gift of life but she has given me her undying love no matter what I do. She will always love me and mom that means more to me than any gift you can ever give me.

My Aunt Gina has inspired me from the time I was a little kid. She always believed in me and she has been one of the greatest influences in my life. She has helped me with all my major accomplishments in my life. This year my Aunt and her family really stepped up and helped a friend in a time of need. Remember the Ohio wind storm in October? Most of Ohio was without power for 3 to 10 day. A friend of my aunts went to help a friend when a tree fell into his front room. As her friend was cutting the tree, the tree shifted and fell on him paralyzing him. Now his house is not accessible. My Aunt and Uncle have let him live in their ranch house so that he can live independently until they finish remodeling his house.

My good friend Aldee has inspired me for the last 5 years, but most of all this year. Everyone has been going through hard times, but she is the one constant that you can count on. No matter how bad it gets you can count on Aldee to be there with a smile on her face, to lift everyone’s spirits. This last year Aldee has really inspired me to reach for the stars and follow my dreams. She has been my teacher in life; she has taught me more about myself and friendship in the last year than I have learned in 10 years.

Marcel Jeffries was my rock. I only new him for a short time but he has inspired me for a lifetime. Marcel was a student who I worked with at John Carroll, he was blind and had cancer. I never once heard Marcel complain about going through chemo or the pain he most of been in. Marcel passed away this summer a month after my 24th birthday, he was only 19. Marcel taught me to see people for who they really are and not for what they looked like. Marcel taught me about the gift of life he was given. Even though it was not a long life it was a life that inspired many people. Marcel left footprints on this earth of giant proportions and I can only hope to someday do the same. I never got to say goodbye to my friend or tell him how much he has inspired me. I think about him on a daily bases, I wear a bracelet that says HOPE in his memory. MARCEL I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ME NOW WHEN I SAY GOOD BYE AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW YOU.

Thank you to all the people who have inspired me throughout the years.
Love Jer

44 comments:

Indy said...

Jer, thank you for writing my first "guest post." I love that you wrote about your inspirations. Allison has found a true friend.

Anonymous said...

Jer, Great post and thanks for the inspiring words and participating in the wonderful gathering this evening. Ironically, I just happened to catch the end of "It's a Wonderful Life", and it is truly wonderful with such wonderful family and friends. Everything happens for a reason, and these difficult times encourage us to focus on what is most important -- each other! Thanks friend!

Anonymous said...

Jer- Great inspiring words. Sounds like you are inspirational to others around you as well. I like the guest blog. Great idea! Way to keep it fresh Indy!

Rhea said...

A sweet post about inspirations.

Indy, OHmommy just informed us about your mother, and my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you right now. I can't imagine what you're going through.

Mr Lady said...

Coming on the word of OHMommy, as well, sending hugs and condolences. Which aren't enough. Still, my heart breaks for your loss.

(((hugs)))

just jamie said...

I may be a stranger, but if well wishes and hugs can transcend the screen and reach out... well... (came from OHMommy). Many prayers for you...

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

What an inspiration!

Indy, I am so sorry for your mother's loss. Please know that I will be praying for you guys. I hope you can find peace knowing your mother is resting in loving arms.

AutoSysGene said...

OHMommy sent me...sounds like you could use some (((hugs)))

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Anonymous said...

Not sure if I should leave this here...but I want to extend deep sympathy over the loss of your mother.
"Grief is the price we pay for true love."

hang on. You will survive this. you must.

Blessings.

Cynthia said...

Coming here from Ohmommy to give you a virtual {hug} and say I am so sorry for your loss...

The Mom Jen said...

My heart aches for your loss!! I'm so sorry, sending as much strength you may need at this tough, tough time!!

Anonymous said...

another OHMommy...

You don't know me, nor me you, but right now I am sending you hugs and kind thoughts across the oceans. Nothing I can say can make it any better but just know that all over the world people are thinking of you and your family today.

Tyne said...

Indy, Hoping you find comfort in this time of loss. I am so sorry and will pray for you in this time.

Marinka said...

Indy, I am new to your blog, but I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Don Mills Diva said...

Hi Indy,

Just heard about your mom and wanted to express my sincerest condolences on your loss.

xo

flutter said...

so very sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

OhMommy and her loving words directed me here.. I am so sorry for your loss..sending some Long Island hugs your way..

Jennifer said...

So sorry to hear about your mom. Saying a prayer for you now during this difficult time.

Beth said...

I came from Ohmommy's blog...I am so sorry to hear of your loss!! I am sending virtual hugs!!

Red Lotus Mama said...

OH Mommy told me about your loss. My thoughts are with you. May your memories of your mother bring you comfort in this difficult time. *HUG*

Melissa ♥ Spoiled Mommy said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss,
My deepest sympathies.
To you and your family.

May God Bless you and comfort you in your hour of grief.

{Read about your loss on Ohmommys page}

Leslie said...

Coming by way of Ohmommy. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. There are simply no words. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family through this difficult time. (((hugs)))

Blessings From Above said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. You have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers at this sad time. May God hold you close and bring you peace in the days ahead.

enthalpymama said...

Lots of LOVE>

Stephanie said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

When I die
when my coffin
is being taken out
you must never think
i am missing this world

don't shed any tears
don't lament or
feel sorry
i'm not falling
into a monster's abyss

when you see
my corpse is being carried
don't cry for my leaving
i'm not leaving
i'm arriving at eternal love

when you leave me
in the grave
don't say goodbye
remember a grave is
only a curtain
for the paradise behind

you'll only see me
descending into a grave
now watch me rise
how can there be an end
when the sun sets or
the moon goes down

it looks like the end
it seems like a sunset
but in reality it is a dawn
when the grave locks you up
that is when your soul is freed

have you ever seen
a seed fallen to earth
not rise with a new life
why should you doubt the rise
of a seed named human

have you ever seen
a bucket lowered into a well
coming back empty
why lament for a soul
when it can come back
like Joseph from the well

when for the last time
you close your mouth
your words and soul
will belong to the world of
no place no time

Tiffany said...

I found your blog via OHMommy. I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that even strangers are saying a prayer for you to give you even the tiniest bit of comfort during your time of need.

Blessings to you and your family.

MsMommy said...

Indy, so sorry, love. Not gonna fill your comment box with philosophical yapping. Just know I am thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

More thoughts, hugs, love, and prayers your way.

Rach (Mommy Learns to Blog) said...

Hi Indy,

I am here by way of OHMommy and just wanted to express my deepest condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

Another stranger sent by OHMommy with prayers and thoughts of you at this very sad time. Peace and love to all of you.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Here from OhMommy... I am so sorry for your loss. Many many hugs for you and your family...

Stephanie said...

Indy, may time heal your sorrow and God dry your tears. We're praying for you and the loss of your mother. We love you!

Unknown said...

Jer, your inspirations come from good places - and it seems your aunt and uncle are rare and exceptional people.

Indy, you and your family and your Mom are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Words you will hear many times. But heartfelt, nonetheless.

Jessica said...

Oh goodness! May all your memories be a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Coming over from OHMommy...
my heart goes out to you.
Sending peaceful hugs and lasting strength.

MaryB said...

Hi, Indy. It's Aldee's friend, Mary. I'm so honored to be pictured on your blog. =) Thank you for letting me be a recent fixture at various family homes!

AGSoccerMom said...

More Hugs sent your way via OHMOMMY. So very sorry for your loss.

Jo Ashline said...

Indy
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for your inner peace and healing during this very difficult time in your life.

Much Love and God's Blessings
Jo

Jessica said...

Indy, I just read OHmommy's blog about you losing your mother. I'm so sorry to hear about that. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time.

My Sweet Side said...

Many cyber hugs and blessing

sara said...

Indy,

So sorry to hear about you mom.

sending hugs your way.

Karen said...

OHMommy directed me here. Just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. May the Lord give you strength and peace during this difficult time.


Karen

Sheena said...

Thank you for writing such kind words about my brother. Marcel was an inspiration to all of us. He made my family and I stronger and although I was the big sister he taught me so much. I miss his dearly and I think about him daily. He was my conscious while he lived and he will continue to be in death.
with love,
Sheena

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