We took these photos last fall, while Jake is a student in the same school as our boys’, he goes to our church, he is friends of my sons, I had never spent a lot of time with Jake. I had only heard great things about him, his kindness towards others. I had seen his soft smile at school, on the football field, with his friends but I didn’t know him. I loved spending this time with Jake, his Mom and my sophomore son came as well. Jake is someone who I knew he looked up to, and after spending a couple of hours with him…I can see why. But I have to tell you this, and Jake will be embarrassed that I am sharing this…because he is a humble guy…I saw his heart shine just a few weeks ago. Our church hosted an event called “Night to Shine”, it was an event for adults with special needs. I was there. Jake was matched or buddied up with a young woman with special needs. He was her escort for the night. I watched Jake with his “buddy/date”. I watched how he focused on her having fun, how he never left her side, how he danced with her, how he allowed her to SHINE at the grand march. I saw the heart of a young man who cared more about others than himself. He stood proudly by his date, she was quiet and not very verbal, she had some scarring on her skin, I am guessing she hasn’t felt beautiful many days of her life due to the cruelty of some people in this world…but I can tell you this….THAT night she felt beautiful and lovely, and like a princess. Jake was a big part of that. I saw him shine that night. It is evenings like those that often show ones true character and WOW was I impressed.
I give you the handsome and humble Jake…
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