Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A note from Jesse


So I haven't had the best day. I would call it a "beating myself up" day. I finally go to the mailbox to find a letter from his teacher. Her note says:

Hi, Michelle. Here's Jesse's writing assessment - so sweet!"

It goes on to tell me that his items await me at school that they cleaned out his locker and that they have created a display case set up as a memorial to Jesse and that kids stop by it every day to pay respects.

I open up his assessment and know full well that Jesse sent it to me in his own little handwriting. It goes like this:

My mom is a very courageous person. She does many things to show how courageous she is. She always does brave things to make my life easier, even if they are difficult.

My mom's name is Michelle Alswager. She always does things to help me. One of the biggest things is she applied for a job at JDRF, a place where they raise money for research about diabetes. She got the job and helped a lot in the community.

My mom is also courageous for her athleticism. In 2006, she began intense training to bike one-hundred and five miles in Death Valley, California. She would bike sixty-five miles every week about three times. She went to Death Valley and completed the one-hundred and five miles in the desert. She enjoyed it so much that she did it four more times!

Then she wanted a harder challenge. SHe decided to attempt Ironman, Madison, WI, a triathlon. Except she couldn't swim and she didn't run. But that did not stop her. She began swimming lessons and started running. She finished Ironman on time. I was so proud!

She is currently working on a making a documentary. It is about people with diabetes doing Ironman. She is working so hard on it. It is almost done. The documentary has taken about two years of filming and will play around the world in film festivals when it is done.

This year my mom got a new job at Brava Magazine. She wanted the job so much! Unfortunately, Brava closed down but my mom gathered her co-workers and planned a way to save the business. They found a new owner and saved Brava. Those are some reasons why my mom is a very courageous person!
____________

It was like getting the biggest hug on the planet....

7 comments:

Wendy said...

OMGsh.

I'm speechless...oh, Michelle. I can't begin to imagine the hole in your heart.

Your boy was amazing. I've read alot about him over the past few days.

And you're amazing. What an incredible inspiration you must be to everyone blessed to know you.

There's nothing anyone can say to ease this pain.

Just know that you're in the thoughts and prayers of many, many, many mothers.

I can't imagine what happened. It scares me to think that such a wonderful young man - your baby - fell victim to this disease. I'm left wondering if my daughter could be next.

God bless you and your family...and the road ahead.

I will continue to think of you often.

Amy said...

I am so. sorry. for your loss. What an amazing young man! So thankful that you got one more hug from him! You are an inspiration to us all!

Meri said...

What a beautiful gift!

What a blessing.

Sending you love and prayers from our family to yours.

(((HUGS)))

Shamae (Ghost written by Loren her hubby) said...

What a great note to forever cherish. I'm so sorry. I know I don't have the words to help ease your pain. But thanks for the work you are doing to further T1 research. Jesse is so proud of you...as is the rest of this T1 family. Because, we are all a family united by a common theme--Type 1 Diabetes and more specifically with us, mothers to Type 1 Diabetics.

Ronda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ronda said...

What a wonderful gift from Jesse that you will cherish forever. You can tell from his words that he knew that you loved him very much and that he loved you even more. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jen said...

It was a great big hug. And I'm glad he sent it to you right when you needed it.

I'm sad I never got to meet him - your inspiration for touching many of our lives with the work you've done.

Please don't stop. My thoughts are with you.

Sending a hug and lots of smiles your way. xoxo