Sunday, October 4, 2009

REMEMBERING JAKE!


JAKE OWEN RABORN
12/31/2001-10/05/2006
























I think I could have done this all night... picking out favorite pictures of Jake! Unfortunately, they are all we have to remember him by. Thankfully, we took A LOT! I miss this little toot so much. He enriched my life. He touched so many. I hope my legacy can be as grand as the one this little 4 year old left the world. He was one of a kind! I miss you, Jake!

Mo

69 comments:

Nana said...

I was expecting pictures of Jake. I was telling my Canton shoppers on the way home about Jake and told them the date was Oct. 5 and I thought you would have pictures on your blog! I think of him so often...EVERY time I see BELIEVE,
M&M's, play McDonald's, Shrek, and many other things. That precious litle boy touched my life as he did thousands of others..His memory will always live on. (We still make the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti and I call it Jake's spaghetti!) Good to see you and Staci! I have to go back in November...didn't have time to shop and I need some of that ribbon stuff you bought!!!!

Jenny said...

Just wanted to say that he touched my life! What a wonderful little boy! The St Jude Family still talks about our sweet little Jake! He made such a difference in many peoples lives and still does! He is a true legacy! God Bless!

Jenny Solid Tumor RN

Anonymous said...

I will never forget that sweet soul and how he has changed so many lives. HE is a legacy!! Celebrating his sweet life today! Love yall!

Christina said...

I woke up thinking about you and of course your entire family. I am not great with words, especially those bearing my emotions, but my heart is full of various feelings, thoughts, and prayers. Just know I am thinking of you today on this very special day. The day Jake returned to the Father. Blessings today my friend!

Lakeville Vertical said...

I think we could look at pictures of Jake all day also. It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years. He was a precious little gift and I will remember this wonderful boy and his story forever. Hoping that today you remember him with smiles and not tears. :)

Dawn said...

Sweet Jake. I miss that boy too. The short time that we knew him will never be forgotten. Mason will never forget him. I can't believe it's been three years since he joined his grandmother and his St. Jude buddies in heaven.

Thanks for the pics today Mo. Love you ALL.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful boy! I followed Jake's story and he is one amazing angel. The 11s get me everytime! Jake will never be forgotten.

A prayer for all of you today. God Bless.

Christie said...

Oh precious Jake. How that boy touched me. I could only hope to have half the courage he had at such a young age. He was a trooper. The word "Believe" took on a whole new meaning for me after Jake. I will always think of Jake and your family when I see Believe. I love the picture of Jake, Hayden, and Hunter on the beach. My how they have grown. Hugs to you all today.

Firemom said...
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Mary said...

I followed Jake's blog too. That smile of his just melt my heart. Thinking about you all today and wanted to say "Thanks" to Stacey, Don, Todd & you for sharing Jake with "us". We miss him too.....

Firemom said...

Oh sweet Jake - how we miss this little angel!
We are all so blessed to have been touched by his life, his story, and the power it gave us all to BELIEVE!

melanie, aka Mo said...

Of course I would look at this at 11 comments! And woke up at 6:11. Hey JAKE!! Mo

Jane said...

I can't believe it's been 3 years. Wow.

I have been a Jake follower from almost the beginning. I too catch the 11 of the hour a lot, so I think of him often.

Belinda said...

Will be praying for all of you!

Belinda said...
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Bj said...

Good morning Mo...you and your family will be in my thoughts throughout the day...my heart hurts for you and the longing you must all have to see that little warrior again....AND YOU WILL...some sweet day! Just keep on keeping on and above all....BELIEVE!!!!!..huggers to all, Brenda (Bj)

Kathryn said...

You know, if it weren't for Jake, I would not have gotten to know the Jude, or the families there. I would not have gotten to meet you, and would not have learned so much.

So, rock on, Jake! I think of you every day when I see the "Believe" your Aunt Mo painted for me, and I just smile and smile and smile.

Peace to all who love and miss that sweet, sweet boy. Look in your heart today, because he's there loving you right back!

randdmom said...

Always love seeing little Jake's photos. Saying a prayer for all of you to ask Jesus to ease your pain. Jake was a wonderful boy and a light like no other...

Mbeaty19 said...

I remember all to well opening Jake's site three years ago and the tears of sadness for his loss and happiness for his complete healing. Though I never met Jake personally that little boy became a part of my life (as he did many others). He taught us so many things and continues to play a role in our lives each day. The love your family shares and the strength your family has shines through ever word, picture, and belief that you have shared. Thank you for letting us continue to be a part of this journey. And thank you Jake for watching over all us 'Believers' and reminding us of your presence with the 11s.

Sharidrew said...

I can't describe how that little smile makes my heart feel. It is just amazing how a little boy whom I never met in person touched my soul. What a sweet little angel. We still have our believe necklace and my son loves to wear it. I can't believe it's been three years. I pray for your healing and know that I'm thinking about you guys today. God be with you and keep you.

Love you from Missouri,
Shari

Tammy said...

Thinking of you all today! That little smile could light up the sky, I swear! Thats one sweet boy I'll never forget! Thanks for the pictures, they're all great! Hugs from Fort Worth!

Rhonda said...

Oh my goodness, Mo ~ what a perfect way to start Monday morning....with that smiling little face! I have said it before, but I tell you what, that picture of Jake and his brothers with the dog ~ Jake looks JUST LIKE ELLIE SUE! He obviously kissed her in heaven before you were blessed with her! Goodness, they do look alike! I know your family does miss that sweet boy and I wish you all peace today and everyday.

Melissa said...

Praying for your family today. I was having a conversation with myself this morning (lol) about lacking motivation to continue with my running program. (I'm sooo lazy!) and these pictures were just what I needed.
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. I think that it truly does make all of us better people for it!

Nora said...

Can't believe it's been 3 years!! What a precious little one, even though many of us never had the pleasure to meet him in person he forever touched our lives!! Love to your family today.....

Melissa said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures of sweet Jake and reminding us how precious life is. He touched my life as well and will never be forgotten.

Pepper said...

Some of those pictures I had not seen before somehow. It was great to see his sweet smile. The one with him and Todd has always been one of my favorites. I also love the one where Todd is pulling him in the wagon in the cold. The things we would do just to make them happy. It was a sweet wonderful and very loved little boy. Thanks for sharing.

Cathy said...

Oh Mo. Thank you. I fell asleep thinking about your sweet little man and woke up with the same thoughts. I will forever be amazed that such a tiny little man has had such an enormous impact on this world... and on my life. I am so thankful that I got to know him... and all of you too, because you've taught many people how to make every day count. Sending hugs through teary eyes....

MaryH said...

I remember Jake - I remember the first time I saw his story - I remember "Flipper" - I remember the Believer Express - I will never be the same since "meeting" Jake. Thank you for the pictures. I pray for Jake to send many "elevens" today to his Aunt Mo. Jake, you are amazing. The world misses you.

Unknown said...

Remembering and celebrating Jake today. Thank you for sharing him with us, he certainly was a very special and unique angel.

I'm a BELIEVER!!!

Sandy said...

Mo
Thanks for the beautiful post and the wonderful pictures of that precious Jake. Jake is the reason for alot of lives in your direction. He was such an inspiration to me and so many more. It was the best thing to see on this Monday morning. BELIEVING always. Happy Heavenly Birthday JAKE

Penny said...

3 years already - I can't believe it. Thanks for the pictures.

Chasity said...

You will never know how much this child has touched my life and I never even met him. Remembering your family today. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful kid with us.

Dottie Phillips said...

He makes me smile.... sweet, sweet Jake. :)

Denise said...

Thanks for the posting, Mo. It's hard to believe that three years have gone by since Jake earned his Angel wings. He sure did leave quite a legacy behind him... how many families have benefited from the Jake Owen Raborn Foundation? -- MANY!!
And thanks to Jake, I had the privilege have getting to know all of you down there in West Monroe.
Always BELIEVING,
Denise
P.S. I still have the BELIEVE sign on the back of my car. :)

Marlo said...

I remember Jake too.

Unknown said...

I never met Jake in "real life" but from following his story from start to finish I felt like I knew him personally. A smile always on his face! He was so precious. He touches everybody...those who had met him, and those who only knew him online. He will be missed!

SamC said...

Still loving him and believing.

Lyn said...

Thinking of all of you today..wow...can't believe it's been 3 years already. His smile and bright blue eyes brought a huge smile to my face. Thanks for sharing.

Crystal said...

Oh how I miss precious Jake-e-poo!

A long time Jake believer,
Crystal

loribeth said...

Missing Jake! Thanks for sharing these great pics! Your fanily continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jenn said...

Sweetness......There is so much love in these pictures.

RADstitches said...

The sweetest smile ever.... Believe!

tricia said...

thinking of all of you today.

Photography by Kimberly Craig said...

Thanks Mo for the Pics of Jake. . . .he crosses my mind everytime I pass a Believe sign, and there are quite a few in my home - My prayers are with you guys today. . . . I know he is missed so so so much -

Anonymous said...

Thanks Mo for sharing Jake with us all. I know for one my life has changed all because of that sweet child. I look at things so differently than before. Everytime I see an 11 or anything saying BELIEVE I get glossy eyed and my husband asks me "Are you okay?" Oh
"Yes I am, the angel is all around us," is usually all I can muster out. Until the time comes little Jakester, keep surrounding your family, friends with your warmth,love and give Aunt Mo an extra kiss today!

wpeel said...

Mel,
I never got the chance to meet Jake but through your posts, I feel like I did! Thanks for sharing that sweet face of his and how he's touched so many!
Call me crazy, but in the picture of him and Todd, Jake looks a little like Ellie!

Kenzie Holley said...

He was so cute. So sweet!

nanny of two said...

What a special little man. Prayers for Jake's family today and every day. His little personality shines through in those pictures. We will always remember him.

Michele said...

Thinking of you and your whole family today!! That smile of Jake's is like no other! Sweetest angel!!

Heidi said...

I'm speechless. How lucky Jake was to have had you all. I know of no other family that loved someone soooo much. It's hard to type through the tears,but I so appreciate you letting us all be a part of your life. Please know, you and yours are in my prayers, especially today. Much love, Heather

Denise said...

I am thankful to Jake that because of him, we all get to hear and see the wonderful babies that God has provided for you!

You have added so much joy to so many lives and have spread so much love around, I know that Jake is very proud of his Aunt Mo and all the greatness she adds to this world!

Ginny D. said...

I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers today. Jake was lucky to have such a wonderful family.

I have to agree with the person who said Ellie and Jake look a lot alike. Looking at the pics you posted today, they look incredibly similar!

jag said...

His sweet spirit really shines through in every picture. I am so sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for sharing the memories with us.

dntlee said...

Wow, Mo. So many times I have read your posts and not left a message. I found you through Jake's caringbridge via Corbin's site a long time ago. I too am a cancer mom. Your family inspired me so much with your grace and strength and made me understand just how much God is in control of everything. I still think of him so often. Green M&M, halloween, New Years, etc. So many memories. Love your girls and your arty side. I feel like you are a long-lost friend. Thanks for sharing!!

Debbie said...

Thank you Mo, for the wonderful pics of Jake today and his tribute. I will never forget him. He brought me more in my life than I can say. Can't believe it's been 3 yrs. Kiss your girl's for us.

I BELIEVE and always will because of Jake!!

God Bless~
Debbie Jean

Anonymous said...

Hi My name is Maria and I'm KAcy Acree's brother's girlfriend. I came upon your blog and now following....Feel free to follow mine. I was looking at the pictures of Jake and he was truly precious.You are in my prayers tonight with our family. I am wanting to do more to volenteer my time or anything I can do for St. Jude. I am running in the St. Jude marathon. Do yall take donations? Dont you have a team? Let me know!!
Sincerley,
Maria
Also....You are very creative....Ive seen the scrapbooks and jewelery and would love to learn to do that. I do scrapbook alot but not like the ones you do! They are awesome!

kimybeee said...

I may have never "met" Jake, but I miss him too. I love the pics - reminds us how we got here...

Ally said...

What a precious face! Praying for yall today!! It's so amazing how much Ellie looks like Jake! So cool!! Love and prayers to you!!

Claudia said...

What sweet pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us. He must have been something else. Sweet angel!

Kendall Family said...

Remembering Jake and his family today. I Believe!


B+


kathleen

Christy said...

Sweet Jake...so loved and so missed...never forgotten!

Beth E. said...

Jake will forever hold a special place in my heart. I never met him in person, yet felt as if I knew him...ya know? He impacted my life.

I, too, think of him anytime I see the word BELIEVE or see green M&M's...he's been an inspiration to many!

Thinking of him, and saying a prayer for your family...

Love,
Beth

sococo said...

He sure made a difference in my life. Just by following in his journey!

MLP said...

I could never forget that precious little angel! He touched so many lives...including MINE! I loved looking at the pictures.

Sweet prayers for all of you today and always. I know you guys just miss him like crazy.

Amy said...

wow, i can't believe it has been 3 years. i sure miss that smile!! thinking of your family and saying prayers for you all.

snekcip said...

Beautiful, poignant touching post! Missing you always Jake!

Amy said...

Wow, three years! I shake my head in disbelief that it has already been that long. So sweet to see those old pictures. He was a handsome young man, you can see the love. Thanks for sharing your special nephew Jake.

Sarah said...

Remembering that sweet sweet beautiful boy!

Unknown said...

I still think of Jake every time I see 11:11. Another sweet cancer angel gained her wings last night. I feel it's no coincidence that she transitioned at 11:11 pm.