On Saturday July 1st, 2024, events took place that resulted in Jessi being in the UT Medical Center ICU. We can’t fully understand these events or what caused them to transpire, but what we do know is that Jessi was loved, and he knew this— only sometimes pain became almost too intense for him to bear. It is my belief that Jessi could have survived this pain, as he had done with every pain before. He was one of the strongest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. This pain, though— this time it just seemed too big to him. Perhaps it was this pain and not Jessi that chose to try to leave this world. Jessi remained in the ICU for 5 days. He was sedated and on a ventilator most of this time. Multiple brain tests revealed that his brain was far too damaged for him to breathe on his own or make a recovery. A few days later, the ventilator was removed so Jessi could pass to a place of peace and no more pain. And on July 7th, Jessi finally got to rest. One silver lining is that Jessi was an organ and tissue donor. While he was not able to donate organs due to time restraints, his body did go to the Restore Life program, where some of his tissues could be donated for research. Organ and tissue donation was a cause Jessi held dear— 11 years ago, he helped locate a successful kidney donor for sister Andi. Jessi was quite possibly the most remarkable person I’ve known. An unstable and turbulent childhood most certainly would have set the stage for him to live a life of bad choices. But that’s not what Jessi did. Despite the cycle of internal suffering Jessi had to carry, he worked so hard, and took great pride in everything he did, every job he had. He loved people and fiercely sought human connection. He forgave people. He kept going, despite struggles with mental illness, poverty, and challenging relationships. But Jessi’s story is by no means wholly tragic. I often have thought the reverse of the original saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” No, I thought— “Jessi makes LEMONS out of LEMONADE” In other words, he was doing the impossible. At so many times in his life, his perseverance led to success and respect. After all, this was a person who managed an IHOP restaurant at age 19 (yes, general manager!) A person who literally parented 10-year-old Andi for 2 years at age 22. More recently, so many of us were lucky enough to watch Jessi advance at Target, gain the respect of co-workers, purchase a new car he was proud of, habitually try new things, and help support Andi through her move to TN. Yes, Jessi was REMARKABLE. Today I am collecting money for Jessi’s memorial fund. Any amount is appreciated to help with the variety of costs incurred after Jessi’s passing. These costs will include a celebration of life service, care for Jessi’s dogs Brutus & Samus, any remainder of rent at his apartment, and any other bills until Jessi’s estate can be sorted and allocated. Thank you for loving Jessi, and thank you for donating.
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