Now you are free

Sometimes pictures can tell a story better than words, especially when you are at a loss for words. I went home this Thanksgiving to say goodbye to my best friend, who drowned in the Columbia River this Summer. I’ve known him since I was a kid. Though it will never be the same, going home and spending a moment with his friends and family really helped…especially on November 29, his birthday. We went out to the Kalama river to the bridge that we used to jump off of during the hot summers, to put him where he belongs.

This is the last time I will mention him in my blogs…not because I am sad, but at peace…ready to say goodbye. Here are a few photos my friend Trista Martin (who married one of my other best friends) took:

The only time the sun came out was when we spread his ashes in the river. Once we were done, it started getting cloudy again.

A few of Jake’s friends. This is a small sample of all the people who care and love him so much.

Jake’s little brother Max, wearing his older brother’s beloved Yankees hat. Next year, I will go to New York to spread his ashes at the home of the 2009 World Series Champions.

Now you are free my friend. I will see you again, but not yet…not yet.

Goodbye my friend. I love you very much.

Jacob Thomas Woods–November 29, 1983 to July 21, 2009