I once heard someone say, “What’s important is not the years in your life but the life in your years”. As I look around today I see so many people whose lives have been touched by Jeremiah. That alone is proof of the full life Jeremiah lived. As his cousin I had the privilege to see him grow since birth. I would like to think I knew him better than most. However, the thing about Jeremiah is that whether you’ve known him for a lifetime, or a fleeting moment he would show you his true self. Most people go throughout their daily lives switching from one mask to another. Not Jeremiah. He was never one to sugar coat his words when he didn't like something. There were many times I thought I was looking fresh and my little cousin had to set me straight.
When Jeremiah found something he liked he would pour all of his passion into it. My uncle Miguel taught him about fishing, and it quickly became one of his favorite hobbies. I still remember when he first got into fishing and he’d spend hours with Jamie by the pond. I never thought I would be the fishing type but looking back I wish I had gone with them just once. Just to be able to share in Jeremiah’s joy. I'm thankful to all of his friends that joined him on his fishing adventures and I know you helped him have the time of his life.
All of Jeremiah’s friends are probably aware of his gamer side. I’d like to think I helped him nurture that one. Since he was a toddler Jamie and I have been showing him the ropes. If you haven't seen his YouTube channel I recommend checking it out. It is one of the many outlets he used to express his creativity and he came a long way from the small kid I used to destroy in Super Smash Bros.
When we were younger Jeremiah spent a lot of time playing with Jamie and I. Believe me when I tell you that he was the most energetic ball of curiosity I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling family. He was always smiling, singing random songs he’d make up on the spot. I remember every time we would hang out I would have to ask myself how he comes up with this stuff.
The truth is he had a much less narrow scope of the world than I did. Where some people are clouded by fear, Jeremiah refused to let that hold him back. Jeremiah was born with congenital heart defects. Somehow even as his cousin it was easy for me to forget at times. Jeremiah had so much youthful energy it seemed like nothing would ever be able to hold him back. The truth is that he had to fight through a lot of pain. He did so with such bravery and fortitude that the untrained eye wouldn't be able to tell. Jeremiah hated pity. More than anything he wanted everyone around him to be happy.
We all know death is inevitable, yet that doesn't make it any easier to accept. We all feel the pain of his loss. For many of us it can feel quite unbearable. I ask all in attendance today to reflect on your memories with Jeremiah. Share your stories with others and speak of the life he lived. Rejoice in the precious moments you had with him. And when you feel the pain of his loss, try to find solace in the fact that Jeremiah is free from the pain that tried to keep him bound. I love you Jeremiah. You will live on in my heart and mind. Gone but never forgotten.
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