REMEMBERING JACOB ALWAYS~~~  / CATHY~MOM OF DAVID GIRAUD

IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TODAY AND EVERYDAY~

CATHY GIRAUD ( MOM OF DAVID GIRAUD )

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Sorry for your loss  / Alice Silverman (Just another sad mom )

Was reading about your ADC with your son and saw you posted his memorial site.  I lost my son very close to the same time as you and they were very close in age.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  You were blessed to have had a visit.  I'm hoping Danny will come to me.  I did feel his presence once briefly.  I never believed in any of this stuff before but I do now.  Peace to you and your family.  Alice, Danny's Mom     http://daniel-silverman.memory-of.com/About.aspx

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An S-2000 and Jacob  / Belle Mihajlovic (Cousin)
Jacob's cousin, Belle, recently wrote to tell us about a special "Jacob moment" she had while running an errand for work.  Someone else was supposed to run the errand, but at the last minute, Belle was asked to do it.  She knows the last-minute change was not a coincidence, but was meant to be.  While out on the errand, she spotted an S-2000.  Immediately her thoughts turned to Jacob since that was the kind of car he drove.  What really surprised her, however, was seeing the license plate on the S-2000:  JA9.  For those who don't know, Jacob named his future company J9 Development.  We now use J9 in the foundation we established in Jacob's memory--The J9 Foundation.  Can you believe that?  It sure put a smile on Belle's face and allowed her to feel a special connection to Jacob.  Coincidence?  Maybe.  Don't think so!!!! Close

Thanks Kaylee, Josh, Hannah, & Hanna 4 writing!  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)

Just wanted to thank all of you who took the time to light a candle or write a note to us about Jacob during the days around his birthday.  You have no idea how much your words mean to us.  They bring us joy and life.  Any mention of Jacob's name has the power to heal a piece of the brokeness that will always exist.  Knowing that Jacob is still in the hearts and minds of his friends (and even those who never knew him) is a comfort and a blessing.  Some of you may think that your words do not have the power to heal and to comfort, but they do.  Always remember this as you reach out to others who have experienced loss, and you will be a blessing to them as well.  May you be comforted and blessed with the same comfort and blessing you have given us.

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my toaster-boy  / Hanna Kirby (friend)

i cant remember the first time i met jacob because it was so long ago but i wanted to share with everyone a time i had with jacob that i, along with mrs. nyenhuis will never forget. mrs. nyenhuis and i were sitting in her tutoring room going over school stuff when jacob came bursting into the room  with his first paycheck from outback where he had been bussing tables and was ready to step up to be a waiter. he was so proud of his paycheck, he stood in the room telling us about his day and what he was going to do with his paycheck that i (beeing the verry random person i am) blurt out "wow jacob you could buy a toaster with that kinda money". we all laughed for a second and after a while jacob left us to get back to our studing. the next week the same thing happened. jacob came in with his second paycheck and every one was so proud of him. after awhile i blurted out "wow jacob you could buy two toasters with that" and again everyone laughed but this time when he exited the room i said"BY TOASTER-BOY!!"from that day on everytime i saw jacob i would refer to him as "toaster-boy" the last time i was able to see jacob's bright face i was at the beach and he was with his bestfriend bobby and i was to shy to say hey to him so i didnt. if i could go back in time to that day i would have run up to him and wrapped my arms around him. i miss my toaster-boy more than anyone could ever understand, and when the nyenhuis's move away im going to have to swing by their house atleast once a week in order for mrs. sandy and i to have our usuall chats about toaster and life in general.

i love you guys so much and i dont know what i would do with out you. im gonna miss yall when you move

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J9 Shirt  / Hannah Holder (Know of him thru Mallory )

I didnt realize it was Jacobs birthday yesterday, but that morning i had a strong urge to wear my J9 shirt. I don't know why something just told me to wear it, to support his memory, while i was gettin ready for school, i revceived a text message from mallory telling me to wear my J9 shirt today. Odly enough i had already had it on. I told her that I had already had it on and asked her why was i suppose to wear it, she repilied today is his birthday.

It amazes me how Jacob touched me yesterday, and that morning. It was like him telling me to wear it before i even knew why i was wearing it. It makes me smile and helps me to know that friends and familly that have gone on are still very much apart of us and will contiune to be forever and will always talk to us some way or another

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Happy Birthday Buddy  / Josh Parmelee (Friend)

Thinking about Jacob today on his birthday has helped me through today and will keep on for the next few weeks.  Jacob was always in a good mood no matter what everytime I was around him.  I have the tendency to let very small matters mess with my head and get me down too easily.  I'm on an exchange in Barbados right now, and as the semester is winding down I find myself becoming very annoyed now with the little problems that didn't bother me as much at first.  Thinking about the fact that Jacob never let those little things get him down has given me a new light to my last few weeks here.  Instead of letting these things bother me and hope for the future when I won't have to deal with them, I look at the upside of everything here.  Great waves, beatiful scenery, not to mention the easy schoolwork of an exchange.  God gave me today and didn't make a promise for tomorrow is what my dad always tells me.  That's how Jacob seemed to live too.  Just enjoy every day that's given to you.

Miss you buddy 

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long time no see  / Kaylee Edwards (Friend)

I don't really remeber meeting Jacob for the first time. It was so long ago. I just remember seeing the Nyenhuis family at church all the time for as long as I can remember. I just got use to seeing all of them at church together. I remember seeing them at church just a few weeks before Jacob left us. And I saw them after. The one thing I will never forget is waving goodbye as Jacob and Matt drove off together on their way to life, to their future. I remember their sunglasses, the ball games playing on the radio all sorts of details stuck in my head. I spent a lot of time with the two of them the summer before at Matt's house. They both were a huge influence on me. I saw them together all the time. We played running bases and basketball and video games. Being around Jacob was the greatest thing and losing him brought great pain but with the bad God gives us good. It brought me closer to people around me and gave me a new found relationship with God. I saw people got so close with complete strangers at school that Monday. We had all lost someone that under everythink inside, we loved and loved to be around and that is what brought us so close. I will miss Jacob forever but at the same time I will thank God for that last summer for just as long.

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Feeling Jacob's Presence  / Saraya Beckwith (Friend)
Hey Mrs. Sandy!
I just wanted to let you know that I've been thinking about you lately!... Today, when we were driving home from running some errands, we looked up in the sky and it was such an amazing sight. We saw the sun's rays shining down, and on either side, the clouds were so intricately, almost handcraftedly placed in the sky, and in the middle of them some other clouds appeared to be whispy and a little foggy. At that moment, it felt like Jacob was almost reaching down from the sky. I could feel his presense in our midst. It was so amazing! It was just his reminder to us, that God's grace is so amazing and that, we too we will be with him and our heavenly father one day in Heaven, and oh what a day that will be!!! Close

Remembering Jacob  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)

We hope that Jacob will always be a part of your life, whether you ever met him face to face or not.  One day, you will meet him or see him again.  That smile of his will be hard to miss.

I can hardly wait to see you again, Jacob!!!!  We will laugh the way we used to laugh only it will be even better.  Finally, all the pain of living without you will be erased.  I trust the journey will be worth it.

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Jacob's Cross at Easter  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)

This is the cross at the site of Jacob's accident.

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THINKING OF YOU FOR VALENTINES DAY  / CATHY~~MOM OF DAVID GIRAUD~~~ (VISITOR)
IN MY THOUGHTS ALWAYS, SENDING HUGS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO MISS JACOB SO VERY MUCH!

CATHY GIRAUD ( DAVID'S MOM )

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Filled With Light, Joy, Peace and Love  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)
A few nights ago I had a dream about Jacob.  He was standing tall in a doorway or hallway.  We didn't speak at all.  He had his big, beautiful smile on his face, which told me he was full of joy.  Love and peace emanated from him.  The light.  That's what was most profound.  It was not light that was around him, but coming FROM him.  The light was warm and bright (but not harsh).  He seemed to be glowing.  The love that poured from my heart for him was great.

Moments later, when I woke up, I felt weak and disoriented but blessed to be able to see Jacob.  Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to see my son.  He looked wonderful!  Thank you for taking such good care of him. Close

Driven by Fear or Faith  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)
     In the days and weeks immediately following Jacob's accident and death, I was fearful of cars and driving.  I never wanted to get behind the wheel of another vehicle.  Allowing my daughter to drive her car to school each day was out of the question.  That's how things remained for a few weeks anyway.  Eventually, my daughter grew tired of getting a ride to school each day.  She wanted the independence and freedom driving had afforded her prior to Jacob's death.  The protective behavior and attitude my husband and I had shown were choking her at a time in her life when she was starting to spread her wings.  She was about to turn 17.  All my instincts were to hold her tighter than ever to keep the world from hurting her.  I had already lost a son.  I wasn't about to allow anyone or anything to touch my daughter.  Who could blame me?
     The problem?  I was allowing my fears to take over my life as well as my daughter's.  The consequences of that were bound to be numerous.  My fears were putting excessive limits on her and teaching her to be fearful rather than trusting.  I was communicating to her that I did not trust her or God's perfect love for us.  Scripture says in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love drives out fear and that the one who fears is not made perfect in love.  My fears (even if they were legitimate) were keeping us from fully experiencing God's perfect love for us.  Slowly, I began to loosen my controlling grip on her life and on life in general.  My fears were being replaced by faith--faith that God REALLY does hold us in the palm of His hand and wants the best for us.  What we think is best for ourselves or our loved ones often becomes very distorted by fear.  I did not want that for my family anymore.  With a fresh and healthy perspective, I was able to embrace driving once again.  I was even able to embrace my son's passion for cars with renewed excitement.
     Today, when I find myself wanting to control people or situations,  fear is usually the driving force behind that desire rather than love, even if "love" is what I try to call it.  God knows what's in my heart, and the sooner I recognize what is really there, the better for everyone involved.  Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes and revealing truth to me.  I want to live my life driven by faith in You not fear!  May my family be blessed through my faith rather than burdened by my fear. Close

Another Dream  / Kaylee Edwards (Friend)

I've had so many dreams of Jacob. This last one was alot different. We weren't doing anything. It wasn't a memory or anything like that it was just him. He was happy and he just turned around and just smiled at me. He was laughing. For the longest time I've had dreams and I just remember all these random moments. I just see both Matt's and Jacobs face. Know we will all see him again because God gives me all these dreams of Jacob being so so happy. I think God is letting me see Jacob in heaven just for a few moments. We all miss him. He always had a way about him that would brighten your day. God has used Jacob to change me forever. And for that I can never forget what agreat guy he was.
 

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Dancing and Messages From Above  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)
I was recently up in Chicago with Michael to visit with some friends who had traveled with our family to Africa three years ago..  While one of my friends and I were visiting a store that sold crafts by local artisans, I found a piece of artwork that was simply the word "Dance" cut out of metal.  Attached to the piece were some colorful beads that hung from the bottom of the word.  It caught my eye and I had to purchase it because of all the meaning it has to me regarding Jacob.  What was the connection with Jacob?  You will see:

First of all, Jacob danced with the people in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya over three years ago and had a blast.  We had never seen him dance before.  We did not hear him talk about dancing again until the weekend of his death.  That was the first time he told Michael and I that he loved to dance.  He was so excited about the new place he and some friends had found where they could enjoy dancing.

Three days after Jacob died, he came to someone in a dream and told this person that she was to "Tell my mom I'm OK, and I'm learning a new dance, and I am dancing with Jesus."  The message gave me such hope.  So, when I saw the word "Dance" cut out of metal and decorated, I had to get it.  Michael and I have even started taking dance lessons in honor of Jacob.

As I went to pay for the items I was buying from the artisans shop, I had this overwhelming sense I was supposed to tell the two ladies who were helping wrap up the items and put them in a bag about why the word "Dance" meant so much to me.  I proceeded to tell the story of Jacob and the woman's dream.  They were truly amazed.

Then one of the women said she had a story to share as well.  Her 14-year old son was having a massage for his sore muscles after a football game.  The woman doing the massage asked, "Do you have a grandpa named George?" (Not the real name).  The boy responded, "Yes!" with a look of surprise on his face.  The woman went on to say, "Well, your Grandpa George wants you to know that he goes to all of your football games."  The amazing thing is that Grandpa George had been dead for a couple of years.  The young football player getting the massage was Grandpa George's only grandson.  What a beautiful thought that he would have his grandfather there watching him during the rest of his games.

Does Jacob get to be present during certain special events in our lives?  Does Jacob get to see what we are doing here on earth?  When is he nearby and able to enjoy what we are enjoying?  What about any of our loved ones who have gone on before us?  Grandparents, parents, cousins, etc. just might be visiting us in some of the most meaningful moments of our lives.  That doesn't sound like a far-fetched thing for God to do.  He didn't allow the rich man to return to tell his brothers to believe in God once he was dead, but that man was in a place other than Heaven.

Over the decades, and even the centuries, we have heard stories of people seeing loved ones who had gone on to be with the Lord.  Perhaps our lives aren't so totally separated, even after death.  What are the moments when you have felt the presence of a loved one who has gone before you?  Were there special occasions you know your loved one would have enjoyed be a part of?  Maybe God allows that in a unique way.  We have heard such amazing stories just from the people we know directly.  No doubt numerous stories are out there.  If you have one and would like to share it, please feel free to pass it on to Sandy by writing about it at this website or send it to her personal email account.  We can encourage one another with our stories about evidence that life goes on even beyond death.  Thank you Lord!  Without You, this would not be possible.

Three stories we have heard directly from people we know have inspired us.  In each of these stories, the person we know actually saw the loved one who had died.  One mother, who lost her teenage daughter, saw her daughter sitting next to her in the passenger seat of the car and even heard her daughter speak to her.  This happened right while she was driving!  Another man saw his father standing next to his mother (who was still alive) as he was delivering a speech to a gathering of people.  He had lost his father when he was only 19 years old.  The event at which he was speaking was a special moment in the man's life in which he was receiving a great honor.  A teenage boy woke up one night and saw his grandfather standing in his bedroom shortly after his grandfather had died.  The grandfather asked his teenage grandson to tell his wife (the boy's grandmother) that he loves her.  He slowly faded away.  All three experiences occurred when these people least expected it.  They were all completely shocked by the occurrences  but know that they were completely awake and fully alert when they happened. Close

Knowshon Moreno #24  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Jacob's Mom )
On July 1st, a hometown friend of Knowshon Moreno's from New Jersey wrote to me.  She said she wanted to tell Knowshon about Jacob since they both attended UGA as freshmen in the fall of 2006.  Seeing that Jacob was a huge Bulldog fan, she thought it would be great for Knowshon to know about Jacob and keep him in his heart during the games.  It wouldn't hurt for him to know there was someone in Heaven who would be looking down on him on game days.  I thought that was a nice thing of her to do.

This August, out of curiousity, I decided to look up Knowshon once again to see what was being said about him for the upcoming season.  He was red shirted as a freshman, so he didn't play last year, but I knew he would be starting this 2007 season.  It looked like he was expected to do some good things, but there wasn't a whole lot written about him since he hadn't played yet.  What caught my attention and meant so much to me was that he was going to be wearing jersey #24.  That number has had such significance to me since Jacob was killed on the 24th of September.  I'm not talking about being superstitious, or assigning any magic power to the number, but I seem to see it in some very special places and it gives me an immediate connection to Jacob.  Once I learned of Knowshon having the number 24 on his jersey, I could not help but think that there was a Jacob connection.  Perhaps Jacob really would be looking down on Knowshon on game days.
     Here is what was written at this memorial website under the "His Legacy" section right after learning about the jersey number Knowshon was going to be wearing:

Recently, the Nyenhuis family discovered that Knowshon's uniform number is 24. Maybe there is nothing to that, but they can't help but think that Jacob really will be with Knowshon in a special way on game days. Wouldn't that be just like Jacob to get right down on the field for a game? Keep your eyes out for Knowshon Moreno Bulldog fans! He just might display some "heavenly" plays over the next few seasons. When he does, be sure to thank God, but send a cheer up for Jacob too! 

Now that we are further along in the season, I think it is funny to see how well Knowshon has done.  You can read one of the things sent to me by Knowshon's friend by reading the next item here in the Tributes and Condolences section. Close

God Bless Jacobs  / Friends &. Family
RIP Jacob~Go Bulldogs~ we're from Middletown NJ.  We have a kid who gratuated in 2006 & he went to Georgia to be a BULLDOG on the FOOTBALL team on a full ride. Hes amazing & he will be seen alot as you watch the Georgia games in the next couple of years.  Keep your eye out for Knowshon Moreno. He's our Hometown Hero & now he's a Georgia Bulldog.  We here in NJ miss him alot~when I came onto Jacob's site the first thing that struck me was his unbelievable GOOD LOOKS! Wow he's so HANDSOME I bet all the girly angels are flying around after him! An honor student with so much life in front of him~ If you don't mind I would like to tell Knowshon about your Jacob so he can keep him in his heart while he plays for the Bulldogs the next few years.  Maybe Jacob & Knowshon can make miracles happen for the DAWGS! Maybe the ORANGE BOWL~close last year...Jacob walks beside you everyday.  If you want to read about our friend Mark Fearon he has a site too, God Bless & Jacob RIP til one by one all who love you join you.   GO G Dawgs! Close

Songs Playing  / Sandy Nyenhuis (Mom)
This evening, I was typing an email to a friend.  I had just typed, "I was thinking about Jacob and missing him" when  all of a sudden a song started playing on my computer.  I had never heard it before, but it was by a band I knew, The David Crowder Band.  All it said was, "I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive!"  over and over.  I was in shock and I called out for Raleigh to come and listen.  She recognized it right away.  I don't even have that song on my computer!  

All I can say is Jacob and God wanted me to know that even though I miss him, he is still very alive.  What an awesome message to receive!!!!

Raleigh has had amazing experiences with the song "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne.  She always thinks about Jacob when she hears that song.  There was a period a couple years ago when Jacob actually listened to Avril Lavigne quite a bit, so it especially makes her think of him, but the words to this new song really remind her of Jacob.  The other day, she heard that song four times in less than an hour on the SAME radio station.  Her boyfriend, Alex, was with her and heard it too.  I had told Raleigh that I think that is Jacob's song for her and God plays it through her stereo to help her feel close to Jacob and God.  :) Close

Shooting Stars  / Jacob's Mom
The other night I was telling your cousin Brenda and her friends Mary Jo and Tina, who are visiting from Wisconsin, how you loved shooting stars and felt they were one of God's ways of speaking to you.  Mary Jo mentioned she had only seen 3 shooting stars in her entire life.  Later, they stood outside on the balcony of their condo and screamed when they saw a beautiful shooting star!  They could not help but think of you.  Tonight, we all sat out at the beach together and saw at least six shooting stars.  We knew you would have loved them, especially the double shooting stars. Close