Jacob's Page

Welcome to Jacob's Page. We hope you find this a comforting way to remember the most special boy we will ever know.

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain."

Journal

Monday, February 9, 2009 7:12 PM CST

Hi Everyone -

I'd just thought I'd let you know the dedication of Jacob's Prize Box was perfect. It was simple and sweet, just the way we wanted it. Lindsey, Brenden (Jacob's best friend), and Julia (a very special friend of Jacob's) read "The Brave Little Soul" and I spoke a few words. We then had a little celebration with cookies and punch. There's a beautifully framed and matted picture of Jacob hanging over the toy chest. There's a small gold plaque attached that reads: "In loving memory of Jacob Osit ... because we know he is smiling down on us every time someone gets a "good" prize."

I thought this would be a good time to re-post "The Brave Little Soul." I just love that story and it just couldn't be more perfect for Jacob's story. I'm also attaching the words I spoke, as well.

Thanks for checking in.

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The Brave Little Soul
By John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?”

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” he asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.”

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!"

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.”

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.”

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

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Thanks for coming. We are here today to officially dedicate the new CCMC Hemotology/Oncology Prize Box in memory of Jacob Aaron Osit. As Alan and I were discussing various projects to honor Jacob’s memory, we decided on the Prize Box for two very special reasons.

First ... The Prize Box was a very big part of our lives with Jacob for the nearly six years he spent coming to the Clinic. Each time we would visit, Jacob would always have to check out the Prize Box. When he found something he liked, he would flash that memorable grin. When he couldn’t find anything he liked his reaction would depend on his mood. If he was feeling well, he would either simply walk away still with a smile or he might take something saying that one of his siblings would enjoy it. When he wasn’t in a great mood, he might roll his eyes and say with a small hint of disgust, “Nothin.” Even that memory brings a little smile to my face. By dedicating this toy box and trying our best to keep it filled, we feel that Jacob is smiling down on us every time somebody gets a “good” prize.

The other reason we decided to continue with our Prize Box idea was the fact that it was yet another representation of how people came together to show their love and the world is a better place because our Brave Little Soul was here. A dear man we had never even met before volunteered his time to build this chest with his own hands, and the prizes that fill it are from Daisy troops, CCD classes, children’s birthday parties (where they asked friends to bring these prizes instead of presents for themselves!), individual generous donations, and the wonderful Mini Golf for Jacob event we held last summer. Our hope is that we will continue to keep this Prize Box filled and, in doing so, it will continue to unlock to the goodness and love in people’s hearts as we continue to remember the little boy who did the very same thing.

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E-mail Author: saosit@cox.net

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