(Please see pages 1 & 2 of 'Photos' for pictures of Jessie with friends and pictures from graduation.)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

FINISHING UP JESSIE’S SENIOR YEAR

On Saturday, June 13, members of the Brevard High School Class of 2009 completed their high school career as family and friends attended the graduation exercises and looked on with tears and cheers as each member’s name was called and diploma handed to them. The days leading up to graduation were bittersweet for Kit and me as we participated where we could to finish up Jessie’s senior year for her. We were so touched and honored this past year by classmates of Jessie’s like Haley Haynes who dedicated her Senior Project in loving memory of Jessie. The culminating event of Haley’s project was a community talent show on May 18. She chose to do a talent show because Jessie loved so much singing and also performing in the school musicals. Proceeds from the talent show were to go towards providing music to enhance a hospital stay for pediatric patients at a local. Classmate Nick Norton also honored the memory of Jessie with his senior project by including an inlay inscribed with Jessie’s initials in the headstock of his handmade electric bass guitar. As mentioned in an earlier entry, classmate and long time friend Adrienne Dalton spearheaded the task of the senior class of 2009 having a new and permanent homecoming crown purchased and dedicated to Jessie as a symbol of her inspiring life and impact on thousands of people. The Jessie Garren Memorial Homecoming Crown was presented on October 17, 2008 at the homecoming ceremony to classmate Alyse Childress. This spring the high school put on the musical West Side Story performed on May 15 and 16. Kit, Robert, and I were touched, again, to open the program and see the following tribute “We dedicate this production to the memory of Jessie Garren…She is remembered for her positive outlook on life, her encouraging spirit, and her love for the performing arts.” At the cast party that night, when Mrs. Shumate was handing out the awards to the seniors, she had one for Jessie with the words, “Awarded To: Jessie Garren - We did this one for you!” As mentioned in my May entry was the fantastic final performance and song dedication of “For Good” to Jessie by the Concert Chorus on May 28, the night of her 18th birthday. Jessie had been a member of the high school chorus since 9th grade and absolutely loved it and their director, Mary Beth Shumate.

At the end of her 11th grade year, Jessie had applied for a position as a Senior Advisor to the incoming freshman class. She was excited when she learned that she had been accepted, and I remember so well how hard she worked the week prior to the beginning of school to prepare to welcome the group of freshmen she and other Senior Advisors had been assigned to. At that point, Jessie was on oxygen constantly, and fatigue was always an issue, but she was determined to give it all she could, and she worked very hard considering her condition at the time. She organized a meeting with her co-advisors, purchased supplies for decorations, worked at school with them two or three afternoons to make the decorations and plan activities for homeroom time the first day of school. On Monday, Aug, 25, 2008, she proudly wore her Senior Advisor T-shirt as we loaded up her portable oxygen and school items to send her off to the first day of her senior year. Jessie being 17 and a high school senior certainly did not stop me from taking our traditional ‘First Day of School’ picture, and she sweetly without objection obliged. I cannot express how much a treasure that photo is. Jessie was quite tired that morning, but she knew how much those pictures meant to me, so she didn’t complain. When I look at that photo now, I see in her face many of the characteristics that Jessie possessed – the  ability to display a beautiful and genuine smile despite how she was physically feeling, determination to give the best she could to an assigned task, fearlessness, faith, and a beyond her years understanding of a mother’s heart.

On Friday, May 29, the high school’s schedule was filled with year-end ceremonies starting with the presentation of Senior Awards in the morning.The awards ceremony included recognition of the year’s Senior Advisors. Kit and I attended the ceremony, and I proudly wore Jessie’s Senior Advisor t-shirt. Award recipients of the senior class were seated on and filled the auditorium stage. The rest of the auditorium was filled to capacity with the other high school classes, teachers, and senior class parents. When it came time to recognize the Senior Advisors, Mrs. Nicole Owenby, Student Council sponsor, honored Jessie by calling her name first. As I got up from my seat to receive Jessie’s certificate, I saw the entire senior class rise to their feet with applause. As Mrs. Owenby handed me the certificate, I blew a kiss to her classmates and then as I turned, I saw that all in the auditorium were on their feet applauding, as well. It was a moment to fill the heart of any proud parent. All I could do was hold up the award certificate of my brave and determined daughter and say, “Thank you!” Part of this awards program is the announcing of scholarship monies that had been offered to numerous seniors, the collective amount of which was quite impressive. The Concert Chorus then rose to sing “For Good” as they had the night before, and Mrs. Shumate again dedicated it to Jessie with the comment that Jessie had “earned a scholarship that will never expire.”

The afternoon was scheduled for the presentation of the 2008-2009 school year annual with the remainder of the day free for students to sign each other’s annuals. I changed out of Jessie’s Senior Advisor t-shirt and proudly put on her Class of 2009 t-shirt. Her good and long time friend since pre-school days, Taylor Bridges, made sure I received a Class of 2009 t-shirt. As the high school students and faculty again filled the auditorium, the annual staff presented the product of a year of hard work which they titled, In First Person, along with a great and hilarious video recapping the school year. Jessie was only able to attend three days of school before her final hospital admission, thus there was no opportunity for her to be in any of the video footage, much of which was of the seniors. Yet, not to leave her out they included a picture of Jessie at the end of the video. In the annual, a two-page spread was dedicated to Jessie with pictures of her from the last couple of years and a beautiful article by Rachel Lawing. Some excerpts - “…this year brought a jarring change that was felt by every student. On September 8, 2008, Jessie Garren, senior, finished her battle with cancer. The absence of her bright red hair and beautiful smile in the hallways was felt by students and faculty alike. The incredible outpouring of love and support, both during her illness and after she passed away, were testament to the profound impact she had on everyone she met…Jessie always wanted people to know that her strength and wisdom came not from her, but from God. Her strong faith was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.” Comments from close friends Taylor Bridges, Emily Hollingsworth, and Carmen Limerick were included in the article along with scripture verses Phil. 4:13 and 1 Tim. 4:12. In the senior section of the annual is the “Hall of Fame” with pictures and quotes from eleven students who were elected by teachers on the basis of character quality. In a group picture, the other ten members are in a pyramid formation with the top member holding a poster with Jessie written in large letters. Jessie learned on Sept. 4 that she had been elected into the senior Hall of Fame when her good friend, Carmen, came to visit her in the hospital and said her name was announced over the school intercom. That was four days before Jessie went Home. In the Senior Superlatives section, chosen for Most Genuine were Jessie and Jonathan Asbell (class of 2009 Salutatorian).

After the annual presentation, I took Jessie’s annual and headed to the courtyard to find as many of her friends as I could to sign her book. How special that was, particularly to read their loving words and see how much they still missed her. Here are some of the notes to Jessie:

Jessie, I miss you so much! Church hasn’t been the same without you! I love you so much! And I know you’re so much better where you are now! Til we see each other again, I love you! J - Carmen

            Me and you have been homies forever and that is never going to change. I am never going to forget that day we just went cruizin’ in the forest. - Benjer

            Jessie, Your life touched BHS deeply…Your actions and faith brought others to Christ…In our hearts you are the ultimate 2009 graduate. In His Name – Jane (teacher)

            Jessie, You’re still bringing us all together…God is still using you. I’m so thankful for all we shared and what you will always mean to me. Much, much love thru Him – Mary Beth (teacher)

            Jessie dahling!...They sang a really nice song for you at the ceremony today…We’ll never forget you…Love you much! – Adrienne

            Jessie, You can’t possibly know how much I miss seeing your beautiful/bright face in the halls! I hope you know how much you have impacted Brevard High in so many wonderful ways. You made more of an impact on the small town of Brevard than many people can ever dream to. You’ve made BHS a school of much stronger and more faithful people. Much love! Stay beautiful (you always have)! – Gillie

            Jessie, I love you. You were truly one of the best people I met in my life. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet you and let you change my life. I love you and know that you are in a better place – Hanna

            Jessie, You were such an inspiration to me, def. I know you’re one of the best people I know and that you’re happy and in a better place. – Amanda

            Jessie, I love you lots. You really made a big impression on me and on my life in a really good way. I always enjoyed seeing your smile every day! I know you’re still smiling every day. – Sarah

            Now, I miss you. I’m so glad I got to know you while you were here…I hope you realize how much you affected me-for the better-while you were on Earth. You are a remarkable person, and you taught me so much in the short time we knew each other. Love you so much. – Melanie

            Oh Jess…my best friend. I love you with all my heart and cannot fully express how much you mean to me. I will always remember the good times and memories we had. You will always be my best friend. - Emily

            Jessie, I can’t wait to see you again one day. I love u J - Davis-Clare

            Jessie, You have inspired many and I am sure to see you again. I love you. – Jillian

            Jessie, This year has been so great, and I know you have been watching. Just know I miss you and can’t wait to see you again! There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about you. I hope you’re having fun! Wish me luck in college! Love – Taylor

            Jessie, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. You’ve always been there for me. Even when I didn’t listen to your advice, I subconsciously listened. I’ve learned a lot from you and your life. I miss you more than you can imagine. I can’t wait to see you. I love you. – Mitch

            Jessie, I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you again. I love you! – Alex

            Hey Jessie! Another year’s over. I’m not sure how. You would have had a blast, ha ha, and been frustrated with senior projects like the rest of us! Love you. – Meredith

            Hey Jessie!! I know you’re having the time of your new life, and I’m having the time of my life because of you. You are an inspiration to me, and I can’t wait for your tour of HEAVEN! Luv u – Jeremy

            Jessie, Gosh it was just yesterday when we were together at Brevard Academy. You were a really good friend and I will always love you. I know you are having fun. I will see you again. – Sasha

            Jessie, Thank you. I long for the day I can tease you some more! You are so strong, so beautiful. Forever in my mind and heart. – Spalding

            Jessie – It was amazing knowing you. You have had a great impact on my life – Maria

            Jessie, My inspiration and the most amazing girl I’ve ever known! I miss you every day – but I know I will see you again! Every time I sing, I know you’re singing with me! I love you so much! – Haley

            Jessie, I cannot fully describe how inspiring you were to me. I loved our talks about our favorite musicals…I will miss you. Thank you for being a great friend. – Maggie

            Jessie, I love you so much. You have been an inspiration to me. You were a great friend. I will always remember you. I hope you are having a great time in Heaven. I cannot wait til I can meet with you again. Love, - Stephanie

            Jessie, What an amazing friend, person, peer, sister in Christ! You truly showed us an amazing time and what being an awesome Christian means! I love you and miss you. Phil 4:13 – Beth

            Jessie, You have made a permanent memory of a wonderful, caring girl everyone cherishes. Love, Randy

            Jessie, You were always a great friend to me. I miss you. – Brendan

            Jessie, I miss you every day. I love you with all of my heart and would give anything to hear you laugh again. – Lezalie

            I didn’t know you well, but you had a strong spirit. Love – Leah

            Jessie, You are such an amazing friend and follower of Christ. You taught me so much about living for Christ and because of you my walk is stronger. P.S.-I can’t wait to see you. Love always – Katelynne

So finally the arrival of the long awaited day for the Class of 2009 – Graduation Day!! The school administration was very gracious in reserving seats for Kit, Robert and me in their VIP section at the front of the Brevard Music Center auditorium. They had also placed a picture of Jessie along with a beautiful flower centerpiece in her honor on the diploma table. Two weeks prior to graduation, I was tickled at first then touched when Jessie’s good friend and fellow alto section member since 8th grade, Ashley Palmer, asked me to join the Concert Chorus in Jessie’s place to sing at the beginning of the graduation ceremony. Mrs. Shumate concurred, so how could I say no? On Graduation morning, we found our seats, got our cameras out, and I proceeded down to the choral risers to join the Concert Chorus. As the program began, this time I was able to sing with them the song, “For Good” followed by “Friends” composed by Christian singer and song writer, Michael W. Smith. I made it okay through the first song, but when we started “Friends”, Ashley, who I was standing next to as Jessie would have, was moved not only by this huge moment in her life but also missing Jessie, hooked her hand around my elbow and it took every ounce of strength I could muster to not completely lose it! Talk about the meaning of, “the show must go on”! I managed to not only sing through but actually remember the words of the song and keep it together until Mrs. Shumate dismissed the group. Next, the senior class processed in and took their seats. There is a point in the program where the Student Body President, Allie Perkins, and Senior Class President, Kayla Kreigsman, give a recap of the year. They made special mention of Jessie and how they would always remember her infectious smile and generous heart. As the graduates names were called out to receive their diplomas, the traditional class prank was revealed. Before shaking the hand of Principal Doug Odom, class members pulled out from under their robes Hawaiian leis to put around the principal’s neck. Some chose assistant principals and even school board members to adorn with their leis. Four classmates of Jessie’s, Nathan Hyatt, Jesse Kruse, Ashley Palmer, and Carrie Siniard, elected to put their leis around the picture of Jessie on the diploma table.

A week or two prior to graduation, Kit and I asked Robert if he would be willing to walk the stage at graduation and receive Jessie’s diploma. Without flinching or hesitating, he agreed. May I take a moment to say how proud Kit and I are of our son? Robert, from 12½ to 14 years old, steadily and maturely endured the 19 month illness of his only and much loved sister. He maintained high grades while Jessie, me, and often Kit were away in either New York, Baltimore, or Boston for Jessie’s treatments, doctors appointments, and hospitalizations. On Sept. 8, 2008 Robert played the best game so far of his Veritas Christian Academy soccer career against Brevard High because he was playing for his sister. After Jessie’s passing, Robert, enrolled in four honors classes, continued to maintain a high grade average and made A Honor Roll 1st through 3rd quarters and AB Honor Roll 4th quarter this past year. Teacher report card comments consistently describe his leadership qualities and maturity. On June 13, 2009, in his sister’s place and to honor her, Robert crossed the stage before a 1800 seat, filled to capacity (and beyond) auditorium. He walked straight and tall, unrushed and dignified as all in attendance came to their feet and applauded as soon as the name Jessie Mossler Garren was announced.

The Hendersonville Times-News had a write-up in the next day’s paper on the Brevard High graduation. It mentioned, “Students remembered Jessie Garren, a Brevard senior who lost her battle with cancer in September 2008” and included the words of Kayla Kreigsman, “Her infectious smile and generous heart will always be remembered”. The Monday edition of the Transylvania Times featured Brevard High’s graduation with its front page article, “Graduation Joy Tinged With Sadness” in which it states, “And perhaps the most uplifting and melancholy moment of the day was Jessie Mossler Garren’s brother accepting his late sister’s diploma.”

Kit and I could not be more proud of the children God has allowed us to raise.

Thank you for continuing to walk with us.

Philippians 4:13 – ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

1 Timothy 4:12 – ‘Do not let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.’