MEMORIES OF JERRY
SELF
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I did not have the
privilege of knowing Jerry Don but I do feel I got to know him a little
bit after attending his funeral on Monday. I attended the funeral
as a way of paying respect to the 12 that died putting up the Aggie Bonfire.
He sounded like a wonderful person that brought a lot to his family and
friends. He has touched my life and he will live in my heart and
soul forever. We will never forget you.
My thoughts and prayers
are with his family and friends.
FRIENDSHIP
What is friendship?
Friendship is the
bond two people share built
on the foundation
of trust
Friendship is being
their for one another when
in time of need
Friendship is the
support given toward one
another actions
Friendship is being
aware of anything that is
harmful to one another's
health
Friendship is still
remaining friends after a
time of separation
FRIENDSHIP IS FOREVER
This is a poem in
which Jeff Wiezner wrote many years ago; while we were all living in Euless
and playing little league baseball together. After Jeff called and
told me the news of Jerry's death I began thinking of the brief time we
spent together. Although the time I spent getting to know Jerry was
brief, the memories and good thoughts of him are numerous. Jerry
has made an impact on my life as well as everyone else who has ever been
around him. I send
my best wishes to Mr. Mike and Mrs. Jackie, It was a pleasure knowing
him and being able
to call him my friend.
I did not know Jerry,
seeing it would be an impossibility living in Virginia, but the day I heard
about the tragedy at Texas A&M, my heart sank and I felt terrible about
it. After reading the memories of this young man, I can only imagine
the great feeling of loss everyone must be experiencing. I just want anyone
and everyone to know, that even us who never knew him, see what he meant
to people and what a wonderful person he truly was. On behalf of the students
at Old Dominion University, I extend my condolences and sorrow about this
tragic accident. This man's life and heart shines bright enough for us
in Virginia to recognize and appreciate. You judge a man not by how long
he lived, but what he did with the time he had. Our prayers go out
to all who have been touched by this tragedy. God Bless.
-Brock
R. Maust
Old Dominion University
Class of 2000
Hampton, Virginia
MasonKA9@aol.com
I met Jerry at the '97
Football Banquet. I was a date of one of the players and we sat at
Jerry's table. I remember him being very friendly and funny.
He was outgoing and sweet and didn't have his nose in the air. He
smiled a lot and made everyone laugh. That was the only time I ever
talked to him. I'm glad I had that chance and I will
always have a good
memory of him. I remember him from that night as a very down to
earth and respectful
person with a great sense of humor.
Jerry Self was a very
caring and self-less person. I will always remember him as a dedicated
student council member. The night before our homecoming game
our senior year, he must have spent over three hours hanging up spirit
chains. He was the only one of us brave enough to get up on that
lift and hang the chains on the rafters in the gym!
I don't think he
realized how many lives he brightened each day with his kind smile and
actions. Jerry, you will be missed.
I did not know Jerry,
I only knew him as part of my extended family. I am proud to say
that he, like 11 others, did not die in vain on that chilly Thursday morning.
I know he was out there out of love, faith, and determination to see the
fire that lights our Aggie skies once a year. Well Jerry, are you
proud on this Friday evening after watching from above the football game
that was won in you guys' honor? I knew you would be. 20-16
Ag's. Remember, the sun WILL rise a year from now around 8PM and
I hope you all will again take part in it. They may have passed,
but we shall never forget their wonderful ways as true Aggies, for their
spirit can never die. My condolences go out to Jerry's family and
friends, for I know how hard it is because Scott West was a friend of mine.
Please know that our family will always remian in our hearts forever.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Self,
After hearing that
your son was killed in the bonfire collapse, I thought I would share my
memories of Jerry. I met Jerry at Kara Wills (Greene) wedding rehearsal.
Jerry was one of the nicest people I have ever met, he invited me and my
brother's to play baseball with him and his friend's, and after we played
baseball, he invited us to go to a movie.
Knowing Jerry less
than a few hours, I could tell that he cared about everyone around him,
and even strangers. During the weekend of the wedding we hungout, my brother
and I with Jerry. Jerry made us feel right at home. I would
just like you to know that our memories of Jerry will not be forgotten.
Jerry truly was one
of the nicest people I have ever met, he
will be missed.
There's a tradition here
in Aggieland,
that stands fifty-five
feet tall
People come from
all around
to watch it burn
in Awe!
The Aggies work long
and hard
on something they
love, that's a fact
and it's a huge honor
to be one of the people
who stands high on
the stack.
But on this Thursday
morning
something went horribly
wrong
Center pole snapped,
and those underneath
knew Heaven is where
they belong.
A world of Aggie ''Family''
came together again
Singing Amazing Grace
in unison
in remembrance of
their fallen friends.
No ones eyes are dry
here
everyone's hand in
hand
you can feel the
Aggie Spirit
everywhere in Aggieland.
We Aggies are very
strong
and shall never forget
this day
Our 12 Aggie Angels
are in Heaven
looking down on us
as they say...
We love you guys,
one and all
keep up your Aggie
desire
But most of all keep
the tradition
of The Fight'n Texas
Aggie Bonfire!
Im so sorry about your
loved ones death but we all know he is in a better place we is watching
over us right now and he and the other 11 will always be in are thoughts
and prayers.
It is always difficult
to accept the things we cannot explain or fully understand, and the unexpected
death of such a wonderful person is perhaps the most difficult. I
did not know Jerry very well and I realize how unfortunate that is.
I remember his big permanent smile; I remember him laughing and shaking
his head at me and my friend trying our
hardest to be the
class clown in senior English; I remember running into him in Riodoso
last spring break
when he joined the others and used that loud voice to sing "Happy Birthday"
to me, a girl he did not know very well. I have listened to his good
friends explain the type of person he was, and I realize the few memories
I have do not even touch the greatness he held. I am comforted that
he now holds that greatness, and so much more, in a place where he is looking
after all of us.
"Do not stand at my
grave and weep,
"I am not there,
I do not sleep.
"I am a thousand
winds that blow;
"I am the diamond
glints on snow.
"I am the sunlight
on ripened grain;
"I am the gentle
autumn's rain.
"When you awaken
in the morning's hush
"I am the swift uplifting
rush
"Of quiet birds in
circled flight.
"I am the soft star
that shines at night.
"Do not stand at
my grave and cry.
"I am not there;
I did not die."
*author unknown*
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