MEMORIES OF JERRY
SELF
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I didn't have the
chance to meet Jerry but my prayers will forever be with him. I am
a 1992 graduate of Lamar High School and 1997 of Texas Tech University
and know that since we went to the same high school we shared some of the
same experiences and had some of the same memories. I hope that this will
not be to hard on the family of Jerry and the other A&M students and
my prayers will be with you all.
As a Viking class of
'90 and an Aggie class of '94, I'm saddened to learn about Jerry.
But, after reading about his life, I know that he was ready to meet his
Lord, and I pray that everyone who knew Jerry would take a few moments
to reflect on the shortness of life and on the sovereignty of God.
Jerry, I never knew you, but you were part of my family and I loved you.
I got to know Jerry when
he was a Student Council Officer and came into the office all the time.
Jerry was very helpful and would do anything you asked him to help with.
My fondest memory of Jerry is when he helped me and an older couple put
up garlands and gold bows in all the school hallways. Donna Hayden had
tied all the bows so she and her husband, Ralph, came to help put the decorations
up. They enjoyed being with Jerry and the other Student Council Officers
and I am sure that they remember the experience as I
do. My thoughts and
prayers are with you and your family.
-Billie
Burney, Secretary at Lamar High School
i want to extend our
sympathies to all the families of the texas tragedy.i have been reading
the many items of sympathy,it brought me to tears.we never know when our
time
on this earth will
be over,these young people went far to young.they died doing something
that they really enjoyed,filling a tradition,that may of been their dream
to to,before
they even started
going to this college.i hope they don't end this tradition,but hope they
come up with a safer way to do it.if they end it,a lot of other young peoples
dreams
will be shattered
and these young people that died,i am sure, would not want that to happen.
god bless you all.
I did not know Jerry
but, I can tell from the many letters from his friends and family that
he was a wonderful Christian young man. I know that GOD is holding
Jerry close in HIS arms. I will continue to pray for your family.
The pot was the first
thing you saw
A coming' through
the mist.
It set on a Cadet's
head
Who found the place
to muster.
"We're going to gather
right her Ags,
"You know it won't
be long.
"We'll wait right
here,
"Until the twelfth
man comes along."
The first three were
soon joined
By other coming through
the fog.
And they looked in
wonder at the domain
They had landed in
that night.
The last place they
had been,
Was at the Bonfire
site.
Again, the Cadet
told them,
"Were waiting for
the l2th Man,
"You know it won't
be long,
"We will all wait
right here,
"Until the twelfth
man comes along."
As they settled in
to wait,
The silence was broken
By the barking of
dogs.
"Why it's the Revs
who have come to greet us,
"To lead us to Heaven's
Gate."
"Settle down fellows,"
The cCadet explained,
"We need to wait.
"It won't be long,
"We'll wait right
here,
"Until the twelfth
man comes along."
The group stood at
ease,
And even did some
grooming,
A wisp of hair put
back in place,
A pot that needed
straightening.
"We want to look
our best,"one girl said.
"Aggies will be there
to meet us
"Once we past the
gate.
"They"ll say we've
done our part,
"That we've added
to the flame
"Of Aggies Spirit
all over the world,
"That's part of Aggie
fame.
"It won't be long,
"We'll wait right
here,
"Until the twelfth
man comes along."
In the distance they
heard a runner's step.
Someone was catching
up to them at a rapid pace.
"Here he comes,"cried
the Cadet.
"Line up, get into
place!
"It won't be long,
"We'll wait right
here,
"Until the twelfth
man comes along.
The runner came into
view
Not even breathing
hard.
"Sorry I'm a little
late, he said.
"I tried not to be
long
"I knew you all woulld
be waiting
"Until the twelfth
man came along."
The students turned
about.
They started the
final march.
The Reveilles lead
the way,
And in the distance
they heard
The Fighting Aggie
Band play the song
So dear to Aggie
hearts.
They recognized the
cadence and stepped right out
To be a part of this
last Aggie march.
As they reached gate,
the Cadet said,
"Sir, We're all here,
sir. He wasn't long.
"The twelfth man
has come along."
Dear Self Family and
friends,
I wrote this poem
this morning and it is a little rough, but it is to you in memory of Jerry.
My son, Luke, is a fish in Unit l7 and has told us that Jerry was just
the greatest upper classman he knew. They attended church together at A@M.
My heart is saddened
by your loss. All of us out here are praying for you and the other
eleven families, as well as for those who were injured. God Bless
You.
My memories of Jerry
date back to the days when he was a member of the youth group at Mid-Cities
Bible church (MCBC) on a mission trip in Ft.Worth, and when he became one
of the youth leaders at a Disciple Now weekend in 1998.
I used to volunteer
as a youth leader at MCBC (for 10 yrs). When I heard that Jerry was one
of the students who died at the Bonfire, I was shocked and sadden that
his life was shortened. I always remember Jerry as that cheerful, lively
person who has as strong desire to walk humbly with God.
He is truly a model
of someone who lived-out his faith in Jesus Christ. First, as someone
who seeks to know God; secondly, as someone who puts what he learned into
practice by being a model to others.
I'm glad to have
known him. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy will
live on in the lives of those he touched. I rejoice in knowning that
he has completed the tasks God assigned him here on earth, and look forward
to seeing him again when all is said and
done... in
Heaven.
I pray that God will
continue to work in Michael's life (his younger brother), and give comfort
and peace to his father and mother... to help them go on.
EVEN AS A CHILD JERRY
COULD MAKE EVERYONE LAUGH. HE WAS ALWAYS A GOOD CHILD AND BROUGHT
JOY TO EVERYONE AROUND HIM.
Jerry and eleven others
have helped put something into perspective I never seemed to be able to
do alone. When I fly from California to be in Kyle Field for Friday's game
against Texas, for me, it will just be a game. No longer will I live and
die with every snap because when I look onto the field I will not see icons
wearing the uniforms that the icons before then wore, I will see they are
nothing more than kids, just like my two kids at A&M and just like
the kids we have recently lost. And my heart will ache for the parents
and family of Jerry and those who are paving a road we will all take someday.
With much respect.
Today I started a new
day
not taking for granted
that which I say,
never knowing when
I'll be called
but living for God.
A model of the Self
whom I want to be
that big smile looking
back at me,
chocalate milkshakes
and lemonade
the gifts you gave
me and so much more.
The gift of love unconditional
and true
and for that I can
never thank you,
you care what I said
and would care
about how I felt,
you were always there.
That day I regret
and wish it never came
but I know you're
in a better place,
singing, worshiping,
and falling at his feet but
still that goofy
smile never leaving your face.
-Me
Jerry's heart is what
made him special. Never forget
the love he showed
for each of us. He was a great man
to model each of
our lives after.
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