Jay "It's All Good" Makela

November has been an exciting month- my beloved godparents, Ron and Betty Shambrook, came up from Down Under to visit. I'll have to write more about that at a later post. Today, I wanted to share my memories of an amazing person- SGT Jeremy Makela.

Every nurse, if he/she is lucky, gets that one special patient who touches our lives forever. Someone who teaches you important life lessons. For me, Jay was that person. I was only 23 when I first met him, and I was a little intimidated about taking care of this strapping, vibrant and yes, good looking Military Policeman. Jay had osteosarcoma- bone cancer had taken his leg. But he never let that slow him down. (He asked the surgeon if he could save the leg as it would make a great lamp-post, wouldn't it?) That was Jay- he always saw the bright side on everything. His favorite saying was "It's All Good!" And he truly lived life to that mantra.

He had a mischievous side too, believe me. He once told me, "Gigi," (as he nicknamed me), " be sure you get the BIGGEST catheter possible. Trust me, only the biggest one will do," Jay smirked.
"Jay," I shot back "All that means is that you've got a big urethra. Geez!"

Jay told me once, that his only regret, was that he would never be a father. Kids and family are so special, he reasoned. And something that most people take for granted. During one of our last conversations, I told Jay and his mother about a dream I had about him. In my dream, Jay had a special place in heaven. He was put in charge of taking care of all the children whose parents were still on Earth. Jay got teary-eyed and said, "Gigi, that is EXACTLY what I am going to do!" It's funny how that conversation has come back to comfort me during some dark times... But I don't believe in coincidence...


Jay lost his battle with cancer November 19, 2001. And so, today, I wanted to share his last email with you. It's important. Jay titled it "FAITH"...

FAITH
"Just thought this to be yet another amazing point in my life this past year and wanted to share it with everyone. Just a little, little note to show how God does listen to you. Of course there may be some other simple explanation for this and it may be nothing to alot of people, but I guess you just had to be me to experience it.Right quick, a side note.... earlier in this week, my fourth grade teacher (Donnelle Morley) who has become a great friend of the family) brought me a few gifts to get me thru this, and one of those gifts was a rosary. Story behind... she had had this since she was a teen ager and at one point had asked a friend who was going to Macadonia (I believe, where the Virgin Mary appeared at one time) to take this rosary with her and say a prayer on it. Well, at the time, the rosary was pure silver. Upon returning the rosary from the trip, Donnelle noticed that the beads on the rosary had began to change to gold, while the cross remained perfect, solid, silver. And now, over time, everything on the rosary is gold, except the cross, which stands out completely unchanged and bright as ever. She has given me this rosary on loan to give me comfort, which it does give both me and my mom when we held it.Now then... yesterdays email about my sleep.... it didnt get any better thru the day, trust me! I took it where I could get it, but it wasnt anything to brag about. To the point where last night I looked in the mirror to find bags under my eyes.... OUCH, I am old!! Well, prior to giving it the ol' one last try before going back to playstation, I grabbed a pillow (I can only sleep leaning forward slightly now, odd sight! :-) and the rosary. Almost six hours later, I am awake (via alarm clock unfortunately) from a GOOD sleep!!! Little things.... God has a watch in every part of my life I believe. And do I feel a great comfort in knowing that.Anyhow, just wanted to share this. There will be more to come, trust me! Hope you all are doing well, me and my family are. BONDING! Later.
Love, Jay"
Jay also wrote,
"There is so much in life that we all take for granted. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone notices. Like they always say, 'Live each day like it were your last.' Easier said than done. The difference in living by a saying and living with it being the 'truth' gives you two very different aspects. I have had the opportunity to make peace with my God, my friends, and my family and to appreciate and enjoy life for all it has to offer! Which is what I want you to notice. We don't need to wake up each morning and we don't need to have the family and friends and support we do. Each day is a gift and you have to take it all for what it's worth. But it is there and it is amazing! So please don't take things for granted. God has had a watch in every part of my life, I believe. As in Psalm 23, "He helped me walk through the valley." It's all good! The only certainty in life is God, and he will deliver us when He sees fit... I am actually looking forward to the next 'journey' and I am at peace.

If there is anything I can do for anyone, prayer-wise, let me know. PLEASE! I'll see you all later."