Jamaica. Where to even begin. Jamaica is my cousin, she is 6 days younger than I am. Jamaica is so talented in many different area's. She played piano, tumbled, danced, cheered, wrote poetry, taught herself different languages and truly loved people. Jamaica is beautiful beyond description, funny and smart. I was and always will be jealous of Jamaica and the things that she is. I was saddened to hear that she died at the young age of 30. She had so many things in life that she wanted to accomplish and so much that she already had. I will miss you Jake and all of your passion.
Joel. I am sad to say that I have only known Joel for a few years. I met Joel when we were both in graduate school at the University of Utah together for our Masters in Social Work degrees. He was quiet and funny in classes and would always encourage me and invite me to play basketball with him and a friend (a horrible sight to see). Joel graduated with me and subsequently got a job at Valley where I work. I began working with him in February of 2011. We had so much fun at work. We would compare notes on supervision, run idea's past each other about treatment options and would talk about our "outside lives". Joel is an amazing musician, a funny funny guy who would always find the lighter side to every situation and a smart man. I was shocked and upset when I found out of Joel's passing at the young age of 30 this year. He left behind a wonderful and beautiful wife and two dogs that he loved dearly. Joel accomplished so much in his short life and definitely lived life with no regrets. I learned a lot from him and will miss him.
On this memorial day I am thinking of many that I have lost over the years but most of all I am thinking of these two wonderful people who I lost at 30. I have had extreme high points during this, my 30th year of life, but the loss of these two have really made this year miserable as well.
