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9/1/08 |
To Jake on his fourteenth birthday:
Happy birthday to you wherever you are- Happy birthday to you, we wish you were here
Kara Crisp |
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7/21/08 |
Jake- I still remember the first day of GATE class in 4th grade. I didn't particularly like GATE, but your friendliness, cheerful disposition, and hilarious commentary made the class something to look forward to every week. I remember how Mrs. Gilbertson would let us take our shoes off in class, but we always jokingly complained that your feet were too foul-smelling. I laugh whenever I think of all the silly (and sometimes peculiar) moments in GATE class we all had together over the years - you are the feature of many of these great memories. We didn't know each other especially well, but I still think about you and hope that you are still the happy, joyful, and amusing person we knew you as. Best wishes, Sepideh |
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5/22/08 |
Dear Jake,
I really don't know where to start. It's been over a year now, but it seems like just yesterday I saw your adorable, smiling face. I didn't have the privilege of spending a lot of time with you, but when I did it was very special. I'll never forget the time at the UCSB soccer game when we were eating La Salsa and trying to figure out what the skywriting airplane was spelling out. Or the time on 4th of July when you were the judge of me and Sam's wrestling match, and the time when we played Password and you were certain that I would get the word "manicure" right. By far, my favorite memory I have of you happened on your birthday at Circle Bar B while we were eating dinner and you were reading Angels and Demons. I said to you, "Jake you're going to be so cute when you get older!" In typical Jake fashion you looked at me and said, "Um thanks but no thanks." From the moment I met you I knew that you were an old soul. You were mature beyond your years and were so interested in life's offerings. I think about you everyday and the deep impact you had on my life. I also question why you had to leave us. Life is so unfair sometimes, and unfortunately it takes an incident like yours to make people wake up and appreciate what they have. We are left with precious memories of you that we'll all hold onto forever. We are left with the love and strength that we have from one another. We are left with the lessons that your life has taught us that help us carry on. You have a beautiful family and so many friends and we miss you so much Jake. I am honored to say that I had the chance to get to know you. You are very special and I'll never forget you. With love always, Alyssa Young |
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| 03/04/08 | ~jake, i miss you so much, and even though you are gone, you still are my life, and my everything. i will never forget you and your laughh. i miss every little feature about you, and it's hard to accept the fact that you are gone forever. i hope i see you in heaven some day when my time comes around. just know that i will always love you, and know that you are in good hands, rest in peace buddy, i miss you~ Love, |
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| 01/01/08 | Forever in our hearts!! Jake you have been on our minds so much!! You are always going to be a part of our hearts and soul for years to come. We miss you on a daily basis and wish we still had your laughing and joking manner around us. We love you!! The Fosnight Family |
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| 11/14/07 | Jake, We talk about you all the time in our house. Your picture is up on our wall so that we can see you daily and remember what you have taught us. You inspire us to be better people and to live life with a laugh and a smile. We love and miss you Jake! The Racich family |
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| 09/24/07 | ||
| My friend Barbara Sharp’s son Justin was killed Thursday night, due to a drunk driver on Hwy 217.
Please, please take care while you are driving, pay attention, be responsible, we need to stop these senseless accidents!! She’ll need our thoughts and prayers to help her through this. When people asked what they could do for Barbara, she asked them to go home, hug their children, spouses, significant others, family, friends and enjoy and spend time together. That is after all what is most important in life. I just wanted to remind everyone…… Karen Boysel PS. I wanted to let everyone know that we had to take down Jake’s Memorial on Calle Real at the request of Caltrans. If we hadn’t taken it down, Caltrans would have. They didn’t want to take a chance that it might cause an accident. We felt it was a reminder to slow down on that section of road, and take care while driving, we hope you are still ar |
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| 09/12/07 | We think of you every day and miss you so much Jake! Some people come into our lives Some people come into our lives They help us become aware They help our hearts to see that They celebrate the true essence Some people awaken us Throughout our lives we are sent To learn... to teach... to nurture... to love Some people come into our lives Some people come into our Let us reach out to others William & Dianna |
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| 09/12/07 | Dear Jake
I thought about you today, Remembering you is easy, I love you Jake Miss you dearly Anonymous |
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| 06/20/07 | Dear Karen, Jim, and Sam;
Tonight I just wanted to let you know that I think of Jake and your family a lot. My children had Junior Guards with Jake last year. Though we did not know him well, I enjoy reading stories about his life, his talents, his humor, and I love looking at the beautiful pictures you put up. I'm specifically writing to you to let you know that many people in the community will not forget Jake. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him because I am a mother, and my children are the same age, and we are riding our bikes. When I drive our car, I'm thinking more about safety and not letting myself get distracted as much. When I'm in a hurry, I try to slow down. I talk to my children more about being safe. My son is wearing a bright yellow bike jacket when riding his bike to school. Recently, I got more involved at Goleta Valley Junior High School because it upsets me that many students don't wear their bike helmets. So, you all are in our hearts and thoughts and I believe that Jake is making a difference in people's lives. With Love, |
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| 06/13/07 | Jake I meant to tell you before I forget I remember when you where alive I remember the big softball game you had so much fun I remember your smiling face I remember your kindess for others I loved to hang out with you I remember when we would play soccer out on the far field We went out to the beach to go camping And we found a bunch of sea life We went into the water to play marco polo You didn't want to leave the beach when we had to go When I was chasing you on the sand You would totally beat me I gave you a run for the money though The 1st time I ever met you You made me laugh so hard You could make a whole room laugh You were the funniest ever But you had to go It was awhile ago But I remember when you were alive And all of the cool things you did I meant to tell you that Josh |
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| 05/25/07 | My Dear Friend Jake Boysel I meant to tell you but I forgot: I remember when you were alive. |
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| 05/23/07 | I meant to tell you before I forget Jake. I remember when I first met you in second grade. I remember when we would have pool parties. I remember when we would play X-Box all day. I remember when we would have squirt gun fights. I remember when we would build forts. I loved to go to the beach and surf with you all day. I remember when you would come to my house after school. We went to Hurricane Harbor and we had so much fun. We went to every ride. You didn’t do anything to deserve when you died. When I went to the hospital to see if you would live when you were slipping out of my fingers. I gave you an everlasting friendship. You had to leave Earth to go to heaven. The first time we were in the same class together you were awesome. You were nice. You were always there for me but we cannot change time, if we could I would. It was a while ago, but it seems like yesterday. |
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| 05/08/07 | Karen, Jim And Sam I guess you could say that we know each other very well. I just wanted to let you guys know that I think of you all each and everyday. Your family has been such a part of us that we will NEVER forget JAKE BOYSEL!!! He is such a wonderful friend and I can tell you that JAKE THE SNAKE is what I called him when he was at Foothill. I just wanted to tell you that I slow down and drive SO much different then before he was struck. I wish you the very best and think of you all often. Amy Fosnight |
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| 05/06/07 | Dear Karen, Jim, and Sam;
Tonight I just wanted to let you know that I think of Jake and your family a lot. My children had Junior Guards with Jake last year. Though we did not know him well, I enjoy reading stories about his life, his talents, his humor, and I love looking at the beautiful pictures you put up. I'm specifically writing to you to let you know that many people in the community will not forget Jake. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him because I am a mother, and my children are the same age, and we are riding our bikes. When I drive our car, I'm thinking more about safety and not letting myself get distracted as much. When I'm in a hurry, I try to slow down. I talk to my children more about being safe. My son is wearing a bright yellow bike jacket when riding his bike to school. Recently, I got more involved at Goleta Valley Junior High School because it upsets me that many students don't wear their bike helmets. So, you all are in our hearts and thoughts and I believe that Jake is making a difference in people's lives. With Love, |
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| 05/06/07 | I didn't know Jake. From what I've read, Jake you we an AMAZING young man!! So many hearts you have touched.Now you are an angel among us, watching over everyone. God Bless You Jake Roxanne From Oshkosh,WI. |
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| 02/18/07 | Dear Jake, My family and me have a Jake storybook where we write our memories down. I thought you would always be alive with me. I miss you a lot, especially on Valentines Day. It was hard to think that you were gone so long. It will be hard to go back to JGs without you. But I know that you want me to so I will go. I never thought I might lose a friend … I never dreamed I would lose my best friend. You were so happy always and my good friend. Happy Valentines Day, James Sweeney |
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| 01/01/07 | I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work with Jake. I had no doubt that he would follow in his older brother Sam's footsteps athletically. He had the same personal integrity and quiet strength.
He obviously had leadership skills. He was beginning to get a sense of his capabilities in this area as well by the end of the summer. We still have Jake's brother Sam. And we still have Jim and Karen who are the creative force behind their wonderful children. And we still have Jake in our hearts and memories. May he inspire us to treat one another with patience and compassion, and to live our lives without regrets. Rob Gibson |
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| 12/26/06 | Jake-- I'm thinking about you tonight. You are missed so much down here. More than you could ever know. It hurts to think about you, but it also feels so wonderful. I still cry. You've taught me so much and I'm so thankful to have known you. Merry Christmas. -Kristy |
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| 12/23/06 | Jake how come you had to leave all of us ? Well it is Chistmas time and man it has been so hard for all of your family and friends. Your friend ,Josh |
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| 12/17/06 | We will miss you much this upcoming baseball season. Especially your good ability to play ball. It will be different playing without you. We love you Jake. Nobody will forget you! -friend |
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| 12/17/06 | This is a hard time of year as gifts are exchanged; it is all too easy to get lost in our own private memories of Jake. To our family Jake himself was a gift, funny, cool, clever, kind and so much fun to be around. He was that ever-supportive person, cheering us on loudly with 100% enthusiasm with challenges big or small. We feel so blessed that Jake was our friend, his compassion made us better people. Three months ago I thought we had lost that friendship and was heartbroken. Grief has defiantly shaken us, but we have discovered we didn't lose Jake's friendship, it is still continuing. Although we miss him terribly, we find he still makes us laugh, smile and remember. He continues to change us, we now try to be more forgiving, patient and careful with others. I love still being Jake's friend and so do my kids. We are less nervous as we look to the year ahead of healing because, although it is different than it was, we still can enjoy our friendship with Jake as it continues to grow. Merry Christmas Jake! The Sweeney Clan |
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| 12/03/06 | hey buddy, I just wanted to say that its been about 3 months, and I still can't except the fact that your gone. Like James said, it is very lonely on earth here without you and I miss you so much. Looking at pictures, makes me cry. If I had one wish I would bring you back to life, and I miss seeing you at school. It's hard on all of us to know that we have had one of our best friends leave us so early in life. I remember going on our crazy family camping trips. I have a gift from you, and it was our friendship. I hope we can still be friends even though your in heaven, but someday we will see you again. You left us here to grieve. I miss you Jake... - Vanessa W. |
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| 11/23/06 | Jake, We are thankful to have known you and to have had the opportunity to share special times with you, you are missed everyday Jake, but you live on in our hearts and memories. Jamiesons |
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| 11/23/06 | Dear Jake, |
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| 11/20/06 | Jake, You were a great friend to all of us, and we all cared about you very much. Junior Guards was always so much more exciting with you in the activities with us. You taught everyone of your friends something different but i think one thing that you taught all of us was to love, and to laugh. You were a very special friend, son, student, and all around good person. I know we all miss you and will always think about you. Love, Kelly |
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| 11/09/06 | Jake. There’s basically no way to describe this kid. He surprised me each and every day in the summer with new jokes, good and bad, mostly bad, and sometimes a hug. He’s the kid that made me smile when I was sad. He’s the kid that now, everyone knows about. Three weeks ago, I couldn’t accept the fact that he wouldn’t be coming to school the next day. I couldn’t accept the fact that ‘everything happens for a reason’. But I know Jake just made heaven, a heck of a lot cooler. I miss you kid. Kelli. |
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| 11/06/06 | What a Difference a Father Makes My children didn’t have a father in the home to help nurture their lives.Their fathers were too immature to know what they were giving up.They didn’t realize the precious gift that they had been given So I tried to be both mother and father for them as best I could. As time went by there wasn’t anyone to share this responsibility with me, sadly to say. Still I believe that everything that happens to us is for a learning experience. I truly believe that we choose our paths pre-birth in order to have the first hand experience of living this path. We choose the painful, disappointing, difficult, and sad lessons in order to perfect and grow spiritually. I am so grateful to Karen and her cousins for allowing me to witness the DVD evidence of Jake’s beautiful and loving personality. The words of his friends and their parents, and others who knew him intimately, and saw him as the good person he was, made me proud to know he touched them so deeply. I feel that his spirit completed it’s mission in this earthly incarnation. He connected with love with his fellow humans, as well as we all should do. The many experiences, and life-style lessons that his two parents consciously gave to him, showed in his nature, his personality, and in his accomplishments. I was amazed an impressed with his attention to detail in his presentation of the Assyrians. One only wonders what he might have become had he lived to adulthood. In my opinion most adults don’t reach the level of brotherhood that Jake did at such a young age. The public response made this most evident. The fact that his organs gave life to several other people made my heart a little lighter. Now if the city can change the bike path safety standards by erecting a cement barrier between the lane of traffic and the bike lane, then post reduced speed signs in that school area, perhaps this terrible loss of life will stand for a humanitarian purpose. How many children or adults for that matter have to die before the city makes the needed safety changes for it’s citizens? Anna Louise Aikala-Lowery |
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| 11/06/06 | Aloha Karen, Jim And Sam. Thank you for sending all the information regarding Jake. The picture cd was wonderful. You are so thoughtful. Both Tree and I send our love to all of you. Our prayers go out to you with much Aloha. Terence 'Tree' and Anna Lowery |  |
| 11/01/06 | Karen,Jim,and Sam,
Please know that so many people love you and think of you all each and every Love, Kara |
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| 10/31/06 | Jake, It is Halloween night, we are all thinking of you and missing you. Love, The Sweeneys |
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| 10/20/06 | Hey Jake, I really do miss you, so does a million other people. I am grateful that I got the chance to be your friend. We went to Foothill together for six years, did Junior Guards for two years, and went to El Capitan with you and other Foothill families a few times. You are a real character, a happy, polite, smart, funny, and caring person. All the traits everyone should have. You were one of the funniest boys I knew. I remember your would always say "I like eggs," randomly and you would give people backrubs. You really did change the world Jake. You made everyone be more aware that life should be great and we should make the most of it because you never know what will happen in the future and also that treat everyone kindly because they may be gone the next second. I love you and their always is a spot for you in my heart that will remain forever. Thank you for enlightening my life and letting me always count on your for a laugh. Love always, Jamie |
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| 10/18/06 | Jake, i never really got to know you. I regret it more than anything. But i did do JGS with you. Went to Foothill with you. And talked to you once or twice. You will always be in my heart no matter how much or how little i knew you. You tought me so many things even if you didnt tell me directly. You tought me that love can hold on forever even if the person that has passed isnt really there you still have them... tucked in your heart forever...you tought me that friendship is so important as well as life...you tought me to make every second of my life great....live life to its fullest...... jake you are probly the most loved person everywere you go. God bless you jake...you were and angle on earth and now you will be in angle in heaven... see you in heaven, marissa |
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| 10/05/06 | To Jake and the Boysel Family, I think about you every day. I drive by your memorial every morning when I drop my precious son off at his Grammy's house before I go to work and I can't help but just ache with sadness for you. As a mommy, I can't even imagine the heartbreak you are going through. My brain shies away from that too horrible thought. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I drive more carefully every day. I SLOW DOWN and I hug my baby more and I consciously think of my blessings every morning. Thank you for that gift. My prayers and love are with you all and I wish you peace. Dana...Murphy's Mama |
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| 10/03/06 | Jake, I didn't get to hang out with you very often, but when I did, you always made my day. On the school camping trips you always made everything funny and exciting! You were caring, had a great personality, and were talented! I can't wait to see you again in heaven! Love Always |
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| 10/02/06 | Jake, I never knew you directly; only just enough to be able to see you walking around Foothill when I went there and to think "That's Sam's brother." But what I never thought of before was the fact that you weren't just Sam's brother. You were so much more. You were a person, a great one at that, who loved and laughed and cried just like everyone else. Which is what I think most people fail to see for anyone. That they aren't just there; they're real. I realize I might not be making all that much sense right now, but isn't it true? The fact that we walk by or see someone that we don't really know that well and we never even consider what their life's been like? Or the fact that someone could just die at any given time, including myself. Which is another scary truth. We all die. And none of us know when that will happen. I'm glad at least Jake you got to live your life to the fullest. You seemed like a really amazing person and anyone who was lucky enough to know you was blessed; and I only wish I was that fortunate. Jake you made me realize lots of many important things. One, that no one is ever no one. Everyone lives and everyone dies every day and we may not even think about it. Two, that even someone I never knew could touch my heart and make me cry for something that I never got to witness, but just having it be so beautiful and so full of life; and making me want to call my friends and telling them how much I love them and never wanting to let go of them. I think that's the problem with people. They care too much about what other people think. I mean before this, I could never just go up to friends and just tell them how much I love them and how much they really mean to me. I just wish I hadn't waited until you had died for me to get to talk to you. I'm sorry for running on like this, so let me just say thanks for that Jake. Goodbye We all miss you Even if we never got to know you.... I'll cya in Heaven Jake, |
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| 10/01/06 | I think that Jake's death has taught everyone lessons, and this shows with all the people -directly and indirectly- affected. It shows how dear and precious life is, and I think this is something that Jake was able to do so well which is to enjoy life as it went. Of course, no one can help thinking about or anticipating the future, but to be thankful for every breath and day spent here on earth is a blessing in itself. No one knows when will be their last day, not even a fortune teller can tell you that.
Jake, my dear buddy, I keep playing a slideshow in my head of all the things we used to do such as make up our own planets... i think i still have the drawings... Listen to Harry Potter on tape and play Harry Potter Uno. Our many crazy family vacations such as Sequoia National Park and sliding down an icey mountain road :) or river rafting down the great American River. Or sitting in your Lance camper and playing hours of Magic the Gathering even if we never really figured out how to play. That was quite some time ago, but I will cherish those memories forever and ever in my heart. I will use your example of generosity and kindness to everyone and apply it to my own life because I have learned so incredibly much from you. Even though your work here on earth is done, the work you have already generated is making lasting impacts on so many people's lives. I know that you are looking down upon us proud of the changes and impressions you have left with so many people. I look forward to meeting up again in a better place. I love you so much. Jim and Karen, I just want to say that I have never met two people in my life that have showed so much love and kindness toward anyone, especially the way you have always been there for my family and I. Thank you for all the crazy barbeques, or New Year's game nights, or vacations and camping trips. Thank you for attending my games of various sports, and Vanessa and Shane's activities and sports as well. Thanking you for always showing interest in our lives and everything you have ever done. It may not seem like I appreciate it all the time, but trust me you have no idea what you guys mean to me or my family. You can certainly tell where Jake got his enormous heart. Sammy, you know that I am always here for you whenever, whereever and even though I sometimes give you a hard time or what not you know it has always been out of love. ;) I love you Boysels with all my heart, Justine |
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| 10/01/06 | I am grieving the loss of a child I never had the honor or privilege of meeting. Ever since I heard of the accident and its tragic outcome, I have been overwhelmed with sadness for Jake, his parents and older brother. A day hasn’t gone by these past three weeks where they have not been in my thoughts. They are forever in my hearts and I am so deeply sorry for their unimaginable loss. The tributes to Jake are very comforting to read. What a delightful child! We are a new family at Foothill School - my son started 4th grade this year. At the school carnival the other night, there was a large poster of Jake with the reminder for us all to slow down. I will carry that image with me every time I get into my car and especially when I see a child on a bicycle. I may have never met Jake or his family, but he has forever impacted the way I will live the remainder of my life. Thank you for allowing me, a perfect stranger, to share my sadness and extend my deepest sympathy to the Boysel family. Karen S. |
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| 9/28/06 | I WANT THE BOYSEL FAMILY TO KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILY. I DON'T KNOW THE BOYSEL FAMILY, BUT WHEN I HEARD ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPEND IN THE NEWS AND THE PAPER I FELT SO BAD. I AM SO SORRY, I KNOW THAT YOUR WONDERFUL SON IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU GUYS. I READ THE GREAT MEMORIAL THAT JAMES WROTE FOR JAKE, MAY I SAY THAT WAS REALLY WELL SAID. JAKE SOUNDS LIKE HE WAS AN AMAZING BOY. MAY JAKE REST IN PEACE. HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE THAT KNEW HIM AND BY THOSE THAT DIDN'T KNOW HIM. REST IN PEACE JAKE BOYSEL |
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| 9/27/06 | Jake, You were everything we needed in a friend. You were funny, smart, creative, and you always had a way with making everyone laugh. I remember those camping trips the class would take and everyday we would play cops and robbers until it was time to sleep. Each time we played you were always the leader because you were the only one that could actually get everyone to play by the rules and not cheat. Last year you had the plastic bat to show that you were the boss and we all had to listen to you. Haha, good times. Those camping trips were really the only time i got to hang with you and even though it was only for the weekend, it was soooo worth it and i wouldn't trade it for the world. I really got to know and love you more and more each year and I'll always remember those times in math when you just had to tell Mrs.. kremser to "wait"!! "But wait" were always the first thing to come out your mouth and it always made us laugh. Yu were always making things fun to do and you were always the one we wanted to hang around. I'm really going to miss you more than i can describe, and school, and camping trips will never be the same. I'll always remember the way you made us smile, the way you cheered us up, and the way you lived your life through elementary school, and that first week of the "big" jr high. You will always be in my thoughts, prayers, and especially my heart!!! I hope you're having a GREAT time in heaven and i cant wait until i see you again!! I love you Jake!!!!! love always, Sierra and the Clarks |
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| 9/25/06 | Hey Boysel Family, Every single day I think why Jake? Why was it Jake that was hit? Why? Why? Why? Jake was such a great guy, and I will miss him sooooo much!!! Jake was like a brother to me and I will miss that about him. Jake and I went surfing, camping, and river rafting together! I miss that so much, and I was looking forward to going camping with my family and your family to Upper Osso this Spring Break. I picture Jake everyday at Jg's, school, lemon fights, camping, and when we went river rafting. When we went river rafting my most memorable moment was when Jake and I were the only ones not paddling(we were too lazy). I remember going to my grandpa's ranch and when Jake was driving the Kawasaki Mule for the first time, and how great of a driver he was!!!! I also remember when we had lemon fights in his backyard, when Jake and I would go against Sam and Shane, I was the one that only ended up crying, from being hit(Sam)!!! Shane and Sam once got an egg out of the chicken coop and they tried to throw it at us!!!!! I will never forget our lemon fights... In Jg's Jake was the one to be around, he was funny, cheerful, and a ring leader. But doing Jg's next year is going to be hard without one of your closest friends being there with you. It's tough on all of us, but sooner or later our time will come around. Life is short so live it to the fullest know matter how extreme it is, just have fun with it,(but be careful)!!! " A loss of a friend is an angel gained." He was an angel before and now he is a real angel!!!! You know that I will never forget Jake and your whole family...know matter what happens, we'll always be here for you guys! We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Vanessa Wieland |
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| 9/25/06 | Next year I will be going to La Colina Junior High School. I feel sad that I will never be able to meet Jake Boysel. I know that he would have made me laugh. At his memorial I heard about fun memories. I wish I could have had some memories. To the parents and brother of Jake Boysel I wish you good luck in your life. I bet Jake is watching over you everyday and right now. Love, Londyn |
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| 9/24/06 | Jake, You and I played together in Little League on the Brewers. Both of our dads coached us that year. We had a lot of fun times and laughs. I learned a lot that year. I look back on it and we were just little kids. A few years have passed. You went to Foothill School and I went to Hollister. This year we made it to La Colina. After seeing you again I had some good memories. Now everything is just a memory. I hate to say goodbye. I will REMEMBER you always as I grow older. Your Friend, Kevin |
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| 9/24/06 | Jim, Karen and Sam.. my heart goes out to you and I think about you often. I have known you both (Jim/Karen) for a very long time. More recently I recall sitting in the bleachers with Karen eating sunflower seeds, watching Jake and Eric play, and cringing when our boys were up at bat with a 0-2 count. We talked about our kids and the trials and tribulations that go along with parenting. But it was pure joy and your love for both Sam and Jake was obvious. Jim you were and are such a devoted and dedicated father. I know how much you enjoyed coaching all the boys and how much fun we had at our Kellog and GVSLL practices. I will never forget that one day we played over-the-line with the boys… we were ALL young boys that day! As I am sure you can now see, Jake (and your family) have touched many lives. I will remember Jake every time I sit in the bleachers and watch a Little League game, every time I bike up to Painted Caves. I am going to plant Wildflowers along that roadside as I did for my father and another close friend that died. Those flowers will bloom every spring and brighten the roadways in Jakes honor and continue to propagate and spread. I will remember Jake every time I go out surfing and am on that special wave that comes out of nowhere and rejuvenates the soul. I will remember Jake anytime I see someone with blue zinc sunscreen on their nose. I will remember Jake when I am teaching my kids about bicycle safety. Jake lives on in me and I suspect many others. Love Gary |
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| 9/24/06 | Hey Boysels, Our family and your family have spent so much time together in the past. We went camping, and river rafting together. All of that quality time meant so much to us. We will miss that, and it will never be the same without Jake. He is in a much safer place now, a little place we all call Heaven. He was an all around great guy and we will miss him very much. Everytime you would turn around Jake would either be laughing his head off or trying to make someone laugh their head off. Vanessa and Jake's friends are going to miss that about Jake. Our thoughts and prayers go to your family. We will miss him dearly! - Wielands |
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| 9/23/06 | Jake, Im not sure that we have been face to face but your smile makes me smile. and when i think of you i think of an amazing little boy who always made people laugh.. I no how it is to lose someone and i am trying my hardest to help and pray for you and your family. They really loved you Jake and so did all your friends. We all love u even if we did not know you. You will always be loved and never be forgotten. Your smile brings very happy thoughts to my mind. I think everyone that had met you laughed every second they were with you. I gave your mom a big hug the other day. I miss you so much Jake and I didnt know you. You obviously were an amazing person. You struck hearts of parents and children around Santa Barbara. I can't wait to see you some day. You made me realize about the important parts of life. Love and enjoy your life. Love and miss you, Nina |
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| 9/23/06 | I remember paying baseball at gvsll against him and his team the bruins. He was a great hitter and fielder. I look forward to going to the memorial service on Sunday gvsll. We will miss you Jake! Gvsll player |
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9/23/06 |
As I read through the wonderful sentiments and browse this amazing website I keep coming back to one central issue. It first hit me at the memorial at La Colina where the love and admiration for Jake was laid over the gathering like a warm blanket and it has been occupying a fair amount of space in my heart and head ever since. I’ve known Jake and Sam’s parents for almost 20 years, but I only knew the boys in passing over the years. Obviously Jake was a special child. But if the truth be told, every child that is brought into this world is special. The reason Jake was so well loved and respected by his community of friends and acquaintances, in my opinion, is because of his family. What if all of our children had a family like Jake and Sam’s? What if 2 parents for every child that was brought into this world put as much effort, love and attention into raising those children as Jim and Karen have and will continue to do? What if every child had the cousins and aunts and uncles and extended family that Jake and Sam have?. What if all our children were so well loved in our community because they were taught from the very beginning to respect and live any and all life to the fullest? What an incredible world we would live in! I’m lucky, I’ve had the amazing grace to own a business in town that saw so many wonderful families pass through our doors, Families that put endless hours of time, dedication and love into raising their children. And on the other side I’ve watch many special children set adrift to raise themselves and figure out the best they can how to get attention. I know that we all tend to hold our children a little tighter, tell them we love them a little more often, and thank God for our family a little louder when a tragedy like Jake’s passing occurs. But if I could imagine just one blessing that would come out of a heartache such as this, I would ask that we all take responsibility as parents of our children, in essence “Teach our Children Well”. Whether they be biological, neighborhood, community or children of the world. Please honor Jake’s memory and his family’s grief by slowing down, not taking any day with our children for granted and giving back as much as we get from ALL the special children in this world. Thanks for considering the possibility. Lori |
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| 9/22/06 | I am a father who happens to live up the street and around the corner from the Boysels, yet I had never met them, let alone knew that they lived so close by, short of finding their dog in the street last mid summer afternoon and letting them know about it. At the time, I had been driving with my eleven year old son in the car, who practically shouted with enthusiasm, “I know them!” Mom and about five kids happened to be in the front yard at the time. William |
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9/21/06 |
I didn't know Jake but for some reason his story touched me more than anything else I have been hearing in the news. It really hit home thinking about a young boy getting strip of life like that. He had dreams and hope. He had friends and family. He sounded like such a wonderful kid and your lucky to have had him in your life. My entire school is praying for him. I never knew him but I will never forget him either! I never thought I could cry so much for a kid and family I never met. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I love you.
Anonymous |
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9/21/06 |
Jake, I never knew you, but I really wish I did! I went to the memorial at school, and judging from what people said about you, you seem like you were a really cool guy. I never thought I would be so sad about someone I did not know. I cried. I hope you are having a good time in Heaven, and I hope you know how many people miss you and love you. From, Chloe |
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| 9/20/06 | Only some people leave a lasting impression in our lives, one never to be forgotten. Only some people can make an imprint in our hearts. Only some people can make us smile with everything they do. Only some people can show us the real meaning of life.You were one. A big smile, sense of humor, lively spirit, and goals waiting to be fulfilled. Jake, you were amazing. Your sprit is still living in us and it always will. You were everything to a lot of us. Family. Friends. Everything important. Heaven simply needed a hero, & they got you. There will never be another Jake like you, NEVER! Help show us our ways in life, on our paths & watch over us. We love you Jake & you will ALWAYS be my angel, hero, friend, cousin, & my everything. I love you! Family Forever :] love forever & always, "Jessie" |
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| 9/20/06 | You don't know me directly, my name is Dana and I am a friend of Dianna Cottriel. My 6 year old son passed away unexpectedly a few years back. I know all too well the hurt in your heart, the whole in your stomach, the tears and much more. I was driving my son Nathan to school the morning of the accident shortly after it happened (that is the route I take) and from that point on I have followed the news about Jake. I look at his website everyday to see the updated pictures and what a wonderful idea. What an angelic face. I have seen Jake on the baseball field as my son Nathan plays as well. Nathan is only 7 but we were around a lot and watched many games. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family but most of all, mom, dad, & Sam. I have a poem I would like to share with you that I keep next to my son's picture. I hope you don't mind. When God calls little children to dwell with Him above, we mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love. Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to His fold, so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old. God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few to make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view. Believing this is difficult still somehow we must try, the saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye." So when a little child departs, we who are left behind must realize God loves children, Angels are hard to find. Again, you are in my thoughts and prayers. |
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9/18/06 |
Jake, you were there at the beach, You were there in every embrace, Your hands were there as flowers were strung, Your love was there as fathers hugged their sons and told them they loved them again and again, Your eyes were there watching with mothers as their children play at the water line, You were with every paddler big and small, gliding through the water trying not to drop their flowers, Your laugh was heard when friends told goofy stories and shared memories, Your spirit soared with the doves circling in the air, You were there, but you are always in our hearts. Debbie |
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| 9/15/06 | I don’t really know what to say… This is so heart breaking. What a beautiful and amazing boy. I wish all the family and friends love and support in this most difficult time. Lives have been changed forever. I also want to say to the person or people involved in the making of the website that it’s absolutely wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. Patti |
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