Jacob Casey Foundation

16 YEARS

When you say it’s been 16 years, it seems so long ago
I still search for a reason that we’ll never know
But then again I think of you and it seems like you were just here
I think of our lives then, that I will always hold dear

Our world has changed so much since you died
I can’t picture you in it, no matter how I’ve tried
All I see is a 19 year old face, hanging out and having fun
Loving to be with you, loving that you’re my grandson

You brought so much joy to those around you
Your family, your friends…old and new
I know it would still be that way, even at 35
Loving people, loving life, so happy, so alive

We all miss you Jacob, that feeling will never leave
Till our days on earth are done, we will continue to grieve.
It took many small steps to get where we are today
I am thankful for my memories, but it will never be ok

Grief is the price we pay for the love we had
It saps your energy, your thoughts make you so sad
Jacob was one-of-a-kind, something we all knew
It’s what made us love him through and through

We all lost a part of ourselves on that day
It has changed many of us for sure
I hope it brings you more patience for those around you
Accept their flaws, see their pain, know that they love you too

15 YEARS

When Jacob first died, I asked a woman at work..when do the tears subside
She said everyone is different, there is no guide
But for her, she said it took her 10 years, but they never go completely away
She said you will always have triggers on any given day

I remember being shocked to hear that her pain had lasted so long
But as the years go by, I now know this journey is lifelong
I couldn’t believe I never knew she lost a child, I didn’t know what to say
But I started to look at her differently on that day

I now noticed how she rarely showed much joy
Maybe that quiet demeanor was because she had been destroyed
You never know what’s in the mind of another
The loss of a child is like no other

Sometimes her words come flowing back to me
At the time, I thought it just couldn’t be
This heartache couldn’t possibly last forever more
But it does, it affects you to the core

You would have been 34 today, it’s been 15 years
The mourning is gone, but never the grieving or tears
You try to control it, but there’s nothing you can do
Tears may flow like a river or maybe just be a few

The person beside you may be in a lot of pain that you can’t see
Pretending to be ok, but will never be who they used to be
They may be broken, but will never tell
Even if you think you know them so well

We all have said words we wish we had never said
No one is perfect, but you never know what lies ahead
Forgive them, they know not what they do
They may not ever realize what you’re going through

Just heard about the tragic accident last night that took the life of another one of Jacob’s friends. I remember the difficult time you had with Jacob’s death and I know Jacob was there to greet you. Our most sincere sympathy to your family. We know what they are going through and there are no words that will lessen their pain. Rest in Peace Josh Torch.

JACOB - 12 YEARS LATER

12 years have passed and we think of you nearly every day
Still amazed at the number of people who feel the same way
Still seeing your friends post about you after all these years
Makes us realize what an impact you had on your peers

Your smiling face will always stand out
To remind us what life is all about
It’s not about money, success or fame
But how you treat others, how you play the game

I still question why you were chosen to leave
Though I know you are at peace, we will forever grieve
Memory of this tragedy will never go away
God help us to accept this loss, we pray

Ocalans will never forget this date
Remembering that night in 2008

Happy birthday in heaven to our sweet Jacob, who would have been 31 today. We grieve for you as much today as we did in 2008. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts and minds.