Thinking back on the last couple weeks Jake and I had together, one conversation stuck out. Jake asked me, ‘How do I get to heaven?’ I remember the night specifically. He was the second person close to me I was able to share about Jesus. We went to church occasionally with my parents, but he grew up catholic. He was confused on what to do. I explained to him, you pray and ask Jesus for salvation and I told him the Bible story. He lay in bed that night and prayed next to me. I have no doubt in my mind my daughter and I will see Jake again in heaven. I find peace in knowing that.
It was a rough couple years following the car accident. I questioned a lot. I hate to admit it, but I questioned God. Why? Why would God have this plan for me? Why would he have me get pregnant and have a baby at 18, get married and take Jake from me? I struggled for a long time. My brain injury symptoms did not help mourning the loss of Jake. I will never know why this happened, but God does. When I finally learned to trust God’s plan I became happier. I had to keep going for my daughter. I had doubt at times I could recover and continue on, but I had the most amazing family behind me supporting me every step of the way, reminding me God was in control. I had best friends who babysat when I needed them and let me sit and just talk and cry to them when I needed.
I want everyone to know seatbelts are SO important! No matter who you are or how badass you think you are. You need a seatbelt. Two seconds down the road or two hours, ALWAYS wear one.
Carseats are so so important, too! I sometimes feel like I overstep when telling parents they need to correct their children’s seatbelts. I don’t care, though. It’s life or death. The pictures you see going around Facebook about your baby’s seatbelt tightness, no jackets, etc., TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! I was SO lucky my daughter only had bruising and nothing worse because she was in her seat properly.
Also, remember pregnancy CAN happen to you! Everyone’s story is different, but always be smart. You can get help if you are pregnant. There are places and people who want to help you in your pregnancy.
I miss Jake tremendously but God took him for a reason. Jake was an organ donor. He gave the gift of life after he was gone.
Today I am happily married with two more beautiful kids. Life is good again. I am happy, and I thank God daily for that. One day, we will see Jake again and we will forever be looking forward to that day.”
**This story was written by Katherine Besch. See more from her on her Facebook page.