Jessie Jermaine Patrick

Jessie's leadership skills and ability to make friends easily may have been why he was drawn to sports. There probably wasn't any sport Jessie couldn't play, or learn to play. Jessie was quick like a serpent and strong like an ox. He showed this by wrestling others on the mat and running on the football field. While his mother would be working to make ends meet, one of her joys came from watching her son excel at doing what he loved. Jessie loved to win, and this was evident by his collection of trophies :) Jessie wasn't only great at sports, but his creativity was shown through his poetry and artistic talents. Jessie had a passion for drawing and writing lyrics. In middle school, one of his art assignments was chosen to display in the hallways, and stayed there even until his little sister, Brittany, went to the same school.

We all know that life isn't perfect, and neither was Jessie's. Around the age of twelve, something changed. It was as if a switch was flipped and it was night and day. Jessie started to show behaviors that were unlike him. Ultimately, Jessie was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. His mother tried many avenues of treatment, but none were successful. Jessie was leading down a path of darkness, paved with drug use in order to cope with his racing thoughts and turbulent emotions. There were numerous times when Gina would get a call from the local jail, informing her of Jessie's arrest. Although saddened by Jessie's loss of freedom, there was a bittersweet relief by knowing where her son was and that he was okay.

The pattern continued. Jessie would become sober while in jail due to a lack of access, but also a love for Jesus Christ. Jessie would pour himself into prayer and reading the bible, yearning for redemption and forgiveness. Jessie always wanted a second chance. Unfortunately, Jessie's substance use disorder came with many relapses. But the older Jessie became, the more he realized that this life wasn't for him. He wanted a change.

In 2011, Jessie became a father to his son, Jeziah Demarius Comfort Patrick. His son sparked a new courage within him to try again. Jessie wanted to live a good life and be a good father to his son.

It was 2015/2016 when Jessie's change was noticeable. Jessie had voluntarily entered a sober living environment to help with his addiction. Jessie's family gained a sense of hope, and encouraged Jessie to keep going. Gina often speaks of this moment. She knew Jessie was changing for the better.

Unfortunately, Jessie was on probation and had failed a drug test. This was a blow to Jessie, but he was determined to return to sober living once he finished his time. I guess fate had other plans. Jessie had lost his identification card and upon his release, could not return to the sober living environment until he could show his ID. In the meantime, Jessie lived with a significant other. He often spoke with his mother during this time, stating he didn't want to live there but will only do so until he can obtain another ID.

It was June 17th, 2016, when the family got the news that Jessie had overdosed. There was shock and devastation. We knew Jessie was on the way to better choices and a changed life. It felt like Jessie was robbed of his last chance.

We like to think that if Jessie were still alive, his change would have stuck. He would be inspiring others to treatment and showing that if he can do it, so can others. Perhaps he would have continued in his artistic pursuits, and became a lyricist. Maybe he would work in the church and show others his passion for the Lord and guide others to rely on Him.

There are things we could guess on, but what we do know is that Jessie would be there for Jeziah to show him just how much he cared for him. He would have been there to watch his baby sister, Bethany, graduate with her Bachelor's degree and get married. So many milestones Jessie has missed out on, but we know he wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Rest in Heavenly Peace, Jessie. We know that the only scars in Heaven, are on the hands that hold you now.

Songs to Listen to Remind you of Jessie:

Casting Crowns - Scars in Heaven