Jalen Jackson

I can’t even believe that you have left this world way too soon. Man, when they say life is short, they aren’t kidding. As I write this I keep asking myself, why Michelle? Why now? You didn’t deserve to leave this Earth this way, all the hearts you touched, I just wish that you were able to beat this stupid cancer disease. I lost my grandmother to cancer as well, so this is very hard for me to swallow that this ridiculous disease has taken another life, another person from me who always lit up the room with her smile and loved to do what she did every day. I never thought I’d hear that you passed away. Writing my final words to you is hard because I’m bawling my eyes out as I continue to type. You were a fighter, a motivator, and an inspiration to me, I can honestly say that you are the reason I love Winterguard so much. After hearing about the news, I didn’t want to believe it, I didn’t want to allow myself to believe that you: a nice, kind, outstanding woman such as yourself is not going to be around anymore. I guess this really stings the most because I was told that you were doing fine and that the treatments were going well. It really brings me to tears that I didn’t get to see you one more time after Winterguard season. It is bittersweet that you will never see another one of my Winter performances again. However, I know your body finally is rid of physical pain and you are in a place of paradise watching over all of the people you’ve touched and inspired through the guard program. Thank you Michelle! For teaching me every trick I know on rifle, for always smiling at our practices, and making those long Saturday practices the most fun time I’ve had in a winter season. I wouldn’t be the performer I am today if it wasn’t for you telling me, “Make that rifle your b****”. I know you would want me to continue going on and doing what it is that makes me happy. Honestly, I’m going to do exactly that because I want to make you proud one more time. I have decided to dedicate this Winter season coming up to you, and perform my heart out for you because I feel it is deserving. I will give my all in every count, phrase, and body throughout the season. You had to be one of my favorite instructors to step foot in McEachern. I just want to give you one last thank you for everything you did for me, you were truly a blessing to my life and I will never forget that.