We met by accident in August2022.... and from then on we were NEVER apart. The memories are etched in my soul, and it was the best two years of my life. 

He and I grew up a lot, gained weight, lost weight, and had a puppy. He really was a amazing partner and made it a point to always take care of me first. Lol I always got the first bite of food and he always got the last bite. 

 Jeff knew and understood my past, the surgeries,  the pain, and abuses. With a smile he always carried me when I was weak, made sure I ate and drank enough.   He NEVER let me do anything "a man is supposed to do". 

My favorite habit he made for us was setting aside time to exercise and shower *together* every day. 

For the first time in my life I got piggy back rides, pulled around in a wagon, and went on adventures. We fell in love with biking and biked ALL OVER Austin!! He knew ALLLLL the short cuts!!!!

Often surprising me with the best views and tacos, he showed me how real men show love by setting aside time for JUST US. Cell phones were turned OFF and our doors locked. Even if all he did was shave and tell me to put on a cute dress so we could cook dinner at home. 

His struggle with the past affected him everyday... watching him struggle with ups and downs broke my heart. 

Seeing his pain my soul made his soul  a promise.. I told him that I was going to show him unconditional love is.. and I did. He was never yelled at, cussed out, or humiliated.  

Once he heard the funny way I pray.. he told me there was going to be some changes.  Thereafter we prayed together ALWAYS.   We also started looking for a church. Our street outreach was outpacing us and we needed help. 

Everyone trusted and loved him so much! The entire neighborhood knew where to go if they needed help. 

He was and is a HERO for many people in Austin, TX. 

There will be a memorial block party... and it will be on the news. Everyone is going to demand answers and CHANGES. 

His smile swept me off my feet on day one and then he then gently claimed all of my first memories of a long list of things. He taught me everything I ever wanted to know, like how to back up, hitch, and haul a trailer.  He was the man I waited for my whole life. 

Two years was NOT enough.. and I spend everyday praying  and living in the only way I know that will let me see him again one day. 

My heart and soul went with him on March 1st. One day my body too. 

God please let me come home, please keep him close to you, and please let his memory make us all smile. 

I love you Jeffrey Pope, I'm coming home one day soon.  

-jess