I had the privilege of going to the Virgin Islands last year with the Magrass family. Brenda, Lou, Carissa, Providence, my daughter Allison . It was a wonderful time and I’m so glad I got to spend time and get to know the family. Both of the teenagers stood out as being so polite and just great kids. I so enjoyed exploring the islands with this family. Providence and Jesse were so close and so kind to each other. I especially enjoyed watching the family and Allison snorkel. I was hoping to be able to spend more time with Jesse but sadly that wasn’t meant to be,My heart breaks with you !l

I love you Carrisa @ Brandon@sweet May

I will always regret that I didn’t get to see Jesse very often as he was growing up due to living out of state. But what a gift to make two precious memories in the year before his passing! It’s almost like God said, “you’ve got to get to know this awesome person while there’s still time.”

The first memory is our trip to St. Thomas with Brandon, Carissa, Brenda, Lou, and my mom. As I said, I didn’t know the kids very well and probably could have counted on one hand how many times I’d seen them since they were born, so I admit, I wasn’t so sure about spending the week with 2 teenagers! My stepdad was also sick with cancer, so we were not immediately sure if we would go. I’ll be forever grateful that we did! As soon as they arrived (a day late due to a flight cancellation!) I quickly found out that Jesse and Providence were just as sweet and wonderful as their parents. My mom and I kept commenting to each other, “Can you believe their awesome attitudes and how social they are with all the adults?” We were so impressed and we know that’s all due to how they were raised, as well as their innate wonderful personalities  

When Jesse was telling all about his plans to move to Houston and join the IBEW, I asked him, “aren’t there electrical jobs up there? Why do you need to come to Houston to do that?” He said he just loved Houston and wanted to move back. My response was “….why?” Lol. But I was happy he would be coming back, and I was hopeful the whole family would eventually move back too!

We made a lot of awesome memories in St. Thomas, most memorable of all was getting lost on the twisty mountainous roads, ending up down someone’s looooong driveway and having to back all the way out (next to a cliff), then realizing we were right down the street from our house the whole time. Carissa put her head between her knees and went to her happy place!

The next memory was our family crabbing trip the day after Christmas. We spent half the day catching about 50 crabs, and then having to buy 50 more because we didn’t get enough on our own. We were thankful it was so overcast, but we still kept reminding Jesse to keep his sunscreen on, because Carissa would kill him if he was sunburnt for family photos the next day! When we were back home and eating, Carissa got home and I remember both kids running to the car to see her. I thought to myself, again, what teenagers do that with their mom?! So precious and so much love. I remember looking around at everyone eating and laughing, and thinking, “life is good.” Life was good in that moment, but it can change forever, so quickly. 

I’m so sorry for the loss of your treasured son and brother. I’m so thankful for the brief time I got to know him. 

Jesse was one of Alex’s best friends in elementary school. They played the oboe together, shared countless hikes and sleepovers, and loved spending time swimming. Jesse and Alex also enjoyed celebrating their birthdays together, creating so many special memories.

We will always remember Jesse as a funny, kind, and caring friend—someone who was such a wonderful part of Alex’s life. We are truly grateful for the memories they shared.

Our hearts are with you, and we are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.