I got some devastating news today. One of our clients, a sweet 25-year-old father, was killed ten days ago. He was driving to work, and at 4:11 am he was hit by two cars that were drag racing at 100 miles per hour. Both drivers were drunk. Jake died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. His fiance Amber and their 19-month-old baby girl Blakeleih were home sleeping soundly.
This is such devastating news. He was so young, a wonderful father, a loving partner to Amber, and a loving son, family member, and friend to all who knew him. He and Amber were to be married this November. I’m so devastated for everyone who knew and loved him. Jake’s life was stolen by two murderers. They chose to get drunk and drive 100 miles per hour down the freeway. I hope justice is served, but no matter what happens to them, it won’t bring Jake back.
When I called Mark to tell him, I was sobbing, and I just kept saying, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” Losing him is my worst fear, and now Amber is living that nightmare. I can’t even imagine. Life can change in an instant, and it’s incredibly unfair. Jake’s parents lost their son, his daughter lost her father, and his fiance lost the love of her life. Blakeleih is so in love with Daddy. She loved to sit on his lap and hold his hand, and was always with him. They are an AMAZING little family. I used to tell Amber how much I appreciated what good parents they are, always doing things with their little girl, always taking her fun places. They arranged their work schedules so one of them was always with them.
If you’d like to donate to their cause, to help Amber continue being the amazing mother she is, here is a link: http://www.gofundme.com/blakeleihburns
Jake, you will always be missed. It was an honor to know you. We send our love to your entire family and all your friends who miss you.
Here are a few family photos we took in April of 2014.
