Jeremy

One of the greatest joys of the Peace Corps experience is the opportunity it has given me to meet amazing people from all walks of life. Whether that be Ugandans, Swedes, others from America or the Smith family from New Zealand, the opportunity to share life with such diverse people is something I will cherish the rest of my days.

Zach, Josh and I (all in the p.c.) met Geoff, Hayley and their son Jeremy some seven or eight months ago at a little bakery/coffee shop in Kitgum. The Smith family are missionaries who before moving to Uganda had spent eight years working with orphans in Romania. The family had a calling to help others, and Jeremy sacrificed a "typical" childhood to be with his parents.

Jeremy, 15-years old, suffered a stroke during childbirth that left his right arm underdeveloped, and his overall physical development less than others his age. I think the three of us volunteers took an immediate shine to Jeremy, for his ever-present smile and teenage exuberance. We took to spending time with the family on a semi-regular basis, meeting for dinner or going to each others houses to make dinner for each other.

The last dinner we had together was at Zach's house, where we made chicken fajitas. Jeremy wasn't really one for the local food, and he kept talking about how much he loved the meal. He wore a pair of DC skate shoes, i told him i really liked them, and you could see how proud he was of them. I would catch him licking his thumb and cleaning them at random times throughout the evening. Jeremy has two older brothers that live back in New Zealand and it was very clear how much he idolized them, he talked about them all the time and tried to dress in the same manner.

New Zealand played in the World Cup and i met the family at the local hotel to watch the game. Jeremy was ecstatic, clapping and yelling as the underdog N.Z. team played to a draw. after the match I said, "Jeremy, tomorrow i need you to show up and act like an American and help my team win." I could tell how excited he was for the invitation.

The above photo was taken during that match. Jeremy, Zach and I, right before the game started. You can see how thrilled he was to be a part of the evening. We had a great time cheering on the U.S., but it was not enough, they would be defeated that night.

Jeremy died this past Sunday, July 11 from an infection in his heart. That match was the last opportunity I had to spend with an amazing young man. He was buried here in Kitgum on Monday in a small local cemetery.

Off a main road, we walked down a tree-lined dirt path to a small gazebo like structure that was surrounded by no less than 50 young children from a local orphanage and other family and friends. Jeremy's casket was in the center and every young boy and girl wept for Jeremy as we approached.

Before the service started I had the opportunity to sit with his father Geoff, as he reflected on the life of his son.

"I don't feel sorry for Jeremy, he's in a better place." he said, "I feel sorry for myself, that I will have to spend the rest of my life without him in it."

He went on to say that, "Jeremy didn't have much, but the way he took care of his things; his desk, the photos of his brothers all neatly organized you would have thought he was the richest man in the world. He was so proud."

In his brief life Jeremy had four operations on his heart, he didn't have the strength and build of others his age, but that rare absolute lust for living and being happy. His mother related a story about a family trip in New Zealand several years ago. They were at a place that was offering speed boat rides to the tourists and there was a sign post that stated: "not recommended for those with heart conditions."

Hayley said, "Jeremy, held on to his father so tight, and refused to allow himself to not go on that ride. We knew the risk, but we figured if it was his time he might as well die being happy."

Why does it so often seem that the ones that have the least or the hardest struggles in life are the ones that get the most joy out of it? I didn't know Jeremy for very long, but there are certain events, life experiences and people that move you in an indescribable way. Jeremy was one of those rare people and he will be missed.