A VIVID & ENERGETIC MEMORIAL OF JACKIE ABATECOLA
I won't lie, this is a living nightmare. Just seven short months ago, one of my darling brides, Jackie, was just 24 days from walking down the aisle to the man of her dreams in Saratoga Springs, NY. She was at her bachelorette party when she discovered the bruises that eventually led to her diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was immediately checked in to the hospital for 30 days of chemo. It was devastating news, but it was almost if Jackie never got the memo! She danced with her IV bag, rocked a bald head better than any celebrity, and inspired thousands on her Facebook page & her Orange is the New Jack blog. She and her supporters raised almost $40,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The girl was an unstoppable force full of laughter, energy, humor, and is basically my hero.
Her dubsmash of this Newsies number earned her a special surprise message from the entire cast of the Newsies on tour!!
Thousands were following her recovery and her incredible spirit. My whole heart aches as I type this, but on Sunday, our friend Jackie lost her battle to AML. For the past two days I've been fighting the age-old questions...how could this happen? why would God take someone so young? I'll never know the answers, but I do know one thing...I TRUST God. I know Him and I trust Him. And trust doesn't mean having all the answers. Actually, it's the exact opposite...it's not knowing all the details that requires trust. Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." It's not easy, but I'm trusting with all my heart because my own understanding is worthless right about now. If you knew Jackie, I encourage you to do the same! <3
This firecracker of a human being left about as big an impression as anyone ever could! The first day I met her, I said "please be my best friend!" I think everyone who ever met her must have uttered those words. Jackie, I will hold your laugh in my heart forever! You're home sweet one, and you'll never feel pain again. Your kingdom awaits. <3