Love Against the Odds: Jackie's Story

One thing about Ethan was that he was always hungry. It didn’t matter if he had just finished a meal, he was still hungry. But Ethan wasn’t just physically hungry. He was hungry for his faith, for a cure, and for his future. When Jackie reconnected with Ethan, she was in a very dark place. Without hesitation, he was always there. He would comment on her Instagram stories, text her to check on her, and remind her of her worth. She never understood how someone could care so deeply before they even had a real connection. But when she sent that first message back, she realized how happy it made her feel, which was strange, because at the time, her spirit felt so heavy.

One of this world’s greatest gifts was the way Ethan showed up in so many people’s lives. He touched hearts in ways that were deeply personal and uniquely his. Ethan showed us the importance of caring for others while also allowing yourself to be cared for. That was who he was. Jackie misses him more than words can explain. She misses their park dates with Sterling, their date nights, their movie marathons and the constant joy that was radiating through her body for almost two years. No distraction gets rid of the pain, her heart will always ache. She wishes she could have him in this world every single day. Loving Ethan changed her, and she will carry what he taught her for the rest of her life.