Jeremiah had something special about him that enabled him to make deep connections with how others were feeling. Jeremiah was 17 when he died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was a high school senior and played on the school’s football team. He was also a man of faith and wasn’t afraid to let folks know it. He would kneel on the sidelines before each game and say a prayer. He prayed with other students who would seek him out to do so.
After his death, his family received many letters from his classmates telling how he greeted everyone with a smile, wasn’t judgmental, and treated everyone with respect no matter who they were or how they lived. Several young men mentioned how he helped and encouraged them to work hard and never give up. One young athlete said he was on a sports team because of Jeremiah.
He had dreams and goals beyond football. Jeremiah enlisted in the Navy shortly after he completed his Junior year and was slated to leave July 6, 2016 to begin his training in Illinois. His parents are veterans – Army, and they were so proud he decided to serve. His wish was to ultimately be a Navy Seal.
His family was not aware that he had registered to become a donor. It wasn’t a great surprise to them, given that’s the kind of person Jeremiah was: loving, caring, respectful, gracious and giving.
Courtesy of San Antonio Eye Bank