Sunday, April 6, 2008

The Barber's Little Angel

Marlys Ebersviller
Pelican Rapids High School Counselor

I have been Jessica’s school counselor for the past 4 years. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as her Sunday School teacher at Faith Lutheran Church. Jessica’s quiet faith seemed beautiful to me. Her confirmation class is already missing her.

In all the time I have known Jessica, I have never, ever seen her without a smile. She was always happy. She definitely falls into the “Great Kid” category. An A student and a flute player don’t begin to describe this young woman. Jessica was an ideal student for her teachers—engaged, conscientious, attentive and intelligent. I do not believe that she ever got into trouble in school.

Jessica had a special way of peeking up at people out of the corner of her eye when they were talking and then she would smile at them. We knew she was paying attention; we knew she was “with” us. She was quiet, caring and undemanding. Her many friends in school will miss her always.

Jessica also loved her family and was close to them. Her father told me that her little brother has just lost his best friend. She was also close to her older sister as well as favorite auntie to favorite niece & Godchild, Mariah. In addition, Jessica loved to spend time with her grandparents; she spent almost every weekend with them. Kim, her father, told me that if you wanted to buy a daughter like Jessica, you just wouldn’t be able to; you could never afford her—that’s how good she was.

It goes without saying that the lives of Kim, Stacy, Brooke, Jordan and Mariah will never be the same and neither will ours. Kim said that Jessica has always been their little angel and now always will be. He said that yesterday she sprouted wings.


Dear Jessica Facebook page
Everyone praying Facebook page
Rest in peace Jessica Facebook page

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marlys Ebersviller's comments about Jessica's life are truly inspirational.

Thank you for sharing these words.

She will be greatly missed. Kim and Stacey and family, we're prayng for your family as you grieve.

Anonymous said...

As I read the news in disbelief I can't even begin to know the pain and anguish Kim, Stacy and family must feel. Your Angel is in a better place now.
My prayers are with you and your family.

Jon James
Minneapolis

Anonymous said...

Everything Marlys said is true. Rest in Peace Jessica! Your smile was so contagious to all. I know your above us now looking down and watching over all of us. You will be missed my dear. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, especially Jessica's family and friends. Stay Strong!!

Molly Davis

Anonymous said...

Psalm 130:1-2 (The Message)
Help, God - the bottom has fallen out of my life! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy.

O God, you divided the waters of chaos at creation. In Christ you stilled storms, raised the dead, and vanquished demonic powers. In these moments of turmoil and anxiety, tame within us now the earthquake, wind, and fire, and all the forces that defy control or shock us by their unwelcome entrance into our lives. Be with us as we grieve our loss. Help us, in good times and in distress, to trust your mercy and yield to your power, this day and forever. Amen.

Pastor Mark Brickzin
Christ Community Church
Pelican Rapids, MN

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for you Kim, Stacy, Brooke and Jordan. Jessica will live on through you and the memories forever. I'm so so sorry this happened to your family.

Anonymous said...

A PRAYER OF CONSOLATION
God of the swirling stars and spinning planets, the universe barely holds our grief this week. We struggle to understand the tragedy of this accident and now the aftermath of injury and loss. There is no comprehending the loss and heartache we feel. Apprehension stirs in our hearts and minds. Questions of why and how have barely formed on our lips when we realize how inadequate and ill timed they are. As our community grieves, we are bound together in prayer. Bring comfort, we pray, to everyone touched by this tragedy. Bring peace to all whose hearts are broken, especially the families of students and parents who were injured or died as a result of their injuries. Bring solace to all the families represented. Help your people, everywhere, to live courageously, not being overcome by anxiety or fear, but overcoming even these in the spirit of love. May we who follow Jesus live our faith audaciously, embracing one another and all people in peace, and walking together into the future with hope. For in the mystery of the Word made flesh you continue to come into this world —silently, imperceptibly, convincingly — to give birth to your love through our lives. In these most difficult times, you remain our strength, our consolation, our rock, and our redeemer. Amen.

Pastor Mark Brickzin
Christ Community Church
Pelican Rapids, MN

Anonymous said...

My heart sunk when I heard the news. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was involved. I grew up in Pelican and attended a band trip to NYC with my classmates and Mr. Fitz. I will never forget that trip or the fun we had. (1997)

To Jessica's family, there are no words to express my feelings for you, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jessica is now home in heaven.

Our community is now closer, due to this tradgic event, please everyone thank God each day for that day. Life is so short.

To the students who are still hospitalized or recovering and their families, may God be with you and heal you. It is tough, but time will ease your pain, hang in there, & God Bless