MEMORIES OF JERRY
SELF
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I read about the
bonfire tragedy but since I didn't know anyone at A&M I didn't
follow the story too closely. Even after I read the names of those
who died in the accident it still seemed like one of those things that
happens to other people in other places. Today I saw the picture
of Jerry Self in the newspaper. He looked so familiar to me I
began to get that
strange feeling one gets as they realize something bad has happened
to someone they know.
A few phone calls later and my fears were confirmed.
I had a friend in
high school named Mike Self. As too often happens, we lost touch
after graduation and it's been over 25 years since we last saw each other.
Mike, if you read this, I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences
to you and your family on the loss of your son. The picture of Jerry looks
so much like my memories of you back in high school. I have read
the kind tributes many have posted here and there's no doubt you raised
a fine young man. Congratulations may seem out of place in such a time
of
sorrow, but it's
obvious to me that Jerry learned a lot from his old man.
Like
many others I did not personally know Jerry. I have a freshman son
in Squadron 17 and felt like I really did know Jerry. He was the
perfect role model for the corp. He was tough when he needed to be
but also understanding. I know he will be missed by all who knew
him.
I was the secretary at
Mid-Cities Bible Church during the first summer that Jerry was a youth
intern. He would pop into the office from time to time to call some
of the kids to set up various activities. He always had a big smile
on his face and often took the time to sit and talk with me for a minute
and ask how things were going. The kids were really drawn to him
and really looked up to him as a role model. I really appreciated
his willingness and understanding of the importance of investing time in
the lives of those kids. Fortunately, many of us will see the
return on his investment for many years to come.
My thoughts and prayers
are with Jerry's family and especially his brother, Michael. I am
a good bit older than he or Jerry, but there is a similar age difference
between my older sister and I. We have always been very close and
I cannot imagine what it would be like to have lost her at such a young
age. We love you all and know that Jerry's passing has created a
great void in your family which you feel so deeply at this time.
My prayer
is that you will
feel God's presence at this time and allow Him to comfort you through your
own memories as well as those of others, through the love of friends, and
just by inviting Him in to do just that.
The emotions that I felt
after hearing about the bonfire tragedy are shared by many people. It saddened
me even further to see that a fellow Viking was also affected. I have been
keeping in touch with the news from lots of great web links and emails.
It is a sad time for us Aggies, but I have no doubt that we'll pull through
as Aggies, Vikings, Selfs, and all the other families involved.
I did not know your son
but I am an Aggie - that is enough. If words alone could cure the
pain then you would already be healed through the many thoughts and prayers
that we all hold for you. Please know that your son, your brother
will not be forgotten. We will always remember....
God bless you,
The memory that sticks
out the most about Jerry is when we met at a friends house to plan out
what we were going to do for Mr. Viking, I really had never said more than
a word or two to Jerry until that night. After that night, I thought to
myself what a genuine person he was. Until now, I regret not getting to
know him better than I did. He was just the kind of person that you could
not hate and could not help to like. My deepest
regards for his family,
relatives, and close friends.
To all the friends and
family of this fine young man, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We have two Aggies
presently, with our Junior Daughter being a crew member on Aggie Bonfire
in her 3rd year.
We support you all,
Again, you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
I have been following
this site for days, wanting to say something that might make a difference
to Jacki, Mike and Michael. I know there are no words that can ease
the pain, but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with
you all. The world has been deprived of a wonderful human being who
has made a real difference in so many lives. Our loss here on earth
is truly Heavens gain.
Jacki, I have considered
you my friend for years and I only wish I had the words to somehow comfort
you. It saddens me when I realize there is nothing I or anyone can
say or do to make it any easier, but I hope the outpouring of love from
the thousands of people effected by this tragedy somehow helps you at some
point in your life. I also hope that you can find peace in knowing
Jerry was a Christian and that he is in the care of God, waiting for you,
Mike and Michael to join him someday.
I encourage each of
you to hold on to the beautiful memories of a truly special young man who
was a son and brother anyone would be proud to have. I hope that
time eases your pain and you find the strength to deal with this horrible
tragedy.
I'm an Aggie, Class of
'85. I never met Jerry, but know his Aggie Spirit. I cannot
know the grief Jerry's family feels, but I bear a Christian love for Jerry
and his family. I pray for the family to persevere in their faith,
and lean on God to give them the wisdom to see through this unfortunate
tragedy. I hope my condolences are able to offer some relief, and
possibly some strength to press on.
In Aggie
Spirit and Christian Love,
T. Shawn Wasilewsky
and family
Aggie Class of '85
Cincinnati, Ohio
tswlaw@juno.com
The last few days have
been difficult for many of us. I was honored to have known Jerry.
My son, Keith attended school with him. Though I have lots of memories
of the
events through the
school years my favorite is the night of Project Celebration after the
Senior Prom. He had decided it was easy to win at the booth I was
working. The
whole time he was
playing and giving me a hard time that wonderful smile was on his face.
He did enjoy life and I am grateful that my life was touched by him.
As my
family and I get
through this tragedy, we are comforted by the fact he is at peace. Our
prayers and thoughts are with his family for all the days to come.
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