Jacob Mockbee was only 19 when he left us, but he left behind a supreme example of how to turn tragedy into triumph.
Despite the burden of spina bifida, Jacob chose to focus not on what he'd lost, but what he could bring to the world.
Jacob reveled in collecting birthday cards. He received 6,000 on his 18th birthday.
He absolutely cherished gifts from celebrities, including a signed football from the New York Giants and an autograph from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.
After graduating from Tanque Verde High School, his goal was to help families with children in wheelchairs buy lifts for their vans.
Jacob not only had thousands of friends and well-wishers, he was also blessed with a supportive family.
His mother Stacie Park Mockbee writes:
At 8:52 a.m. on June 16, 1997, angels ushered Jacob Elijah Mockbee into my arms.
At 8:32 p.m. on March 29, 2017, I held him as angels ushered him into heaven.
My heart will never, ever be the same. Mothering Jacob was one of the most profound privileges I could ever imagine.
We are anchored in the hope of "till we meet again."
