Final Post Part 1

For those of you who did not attend the funeral, this is what the Lord put on my heart to speak and I thought it appropriate for my final post.

I remember asking Justin, my husband, and few weeks ago after we found out that the second transplant did not take, to pray that if I had the chance I would be able to articulate to Jared the things that were hidden in my heart. So I would go and hang out with Jared and the words never came and then Jared went back into the hospital last week and still no words. And in the past few days, just silence.

Yesterday as I was preparing the celebration of Jared’s life, I asked the Lord, that if I was to speak today that He would bring the words up out of my heart. But still nothing. Then yesterday as we had our own private time with Jared and as people began to come in, something began to bubble up out of my spirit and it pushed the tears aside and it came rushing through me..it was pride. An overwhelming sense of pride for my brother, for the fight he fought, the man he became and amazing way He loved the Lord and trusted Him. Growing up I always had a sense that Jared would do something great, I always thought, probably like many of you, it would be in the realm of politics, journalism or firefighting. But it was this fight that brought out the greatness in Jared, he did this amazingly well.

So that is why today, I refuse to stand here defeated, I stand here proud of my brother, that he gave his all to this battle and he did it well. Even in the last days when Jared was struggling so much I knew he would have kept going but the Lord in his graciousness and love for Jared, rescued him out of this battle and Jared victoriously went home.

The enemy will not have any part in this, all the honor is given to Jared for how bravely he stood in the midst of this battle, with his eyes fixed on the Lord. All the glory is given the Lord, the author and perfecter of Jared's life, his redeemer and friend, and the one who stands victorious on his throne now and forever more.


I found this passage in Jared's bible, he had written 5/22/06 next to it, it was only a few days after he had been diagnosed. I will end with this, something that resonated in Jared's spirit and is fitting to end with today.

Psalm 112:6-8

"Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look with triumph on his foes."

A Proud Sister,

Joanna Waters Hildebrand

How do you encapsulate the last 18 months and really the last 29 years in a few sentences? One thing was that as weird as it sounds I wish Jared could have posted his last blog. Then I found by accident a posting he made Aug. 30, 2006 that shows his heart.(please look at it) For many of us we will go different directions so please know the gratefulness of our hearts for standing in the fray with us. Growing up, we always taught our kids that to love the Lord with all that is in you(and your neighbor as yourself) is what everything in life hinges on(Matt. 22:36-40). Anything else, fame, riches, success is a side issue. To see that having transpired in Jared's short life (and my daughters)has fulfilled my hearts desire in this life(though now I look to the next generation). As our paths diverge I would leave that with you as the all in all of this life. Please continue to stand with us for though we don't grieve as those without hope we do grieve. We no longer have a wonderful son in this life to enjoy yet we have gained a precious daughter, Christina(remember her). I better stop.(Icould go on world without end. just ask my kids)We love you much. Terry