CHASE WAYNE JARVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

On February 1st, we lost our son Chase by suicide due to depression.  Chase would turned 15 on February 20. 

Chase was born with such a tender, sweet, and pure heart, he loved so deeply and felt so much.  I always said he was God’s perfect gift. He was a bright shining light…he cared so deeply for me, his Dad, his brothers, his grandparents and his friends.  He made our hearts so full.  He was the kind of son that opened my car door, held the door for others and said “yes ma’am or yes sir.” We were so proud of him. He was such a funny soul, he made us laugh with his goofiness and wit.  That kid always had a sharp comeback. We laughed together so hard our sides would often hurt. He had a compassionate heart and was the source of support to so many.  We were truly and deeply blessed to have Chase in our lives…even if our time ended too soon.  There was so much laughter and love in our home. We expressed our love and gratitude for each other every single day.  There was no question…Chase was loved and adored, he knew that….he was the center of our universe.  I guess this is probably why his sudden death came as such a shock to many, including us.

So how does a tragedy like this happen to such a close knit family?  

Chase was so sensitive, he burdened himself with worldly problems and it affected him so deeply.  His heart was much too pure and sensitive for this world. As the years went on, his tender heart became hardened, my guess is it was his way of protecting himself and coping with the evil and harshness of the world.  We did not realize the depth of his struggles.  The battle he fought within himself.  He hid behind smiles and laughter and tried to shield us all from the pain he was feeling.

The night before he passed, everything seemed completely “normal” there were no signs.   We had dinner together, talked about our day, laughed and joked…he was making plans to hang out with friends, we talked about our upcoming plans to celebrate his birthday and our trip to Japan in March.  Right before bed, I peeked into his room…he was playing his video games and he seemed happy.  I told him goodnight and that I loved him and asked if he was feeling ok…he smiled, said “yep” and we went to bed.  As close as the three of us were, we didn’t see this coming.  Taking one’s life seems like such a selfish act to most people, however, Chase was not a selfish person.  Chase was a person who tried his best to make others happy, to protect them, he would never have intentionally caused his loved ones to suffer.  Chase had a great life, loving home and so much to look forward to…in that moment, his depression would not let him see through the fog of his despair. He made a rash decision to end his pain. A decision that has greatly impacted everyone who loves him. 

The only comfort we find in this horrible tragedy is that he is no longer suffering and no longer sad.  He is with God, in perfect and absolute peace.  Chase held Jesus in his heart and was a bright shining light since birth.

Depression is an illness.  No different from any other illness that claims the lives of our loved ones.  Do not be ashamed or too prideful to ask for help or to seek treatment. Talk about your mental health struggles.  Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it takes more strength and courage to seek help.  You matter.  Treat your mental health with the same importance you would with your physical health.  

We hope that by sharing our story, we can prevent another family from the same heartbreak and emptiness we feel right now. Honor Chase’s memory by choosing kindness to others.  Live with compassion and have gratitude for everything.  Love yourself, be kind to yourself and express your love for others.  Have forgiveness in your heart.  Laugh so hard your sides hurt…Our Chase would have wanted that for you.  

We ask that you continually lift our family up in prayer.  We don’t know how to live without our Chase, however, we find some comfort in knowing that we will be reunited in Heaven.  We are leaning on God to get us through this unimaginable tragedy and pain.  We have found great comfort in praying and reading the Bible to get us through the days.

Love,

Christy and Scott