Jake's Wish

Jake was diagnosed with leukemia last year. His wish was to meet the Ole Miss football players. Like a lot of us, he especially loves Dexter McCluster, the favored receiver who has made so many touchdowns for us this year.

We have 4 football players who are social work majors. Derrick, LaMar, Cordera, and Jeremy helped make this wish come true. Dexter, on the right, and the other players joined us today for a luncheon and a surprise meeting with Jake.

Cordera Eason, faculty member Sherry Williams-Jenkins, LaMar Brumfield,

faculty member Pete Campbell

All the players lined up around the table and the walls, and passed footballs. Jake got his own football signed, along with a poster for his wall, and a PR picture of Dexter.
The team also brought him presents in addition to all the signings. Social work major Jeremy McGee looks on from over Jake's shoulder.

Cordera Eason with Suzassippi

Dexter and Jake

Jake runs out to catch a pass from Dexter.

Dexter getting ready to show his skill for Jake.

The members of the team who showed up for lunch with Jake. What a great bunch of guys!

Jake's beautiful mother, who has raised an amazing young boy.

The faculty with Jake and the players.

It was the most amazing day. It was overwhelming to think these guys would take 2 hours out of their finals week to come eat lunch and sign autographs and take a gazillion pictures. Our student athletes are all 4 incredible young men. I know that from teaching them in my classes. They enlisted the support of fellow team members to make this dream come true for Jake. We were all blessed by their presence, their caring for Jake, and their willingness to sign footballs and take pictures with our faculty and staff.

I have no idea how many people we fed today. In addition to the players, a number of our students came by and the building maintenance people who do so much to support us, along with faculty--wonderful food and wonderful people. It was one of those days when you just have to count your blessings and remember to keep life in perspective. It's too short to do anything else.

Thanks, Ole Miss Rebels. You are the best.