Jake told me to write a list of all of his positive qualities while I waited for him in surgery to give me something to do.
He's going to get what he asked for and more because I'd love any of you to add to my list.
Or share any anecdotal stories you have with him (think back left pocket...)
Then when he wakes up he can read all about what people really think of him. ;)
I could write 500 things, but will limit myself today to 10.
First, let's talk about his name. It is the best man name around. He was named Jacob and is called that my all of his family members. But in elementary school friends started calling him Jake and it stuck. I knew him first as Jake, but when I'm around his family for extended periods of time find myself calling him Jacob. I've asked him many times which he prefers and he says that he honestly feels like he is both. So no matter if he is Jacob or Jake to you he is one all around wonderful kind of guy.
Second, he is smart as heck. He is a researcher like no other and knows something about everything. He processes information so well and has a unique ability to perceive truth.
Third, he is so handsome. Those blue eyes, dimpled smile, sandy blonde hair, I'll spare him further embarrassment, but truth be told he is one good looking man.
Fourth, he is generous. He loves to give gifts, help people in need, and sacrifice his time to make other people happy. He thinks about other people every day and will give of himself to help others.
Fifth, he is strong. When we went to Europe a few years ago, I was amazed every day by his ability to go full throttle on little sleep, little food, and after full days of physical exhaustion. He is truly tough and has a core of steel.
Sixth, he has a great sense of humor. He has an understated way of seeing the irony in situations, not taking things too seriously, and finding humor in everyday life. He makes me laugh every day.
Seventh, he has a gentle soul. He always feels compassion for others who suffer and is the sweetest father to girls that I have ever seen. He has an ability to mourn with those that mourn because of his loving and gentle nature.
Eighth, he is a hard worker. When he sets his mind to something, he WILL do it no matter what. He is not afraid to put in the time or effort to do something right and he will not give up until the project, paper, experience, etc. is done.
Ninth, he is an athlete and true BYU blue. He has loved sports since he was a little boy, reading the box scores in the paper, and has played almost every team sport possible. He loves the BYU cougars and finds great joy in pursuing his hobby of following the football and basketball seasons each year.
Tenth, when Jacob prays I know that he is talking to God. We have made it a ritual in our marriage to end the day kneeling in prayer together. We take turns every night offering the prayer, and my favorite days are the ones where I can listen to him pray. He says that he learned to pray as a little boy and since then, no matter what, he cannot go to sleep without offering a prayer. I know that Jake knows he is speaking with Heavenly Father, and that Heavenly Father hears and answers his prayers.
34 comments:
Jacob is one of the kindest people I know. I loved getting to spend some time with him and seeing it up close even through hard times.
He is also very funny, growing up I couldn't even take a drink at Sunday dinner without him making me laugh and spit it all over the table!
He's a great guy and I'm a better person for having him as an older brother and an example!
Jacob has been trustworthy from the time he was a little boy. I never had to worry about him because I knew he would always do the right thing. He also gives the best hugs, and I ought to know because I'm his mother!
I'm not so good with expounding, but I can give a list. Jake is smart, has a great sense of humor, and is an incredible dad -- he gives every opportunity to all of his kids. He's very helpful, he's genuine and sincere. Jake is very humble and is such a great example to me of always having a positive attitude, especially while going through this situation!
Caveat:I don't like writing this because words can't measure up to the man that Jacob is.
1. Jacob is steady, steady, steady--you can count on him no matter the circumstance.
2. Jacob is very easy to be around. Spending time with him makes the day better.
3. Jacob loves his family beyond measure. After spending almost two weeks with him and his family, he has taught me the kind of father I should have been.
4. Jacob is addicted to Cougarboard, but more especially to the Cougars. I have enjoyed watching BYU games with him. (He does get a little upset when the Cougs underperform.)
5. Jacob is exceptionally bright--a very careful, insightful reader and researcher.
6. Jacob loves precision in everything he does. I learned how to hold the barbell down to the centimeter those years ago when we lifted weights together.
7. Jacob is totally dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ--and that is the Gospel Truth.
8. Jacob blesses his children by making certain that his kids read the scriptures every morning.
9. Jacob makes certain that his children say their prayers every night--without exception
10. Jacob is tender-hearted--he would never knowingly hurt any living soul. I love Jacob.
The last comment was from his Dad
Jacob has always been a great guy and good example. He taught me that if I got home on my curfew that our parents would trust me more. Plus he introduced me to tennis, and all other sports. And I do remember many a Sunday his quippy remark causing grape juice to be spewed all over the table.
Jacob is a great father, really good and sweet with his girls. He has been a great example to me my whole life. If I ever wonder what to do next, I just know I can watch Jacob. He has his priorities right. When we were young we spent hours playing sports together, while he didn't hold anything back, he never made me feel small and always complimented my progress. He is giving and generous. He is faithful and true. He is optimistic and hopeful.
And now Jordan, she is organized, has a great laugh and always fun to be around. She is a dear friend to my wife and I always know that Jenny feels strengthened after talking to her. I am really grateful for that. She is a super mom and gets a lot of things done. The other thing I like about her is that she needles Jacob and keeps him in line. She is very sincere and faithful.
We love you guys.
Addendum, sweet with his girls and boy :).
I am Jenny Wilcox Robertson's great-Aunt. I am saddened to hear about Jake and want you to know that I am praying for him. We went through this with a nephew a few years ago. I know you will be blessed for your faith and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is so much to say about Jake. He is not only a son in law but a very dear friend. I love to discuss the Cougars with him, and listen to his sage comments about them. We discuss the legal peofession, current events, politics, the church, sports in general and so many other things. Jake is kind, wise, thoughtful, courageous, tough, smart and wonderful. He is all points of the scout law. We love Jake and exercise our prayers, fasting, faith, and prayers in his behalf.
Rick Romney
I've always looked up to Jacob, and continue to learn from his example. I remember being in a class on the Quixote with him at BYU, I initially thought he had really taken the class to keep an eye on me because I was dating Kirsten, but I quickly saw that in addition to his other interests already mentioned he has a knack with languages and enjoys learning. By the way, I haven't heard a better impersonation of an old Spaniard than Jacob's, seriously, it's impressive! - Bryan
One very specific quality that I love about Jacob is his love for Spain and Spaniards. He was so excited when I got called to serve as a missionary in the same country where he had served several years earlier. He and Jordan invited the family over for a special Spanish dinner where he taught us some things about Spanish culture.
At the beginning of my mission, I got frustrated with some of the peculiarities of Spanish culture, especially the ones that I thought impeded the progress of the missionary work. Jacob sent me an email that was a real turning point in my mission. He sent an Ensign article about a missionary learning to love the culture in which he was serving. Jacob then expressed his deep love for the Spanish people I was serving. It changed my perspective, and helped me to begin to love all things Spanish like he did. His ability to embrace and love other people had a great impact on my time as a missionary, as well as the time since my mission.
Additionally, he was exceptionally bright to pursue and eventually capture the love of his dear wife Jordan. She has been such a blessing to me, as I navigated mission, post-mission, and married life. She is one of my dearest friends and greatest role models. She is now such an integral part of the Robertson family, and I love her dearly. Jacob has done so much for me as an older brother, but one of the most important has been bringing such a great sister into my life.
One of my favorite things about Jacob is the twinkle he gets in his eye! After a good tease, sarcastic comment, wry joke, pun or needling of his siblings. It is uniquely Jacob and I love it. He really does have a great sense of humor.
I also love the brother that Jacob is to my Christian and has been through their whole lives. I know Christian is a better man because of having Jacob by his side, then and now.
Also, Jacob's love of quality ironing :)
Oh how we love Jacob Jacoby!!
I have always been so thankful that my two boys had their cousins to look up to. Though we didn't see each other too often, their goodness made a lasting impression.
My first remembrance of Jacob was when he was tiny and Rob and I were dating. Jacob climbed on my lap, touched my nose and said, 'banana'. When we were going through our cancer experience, I often heard of the sweet prayers that Jacob said in our behalf.
Also, unlike his Uncle Rob, I bet he doesn't get grumpy when BYU loses!
Jake is someone I think a lot of people consider to be their best friend. He is easy to be around and is always supportive of whatever your goals are or whatever you are doing. He will tell you his opinion but will never do it in an offensive way. He is very calm and never bothers anyone by being overbearing or loud. He is definitely someone you could be stuck on a desert island with that wouldn't drive you insane.
I love seeing how patient Jake is with the kids! He is truly a great father and the kids know their dad loves and adores them! The other thing I have noticed is the love he has for Jordan. You can tell by just the way he looks at her that she is everything to him. To me, a REAL MAN is one who shows his love and devotion for his family and I know that Jake does this all the time.
I second the comment about the twinkle in his eye after teasing.
Jake is funny, a great nickname giver, laid back, loyal, steady, genuine, kind, hard working, faithful, fun, humble, giving, compassionate...I could go on and on.
The truth is-I adore both of you and am forever grateful we spent the fall of 2001 together. You both will always top the list of my favorite people.
When I was in graduate school and ran out of money my dear sweet brother and his wife allowed me stay with them. At that time Jacob was just a baby. He was just so darned cute,and he has grown up to be such a fine man. We knew if our boys would follow his example they'd have it made in the shade. We also remember him taking the time to visit us in Portland when was assigned to visit there. We had such a wonderful visit. We love you Jacob.
Uncle Rob
In my opinion, the measure of a good married man is how he treats his wife and children. Jake receives a triple A rating in my book in that regard. I've spent considerable time in jordan and jake's home over these last nine and a half years and i've never seen Jake treat Jordan and their children with anything but love and respect. Many mothers-in- law seems to have issues with their sons-in-law because they don't measure up. Not Jake. He is Jordan's equal in every way and they make a great team and compliment each other so well. He is always so kind and courteous to me and I love spending time with him at the beach, on a cruise, at a ball game or in our home or theirs. He is a perfect gentleman. I love to see his facial expression when his eyebrow will raise and you know a good comment/laugh is coming. I love jacob and consider him my son in every sense of the word.
Jacob is a good man, and an excellent example to me of many things. I've been able to learn how to be a better husband and father by observing how he loves and serves his wife and daughters.
The first real memory I have of Jacob is when a lot of the Robertson kids were home (sorry, I can't remember for what occasion) and we had all stayed up late playing iMAgiNiff together. At this point I was at somewhat of a disadvantage since I didn't know all the subtle things about everyone's personality. The card came up for Jacob, asking what kind of clothing he would wear (or be?). The two choices I remember were a pair of designer jeans and a pinstripe suit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the majority voted for Jacob to be the pinstripe suit, when he voted for the jeans. Afterward, a surprisingly lengthy conversation ensued where Jacob defended his choice and said that he would "never wear pinstripe." The best part of the whole thing was that he was so serious about not liking pinstripes, and we were all laughing our heads off. Thanks, Jacob, for such a fun evening. That one finding has given me an inside joke to be part of with the Robertson clan.
Jake and Jordan, you've been in my thoughts and prayers. I'm grateful you've felt love from family and friends and more importantly, from our Heavenly Father. It's been much too long since our last visit, but know you are both still dear to me.
I don't know why but I have all these memories of Jake that revolve around baseball. The first night in DC we drove to Baltimore for an Oriole's game and then watching that epic 2001 World Series. I also remember a BYU baseball game after Jordan got home from the mission. It was reaffirmed to me that night you two were destined for each other.
I'm keeping my fingers (and toes!) crossed all goes well and will continue to go well. Stay strong and know that your influence and example is profound.
Much, much love to you!
Megan
I don't feel like my shout out is an adequate expression of our feelings for Jake - I can't put how concerned we are into words - but we love you guys & pray daily for all of you!!! --Allie, Jordan & Vienna
Jake is the only guy I know who is crazy enough to make a pie while an entire house is throwing up! He is always so welcoming and laid back...unless BYU is loosing, of coarse!
"I would never wear a pin stripped suit" was one of the first stories that came to my mind. Taylor did a great job sharing that one! I'm pretty sure I was rolling on the floor laughing with tears streaming down my cheeks for quite a while!
Here are a few of the qualities that come to mind when I think of Jacob: calming influence, thoughtful, careful, particular, sports-lover, BYU loyalist, devoted, head-over-heels for Jord, doting/loving father, game/contest/obstacle course creator, smart, steady, patient.
We are inspired by your faith and strength. We love you both dearly.
What I appreciate about Jake (in no particular order):
Mostly self-trained BYU fan
The melodic tones of his voice reading a list of numbers or random words should be a staple on every noise machine to lull children to sleep
I can't think of a better guy and more mellow guy for my sister than Jaken
POTD on CB was monumental
Sly sense of humor
Always easy to be around, except when he puts his hand lovingly atop my knee
Calm when surrounded by emo girls
King of breakfast food creation, tile floor mopping, electronic/computer/automotive research
The first time I met Jake was while watching a BYU v. Utah football game in Virginia and he barely acknowledged my existence: just the way it should be.
Wonderful parents and siblings; always enjoy being around them.
Diligent in his church callings.
I know God has a plan for you and your family, Jake, and admire your faith during this difficult time.
Jake to me is a man's man, a great friend, and awesome person. He's an example of what a good man is in every way. He loves a good road trip too. He drove to see me in Oregon after I left the friendly confines of Provo. We drove from DC to Boston together, DC to my hometown in NE PA together. We almost, ALMOST talked him into driving to Mississippi from DC to see the Cougs play. He likes to have a good laugh and I remember him getting my uncle quite worked up at Thanksgiving with a comment he made about Glenn Miller (but you'll have to ask him about that offline). -- Chris
Jacob has a very competitive spirit.
Jacob has a strong set of principles that inform his behavior.
I enjoy golfing with Jacob. I've long held that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he approaches and plays golf.
As much as he wants to win...and oh, how he wants to win, he never sinks to gamesmanship (he's always very sportsmanlike and even encouraging) or bending the rules at all to win.
Golf is a game with a lot of gray (green?) areas and many slippery slopes you can rationalize yourself down. Jake stays true to himself when he golfs.
Golf, of course, is a metaphor for life. And I enjoy golfing with Jacob.
Steven
I loved this post. I don't know my Robertson cousins very well, mostly because they grew up in Utah and we stayed in wyoming.This has been wonderful to read, especially all the other comments posted by family. I have a wonderful extended family! Our prayers are with you!
As I sit here and think "Jacob", this is what comes to mind: 1. Jacob smiling his easy, genuine, amused smile. 2. A well honed diplomacy, born I am sure from the gentle spirit others have spoken of. 3. An almost palpable sense of stillness or calm that feels comforting to just be around. This is new territory we're treading here... I am sure it isn't going to be easy, but we've all got your back on this one!
I know it's a little late, but I want to add my comments. Jacob has always been my favorite cousin. He has kind blue eyes, adorable dimples, and a great sense if humor. We always had fun playing together as children. I looked forward to reunions and our annual trip to Utah because he was going to be there. Even after we've grown up he would still make an effort to connect anytime we were close, even when we came to Arizona for a job interview. Jordan is an amazing woman. We love you!
Bruce Robertson family - May your testimonies, Gods' love, and "Cougar Pride" help you through this difficult time. Enjoy every moment together and know our love and prayers are with you. Thanks for your example .
Jacob must be brave. I remember he and his brothers carrying a live baby rattle snake they had found about 1/4 of a mile to show the family. Luckily it had just swallowed a mouse...as a result we all have been privileged to know him better. Jacob, do you remember anything about pillow cases and fireworks. I think that took a different kind of bravery!
We love you and continually pray for you and yours and know the story footsteps in the sand is true.
Uncle David
Well I'm a little late on this, but a compliment is still good late right? ;) When I think of Jake the first thing that comes to mind is peace. I have never seen Jake upset in any form. He has such a calming spirit about him, even when BYU football is embarrassing. I remember once Jord was pregnant with Ellie and was super hungry, and consequently irritated (understandably Jord). Jake handled the situation like a champ. It was awesome. Jake is a genuine guy as well, always interested and complimentary of others. I've always enjoyed Jake, he and Chris remind me a lot of each other. He has been a great addition to the Romney/Philipp family and we all love him dearly.
I count myself blessed to have had Jacob as my MTC companion. The MTC was the hardest part of my mission and Jacob was selfless, kind, and understanding. And slyly, but sharply, funny too.
You'll be in my prayers.
(Collin Bradford)
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