Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Jared's Journey Begins Anew

Well, the dreaded post has arrived and our hearts ache to write it, but we want to pay this last tribute to our son.  Jared passed away yesterday morning at 3:45 AM as a result of complications from his tumor.  Early Sunday morning, after a week of spending time with family through thanksgiving and Bradley's birthday, Jared awoke complaining of breathing difficulties, which sounded much like a child does who has the croup.  This was the beginning of the last 25 hours of his life.  These hours seemed so incredibly long in the moment, but we are so grateful that Jared was able to pass so quickly.  He did struggle at times, but eventually stopped breathing Monday morning in his own bed with Jaime and I by his side.  There are not words to describe the feelings that were felt.  I can honestly say that there has been nothing so heart wrenching and so painful as this moment.  We lived knowing of this time for weeks now, but the void that is left in our home is irreplaceable.  His physical presence in our home will be forever missed and remembered.  Jared was much more than a super hero to us.  Jared has paved our way of hope to a loving God and we will be eternally grateful for his special presence in our lives.

Jared was a very fun loving kid with a fantastic imagination.  He loved to create new superheroes and would list all of the many powers that these heros would have.  He loved his brother and sister so dearly.  He would smile and laugh at their many jokes and just loved to be around them.  He and Gabrielle were especially close and were truly the best of friends. He wrote a note to Bradley for his birthday just days before his passing telling him that he was his best side kick.  Bradley and Gabrielle are truly better for having the brother that they do.  Jared loves his mother and their bond will forever be a tribute to both Jaime and Jared.  He loved to  be held by Jaime and found comfort as he would cry in her arms.  He loved to hear her sing and would always request a certain song from her that has become a cherished song in our home.  The song is entitled, "Light on a Hill".  Jared has become a light on a hill to each one of us.  Jared will live on in all of us and as time progresses we will manage the challenges of life better and with more control, but Jared's memory will never dwindle.  He was loved by all and is truly a special son of God.

Jared's services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at our chapel in Centerville.  There will be a viewing the night before at Russon Brothers Mortuary on Main Street in Bountiful from 6-8:00 PM.  Another viewing will be held at the chapel prior to the services from 9:30-10:40 AM.  Our chapel is located at 270 N. 300 E. in Centerville.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chordoma Foundation.  The link to Jared's donation page can be found as a link on this blog.

We love you all.  We have been extremely blessed with such amazing people around us.  This challenge has brought forth some the most cherished experiences that life can afford and we are forever grateful for them.  Our hearts are pained, but we are eternally grateful for the knowledge of life beyond this life as we know it.  It is our firm testimony that we will be with Jared again if we can but live a worthy life. God does live and his son Jesus is the Christ and has made this experience a sacred one with the knowledge of temple covenants and a resurrection to a perfected life as families.  We hope to make this a reality and are so grateful for your prayers and examples to each of us.  May Jared always be remembered for the choice and noble son of God that he is.  We love you all, thank you.

32 comments:

  1. Andrew, Jaime, and family,

    Most of our family has never met your son Jared, but he has been an inspiration to us all. For months, he has been the object of our prayers and fasts. Through his/your experience, as we have watched it from miles away, we have assessed our own testimonies and strengthened them where needed. He, in an indirect yet very personal way, has been a strengthener of testimonies in our family. Please know that his life has blessed us tremendously. It pulls at the strings of the heart to see a family experience this, and yet, we know we cannot begin to imagine the affect it has upon you. Your family will continue to be the focus of our prayers and thoughts and may God bless you immensely at this time. We love you.

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  2. I've never met Jared, Andrew, Bradley or Gabrielle, but I was a roommate of Heidi Kesler for several years, and spent some time with Jamie and her family from time to time before she was married.

    I've been reading this blog for about a month now, and I just want to express my condolences and thank you for your examples of faith and courage. What a gem that Jared is.

    With love,
    Charlotte (Corry) Cantwell

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  3. Thank you for your testimony. Mine has been strengthened of forever families. Sorry to hear of his passing. May the Lord bless you at this time.

    Amy in AZ

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  4. Andrew,

    It has been quite a while since we have spoken, but my sister has kept me up to date on the status of your dear son. What a fine young man he must be and what great parents you are! I cannot imagine the heartache this must cause your family, but it is very evident that your feet are on solid ground and your testimonies are strong. I wish you and your family all the best. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Chad Leishman

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  5. I have been so impressed with Jared ever since I began following his story. What an amazing son of God and of yours. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family during a very difficult time.

    Sincerely,

    Debbi Thayn
    (Jessica Beck's sister)

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  6. Dear Jaime, Andrew and family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Jared's passing. Our hearts are aching and we cannot start to understand the loss that you are facing. Jared's life and his earthly trial has impacted our family's life tremendously. Our testimonies have been strengthened as you have allowed us to share in your very painful journey. Jared and your family have been in our daily thoughts and prayers and will continue through these difficult times. We are grateful that we know you and that our paths crossed many years ago.

    We love you all and send our prayers.

    Stacey & David Mortensen and family

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  7. So sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Jared. My daughter Allie was in Mrs. Tonge's class with Jared last year and it was fun to get to know him. Such a wonderfully sweet child, which you of course already know. My Allie loved him dearly and told me that she wanted to marry him someday. I hope that you and your family is blessed with all you need and deserve as you go through this trying time. Your commitment to your son and to the Gospel is amazing and you are great examples to all of us.

    Rebekah Pierce

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  8. Thank you for sharing Jared's life with us and your sweet testimonies. May you continue to feel of our Heavenly Father's love.

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  9. I'm at a loss for words, but want you to know how much we love your family! We will miss Jared and feel so blessed to have known him. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love,

    Amy & Keven and family

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about Jared. My heart breaks for you and for your little family. I am so sorry. That little guy is so special and has fullfilled his mission here on this earth what an honor to be his parents and to now look forward to when you will see him again we love you and you will contiue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing his little life with us. Doug and Ashlee Swensen

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  11. Dear Andrew and Jaime,
    Thank you for sharing your great faith and strength, and thank you for sharing Jared. We knew him for a short time, but want you to know our kids have been praying for him in our family prayers. We are strengthened by your examples of divine-like love and devotion. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family! Much love, Jef and Carla Olsen

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  12. Thank you for sharing this blog. It has been a source of strength for me as you've shared your testimonies of faith. You are amazing people, you really are. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet little guy. Not a day has gone by since May that you have not been in my prayers and thoughts through out the day. I wish there was something magical I could do to ease the pain. I will continue to pray. Love you guys. Talia Kenney

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  13. Travis and I have kept you guys in our prayers and kept up on your sweet blog. I can't imagine a worse nightmare for parents to have to go through, but I can't imagine a sweeter tribute to your sweet son than having such incredible parents who love the Lord and have such beautiful testiomonies, who have handled this with increidble faith that is an inspiration to us all. I think anyone who has known your family and has had the privilage of hearing about this personal and sacred expereince is better for it. I want to be a better person and mother because of you both. You truly are all super heros. I am sure Jared chose to come to your family because he knew what increidble and choice people you were to help him through this experience. Thank you for helping us all to feel the holy ghost so strongly and have it witness to us the truth of the plan of salvation as we read your blog. Love you guys
    Love Katie and Travis Lee

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  14. J Hattabaugh and familyDecember 2, 2009 at 4:28 PM

    We have followed your path with Jared and have been kept informed through your wonderful mother and our dear friend, Gloria. Our hearts are so full of love, sympathy and concern for you at this time. May you know of the many thoughts and prayers unannounced but sincerely uttered and pleaded on your behalf. May the spirit of comfort and peace be with you and may you continue to feel Jared's love and influence in your life. There is no doubt in our minds that he will continue to be a source of guidance and strength in your family's life. Thank you for sharing these very special past 6 months with so many. This experience as difficult as it is, has been an incredible source of strength to us and so many. What super heroes....Lovingly,

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  15. Dear Jaime and Andrew and family-
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is a privilege to have had you in the Rivanna Ward for a short while.
    May the gospel of Jesus Christ and His love comfort you today and in the days to come.
    Love, Ann & Sterling & Stephanie Wright

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  16. Jaime & Andrew,

    Thank you for sharing your challenges, pain and blessings with us. Thank you for sharing your sweet strong testimonies. They have strengthened us. May you continue to find comfort in the gospel truths. We'll continue to hold you close in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love, The Rader (Matt, Keila and Mike from Rivanna Ward)

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  17. Andrew and Jamie,

    We love you and your family so very much. Watching you endure (well) the past few months has been a sacred experience for us. Your lives have been a tutorial to our family and so many others on how to trust, hope, submit, mourn and love. From the bottom of our collective hearts, thank you.

    Craig and Sabina Winder

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  18. AV & Jaime:

    Our hearts and thoughts are full of sadness as we hear of this news. We definately cannot understand the experience that you have gone through. Jared is definitely a very special and incredible soul; reading through his experiences and seeing video of him has truly inspired me and my family and made us want to be better people. Andrew & Jamie you are both such wonderful examples and I know that Jared is so lucky to have such amazing parents as yourselves. We pray that you may be comforted at this time and know of our love for you and your family.

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  19. Andrew and Jamie - I should not haver read this post at work because I am sitting here in my office bawling. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing my own sweet son. I have to echo the words of so many others and just tell you that your testimony of families and your faith through this trying time is so evident and is such an amazing example to me of the kind of life I want to live, so that some day, I can also be reunited and live forever with my husband and children.

    Jamie, I know I haven't seen in you in YEARS, but I have always cherished the kind friend that you were to me all throughout our school years. I'm so sorry I cannot come and support you at Jared's funeral, but please, know that you and your family are in my prayers. I hope that we can keep in touch a little more often, as you are such a wonderful person and a blessing in the lives of those around you.

    Andrew, thank you for this post. It is heartbreaking and yet so very beautiful. What an amazing tribute to your son.

    All my love to ALL of you,
    Danae Hanna Lilyquist

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  20. Jaime,
    My heart is breaking for you. What a special boy Jared is. Families are forever and I know you will be with him again someday. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. God bless you.
    Ashlee Hess Gill

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  21. http://utahamicus.blogspot.com/2009/12/jared-rushton-vance-love-is-eternal.html

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  22. hi im very sorry to here that your son died. you used to go to our church. im very sorry and you guys are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  23. Jared and Jamie,

    I am in Arizona on a business trip and could not be home to celebrate Jared's life at the funeral today. It has been on my mind though. Jamie, I love you and your family dearly. Your brother Tim is my closest friend. I am so proud of you and your husband for being such good parents. My wife and I have great love, respect and admiration for each of you. But especially you Jamie, as Jared's mother, know that we love you and pray for you and your sweet family.

    All our love and support,

    Alex, Natalie, Marianne and Tennessee Lawrence

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  24. Andrew and Jamie,
    Joe and I were heart broken when we heard of your little boy. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you!

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  25. Dearest Andrew and Jamie,
    I have been following Jared's story through your sweet nephew Ty who was in my Primary class. Many times Ty would tell me about his favorite cousin Jared and the things they did together, he Loves Jared so very much. We talked alot about prayer and fasting, and awhile back he asked me why sometimes the person we are fasting and praying for doesn't get better. I tried to explain the great love that Heavenly Father has for each of us and that while we may not always understand right now, He will always do what is best for us.

    I was very surprised to read about Jared, to see that his last name is Vance, that he is Dave & Gloria's grandson and Andrew's son. You probably don't remember me, Andrew, but I used to hang out at your house quite a bit, with my former missionary companion Janice. Your family blessed my life so much back then, when you were just a kid, and now through this blog you have once again touched my soul! Thank you so much for your beautiful tributes to your son. Thank you for both of your beautiful testimonies.
    My Father lived with us for 17 years and passed away last december, 9 days before Christmas. I sat at his bedside for 7 weeks, as he passed away. While it was so difficult to experience this, it was also the most incredible spiritual experience that I have ever had. Life itself is such a miracle, but being with someone you love as they pass through the veil is also a beautiful blessing and a miracle itself. My own love for the Savior has increased as I see and feel the many ways that His Atonement is applied in our lives.
    This Christmas will be difficult for you in many ways, but you will also be blessed with a great feeling of peace, and may you feel the presence of your son! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family!

    Love,
    Robyne (Hunt) London

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  26. I have heard so much about your family lately. My parents know yours, and came to your beautiful son's funeral. I am sure they talked to you about our son, but if not- he died of a brain stem tumor. I am sure it is not exactly the same thing, but I am sure they are very similar. As I read your blog, it brought me back, almost exactly. Our son was on life support, and we had to decide if we should let him go or leave him on, and like you, we made the painful decidion to let him go, because like you, we know there is a Heaven, and the life he was leading was a one of agony, for all of us. Well enough about me, but I do want to say that I have been touched by your sweet family, and you will be in my prayers.
    Take care,
    Jenn (Nieman)
    random-ruby@live.com

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  27. Since I haven't checked any blogs for a while now I missed the latest leg of your journey with Jared. I am SO SORRY to hear of his passing. Of course I was so touched as I read the last few entries of your blog. I can not even imagine the pain of losing a child, but I can believe the comfort of having the gospel knowledge is powerful for you and your family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Stephanie Miner

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  28. Vance family,

    Thank you for your radiant testimony and fervent faith--and thank you for sharing Jared's story, even with people you don't know. My sister-in-law met your family while you were here in Boston, and she was touched so much by you and this blog that she recommended it to me. My heart aches for you. But I can feel the strength of your faith and conviction and I know you're in the best hands of all. I am so sorry your sweet boy is gone, but I know you can be with him again.

    Lizzie (Stradling) Landon

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  29. i can't believe i am writing a comment since i don't know you and such a tender time- but just have to tell you how touched i am by your words.

    i hope for wonderful blessings to surround your family this season.
    i feel like reading about your sons life has strengthened my own testimony of this amazing Christmas season.
    much love.

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  30. Dear Family (and especially Jamie),
    I didn't know of your struggles until my daughter Ashley Petersen Nielsen came to out home crying for you and your son. I got to be with Jamie in YWs while she was a MIAMAID. I always felt you were a very special person, Jamie. You were (and obviously still are) a choice spirit of Heavenly Father's. I imagine Jared has quite a bit of you in him. And I am sure you married someone very special also. My heart aches for you. I have such fond, loving memories of you; I pray you will find peace and comfort. Melanie Petersen

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  31. I'm sorry for your sorrow. Thank you for sharing your faith and experiences. It is strengthening. We recently lost my little niece. I'm extrememly grateful, albeit sad, for this tender experience. Some things can not be taught only experienced. My s-in-law recently expressed her feelings about her daughters passing,"It's not a bad thing, hard, very hard and sad some days, but not a bad thing." Thank heavens for our Savior and the comforter. God bless!

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  32. Andrew and Jaime,

    Thank you for your faith, your example, your testimony. My most vivid memories of Jared from our time together in Charlottesville are of a sweet boy who was always, always looking after his sister. Whenever they would come over to play or whenever I would see them, he would be watching out for her and making sure that she was all right. I was so impressed with the love he showed her. I'm sure that he will be watching out for all of you now and eagerly awaiting the reunion that is sure to come. Our love and prayers are with you!

    Love,

    Mark and Amy McLaughlin

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