I am sending my condolences to the Sarazin family from far away in British Columbia. This sad news has travelled many miles and reached me today.

I hope this is appropriate to write as it is written with only the best of intentions. You see, Jessie and I dated for only a few months, many years ago (in 1992) , but I remember her with fondness to this day.

She was one of the first girls I ever dated. The first time I ever laid eyes on her as she emerged from the water at the Ambassador Hotel pool, I thought that she was one of the prettiest girls I'd ever seen.

I was just a boy of 16, not much older than her. We were both just innocent young kids in the grand scheme of things. I remember she had a bright smile, warm laugh and a wonderful personality, without a mean bone in her body.

A short time later when I turned 17 and I joined the Military Reserves I travelled far from my home to Nova Scotia for Bootcamp, and later out to Sea for several months at a time for my Naval training. It felt like I was worlds away from home at the times, as I'd never been so far away from my family and friends for so long.

Jessica and I often exchanged letters to each other. She knew how much I struggled through the extremely difficult military training, combined with the stress of being away.

She was always so very encouraging through her written words, assuring me that I'd get through these challenges and be home soon enough. She even updated me on all of the latest "happenings" back home. I remember her letters were so incredibly positive, written in many bright & fun colours, surely with the intent to brighten my long days. Her positivity was both encouraging and motivating.

Even back then, I knew of the severity of her diabetes, but it didn't define her.... it was just "life" as it were, and a life challenge she had accepted as her own.

I seem to recall her making mention of her Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis, however I think I was just too young to understand the complexities and severity of it, without the benefit of the Internet to educate myself. Now, years later I am humbled by her courage in facing this terrible disease each and every day!

The Reserves forever changed my life, as a few years later it propelled me into a long career in law enforcement. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jessica Sarazin for..... well, just for being "her" (if that makes any sense???)

While it's been decades since our paths separated toward our own dreams & destinations, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for my teenage sweetheart; Jessica.

Her letters many years ago helped me through a tough time in my life. I sincerely hope that my letter today offers the same strength for her two beautiful children, as well as her grieving parents, siblings and many loved ones during this difficult time.

God speed & rest peacefully!

Jason Maschke