Jesse Alswager: Our incognito wedding planner
No fluffy intro or photos for this post, I’m cutting right to the chase: If you aren’t convinced yet that there is a God; that spirits can communicate with us from The Other Side; and that we all have a purpose here on Earth, then you better get ready to jump on the bandwagon.
Unless this is your first time visiting The Mollie Shambeau Show, chances are you know the story of Jesse Alswager and his connection to my life. Sean and I met at a celebration of Jesse’s life after he passed away at age 13 from complications with type 1 diabetes in February 2010. Sean had known Jesse as a part of his diabetes circle—Jesse was like Sean’s little brother and Jesse loved Sean’s Riding On Insulin snowboard camps. I had the pleasure of working with/being office spouses with Jesse’s mom, Michelle, who also writes a blog: Triabetes Took Over My Life.
Sean and I have always believed that Jesse had a hand in bringing the two of us together and activating us to do big things in the international diabetes community. One example: Starting Riding On Insulin back up after a two-year hiatus. Surely Jesse would have loved to see ROI continue on, and as such, all camps are dedicated in his honor.
Many of you also know (I don’t keep much to myself these days!) that Sean and I got engaged in Iceland in front of a beautiful waterfall called Goðafoss—Waterfall of the Gods. Driving up to that waterfall, the song “You and Me” by Dave Matthews came on the iPod we were listening to—one of Jesse’s favorite songs.
These and countless other subtle signs from Jesse have become a commonplace in our lives and we’ll often ask Jesse for help in various situations. Side note: His track record is pretty solid, especially when weather is concerned.
But what you haven’t heard about is the latest sign from Jesse… and what an incredible one it is.
I’d put a call in to Michelle yesterday morning to catch up and left her a long, Mollie Shambeau-esque message (meaning it was at least 3 minutes long and full of enthusiasm), explaining a few things and letting her know to save the date for our wedding this September.
I got a call back from Michelle that afternoon and she left me a message saying that my message had stirred some pretty intense emotions for her—albeit not bad ones—because (are you sitting down?) the date Sean and I chose to get married, September 24th, also happens to be Jesse’s 15th birthday.
[I’ll pause here for you to pick your jaw up from the floor.]
Incredible, huh? We had no idea that was Jesse’s birthday—it was literally the one date that stood out as the perfect day that we didn’t have anything else going on. After I got over the initial shock, I was overwhelmed with happiness—what a perfect way to celebrate the life of the very person who brought Sean and I together. Going even further, what a great way to celebrate Jesse every year on our wedding anniversary—a reminder for Sean and I to keep focused on what we came to this earth to do: Provide inspiration, resources, and Riding On Insulin camps for kids everywhere living with diabetes.
If you take a good look at your own life, chances are that you too have signs coming at you from The Other Side. Think about the decisions you make and that voice deep inside you that coaches you through them. Think about times when you wished for something that you needed so hard and it actually came true. (Pretty sure this doesn’t include wishing for a pair of sparkly-fabulous Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps for your wedding day, but I’ll get back to you on that one.) Think about a time you were missing someone, only to have something happen right then that put your mind at ease.
If Jesse has helped me realize anything, it’s that we are not alone in this world. We’ve got spirits advocating for us throughout our lives, and if we stop for a moment to listen, their voices and guidance will come through to us loud and clear.
Happy day!
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