Dear Blanck Family,

Although I never got to spend much time with you as a family, I knew Jess as one of my best friends. You may know me through the Clark vb team. That is when Jess and I first got acquainted, we hit it off right away simply because of our physical similarities, both being over 6ft tall and having an amazing passion for volleyball. Soon liz, jess and I became the “triple threat” (the tall, dark hair, front row players). Although shortly after the season ended I moved away, Jess and I continued to grow closer, I began to learn more about the girl inside instead of just on the surface. Not many people know but, She became one of the few people I would tell everything to, she became one of my best friends. That amazing girl unknowingly taught me so many lessons about life in just the short two years we got to know each other. She was an incredible role model, not only to me but everyone she ever came in contact with. When I heard the devastating news it all seemed so surreal to me. Naturally I immediately questioned “WHY God? Why her?” I began to pray, for you (her family), for her, and for everyone mourning our loss. Through this I was comforted in knowing that she is in a better place now, off of this earth and in the presence of God. I simply told myself: “God was looking for the most amazing angel he could find, and he found her.” She will always be watching over us, and continue to teach us lessons through our lives.

In loving memory of Jess four of us have gotten tattoos together and others are in the works.  We dedicate them to her and to your family. She’ll always be with us. We love you all, please dont hesitate to call on us (her Clark vb team) for anything. We’re here for you all!

LOVE ALWAYS!

Beth Allen

It Kills me to think that you and Krissy are really gone. Knowing that I will never get to talk to you or tell you how sorry I am for not talking to you. You and I have so many memories together, all the times we dyed our hair together, or how many dances we got ready for, and how at lunch how we would always order the same thing, we shared clothes, advice and even one boyfriend. I can’t even count how many times we went shopping together, you were there for me for all the bad times and good times. I remember how we hated each others perfumes and we would have wars to see who could spray more, and when you would come see me at OSU you would bring 2 weeks worth of clothes. I just keep thinking how high school was so good for us. We would laugh until 3 am every weekend, my parents or yours would have to come tell us to be quiet. I remember when you were on the search for the perfect boyfriend, no guy would ever step up to your standards, How many nights we were at Shari’s with all of our friends and laughing, getting kicked out. How it took you forever to get your license, how I was always the one carting us around. You were the best friend I could of ever asked for, you and your family mean the world to me, I know you will look after all the ones you love. I will always love and remember you. I miss you.

Kate “curdles” Bisbing

I always will have you with me!

Jessica,
My name is Nikki and I used to work with your mom at the clinic. I wish I could have met you in person and got to know you. From your mom you sure sounded like a great person. I could tell when she spoke of you how much you meant to her. Even after I had left the Clinic I would call and talk to your mom just to see how she was and how all 3 girls were doing and it was nice to hear all the cool things happing in your life as well as your sisters too.

I came to your service and I have to say you sure touched a lot of people in so many ways. I thought I was strong in my Faith and after hearing about you and how you Loved the Lord and everyone around you It made me wonder if I was really strong at all. Well I have to say that after hearing all about you that it made me want to draw closer to the Lord and be the best person that I can be. So I want to thank you for touching me by your spirit though the Lord and making me re commit myself to him and live for only Him and to get back into church. I have a little boy who I want to grow up and be on Strong Ground with Jesus some day! Thank you Jessica for lighting that fire in me!

With “Faith Like That” we can sure go a long ways!

Your family is in my prayers always! God Bless you Jessica and may you shine your light onto others from Heaven!

Blessings,
Nikki Wilhelm

Jess,

 Thank for you all of the wonderful experiences I had with you. From Guys and Dolls, our choir concerts, or just making me smile when I didn’t think I could. You were always good at that. 

I know i can never express the amazing impact you have left on me and the impact you have left on this world. But I hope you know how truly loved and missed you are…..

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends…

Thank you for the time I got with you and know I will never forget you and your amazing faith….

I will see you again …

Until then…. I love you —- Ashley

Dearest Rob & Blacnk Family,

 My heart is torn for you all!!  WhenI first heard the news….I was devastated for you as parents, siblings and many of Jessicas friends.  Although I didnt know Jessica, I have been looking at her myspace pics and reading her blogs to learn about the young lady she was.  The most evident thing to me is that she was a God fearingyoung woman who obviously and deeply cared for others.  She can thank her parents showing her Gods love and for molding her life into the responsible, loving young lady she became and was.

Rob…remember our fun night out at Carlos Mecia with your wife and Jim & I?  The one thing I remember about that night is when I asked you to tell me about your ‘girls’.   I remember feeling the love you had for them as you spoke of each one proudly.  Jessica was blessed to have parents like the both of you.

As Ive been trying to understand why God would take away two beautiful young women in the prime of their lives…I have found myself thinking about Job.  Job had 10 children and lost all of them.  He struggled through health problems, he cursed God and the day he was born, he felt guilt, he wanted to die even, but he went to God in prayer in his lowest of times and God responsed: “He gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” Job 5.10-11

May God lift you all to safety and comfort in your time of sorrow and anguish.  May this tradegty be a good reminder for all of us to remember to tell our loved ones that ‘we love’ them each and everyday.  Jessica has left her imprint of love on this earth and now she is sharing that love with those in heaven.  She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

With love and warmest regards,

Sarah Ulricksen

Jessica… Our Jake,

There’s so much that i could sit here and write to you… just to tell you how much you meant to everyone including me. I always pictured you like one of my sisters and in a way… its feels like i too lost one of my own. I really looked up to you the way that your sisters did too. Whenever you and Sare were ever fighting, i would always take both of your sides and just laugh because it reminded me soo much of my older sister and I You would always greet me with a smile and we would get along so well… I can’t even begin to tell you  how much i miss you. It brings a lot of pain to know that you’re gone but knowing where you are makes it so much easier to accept. You’re with God…you’re safe and surrounded by a greater love and one day, you’ll be there too to greet us on our journey to Heaven’s gates. Jessica, you were such a great person who brought a lot to the world and we all will miss you greatly.

Love and Miss you Greatly,

Crystal

So, I spent all day yesterday making the most beautiful poster I could, to remember you by…hard part was when we hung it by your crash site.  I finally realized, I am not ever going to see you on this earth again, nothing I do is going to bring you back.  I miss you Jess.  I wish we would have been closer…I wish we had more time.  But we lost that time, you were stolen from us, and it’s not fair.  I can’t believe how fast life goes.  It seems like just yesterday you were dating my brother and hanging out with my weird random family, the beautiful thing was, you fit right in   I am going to miss your hugs.  I’ll miss coming into church one day and seeing you behind the crash bar with your beautiful smile, and giant hugs.  You always cared how people were doing, no matter what was happening in your life.   Thank you, for being the beautiful you.  For loving everyone no matter what.  For your kindness.  I will forever miss you, until the day we finally meet again in heaven.  I know you are in a better place, but it still hurts not having you around.  I will never forget you Jess.

Today I went to your crash site. We hung a banner, along with the other banners and flowers, making sure everyone knows that that spot is the one where you were so suddenly taken from us. Jason and I hung the banner, and my hands were shaking so bad I could barely pull the zip ties tight. When we got the banner done, I walked to the road, to see if maybe I could see where your car was. It was there, I knew right were your car was. I cried so hard. I love you. Never told you that enough. For that I’m sorry. Miss you.

My Sweet Jessica – How I mourn for you. I thank God for the short time He granted us to have you in our lives. Your love for God spilled out of your soul and has touched so many. I know you didn’t know the impact of your life but I can tell you that it is so awesome that I cannot even describe it in words. God is just so amazing!

Your mommy and daddy miss you so deeply but God has blessed us with his angels. We are surrounded by God’s love. I know you are having so much fun up there with Jesus. I envy you but know God is not done with me yet. What an awesome sight you got to see as you were lifted to the heavens. Did you meet Gram up there? She passed away the same day as you, sweetie. I love you baby girl. You must be the resident Nanny now. Take care of the little ones my darling.

I can’t say I’ve known you for your whole life or anything like that, but you were my cousin and you were great to me, anyone that has ever met you can tell that you were just awesome, you would always smile and laugh I can’t say I’ve ever seen you angry or sad even once ( maybe I just forgot) but I’m pretty sure I didnt >.< Im so blessed to have seen you the day before your death. I love and miss you.                             -David