Jules

Haley Julia Pankratz.

Morgan’s “Jules”. His nickname for his first and only love.

He was a freshman; she a sophomore. Discovering a liking for one another during the Florida band trip they attended to participate in the Disney Parade.  On September 15, 2012, they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. High school sweethearts.

He – The football player; #51. She – his biggest fan wearing his opposite jersey on game days, proudly displaying the symbol that they were “going steady”, always cheering him and the team on loyally from the stands.

She in choir; with the sweetest voice. Both in percussion; sharing beats together.

Morgan wasn’t the biggest enthusiast of prom or homecoming dances. Yet, he attended both. He even attended one where he and his friend Austin went as a couple (to break the traditional girl/boy run for Prom King and Queen) with Haley as their duo date. It brings me joy that Haley and Morgan were able to share those opportunities and create those memories together.

They were there for one another’s high school graduation milestones one year apart. She – radiantly shining in her red cap and gown. He – proudly wearing his well-deserved Dress Blues; a United States Marine.

Though Morgan had already decided his future in the Corp years before, Haley stood by his decision during high school and after graduation. They kept their love close…a thousand miles apart. She accompanied me to attend Morgan’s USMC graduation in San Diego. I remember standing with her knowing how she was anxiously anticipating that first hug from him on Family Day; the first in three long months.

Sundays were set aside for cheese curds at Late’s. Usually followed up with treats and hot chocolate from Jenn’s Java. “Getting fat” Morgan would sometimes say. Or “cheat day” 😉

Morgan and Haley spent a lot of their free time together at our house or hers watching flix (if one didn’t fall asleep on the other – usually Haley first!), cuddling, goofing around, sharing heartfelt affections, and so much more.

I am certain there are multitudes of enjoyable and sentimental times that Morgan and Haley spent with each other. However, that bond and those moments are intimacies my son and his Jules shared between them. Precious treasures Haley will forever cherish, and maybe someday share at her own will. Though I cannot tell you all, I will tell you this: They were in love.

Through the good times and the bad; she stood by his side. Through the happiness and the darkness; she stood by his side. This strong young lady, who loved and cared for my son with tremendous passion, carried such a heavy weight on her shoulders during Morgan’s dark times. He returned from the Corp changed; with an affliction; and she stood by his side. Through the pain, emotions, his suicidal ideation; she stood by his side. She helped him focus on new aspects of life. She guided him in making decisions to further his education. She helped him get things in order to be able to attend UWGB. The same college she graduated from this past spring. She was his shoulder. A large part of his support. His lean-on.

I watched this beautiful girl, holding the USMC Build-A-Bear that Morgan gave her, as she spoke in between tears about my son at his funeral. She was fragile from heartbreak and sadness but embracing the strength to share her inner most thoughts of the man that lay beside her.

This girl, Morgan’s Jules, the love of his life, and he hers, has suffered one of the most tragic, emotional, life experiences that no one should ever have to struggle with.

Today would have been Morgan and Haley’s six year anniversary. Though Haley had lost a significant part of her life the day Morgan left, the grander part of him will remain in her heart endlessly.

For true love never dies…

Morgan & Haley 9.15.12 – Infinity ♥

Author: midnites_lyric

Suicide loss survivor. Grief warrior. Heroin hater. My life in a nutshell. View all posts by midnites_lyric