In Memory of

Dad -

I wanted to use this chance and thank you again for all that you've helped me with and given me in life. I can tell you, flat out, that if it wasn't for the hook'ens you gave me on the living room floor way back when, if it wasn't for the schools you sent me to, and if it wasn't for all those exhibition rides you gave me, I wouldn't be leading the ARA right now. Not only with Bull Riding, but even all the little lessons and extra advice here and there you've given me (and I know it wasn't the easiest road through life to get here) but they are all coming together and paying off now just like you said they would - I love you for that. I understand life right now isn't exactly a walk in the daisies, but I figure that field is a'waiten out there somewhere and until our prayers lead us there were just going to have to settle with walks through the alleyways and barn yards! And one more thing - you had better take care of yourself now, cause when the day comes in which youre unable to, I guess it'll be Casey's and I's job! And Lord knows, we'll all be in trouble then!!!

Love you forever Dad,
Jesse

To Whom It May Concern

By Jesse Martin

I wish I had all the answers. I wish to please everyone. I wish never to cause pain, But to all I have. Their respect I wish to regain. Anything I can give I will To make someone happy. Bring to me A great big thrill. Last impression: I wish never to be bad So, as I say my last good-byes; Please, accept my apology and forgive me For the troubled times We might have had.

My Life

By Jesse Martin

The golden thread cut by the angels has just begin to unravel. No major knots found yet. A few kinks though, have been met. Im halfway through my teens. Just old enough to understand what life means. Intelligence is where Im weak. Sports is where I peak. At points my life seems to treat me unfair. But I never fail to before I close my eyes to sleep say that one special prayer. So when the golden thread comes to an end, eternal life in heaven is where I will spend.

Sunday Morning

By Jesse Martin

December 24, 1995 I again have accepted Christ into my heart and have prayed that if for any reason He takes my life, my family and all others will not grieve but rejoice in knowing that I'm in a much better place and that they learn to follow the Lord, so that in the future we can be reunited in heaven!

Some of Jesses Accomplishments:

Voted by his peers "Most Friendly" in his senior class of over 250 students.

Rode his first saddle bronc he ever got on at fifteen for a qualified ride and made it to the pickup man. Once year later, at 16, he was PA State Champion High School Saddle Bronc Rider.
Qualified for National High School Rodeo Finals in Pueblo, CO and competed against the top four from each state and Canadian Province in Saddle Bronc and Bullriding.
Finished in the top 20 in the Nation in High School Bullriding.
At eighteen entered his first PRCA Rodeo and won first in the bullriding.

Rode and won money on every bull he got on in APRA competition for the first eight weeks of the season.
Captain of the Gettysburg High School Varsity Wrestling Team.
A talented and intricate artist and poet.