Jae LeVine, owner of the biggest heart of any athlete I have ever written about. (First three photos by JohnsPhotos.net, final one courtesy Sean LeVine)
Jae LeVine is my hero.
Athletes come, and athletes go, and they tell you not to play favorites, and yet, without a doubt, I do.
We can construct our Mount Rushmore for Wolf athletes, and argue endlessly about who will get the other three spots, but the first face we’re going to see is that of JaeLynn.
Miss LeVine is everything wonderful and amazing in this world, and when I get tired of people, I think of “Flash” and things seem a little better.
Joltin’ Jae has fought for her life since the day she was born, just a hair over 21 years ago, and has remained one of the happiest, kindest people I know, despite, or maybe because of, the challenges thrown at her by her own body.
“How you doin’?”
Born with a congenital heart defect, JaeBird has her second (and hopefully final) open-heart surgery today.
My hope for her is that she recovers quickly and with as little physical and emotional pain as possible.
That Jae can return to her family – parents Sean and Joline, sisters Micky and Izzy, and girlfriend Heidi – and be covered in love.
That everything she wants in life comes her way, and that she is rewarded every day.
As she went through middle school, then high school, here in Coupeville, doctors took sport after sport away from her.
Concerns over her heart removed Jae from the basketball hardwood and volleyball court, but she got to stay on the softball diamond and she sparkled until her final mic drop.
On the wall in front of my computer, the place where I write this blog, there are various letters, pictures, and memorabilia from eight years of Coupeville Sports.
Jae is represented by a softball team photo, by her graduation announcement, by her Senior Night writeup, and by her autograph on a box score from the first time CHS softball beat Klahowya.
“With this bat, I will rock you.”
That’s the game where The Mighty Mite opened a can of whup-ass, smashing a single, double, and triple off the best pitcher in the region, with the two-bagger providing the game-winning RBI in a 7-6 victory.
I will always remember Jae’s Senior Night speech, probably the most emotional moment for me personally while doing this job, but that Klahowya game also looms large.
The image of “Flash” bouncing on the bag at second after her big hit, using her fingers to fire imaginary lasers at her teammates going bonkers in the dugout, is nothing but pure joy.
Just like Jae herself.
So, as she goes into surgery today, I need everyone to do two things for her.
One, if you pray, please pray for Jae.
If you don’t pray, think good thoughts.
Whatever you’re comfortable with.
And two, when “Flash” gets out of surgery, she will be by herself in the hospital at first, because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Her mom expects Jae will be in the hospital for a week, then home with the family for 2-3 weeks.
“I am asking for family, friends, friends of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to cheer her on and give her encouragement and love through the mail,” Joline said. “Jae is a people person and I know that being alone during the recovery time while in the hospital is what scares her most.
“If we can reduce her anxiety by flooding her with love during this time, I know she will be forever grateful.
“I plan to make a care basket for her while in the hospital and I know she would love to have letters to read to pass the time. She also LOVES scratch tickets!”
Mail letters to Jae at 1555 SW Downfield Way, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277.
“Let’s get this party started!”
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