There are a number of stories that are being told to us since you passed. They all seemed to have themes and to me They are connections and just be yourself. First we had no idea that you would go to school early and drop of your back pack at the librarian's back office so you didn't have to take that time to go to your locker. There you would meet with other minded students and discuss current events in the library. Second you met daily under the stairs in your school with your group of friends just to see how the day went and if something funny happened. Your dad and I would always wait for you to arrive from school and by the time we start to notice you are not yet here, you pull up. We always thought you were delayed from the traffic of all the kids leaving school. Parents write to me or tell me in person how their daughters were not doing well at school. One was in second grade and you made her feel happy and all she had were fun memories of how funny and kind you were. The mothers would tell me how much they appreciated that you were nice to them and treated them well. Another mother told me that when she went for her parent teacher conference the teacher ask weather her daughter has spoken of a boy that talked to her a lot. This was in 6th grade. The mom asked who this boy was and the teacher said Jack Romaine. She then went home and asked her daughter who Jack Romaine was and she said he is the funniest and most kind boy she has met. The mom then again stated how much she appreciated that you were nice to her because she was having a hard time then. Now the daughter told me a funny story of when you both were at that three day Camp Tecumseh. She tells a story where it was the last night and the teachers had a performance. The students were all quietly sitting watching the show and in a part of one of the numbers, the teacher would sing and then blow a kiss. When she did, you leapt up and caught that kiss in your hand. Everyone roared including the teacher and so what you would do dear Jack!! Now in your celebration of life there were many people there....One in particular was visibly upset and approached your father to introduce himself. Your father thought he seemed old and dressed as if he rode a motorcycle. Your father was somewhat concerned since he seemed very upset and yet we as your parents have never met him. When he spoke to your father, he said that his family moved here two years ago and spoke about not fitting in at HSE and was having difficulty adjusting to this new school. He said you were the first one to speak to him and accepted him. You made him feel good and welcomed. Of course you were always telling people that just be yourself...accept who you are and don't get too caught up on what other people think..... One story that came into mind is a story Denise had told me..You were invited to Andrew's pool party and there were many people there that you didn't know that well. You and Andrew grew up together and it was in 3rd grade when we moved away that made it so you and Andrew no longer went to the same school as before. So this pool party was a surprise party for Andrew and therefore you were there with people you hardly knew. After the surprise everything was going well but no one was in the pool. You know that awkward time where kids are afraid of doing anything so as not to embarass oneself. But you being you jumped in the pool first. In your mind this is a pool party therefore it must be used. You were naturally fit but also love to eat. You were not in a shape where you have cut abs but that didn't stop you from jumping in that pool with boys and girls that would at this age be a little apprehensive in taking that shirt off and jumping in. You were always so comfortable in your skin and your spirit glowed from the inside as a fun loving type of guy. I know as I go through this journey, there will be more stories of how you connected and everybody that comes in contact with you leave with a positive loving experience from you. I know you knew how to be yourself and you appreciated that in others. You are so very missed and just know that you have made so many impact in a lot of people here.... I love you Jack Mom