Many of my students, actually thousands of my online student friends supported our family through our battle with cancer with our teenage son, Jacob.
We appreciate you all so much – your prayers in every form meant more to us than you will ever know.
Our Sweet Jacob passed on August 24, 2013.
Here is the post I put up when he was still with us, and a sweet video of him below as well.
Our family has been blessed a hundred-fold since my sons diagnosis of cancer. I have to admit that it was a very rough start, and at times didn’t know how we would get through it all. With Jacob just barely 18, his young mind went somewhere where we couldn’t reach him. Each day was a struggle, no, each moment was a struggle. The nights were an eternity and it seemed time just stopped.
However, we have felt the power of prayer work in our lives. Family, friends and yes, even you, my online students have made a huge impact with heartfelt emails, letters, donations and most of all prayers. Entire congregations, clergy we have never met and people from all over the world has offered their prayers, chants, meditations, and energy in all forms and from all faiths.
Here is a message from Jacob – this is my adorable baby boy, I included the bloops because it shows his sweet spirit:
Thank you for everything!
53 Responses
I am so sorry I have been unresponsive and unaware of this suffering in your family. I have been taking care of a sick family member for the last 5 months and have not kept up with my email very well. He died last month and I think I can satay I understand a little of what you have been struggling with. You have my thoughts and prayers for this lovely young man and his gracious and generous mother.
Hey Jacob great to see you smiling and looking real good.
Thanks Lisa for the update and also the “Songs for Jacob”
God bless both of you and your wonderful Family
Karen
I am so glad to her your son is doing better. My prayers are with you for Jacob and your family
Roseanne
24March,2012
Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about Jacob. My prayers are with you,your family and especially Jacob.
We don’t know why some of the trials and tribulations come our way but, God doesn’t make any mistakes. He sees our first breath of life and our last breath while we’re in this ole fleshly body, where as we can only see the here and now.
This may be a blessing in disguise, only God knows about this. What ever happens or comes our way if we just trust Him no matter what in the end everything will work out for
our good.
You and your family will be in my prayers, especially Jacob, May the Peace that can only come from God be upon you and all your family.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I ask this Amen and Amen.
Robert Briggs
Dear Lisa I am so sorry to hear about your son. Please remember that God will not give anymore than we can handle, but along with trials he will give us the strenth to endure. The Bible at Isaiah 33:24 says no resident will say I am sick. That scripture is talking about God’s kingdom at,Matthew 6:9, when it comes to the earth as it is in heaven. We all pray for that day.
May you and your family continue to be strong and know you have many prayers going out for your son as well as the restg of your family
Thank You for allowing me to pray for you and your family.
Mary w
Dear Lisa and family,
I completely agree with Mary’s encouraging scriptural thoughts. Our creator has promised that He cares deeply about what we are personally going through. My favorite verse is found at Psalms 55:22 where it says “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.” Another inspiring scripture to meditate on is 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 where it says the God of comfort comforts us in all our tribulation. Your family is certainly in need of comfort at this time and I truly encourage you to continue to renew your faith in the wonderful promises of the time spoken of in the Bible when all these trials are gone and the earth is restored to a Paradise setting.
Sincerely,
Karen (Snow Hill, NC)
To a mother, Jacob still looks like a little boy with no hair. I shaved my head when my wife was on chemo, but I didn’t look nearly so young and innocent.
Jacob gets his soft side from his mother, who will support him forever. With all the people asking for help, he will succeed in his endeavor to win this fight.
I wish you the best years of your life to come. Now, to Jacob, go give your Mom a BIG hug.
God richly bless you, Jacob. My heart goes out to you.
Amanda
I continue to pray for Jacob’s full recovery as well as strength as he endures chemo and any other treatments he may be needing. My thoughts and prayers are also for you and your entire family as you support Jacob through this trial. I have such faith that he will recover fully and God’s love and light will be right there by his side the entire time.
Sending (((((hugs))))) and God’s blessings to all of you,
Sally
Dear Lisa,
Am so sorry to hear about your son. Lisa, am of the catholic faith, am also a 4th degree knight of columbus, we are a ferternity of catholic men, the oldest ferternity in the catholic church. Every month we have our ferternity meeting, at the meeting every knight will requst prayer for someone that is in need, this month I will requst prayer for Jacob, that will be a “WHOLE LOT OF PRAYERS” may God bless you and your family.
I am happy that Jacob is on his way of recovery. I will keep him in my prayer. I think all moms understand what you went through. May God bless you all.
My daughter was diagnosed with stomach cancer over five years ago. She has now been declared cancer free, so please take heart for Jacob.
Thank you Lisa for putting those precious hymns together. What a wonderful way to help support your son’s recovery. I am more than happy to purchase them and anything else you develop. I love your lessons!!
There are many people praying for your incredible son and your whole family. From personal experience, I can tell you those prayers make a world of difference. We too had prayers from people we had never heard of, cards from different churches and groups and donations. It was incredibly touching and so humbling to know there are soooo many people who are willing to step right up and go the extra distance.
Please know that we will continue to pray for Jacob, for strength, comfort, and complete healing. God bless and keep you all in the palm of His hand!! HE LOVES YOU!!
I purchased the Hymns for two reasons. One: I know that Ms. Steeple’s material is always of great quality. I have managed to learn to play some familiar songs from sheet music in just 6 months (I could not read a single note before) and I am able to keep up with my son who is taking piano lessons. Two: The proceeds go to Jacob’s fund. We Christians should make charity our rule of the day and we should practise what the Lord Jesus has told us when he said that whatever we do to our neighbours we are doing it to Him. GIVE JESUS SOMETHING BACK THIS EASTER. He allowed Himself to be tortured to death for us.
A message to Jacob: Jacob hold on tight and have faith in the Lord! I have witnessed a miracle in my family in front of my eyes (it wasn’t a snap-and-go sort of thing) and I know that if it is His will you will get over this thing. We pray for you. I will tell you what we Maltese say in such situations: “Courage”. That and the best of health is what I wish and pray for you.
Regards,
Philip
Hi Lisa, I was so pleased to see this video of your son Jacob, what a handsome young man. I send my prayers out for Jacob and your family. Kindest regards Sue
To Jacob, Mom, & family,
You are on my prayer list. I pray that God sends you His holy Spirit, His Spirit of healing, and comfort. Believe and have faith, that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour. Hey my brother,
you are blessed, and I know there are hundreds of people praying for you. Mom, you are wonderful.
In the love of Jesus, and in His healing name,
Keith
We will continue to pray for Jacob!! We have seen many miracles take place in our church in the thirty-four years that we have been a part of it; we know first hand what God can do if we completely trust and obey Him. It is such a blessing in our time of greatest need that God can give us the “peace that passeth all understanding!”
We send all our love to you and your family, Lisa.
Hi Lisa,
I really want to purchase the new song for Jacob. I will have to wait until I get paid because I was recently laid off and even though I have my small business , it is not yet making much money. I’m learing to live again like we did in our college days, lots of soups…..
However, I will order the music sometime next week. I can’t wait to get it, especially ”How Great Thou Art”. One of my very favorite hymns. It makes me cry everytime we sing it in church. (P.S.) I am of the LDS (Mormon) faith and will have Jacob’s name put back in our Temple for prayer circle.)
I’m so sorry he has to go through another round of poison to fight this terrible disease, but he is young and strong. He will make it, I just know it.
My baby boy has been fighting a huge battle of his own. I understand pain in our children, and know how it feels to think it should be us instead of them, no matter how old they get they are still our babies, so and while I have been praying for my own boy who is 44 years old, I have never stopped praying for your baby either. I’ve seen miracles lately, and I know Jacob is worthy of his own.
You are an inspiration to us all, and therefore I (and I know all of your other students) will continue to be the warriors out there in front, battling the bad to let only good and sunshine through for Jacob. Please tell him we are with him,
Thank you for everything.
With loving thoughts,,
Judy
Thank you for sharing Lisa!
It is great to see Jacob show such a good spirit. I know it is tough to have to deal with cancer as I lost my mother and father to it, and I almost lost a sister too, but she did a liquid diet for 42 days and got rid of her cancer. Before that she had surgery three times to get rid of it, and it came back each time, and she was told by doctors that she had no chance to get better. She got rid of it anyway with that diet.
I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Gaby
Hey Jacob,
That’s a rough ride you are getting and no point suggesting life is fair because it just isn’t sometimes.
Is it worth all the effort? You bet !
Ive been skiing in the French Alps, diving in the Indian Ocean, camping on high mountains. Then I got married, had kids and did it all again with them.
And its all out there waiting for you as well. We are all stronger than we think.
Phil
Dear Lisa, I was very pleased to have news of Jacob, and am sure he is safely on the road to recovery. I know the darkness of the road that you have travelled, but the sunshine is coming back. The Baha’i Healing prayer below is dedicated to you all.
Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to to me is my healing and my succour in both this world and the world to come. Thou verily art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Baha’u’llah
Dear Lisa, Jacob & Family:
Thanks for the update, Jacob you look great! We will continue to pray for you all & look forward to hearing good news.
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Blessings,
Barbie
In God’s peace that cannot be replaced by anything the world brings upon us, I believe with all my heart that you will receive a full recovery Jacob. Your family has certainly struggled through this time but your faith has been renewed and that so wonderful. Jesus has his arms around you and if it weren’t for our limited power to see his invisible presence, you would see him there face to face holding you. Let your faith see Him there with you every day and every hour.
For healing in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
God Bless You , you are in our prayers, any thing is possible with God I am going on my 7th year free from my cancer and I give my thanks to God and the Love of my family
Love Ella
Thank u Ms Lisa, and very happy,son is donig alot better.He looks great.Will purchase these hyms,it is songs one of my friend would like to practice on. I can pratice on them also.
Bless u and the family.
Jacob:
You are truly an inspiration to many. God allows us all to go through somethings
in our lives so that we know and understand that He is and always will be in control. Though I’m sure it is hard sometimes He is always with you and hears your prayers. Hold tight to your faith no matter what the circumstances say. He is faithful to His word. I can’t wait to start learning and playing from “Songs for Jacob”. I will think of you whenever I do. Your Mother is fantastic and you are blessed to have her as I know she feels the same about you.
God Bless
Althea
Thanks to God you luxe very well keep doing what you doing Jacob. God bless you and your family.
Be assured that Our God hears the prayers of his people. He sends His word and heals today just as He did 2000 years ago. Jacob looks great! Keep smiling Jacob!
And Lisa please know that your family is lifted up to God in prayer daily.
God bless you
Melita.
Keep up the good work Jacob.I am keeping you and family in prayers
Dear Jacob, Every day I sit down to practice my mind at some point is reminded of you and your struggle. God is with you as is your loving family.
You have many people who are praying for your complete recovery. In the meantime, keep your faith, and that wonderful smile.
I am excited about the tribute your mother has put together in your name and will soon order. I love her choices and they will be an inspiration to me. You see, God works in mysterious ways, and through your trial, many are drawn closer to Him. What wonderful things you have already done!! Keep the faith.
hi jacob and family
good news is always welcome , hope you continue to do well,as
it will be along road ,you have your youth also your loving family .
i will definitly be buying songs for jacob but have to up date my bank card so will be some time next week,
loved your video god bless you all
regards fay
God bless you Jacob!
Hi Lisa & Jacob,
You are in my prayers and have been since the beginning. Power of prayer is the most amazing. My grandson was just diagnosed with n1 virus and I believe he will also be well very soon, as my prayers are with him. As you read this message please say a prayer for him.
You are amazing Jacob and I love your video. I am looking forward to getting your music.
Love and Hugs.
Millie
Do you know dear Jacob?
As Eagles mount with wings on high and soar so far into the sky,
They really go beyond a sparrow’s length because, they fly with Eagle’s strength,
On the days dear Jacob when your strength may feel weak
You believe that He will strengthen you,
Imagine all the things you will achieve and keep your sprit high and you will fly with Eagle’s wings.
Best wishes to you to Lisa and to your family.
I am very happy to know that Jacob is on his way of recovery. I will keep him and the family in my prayer.
Rose
Hola Lisa
Confio en que Dios pondra su mano para sanar totalmente a tu hijo. El video demuestra que tienes un hijo excepcional con una gran transparencia de alma.
Dear Lisa and Jacob,
I am very happy to hear about Jacob’s recovery and good response to the treatment. I can’t find any other thing to say but St. Paul words “I can do everything in Jesus Christ who strenghten me”. Indeed, with God’s help and support the recovery will be speedy and stable.
I will always keep you in my prayers. May our Lord and savior bless your life and continue to jacob his recovery and restore his health.
May god bless you,
Amen
Glad to see Jacob smiling. Prayer and believing makes a difference. Just keep on being strong and I will continue to pray for you and the family.
Ava Lee
Dear Jacob and Liza
I want you to know this that the storms of life are always there but the good Old God always provide a way around it for his people. The Lord knows his own. My thought and prayer are with you. Stay strong
Captain
Hi Jacob!
It is wonderful to see your SMILE, don’t ever loose it, though there are some dificult times, that good attitude reflects in others and gives you and your loved ones strenghth. God is a god of happines and love, and keeping this attitude along with the knowledge of His word will draw you closer to Him. and if HE is with you, who’s against you??
Lisa my prayers are with you all.
Biiiig hugg 🙂
Mirna
Dear Lisa, So glad things are going better. You and Jacob and family are in my prayers.
May God give you both strength each day and may you feel HIS loving arms around you always.
You are in our prayers. BE STILL FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.
God Bless you and all your family. xx
I will pray for your son’s healing, and for the Lord to continue to bless your family with the strength to stay positive and continue to believe in His healing power.
Jacob’s laughter and the joy, closeness, and strength that you guys express and is very evident in the video and in your mails is an inspiration.
Get well soon young man, you’ve got so much to give and to look forward to.
God bless you all.
Hi Lisa, I tried to enter my information to purchase Songs for Jacob, and I was told my first neme was not correct. Send me a seperate email for me to respond to, and I will give you my Visa Account for the $37.00…thank you ,and I hope and pray for a quick recovery for son Jacob.Charlie
Hi Lisa,
Hope your son is on his way to a full recovery. I am sorry for the delay in replying. I had some issues occupying my time. Go to get back on the piano…. It’s beckoning to me. From yesterday I went back to lesson 7 to catch up…. Seems like I’ve forgotten some things.. But will teach up fast again. I hope I am ot too late in purchasing the songs. I just did…
God bless your sin, Lisa
Freeda
Hi Lisa,
With His stripes Jacb is healed . He was wounded for our transgressions . He was bruised for our inquities . The chastistement of His peace was upon us and with His stripes we are healed . Ask Jcaob to claim these Bible Promises
Sending my prayers to your family, in Jesus name.
Hi Lisa it was such a shock to hear about your beautiful Boy, I have kept him in my daily prayers,may he be completely healed of this Cancer…and know we as your online music friends will be there for you and your family..Gods blessings
I was pleased to see Jacob could laugh, despite the struggle he has been through. I bought the tribute of songs your mother put together in your name, and I couldn’t wait to start learning my favorite song How Great thou Art. You and your generous Mother are an inspiration to all of us.
I am very happy for Jacob speedy recovery, Jacob and your family are
in my prayers. God bless you and your family.
Cindy
He is at my age. I want to be his friend and I will pray for his healing. Just be positive 🙂
He is such a sweet young man! I am glad you chose to leave the bloopers,
Hello Lisa:
I have been calling to your phone, because I want to know about the Health of Jacob
He is in my prayers list and you as a mother that God bring peace in your spirit
Please call me anytime. I love you Lisa.
Brunilda