Thank you from Grace Yek

Jul 10, 2024

Dear Cincinnati State Friends and Colleagues,

Jay Holes remembrance photo

Just the other day, my unusually pensive 15-year-old daughter confided in me about the “little things” on her mind. “Daddy won’t see me graduate from high school, know which college I choose, or walk me down the aisle when I get married.”

This is why my husband fought so hard, even as cancer consumed his body. Jay took his role as a father and husband to heart and wanted to be there for us. For nearly a decade, he underwent countless scans and procedures, enduring an emotional roller coaster that was nothing short of gut-wrenching.

The sorrow of losing Jay feels overwhelming at times. Thank you for the care and kindness you’ve shown to my daughter and me—your every text message, email, flower bouquet, sympathy card, thought and prayer–comforted and strengthened us as we navigate this very raw chapter. My heart was full to see some of you at Jay’s memorial.

Instead of telling you who Jay was in words, I invite you to view this personal video we shared at the memorial. The video will be available for a week. The password is: LifeOfJay.

– Grace Yek