Jarrett is Colton’s younger brother. They were born three years apart, but from minute one, they were close. Colton delighted in finding ways to be with Jarrett as a baby, climbing into his crib or playpen and peering right into his eyes and laughing as he patted his head (sometimes more gently than others).
As the years went on and Colton’s physical activities became more restricted, Jarrett jumped in to help. While other kids his age maneuvered soccer balls, Jarrett navigated around people while pushing his brother’s wheelchair. It was not a traditional house, and Jarrett grew up fast, as part of the caregiving team.
Jarrett learned to cook at an early age. His creativity in the kitchen was encouraged and was generally the source of many delights. This interest was particularly useful when Jarrett had to fundraise for his trip to the Canadian National Scout Jamboree. He catered meals, appetizers, snacks and desserts for friends, neighbours and a church group, raising over $600 to pay for the trip to Sylvan Lake Alberta.
Jarrett was part of the India trip for Colton’s stem cell brain surgery. His favourite part of the experience was visiting a theme park while Colton was in hospital, and the trip to a small safari/zoo where he got to ride on an elephant. India also deepened his love of spicy food.
After Colton passed away, Jarrett (in Grade 7), completed 1.5 years of the Arrowsmith Program. This was completed in-person, so Jarrett and his mom spent five months in White Rock BC, then a year in Toronto. The rigorous neuroplasticity exercises he undertook are part of a very structured system to help correct learning challenges, designed by Barbara Arrowsmith Young (“The Lady Who Changed Her Brain”). He was awarded the overall achievement award for his year in Toronto. After this, Jarrett returned to join his former classmates as they entered high school together.
Life changes dramatically when the special needs portion of a family disappears. Jarrett joined sports and drama in high school and developed common interests with his peers. He got his first job and worked part time to save and purchase his first car.
College was a bit of a challenge with COVID hitting at the same time he discovered he was not in a program he enjoyed. He took time off, worked nights in a factory, and explored his options. Sault College in northern Ontario offered Jarrett the program more his style: Environmental Technician. Outside, in a wilderness setting, working with tools to help preserve and make the land, air and water healthier, Jarrett found his calling.
He continues to be the kind, helpful, dependable person that his brother Colton adored.
