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jakedepayne

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  1. Love quietthecuties idea of folding truckers into DCC. +++1
  2. +1 - why not a dedicated CB freq that's officially endorsed by the government?
  3. +1 from me - property prices and rent contracts are outrageous RN.
  4. The DePayne Origin Through genealogical research over the two decades and advancements in the study of genetics, the DePayne lineage can be traced WAY back, To somewhere in the 9th century in Southern Italy. What makes the DePayne name special is it's connection to Hugues de Payens (9 February 1070 – 24 May 1136). Hugues was one of two founders and first Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Hughues is considered a person of significance due to the large impact he, and the Knights Templar, had on human history. If you're not familiar with the Knights Templar, there are many educational videos and written media that tell the story. Ok, de Payens isn't DePayne, is it? Well, history acknowledges that the spelling of surnames does not occur without errors, misspellings, or other factors. Hugues de Payens' descendants (his own children sired before his vows of celibacy for the Templar order) carried the following name evolution: de Payns > de Payn > DePayne. It is believed that the current spelling of the name has persisted for around 200 years. It was at this time DePayne blood migrated to America (1820s). Frances DePayne, settling in Virginia, fathered 16 children, the majority of whom continued the DePayne line and spread out across the continent. Early DePayne "No (De)Payne, no gain", Jakes father would quip in response to many things. His father, Mark, possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of quotes and phrases that were typically appropriate but rarely appreciated. This was the mantra of the family - no one knows who coined it, but every living DePayne knows it. A quiet and curious boy, Jake had a modest upbringing in Kentucky. His mother and father, Alan and Louise were natives to the bluegrass state and preferred a simple, rural life. Homesteaders, the family of 4 were self-sufficient and "old fashioned" despite the world around them. Jake learned reliance on nature and community, with an emphasis on faith. While highly religious, the DePayne's had gravitated away from the hardcore views and way of life of the Knights Templar. Though, members of the family liked to mention the connection and draw strained connections to their modern lives. There was no one swearing oaths of poverty, chastity, or obedience but they liked to consider themselves "better than the average Christian". Maybe it was an excuse to be poor, lonely, and committed to the church. Through his adolescent and teenage years, Jake grew to find his voice and place in the world. Of course, we all know what the universe does when you make plans... The Calamity At the age of 19, Jake woke in an ordinary way on an ordinary day. He had taken the summer to help his father finish building a new barn and preparing for a cold winter. His father had become more paranoid and would be qualified as a "prepper" by todays standards. As much as it bothered Jake, he knew that commitment to family was paramount. After all, his first 2 years of college would be paid for by his family. He'd be the first DePayne to attend college and not immediately enlist out of high school (to his grandfather's dismay). A few more weeks of work and he'd have 2 weeks to relax before the fall semester. Despite his fathers' political commentary and constant reminders of the importance of "the good book", it was home. Everything seemed normal - not a single indication to the contrary. A bowl of grits and a tall mug of coffee later, Jake was teasing the gas of the old farm truck. Older than himself, he knew the old carburetor would flood if you opened the throttle too much. It took just the right amount of pedal and pacing to get the rusty brown truck up the hill to the barn. He'd always loved sledding down that hill in the winter snows but that didn't make it any less of a nuisance. Why Alan chose to build the barn back here, he never understood. He would say, "it just felt right". One had to admit, sitting on an old folding chair under the yellow glow of the overhead light with the old barn behind and a beautiful view of the surrounding property. That hill was perfectly positioned to get a view of the DePayne land - all 110 acres. Trees, fencerows, gently rolling hills, a manicured lawn around a classic farmhouse, a small creek, the pastures - a few deep breaths worth of viewing made things right. Jake had spent many a night on that very hill in that very spot pondering all the things a young man would. This is where we find Jake, now at the top of the hill and standing where many a problem has been worked out in the mind. Scanning across from one corner of the property to the other, the solemn sound of nature is interrupted by the digital scream of Jakes Nokia. The vibrating phone startles him as he digs it out of his pocket. "Who in the world.......", before he can finish the sentence he sees it's Bob - the owner of the hardware store in town. Confused, he answers, "Hello?". "Jake? Jake, I'm so sorry..... your dad..... he was here picking up that paint.... he collapsed at the counter. The ambulance is here and they're loading him up" Bob relays with pain in his voice. "Is he breathing!? What's going on!? What happened?", Jake replies as he runs back to the truck. "I - I don't know, Jake. It's like he blacked out... we couldn't get him to wake up. They're on the way to the hospital", Bob explains. "I'm so sorry.... one minute he was standing and talking.... the next he was on the floor and out" Jake was already on the gravel driveway and nearing the road when he thanked Bob for the info. The old farm truck didn't stall or flood once - maybe it needed to be driven hard. It got Jake to the hospital on the other side of town in less than 10 minutes - over 12 country miles. For a few moments the frantic drive there was quiet. Only the roar of the old V8 and the drone of the deep-treaded tires on the asphalt filled the interior. "Jesus, I've gotta call mom.....", Jake said aloud. He could hear the tears and despair in her voice when he told her what he knew - which wasn't much. "Dad collapsed at Bobs and they took him away in an ambulance" "It's in God's hands now - I'll meet you at the hospital", Louise said with intention. The Loss "An intracranial saccular aneurysm........ pronounced dead by first responders...... I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr. DePayne." The ER doctor reported with a hint of pity behind the calloused words. Jake held his mother as they both wept. A nod was all Jake could muster to the doctor. It was shock - his mother now a sobbing mess hugging her deceased husband for what may be the last time. Jake sat down in the pale green hospital chair beside the bed and stared at his boots. "Now what?", the thought popped up in his mind. "I didn't get to say goodbye.... he's gone" - the reality was sinking in. College DePayne Holding that expensive piece of paper that stated, "Bachelors of Business Administration" didn't feel as exciting as it should. Jake's mom and older sister were there, giving all the adulations and praise. Jake struggled through college. Nothing was very interesting for long. That intro to psych class had some interesting things, but ever since the passing of his father, things haven't been the same. Sarah squeezed Jake in a tight hug and whispered, "I know dad is proud of you... we all are". He wouldn't know it at the time, but he was battling depression. The sudden loss of his father and subsequent collapse of his world permanently changed him. He worried about his mother, they had been married for nearly 23 years. She kept a strong, happy face on but he could feel her pain. He was happy she had religion to lean on and explain things. Jake did not share the same beliefs - especially now. Any question about God, faith, religion in general was now answered - there is no god. Only life and death.....and taxes. Jake's sister, Sarah had moved back closer to home - closer to mom. She was worried too. "Mom can't take care of that place", she claimed. She was right - dad did a lot of work to keep things in order. It didn't make Jake feel any less guilty though. He hadn't been able to share his plans with his mother, but knew he had to. In another month he'd be far away. He didn't want to leave his family but he felt trapped - he needed to escape. He didn't know what from, but knew he had to put some distance between home and himself. "I'll talk to mom tonight at supper", he planned. "OREGON!!!? Why!?", Louise questioned in shock. She was taking this news about as well as expected (poorly). Waiting to tell her was a bad idea. Jake lamented, "Dad would've said his favorite phrase, "No (De)Payne, no gain" - he would've been right". Telling mom when he made the decision to move to Oregon would've been better than what was happening now. She didn't want to accept the "it's just something I have to do" from Jake. "That sounds like something your father would've said". Louise compared. "I don't like it, but I understand the Lord has a plan for you" Wood DePayne The Douglas Fir - a specimen of a tree. Towering evergreens by the hundreds of thousands. Jake was hired as a manager in training for one of the largest lumber companies in the US. He was selected by a recruiter that caught wind of his "farming and nature" experience. Sure, he'd fell a few trees and could tell the difference between an Oak and a Maple. Lumber wasn't the career Jake was envisioning. However, he never had an answer that sat right when asked what he was going to when he graduates. Jake was excelling in his expanding role as a manager in training for the company. He had the "country boy" accent and cadence that seemed to fit well in the forestry and lumber industry. It didn't take long for upper management to see his potential. Within 1 year Jake went from young manager in training to director of dimensional lumber production. A role normally filled by experienced managers. He was fast-tracked into upper management because he walked the walk and talked the talk. He was making great money but working 60+ hours a week. He'd let the rest of his life slip away and dove in deep to his work. His mother and sister had to rely on spontaneous calls home, as he rarely had time to answer their calls. Sarah would text, "thinking about you. Love you bro" every few weeks. Becoming a "company man" seemed to fit. You can't think about the state of the world when you're busy. Jake grew to love the smell of the fresh Fir lumber. It was still nothing like the crisp fall morning air on that hill back home. Mrs. DePayne It wasn't planned. Jake had become comfortable being a busy executive. A strict routine, a predictable routine. Then came Nicki. She looked at Jake differently. At first, Jake thought she was just another Oregonian girl that wanted to meet the Kentucky boy. She was the new assistant to the Chief Operations Officer, Jakes direct boss. Some of the other directors and managers had already commented on her looks - these older employees were still old-fashioned in their thinking and ways. Known for having bottles of scotch in a desk drawer and walking the line between appropriate and inappropriate comments. Nicki would take every opportunity to interact with Jake - of which there were many. Instead of emailing Jake the financial forms, she would print them and hand-deliver them. Jake, though he despised the "old ways" and preferred modern methods - caught on that Nicki was doing this intentionally. "Oh, you know how Walter likes to have things on paper", she'd respond to Jakes rolling eyes. "Yeah... thanks." Jake would reply. It took a few instances but eventually he figured it out and took a chance. "Would you like to go out for dinner sometime?" Jake asked. "I'd like that. When were you thinking?", Nicki felt she could barely contain her excitement. Nicki and Jake dated for nearly 2 years before they got engaged. Jake was happier than he'd ever been. They were both deeply in Love - infatuated even. Nicki was moved to another position with much less contact with Jake's division - per company policy. Everyone was happy for them. She got along great with Jakes mom and sister. She absolutely loved Kentucky but said the rolling hills would look better covered in Douglas Firs. Even Nickis family was great - he'd met them for the first time last Christmas. Jake finally felt a peace and belonging he'd never felt. He couldn't help but fantasize about what his dad would think about Nicki. He was sure they'd get along (and he'd have to hear about how they shouldn't be living in sin). Everything felt right with the world. They would get married in the spring on beautiful piece of land in Mount Rainier National Park. Jake couldn't remember the last time he was this happy. His cheeks hurt from smiling so much. His mother and sister were tickled to visit Oregon and see the things he'd told them about. At the reception, his mother leaned in after a bit kiss on the cheek whispered, "Your dad would be proud". Thus begun a new chapter in Jake's life. Dammit, Universe They didn't plan an elaborate honeymoon - just a week long trip to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. One of the executives at work recommended it after a vacation there the previous year. The resort didn't disappoint - it was the perfect getaway. The perfect ending to their union and beginning of their lives together. Life was good. *a few weeks go by and the new married couple has returned to their daily lives* It was 11:23 AM when the call came from an unknown number. Jake almost didn't answer, "oh great another robocall" he pondered. He thought about hanging up and pretending he hadn't heard what was said. It was the local sheriffs office calling, they were requesting he come to the hospital immediately. "Nicki has been involved in a wreck, she's being triaged into the ER". Jake ran through the ER doorway and was locked eyes with the intake nurse. It seemed like she knew who he was, even though they were strangers. He could see something in her eyes that shook him to his core. Maybe she just deduced the young man running into the ER may be the husband of the young woman that was brought in. Whatever it was, she got up and waved Jake on as she hit the access control button, opening the door into the ER hall. A sheriff deputy knew Jake and Nicki and had described Jake to the intake staff prior. It was important that he reach Nicki as soon as possible. The nurse directed Jake down the hall, where another nurse was motioning from the doorway of an emergency OR. Things were moving in slow motion for Jake. The most crushing feeling of fear was consuming him. Not knowing what awaited him in that room was worse than any pain he'd ever known. As Jake rounded the turn into the room, he was taken aback by what he saw. Nicki appeared to be sleeping peacefully in the bed. He arrived at her side and grabbed her hand, "I'm here baby, I'm here" he exclaimed. She didn't respond. Her hand didn't feel right- she didn't squeeze back. He looked toward the doctor standing nearby and realized the doctor was talking, though he wasn't hearing anything. Glancing back and forth - between Nickis unresponsive face and the talking doctor. With some effort, Jake was able to calm a bit and absorb what the doctor was trying to tell him. "She's in a coma, Mr. DePayne. We had to induce to try to stop the swelling of the brain", the doctor reported. "What the fuck happened!?", is all Jake could reply. "Mr. DePayne, she was in a bad accident - rear-ended. We wanted to give you a chance to see her before surgery", the doctor informed him. "Surgery!? For what!? Why is she in a coma!?", Jake screamed. A nurse was now tugging at Jake's arm and asking him to step aside. "We have to begin surgery.... the sheriff is waiting for you in the hall and I will explain what's going on", the nurse calmly informed. Jake leaned in and kissed Nickis lips for the last time. "I Love You, Nicki" is all he got out as his emotions overcame him. The nurse guided Jake out of the room and into the hallway. She could tell the shock of the situation was sitting in. The Drunk The nurse was finally able to explain that Nicki arrived in the ER with a major brain trauma and major internal injuries. They medically induced a coma to prevent further swelling of her brain, and were performing surgery to attempt to stop the bleeding and save her. Jake spoke with Sheriff Obrien, who offered to make any calls to friends or family. He explained that Nicki was sitting at a red light in town when another vehicle rear-ended her. "We believe the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed based on the damage.", Sheriff Obrien explained. "Why were they going to fast!?", Jake pleaded. "Mr. DePayne, we have reason to believe the driver of the vehicle was heavily intoxicated. He appeared to be going between 70 and 80 miles per hour upon impact.", he elaborated. "Jesus Christ.....", Jake exclaimed, shaking his head. "What about him, where is he?" "The driver of the other vehicle is in police custody", Obrien answered. The sheriff tensed up as a doctor approached Jake from behind. Just like in the movies - sweaty and with deep red stains on his scrubs. Only a few minutes had passed since they shuffled him out of the room. "Mr. DePayne...." Jake feels this sudden weight on him. At first, pushing him down, but it spreads out and feels like it's clamping his body from every direction. He feels paralyzed - unable to move. The doctors gaze slowly comes up to meet Jakes. At that moment Jake knows Nicki is gone. "we did everything we could.... there was no way to stop the bleeding. I want to assure you she felt no pain", the doctor slowly and sincerely explained. Jake was still paralyzed. Every single thought, every single memory, every single possible future was flashing in his brain simultaneously. "How could this happen?", was the clearest thought to materialize. There was no answer. After what felt like hours, Jake was able to nod his head. The doctor gestured to a nearby bench, sensing Jake was in a severe state of shock. The sheriff, now at Jakes side, helped Jake over to the bench. A nurse approached and asked, "Can you hear me Mr. DePayne?" Apparently everyone could tell Jake was in shock. Jake couldn't even bring himself to break his gaze - his eyes glued to an unremarkable spot on the wall. A familiar voice was heard, "Oh my god..... Jake, what's happened". It was Nickis father, with her mother at his side. Jakes mother-in-law ran over and hugged him, her arms wrapped around his shoulders as she began sobbing into his shirt. The doctor began explaining what had happened and Nickis father interrupted, "where is my daughter!?" The rest of that day was a blur. Jake's mom and sister flew in and arrived late that night. Nickis parents insisted that everyone come to their home as "no one should be alone right now". The Aftermath If it wasn't for Nicki's parents and Jakes mom and sister, Jake probably wouldn't have survived. They did most of the arranging of the funeral and day-to-day things. Jakes coworkers sent flowers and condolences. Nothing was going to bring Nicki back. The best thing that ever happened ended with the worst thing that ever happened. As it turned out, the driver of the vehicle that struck Nickis was not only very intoxicated, he was a repeat offender. He had 3 previous DUIs and had a suspended license. Jake was unable to remain in Oregon. Unable to live in the home he shared with Nicki. He saw Nicki in every window and heard her laugh in every silent moment. The grief of his loss was destroying him. On a mission to escape his pain, Jake went to the nearest train station and bought a one-way ticket to the first city name that stood out. As long as it wasn't in Oregon- as long as it was far, far away from the memories there. He bought a ticket to a place called San Andreas. He'd heard the name before, but didn't know much about it. It was a long train ride, spanning multiple days. Sleeping in train cars is not fun but it was the first time since Nicki died that he actually got some sleep. On that train ride, Jake reflected on the life he'd led until now. "What's the point?", he asked himself. He reflected on the drunk that ultimately killed the love of his life. He thought about the recklessness, selfishness, and pain the other man must feel to live with the fact he killed an innocent woman. At first he fantasized about beating the man - even killing him. But he knew that wouldn't change anything. The man would be in jail for a decade, so that something. But it didn't really make Jake feel any better. The more he thought about it, the more he kept coming back to a simple fact: the man was a repeat offender. He'd had multiple convictions for DUI and had his license suspended. Obviously that wasn't enough.... At that point, Jake experienced a sort of epiphany. A new path was laid out before him. Law. "I will learn the law and do everything I can to protect people and ensure justice is served.", the thought seemed to almost have a will of its own. "No (De)Payne, no gain" "It took the death of my wife to realize the power of those words. I will not stand idly by and let criminals go unpunished or allow victims to not find justice."
  5. +1 absolutely behind this. As someone that finds themselves on the road often, some music would be greatly appreciated.
  6. I submitted an application for a PT position! (Jake DePayne)
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