In memory of Jettero Klock

Yesterday Jet's heart just couldn't keep going. After years of suffering from mental health disabilities and addiction while trying to navigate and survive on the streets of Portland, his body couldn't take anymore. Technically, he died of heart failure after being admitted to the ICU with sepsis and pneumonia. But it was the system with no accessible care that let him down as he declined over the past several years.

Jet was a curious kid who wasn't quite of this world. He was terrible at taking care of himself, but he sure did know how to listen and be there for people who needed connection and love. To be loved by Jet was a special thing. He deserved a different end.

Jet wanted to go home to Ithaca. David is helping me with cremation services in Portland. We will have a small gathering here before I fly his ashes back to Ithaca where we will gather again in his honor and memory and then bury the cremains in the stone labyrinth on his dad's land, where he can finally rest at home.

I could use some financial support through this time. My savings were exhausted through my recent period of unemployment, and while I have a new job that is wonderful, I do not yet have accrued time off, and the paid bereavement leave is standard at a week long. Money given will be spent on cremation, expenses associated with memorial gatherings, my travel, and whatever else I need to help me through this time of grief.

I will write an obituary soon. It's all a lot right now. Thank you to everyone who has shown up for me and for Jet over the years. I know we're held by so many.

May my sweet baby finally rest in peace and love.