Parents’ Words of Jaguar

Author: Sylvia & Javier Gutierrez
February 25, 2020

The last couple of weeks have been emotionally crushing, yet at the same time, overwhelming from the response, and love and support we have received. Our son Jaguar’s passing has brought us deep sorrow, while simultaneously bringing great honor through his selfless sacrifice. Though nothing can lessen the pain of losing our son, to know that others were there to share in our grief helped us take this minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. We are thankful for the prayers, contributions, gifts, recognitions, and/or tributes that have poured in from our family and friends, the San Antonio community, the State of Texas, and the nation.

We are at a loss for words on how to express our gratitude for how Jag has been honored and how he will continue to be honored through upcoming ceremonies. We would like to thank POTUS, VPOTUS, distinguished dignitaries, the U.S. Army, 7th Special Forces Group, the Texas House of Representatives, the San Antonio City Council, the City of Crestview, Florida, and the Governor of North Carolina. There are also numerous foundations, groups, businesses, churches and individuals that have assisted us through this difficult and heartbreaking journey. It would have been impossible for us to shoulder the various phases of Jaguar’s military interment without their guidance and/or support.Thank you to our social media friends for your condolences and for comments you left about Jag. Please know they mean a lot to us even though we couldn’t always respond. Our plans are to print as many of your testimonials as we can for a scrapbook we are making for our grandchildren.

We are especially grateful to all those who have prayed for us. Whether you whispered our name, shed a tear for us, or interceded on our behalf, we sincerely thank you. Prayer is, undoubtedly, the most powerful support that we desperately needed for this difficult time in our life. Only prayer can comfort our broken heart and only our Lord Christ Jesus can cradle our anguished souls.

Uncle Robert’s Tribute

Author: Robert Gutierrez, Jr.
February 11, 2020

Imee, Josiah and I just want to take this brief time to thank all of you for your condolences, expressions of love & support, and most of all, for your fervent prayers for us during this season of grief. It’s become somewhat chic today to mouth the sentiment, “thoughts & prayers are not enough.” But for us, the Gutierrez Familia, they mean everything! Your love for us during this trial has been overwhelming. We are going to miss Jaguar sorely, but are comforted that he is in the very presence of Christ, and that he will experience the resurrection of the righteous when Jesus returns.

I know that my words concerning my nephew will be inadequate, but I do have to let you know that he was one of the most extraordinary, yet humble warriors I have ever encountered. The tributes coming in from those who served with Jag only confirm what I always knew in my spirit – that Sergeant First Class Javier “Jaguar” Gutierrez was a man among men.

“Hero” doesn’t even begin to describe Javier. He’s going to remain for many years, a template for true manhood & masculinity, as well as faith, devotion, family and courage. He loved this nation so much that he lived and breathed patriotism. I remember being floored by my last in-person conversation with Jag. After more than a decade of military life, and also being in frequent peril from his Green Beret duties – he still talked about that life with wonder and delight. He still found it glorious, and viewed his service of defending America as an honor and privilege. It was his dream, since he was a youth to serve in the armed forces. He never got over the excitement of having his dream come true.

I’ll always remember Jag as a fun-loving person, a trait he had since he was a boy, and an attribute that never left him. Jag had quite a sense of humor, and found humor in lots of things. (He would even laugh at my recycled jokes from the 80s that made most others cringe!) Javier always enjoyed being in the company of others, especially kinfolk. Jaguar was not the typical teenage boy that went through the phase of not wanting to be around their parents or older folks. He LOVED being around his mom & dad, as well as his grandparents! He was not ashamed of hugging or kissing them in public. He made his cousins, aunts and uncles feel valued, not just tolerated. The bond Javier Jaguar had with his sisters was unbreakable, and it was a joy to behold. He could tease them (and they, he) and joke around with them without offense because they were secure in their bedrock love for one another. To call Jag a “family man” is a huge understatement.

He was madly in love with his wonderful wife (and she with him), and they maintained that “head over heels” love till his last breath! What’s more, he loved his children with all of his heart and soul. He never wavered in his devotion to them, and cherished each moment he had with them. So much of what he did was for them and his bride Gabby. Jag loved Gabby and the kids like Christ loved the church. His parents were so proud of Jag, and for good reason – he was an incredible son to them and brought them only honor.

His most obvious attribute, however, was his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who knew Jag can strongly testify to his allegiance to the Son of God. Testimonies as to his character are enough to prove this. Yet he gladly shared his faith with others when asked about his beliefs. He loved gathering with the saints at whichever local church he was a part of. His frequent travels did not deter him from worship and fellowship with fellow believers. We spoke a number of times about spiritual things and found him to be very inquisitive, intelligent, articulate, as well as a reservoir of deep faith and devotion. His heart was for Christ Jesus: his person & work, his teachings & examples, and his kingdom agenda.

If I should be given long life here, and my memories fade in old age, the memory I’ll be left with Jag is that he was a passionate Christ-follower. Thank you Jag Zerreitug, for your service. You were, as I’ve already said, a man among men, but most of all, a man of God. I love you, my nephew. Rest now in Christ’s presence. Say hello to grandma and grandpa for me, and yes of course, I’ll see you when I get there.
Soli Deo Gloria.

“Our Son is Finally Home”

In the day following the news of Jaguar’s death, Sylvia & Javier’s social media page was flooded with friends and family sharing their condolences and memories of Jaguar. Sylvia & Javier mourned in silence and away from social media; but on February 10, 2020, they broke their silence by posting the simple words
“Our son is finally home,” along with a link to the story where Jaguar’s body was flown back to the United States and greeted by family, President Trump and other national leaders.

https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/10/trump-flies-dover-javier-gutierrez-antonio-rodrigu/?fbclid=IwAR1C9NKA7a_DvLzOCHEmQ3-Nr7_Dm_PAVRHy1sPyhaWBV7yR6OcNLGQDtXg

Mom

How do I even begin to describe the way I feel about my mom? There are so many things I can say about her.

Mom has devoted her entire life to her family. From the time that she and Dad married, they both always agreed that she would be a stay-home parent. My parents had very traditional gender roles in our home. Mom took care of the home and kids, and Dad worked outside of the home and made the financial income. But her role was so much greater than she has ever been given credit for. Mom raised us with so much love, so much protection, and so much praise. We all grew up knowing that we were loved, and she never belittled us. She lifted us up and made sure we had the confidence we needed in life. Mom was a prayer warrior and still is to this day. Our own failures have been our own and not a result of how we were raised.

I give Mom so much praise for the sacrifice that she made to put her own life aside for us. I know that she could have done other things in life, but she never wanted anyone else raising her kids. I remember when I was younger, I would tell her that I wish she worked too, because I only selfishly saw the financial gain and the material things we could have had. But I now understand that Mom gave us a priceless gift by being home with us. I have learned so much from Mom. I have been molded to who I am because of who she has been. I have taken so many of my traits from her and the way that I view faith and family. I believe that I am the mother I am because of my own mom. I have always put everything aside and turned down opportunities because of my kids; and to this day, I have no regrets.

Mom is a mother-figure to so many other people. Everyone that she encounters instantly loves her because she brings out so much joy and cheer. She has a smile that lights up a room, and her laugh is jolly and contagious. Her hugs are something that you never want to let go of. When she holds you, you just melt in her arms; and whatever may be bothering you just comes out in tears. She has a gift of speaking and discerning when something is wrong. She has a sixth sense, a gut feeling, a woman’s intuition – however you want to word it, it’s a God-given gift that she can sense when things aren’t right.

I know that I won’t always have Mom here. But one thing I know is that I will never have regrets about the time we have spent together. We talk every single day, and I have a special bond with her like no other. It is my hope and my prayer for many more years with her. But Mom has often said, “If God takes me tomorrow, I will be ready. I will have lived a happy life. I have seen my children grown, and I have seen all of my grandchildren alive.” I’m not ready for that day, but when it comes, I know I will have beautiful memories of the greatest woman I know!

Building My Legacy

This weekend I am so thankful for the honor and the privilege of my most favorite title – Mom!

Back in September 1996, I was at a normal female appointment, and I asked about my heavy menstrual cycles and severe cramping. It was a known thing among my family and circle of friends and co-workers that I would get extremely sick during that time of the month. My doctor ran some tests and found that I had endometriosis. They scheduled a laparoscopy to be able to run a camera through the fallopian tubes and see if there was scar tissue. I was later told that there was severe scar tissue, which meant it would be near impossible for an egg to get through to ever become pregnant. I was in denial, so I went to see another doctor. I went through more tests, and I was again told that having children didn’t seem to be in my future. I was sincerely devastated and depressed. I always imagined motherhood and children being a part of my future, and I just took it for granted that would happen one day. Well just 6 months later, I discovered that I was unexpectedly pregnant! The journey on how that happened will be saved for another day, but to this day, I am amazed at how God turned things around and gave me my miracle! And God didn’t just stop at one miracle; He gave me 3 more miracles! Today I am a mom of a 23-year old daughter, 21-year old son, 19-year old son, and nearly 18-year old son!

I thank God because He gave me a priceless gift. Actually, He loaned me these gifts. From the time that I knew I was pregnant, I had already dedicated them to God and prayed for favor and blessings in their lives. When they were babies, I once again dedicated them to the Lord publicly. And while all 4 of them have different personalities, different skills & talents, and different paths in life – one thing is certain, they are all heaven bound! I always told myself that if I did nothing else to help them in their lives, my one goal was to be sure that they were raised to know Jesus Christ. It was always my heart’s desire to see them live a life surrendered and serving Jesus. I am grateful that all those days taking them to church and teaching them about Jesus all paid off. It wasn’t always easy. Most of the time, it was just the 5 of us, so it was very easy to just stay home and not bother. But the Holy Spirit kept speaking to me and showing me that this was the life I wanted to show them. Despite turmoil and storms in our lives, that was the one thing that was constant in their lives – Jesus Christ. And even when I stumbled and fell, I never wanted them to fall too, so I somehow kept taking them. Even when I rebelled and didn’t want to hear about God, I still made sure they did.

They all have their own pace and their own walk with Christ. At different points in their lives, they have been weaker, and they have been stronger in their relationship with Jesus. But one thing remains, and that is their salvation; and that is the most important thing to me. It is my hope and my prayer that one day when I am no longer here, they will always continue to live a life that honors God; to live a life in service to God; and to live a life that boldly shouts out their faith. I want them to be world changers and planet shakers! They are my legacy – and if I never accomplish anything else here on earth, I have already made one of the greatest contributions to the world – my 4 children! Even in our imperfections, we are made for more, and we will continue this battle on Earth. These 4 “kids” are my pride and joy, and I would do anything in my power for them. I truly am thankful for each one of them and who they are today. And I will always be grateful to God for loaning them to me, for choosing me to be their Mom.

These Hands

Author: Sylvia Ann Robles-Garcia

I regret not ever taking the time to write something like this for my mom when she was able to appreciate and know how much she is loved. She is existing, but only lives in that moment. She no longer remembers that it’s even going to be Mother’s Day on Sunday. As we sat out on the back porch tonight, I asked her if she would like to be young again, and her reply was, “Well, yes, but that’s not possible.”

These hands once washed diapers a many,
These hands once dried tears of plenty.
These hands used to keep us warm all winter long,
These hands used to clap to a favorite song.
These hands once were used to keep us all fed,
These hands used to make up our bed.
These hands always made sure we got to school,
These hands taught us about the Golden Rule.
These hands went to battle for each of our souls,
These hands folded in prayer each night and unknown.
These hands have given way to many wrinkles,
And these hands no longer feel the tingle.
These hands no longer feel use,
These hands even appear tired and bruised.
These hands are a story of her life,
These hands were a blessing as a mother and a wife.
These hands are ninety-nine years old,
These hands tell a story, a story of old.
These hands may be shaky, wrinkled, and dry,
But Mom, I will miss them when I have to say goodbye.

Mom’s hands


Jacob Daniel

Today we celebrate 19 years of life for my son, Jacob Daniel.

I believe that names and their meanings and background are very important. So in 2002, when we chose Jacob’s name, I knew it was biblical, as well as his middle name, Daniel. I knew the story of Daniel in the lions’ den and how Daniel’s faith could not be shaken. He was faithful to God to the point that he went against the laws that were instated through the land, and he continued to pray to the one and only God. He refused to compromise and pray to any other god except our Almighty God, Jehovah Jireh! And because of his faithfulness, he was thrown into a lions’ den. But God honored his loyalty, and God saved him from being killed in the den of lions. But I never liked the fact that Jacob was the deceiver to his father, Isaac and his brother, Esau. I always wondered if I was putting more of a curse or a title than a blessing on our son. I liked this name so much that I just focused on the love story of Jacob and Rachel and felt that our son would be a romantic in life (which he is).

Now 19 years later, I have discovered something mind-blowing to me. First of all, let me explain that even though I have been a Christian most of my life, I have never really dug into the “meat” of the Bible. I know a lot of the key scriptures and stories in the Bible, but I’ve never really read it from cover to cover. Throughout the pandemic of 2020, something positive that has come from it is that my faith and relationship with Jesus Christ has grown stronger and deeper. I have been reading more of the Bible and have been participating in different bible studies. At the beginning of this year, two of my sisters-in-love and I began a Bible plan to read the whole thing from beginning to end, in one year. So I am now reading more books of the Bible than I’ve ever read in my lifetime, and I am loving it! The Bible is so much more interesting than we can imagine!

I have read the full story of Jacob, and I have come to realize that he had so much favor with God. He was so much more than who I thought he was. And then just this past week, I read this scripture in Psalm 135:4 (NLT) – “For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for his own special treasures.” I love this verse because it is now a reminder to me of the blessing and words of affirmation from God to Jacob. Jacob was renamed Israel, and he represents God’s chosen people. When I read this a few nights ago, I was literally in tears of gratitude and joy. I realized that even when I didn’t know it, God was already showing favor and a blessing on my son, Jacob. When I thought I was choosing a name because I liked the sound of it, God was guiding me to that name to show how powerful and impacting Jacob’s life would be.

Jacob is now 19 – yes, he has made mistakes. He has his flaws, just like the Jacob in the Bible. But that is not what I see when I look at him. I see a young man with a great calling, a great plan, and a great purpose in life. I see a young man who God has shown favor. Jacob is a worship leader, Jacob is a natural athlete, Jacob has a quiet spirit, but he knows when to speak up for what he believes in. Now I actually feel excited and proud and so blessed that we chose this special name for our son. Chosen by God!! WOW!!

Happy 19th Birthday my son, Jacob Daniel!