Jensen Brooks Tortella, the sweet, cute, and precious baby boy of Ty and Lauren Tortella, was born sleeping on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas.

For nine exciting months, Ty and Lauren experienced joy and laughter as they planned for Jensen's arrival. They prepared a beautiful nursery for him, partly made possible because of the gifts from family and friends. They took classes to ensure they knew how to care for him properly. They had kept his sweet name a secret from everyone, until finally deciding on Jensen Brooks in early April. This was after much deliberating. Jensen is derived from "John," which means "God is gracious." Jensen's room had many special things with his name on them waiting for him.  Not one detail was left unattended to in anticipation of his arrival.

Ty and Lauren prepared themselves to be the best Christian parents they could be to Jensen. They believed it was essential to prepare for this side of parenting and did so by continuing their evening Bible studies together, by learning from other Christian young parents, and observing and listening to examples of their many sweet friends and family. They prayed for him daily and asked for wisdom as they raised Jensen. They even took the time to schedule a visit with a couple who they admire as Christian role models to get advice on how to be the best possible parents they could be to Jensen.

Ty and Lauren committed to raising Jensen up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, as Ephesians 6:4 instructs for all of His children raising up their families. They were, and are, wonderful parents to Jensen Brooks, and they always will be.

Though their hearts have been shattered and broken into a million pieces, Ty and Lauren have full assurance that Jensen is in the presence of God and Jesus. They know that someday they will also live in Heaven with their sweet baby boy.

Besides his parents, Jensen's family includes his maternal grandparents, Joe and Lori Waugh; paternal grandparents, Cameron and Kristi Duncan, Shawn and Tracy Tortella; his great grandparents, Donna and the late Larry Coke, Sharon and the late Charles Waugh, and Bob and Vickie Ward. His family also includes Zachary and Taylor Waugh (uncle and aunt), Jacob Waugh (uncle), Tyler Waugh (uncle), and cousins Cameron and Carter Waugh. These family members join Ty and Lauren in sharing their sorrow with many tears and broken hearts. They will all continue to remember and honor Jensen Brooks for the rest of their days. He will be in their hearts forever and ever.

Jensen will be laid to rest at the Tipton Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, June 9, in a private family ceremony, next to his uncle, Caleb Trent Waugh, who was born sleeping in August 2001. Memorials may be sent to Tipton Children's Home in honor of Jensen.