Monday, November 14, 2011

Jack-ed Up Phone

I was planning to write yet another post about my "Jack-ed Up" cellphone and title it "Jack's Thrift Store Playlist," because a few weeks ago, inside my purse at the thrift store, the phone started playing music again. I just let it go and kept track of the songs as they played in random order. This is music my husband put on my phone when I got it last year, but I do not listen to because to me my phone is...a phone.

This is what I heard in the thrift store:
1. Nobody Loves Me Like You
2. The Solace of You
3. We Live
4. Don’t You Know I’ve Always Loved You
5. Good Thing
6. Life is a Highway
7. Just the Way I Am
8. Let us Pray
9. Angel’s Heap
10. Don’t Stop Believing
11. Fields of Grace
12. This Day
13. Baba O’Reilly
14. Come Monday
15. Rock the Casbah
16. The Lost Get Found
17. All Star

I searched for meaning in the songs as I wandered the aisles of a place that once provided me with so much pleasure, but now felt empty and annoying. Many meant something to me, especially "Nobody Knows Me Like You," "Don't You Know I've Always Loved You?" and "Just the Way I Am." These songs are about God, but I imagined them as a conversation with Jack.

I laughed when I got to Angel's Heap because the title sounded so spiritual at first, but I think it's about having sex in a car. I turned the music off after the 17th song because, well, should I have just let it go until my battery died? What if only the first few songs meant anything, if any of them meant anything at all?

Anyway, this past Friday morning I walked down to the Bridge for only the second time since the accident. It's just too hard seeing how very, very far the bridge where they found Jack is from where he fell in the water in our neighborhood. I mean really, really far. It's too outrageous seeing a mere trickle of water, even after days of rain, in the shitty little creek bed, yet to know that on that one horrible night it was a raging wall of water that reached over the banks, the bridge, the road.







I took a picture of the cross that friends erected on the roadside. I wanted it for myself, and to share with you on the "Jack's Thrift Store Playlist" post.

So that night, on our way to pack shoe boxes in Jack's memory for Operation Christmas Child, Tim, Margaret and I ducked into a pizza place to get Margaret a slice. It was loud and crowded. I felt trapped. I was angry at all the families having a care-free Friday night.

I went to stand outside on the stoop and heard music coming from my coat pocket. Again? It was one of the very songs that had popped up in the thrift shop weeks earlier.

Which one? Check it out. Believe me, it's worth it.

139 comments:

Unknown said...

Speechless

Anonymous said...

In awe.

NanaDiana said...

I am going to check it out! I do believe you are tuned in to something beyond this day-to-day life. Blessings- You are always just a thought away from my mind- xo Diana

Debbie said...

I beleive in signs!

What an amazing gift.

xoxo

Clare said...

I got chills.

LauraBeth said...

Powerful, and now I'm sobbing in my cubicle.

Continuing to send you my prayers and (((hugs)))

Kristin said...

Wow! I'm generally not at all into coincidences or "signs"--but that? Wow. I hope you find some solace in those words, because they are so so true.

luv2run said...

WOW!!!!! I too am speechless! Amazing!!!!!!

Hugs from a stranger!

luv2run

Momastery said...

totally freaking amazing.

thank you for continuing to write.

"writing is easy. you just sit down at the keyboard and bleed." -

hemingway (and anna)

Anonymous said...

Pardon my potty mouth, but,
Holy Shit! That's amazing!!!

Debbie said...

Whoah.

Meredith Self said...

I've been praying, praying you still hear signs.

Even still, blown AWAY with THIS song. You are so loved, Anna. You are so guided, Anna.

Even with all the signs, I know you miss Jack so much. For that, continually sending prayers.

"Today we remember to live and to love."

Cassie Bustamante said...

ohi am bawling now... anna.... i don't even know what to say except that man your bond with him is so strong that he is able to reach out to you. it's amazing. thinking of you.

The Green Family said...

Wow..your bond with Jack must be so strong. I often hear about 'signs' loved ones received, but usually brief in only one or two examples. For these messages to keep reaching you...there is not other explanation.

Thinking of you always.

Beth said...

Amazing. Praying that Jack will keep sending you signs and comforting you.

Jendy said...

Amazing. I LOVE YOUR POSTS. I LOVE your writing. It’s poignant. It’s inspiring. It’s honest. It’s cathartic. I hate that it comes from this reality. I hate that it’s driven by your grief. I hate that this happened to you, Tim and Margaret. I love you.

Julia said...

Anna...First, you can never get rid of that phone. Second, Jack seems to be sending you such sweet messages from above. You have no idea how far reaching Jack is. For you, his life was cut way too short, but in just the few weeks since that terrible night, he has probably brought hundreds to their knees and brought solace to many. I love that song...and it amazes me that a 12 year old boy would have found it and saved it on his playlist. He was wise beyond his years. Love, Julia

irv family said...

Oh yeah....he is with you. And those dimples when you reach in your pocket for the phone. He got you Mom...The songbird plays another tune!

Red79 said...

Amazing! Your boy is always with you, now watching over you like you did for him! I think about you and your family often and hope each day gets a little bit better!

Turtle Runner said...

Wow.

Pamela said...

Wow...that was the most powerful link I've ever clicked on. Wow. Praise God.

Wade's World said...

Speechless...

Reenie said...

WOW!!! I don't even know what to say....

xo

Theresa O said...

I'm also speechless...yes, a gift indeed from above.

A Speckled Trout said...

It's no coincidence that Jack sent a song with such powerful, simple words to his powerful writer of a mom.

the mama bird diaries said...

Wow. That is amazing. Always thinking of you. xo

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

OMG that song is beautifully and eerily perfect. {raying for you and yours.

Amy said...

Wow. That gave me chills. I will live and love today in honor of Jack.

Anonymous said...

I have chills. Thank you SO much for sharing that! And you know you have SO MUCH love radiating to you, from people who don't know you. I know it's not much, but just know that you're in my mind and heart.
xo, NYC Anna

Lee Ann said...

Anna,
I know God has His hand on you...and your Jack is watching over you very carefully. This tragdy is, with out a doubt in the world, the most horrible thing for you to go through; however, you are seeing and experiencing God's goodness and love and compassion in a way that most never do.

I love you as my sister-in-Christ and I pray for you to find strength every day as your family heals.
Lee Ann

fiwa said...

That gave me chill bumps. I love the lyrics - what a great reminder to live life in the now. I pledge to live today, in memory and honor of Jack, in love. Not that we shouldn't every day, but I pledge to be extra mindful of how I speak to and treat others today, and for it to come from a place of love.

Anonymous said...

That. Is. INCREDIBLE! I am going between tears and laughter right now, cannot believe it!!!!

Pamela said...

Amazing.

Much love to you.

Just Words On A Page said...

I am just blown away.

Katherine said...

Wow, Anna. That is amazing.

Love you!

Stimey said...

Wow. Chills. And that creek. Who could have ever thought? None of it makes sense.

Jennifer said...

The first word that popped in my head was Unbelievable! and then I thought, no, With God, all things are possible(believable).
Praise the Lord for continuing to give you these gifts.

L said...

Wow. Nothing is impossible. Not even sending a love message from heaven to your mom. Love you!

Cindy said...

Wow. Thank you, Jack.

The Mommy Therapy said...

Amazing. I love reading your blog Anna. I love your honesty and how you share the truth of what you are going through.

That song is truly a gift. A painful gift, but it's awesome. Truly awesome.

I feel like your blog is a reminder of this to me every day. I still complain, I still feel frustrated and annoyed by my children, but I am grateful for the gift of them. A friend that lost her 3 year old a few years ago always says she remembers lying on the floor screaming for "her baby" and she vividly heard God tell her, "my baby." Our children are precious gifts, challenging gifts, loved even more by Him.

Thank you for all your posts through this. I pray for you and think of you often.

I can't find my blog said...

Jack must be super special to someone up there because they sure are letting him give you lots of signs.

What a comfort to hear from him so regularly.

I know I haven't commented recently but please know I read every word you write and pray for you all regularly. xoxo

Lisa said...

Chills. I have a lump in my throat after reading this...after seeing the pictures. Oh, my.

And it is amazing how you are allowing yourself to be open to all of the ways that your beloved son is communicating with you. I love that you share them with us all.

Praying for you, continuously....

Kimberly said...

That is simply amazing.

ella said...

We Live stood out to me right away when I looked at Jack's list because I love, love, LOVE that song. Somehow I just knew the link at the end of your post was going to lead to it.

The pictures of that stupid creek break my heart, and the signs that you continue to get from Jack and God are nothing short of miraculous.

I've never wanted to give a stranger a hug so much in my life! (Patrick Dempsey notwithstanding, but that's a different story entirely)

Prayers and hugs.

Suzie said...

Anna, I am speechless. Thank you for sharing.

Lisa G. said...

Wow.

Your Jack.

Wow.

TheLab said...

D@*& that was rough. I couldn't finish it, I couldn't get past 30 seconds - I'll try again in a bit. But from the comments, it seems there was hope in it. Of course, besides the fact that the Lord has given you so many signs that HE IS THERE and HAS NOT LEFT YOU. I thank God for that, on your behalf.

I'm always praying for the peace that passes understanding.

mia said...

Unbelievable!!! I have shills all over my body...God and Jack are giving you so many signs....Anna, i must think of you 50 times a day.. Prayers to you and your family... much love,
mia

child of God said...

Hi Anna,
There is healing in writing. Keep writing and expressing your feelings, I will keep praying for healing, understanding and joy to come to you and your family.

When I think of Jack, the way you describe him for I have no other way to know him, I think of Jesus and how He unjustly suffered for our sins. What happened to your precious son is just not understandable, why? Lord, why? But then I think about Jesus I ask why Lord why? God knows why, for Jesus suffered for us. So what about your son Jack? God knows why. He is the perfecter of all, the Maker of all. Time limits are on all of us. I do know that the story of your dear son touches me deeply as I see it touches others all over the world. I am drawn closer to Jesus because of Jack. I am more forgiving and understanding of my children because of Jack. I am making the most of my moments because of Jack. I believe I am not the only person who is answering to this wake up call. The shock and sorrow your family feels is rippling out into the world and I hope and pray many people will come closer to Jesus and walk intimately with Him because of Jack.

Praying and praying for you and your family Anna.
<><

Erin said...

I sound like a cross between a mouse and a water buffalo from stifling sobs. Oh Anna, what an amazing boy he is to keep hounding you with "love messages" as someone else put it. What beautiful things are in front of us when we choose to see. Thank you for sharing these gifts with us. I treasure your posts even though so often I cannot come up with the best words to tell you so.

Anonymous said...

Marna sent me over to lend some bloggy support. I am so sorry for your loss. But I am hapy for you that you still have a connection with him, brings tears to my eyes.

IrishRN07 said...

A-mazing. Jack's life continues to touch people in so many wonderful and amazing ways. I keep thinking him saying to you that he may want to be a missionary but wasn't sure he could do it. OMG, he is SO doing it. All of your family continues to be on my mind and in my prayers.
-Maureen

Kelly said...

I have been a reader for just a short time, but never posted-- just thought about your words and prayed for you and your sweet family.
But, this message, I could not leave without writing back. That was amazing. I have chills and am sobbing. You have to keep that phone FOREVER!! I have an iPhone, it has NEVER just started playing music.
Your Jack is comforting you, and that is just so awe-inspiring. I pray that your heart continues to be healed and that you continue to share your words.

Anonymous said...

Hugs from Australia

xoxox

Anonymous said...

What you wrote sounds impossible.

But...

Nothing is impossible with God.

Praying for you every day!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I don't even know what to say... That's amazing. And since I know the pizza place, I'm actually picturing you standing outside, listening... That's just incredible.

Tamatha Banks said...

Oh wow, that last song could not be more perfect. So amazing that these messages of hope and love keep coming to you. I love that he is still talking to you and letting you know that he is alright. Much love and prayers to all of you .....

Alexandra said...

Crying, as always.

"The more we know HIM, the more we see HIS hand in our lives."

Could there by ANY doubt...

Sabrina said...

I had chills BEFORE I opened that link to the song. Amazing. Sounds like a hug from above to me! Praying for your family always!

Jess said...

amazing. <3

Aimee said...

WOWSA!!! Powerful stuff!! I played this song loudly for my kids to hear and they were lovin' it. :) Thanks for this post and the reminder that Life's gift, so enjoy it!

Pip said...

That's powerful stuff! Thinking of you often with love xxx

Anonymous said...

Your honesty and willingness to share your Jack, your Margaret, your pain, your steps to healing, your observations and encounters with our Lord and His precious Jack are a true blessing and testimony to the love of Jesus. I love that you don't sugar coat anything. It is what it is...it hurts and sucks and has left you and yours changed forever.I am privileged to pray for you.

Rebecca said...

Thinking of you. Many hugs coming your way.

prenni5 said...

Anna - Oh My God!!!!! So let me understand this.,,these are songs that are just playing randomly from your music library? We're these songs that Jack had downloaded to your phone? This is crazy. Well it's not crazy, it's the definition of a God Wink!!! I am so happy for your winks.
xoxo

Stacy said...

wow. That is truly awesome.

MK Gregory said...

Amazing.

Sara said...

I love that song and I will never hear it the same way again. Prayers for you & your family and thankfulness that Jack is able to reach you exactly when you need it the most.

Rach said...

I honestly believe in signs and that was definitely one for you.

I've not been able to visit the site we lost Hannah--and it's been four years. I just can't bring myself to do it. I can only imagine how awful it was.

The song from your pocket? Sending shivers down my spine.

Hugs and prayers. Many of each.
Rach

Anonymous said...

WOW!!!! Thank you for sharing!

So interesting what you wrote about carefree families at the pizza place. On Friday night, we went to Dollar Store next to Foster's so we could get the items for the shoe boxes (yes, last minute as usual for us), and there were families inside and kids running around outside and as we pulled away I thought, 'the donaldsons should be one of those families.' (((hugs))) and prayers, Mariann Alicea

Ellen aka Ellie said...

Never give up.

Anonymous said...

AMAZING GRACE how sweet the sound! There is absolutely ZERO question as to the intent of that message! Having endured a tragedy of my own 2 1/2 years ago I came back to these verses time and time again:

He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces. - Isaiah 25:8

I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. - John 14:18

And he did come, time and time and time again, in many ways and he still comes. You often hear 'God only gives you what you can handle' but I interpret that, rather, to be 'God helps you handle whatever you're given'. Some things really are too much to bear all at once, however the human condition requires you go through that grieving process, there's no way around it. I believe that God reveals the pain and reality of things little by little, over time, as gently as only He can. Continued prayers and hugs to you.

Christy

Anonymous said...

Anna,

I've always sorta dispassionately hated that song. It's over played on our local Christian radio station. You and Jack have brought home the same message for me much more than the song ever has. And my faith is especially strengthened by this story! Also, I sorta passionately hate that you can't enjoy Friday night pizza.

Squeezes,
Lou

Leah C said...

Oh my.

just another manic mom-day said...

That cemented my faith more than anything ever has. Amazing!

MaryBeth said...

Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jack for continuing to remind us to Live and to Love....We miss you. xo

Leanne said...

Wow! Totally speechless! << BIG HUGS>>

Anonymous said...

I want you son back more more more than anything. Everytime I hug mine, I want yours back. It's not fair.

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

I was thinking about you this morning as I was ironing and wondering where you are with your faith in all of this. Wondering if your questioning God, if you are blaming yourself and running through all of it over and over in your mind. I pray that there is no blame and that if your angry, when you are angry that you give yourself that time. I also pray your belief system isn't that God caused this or did this to you. Once again just so sorry for the pain you are all going thru. And so very grateful you are finding comfort and feeling Jack's hand in that. (Hugs)

Anonymous said...

Being attuned to such signs is a gift in itself.

A "friend" praying for you in MD said...

Tingles down my back. Continuing to pray for all of you.

Melanie in NC said...

A call from heaven....amazing! I can imagine that crowded place...so strange that the world continues to revolve when our world becomes shattered....so you stepped away from the noise...and were able to hear a God whisper! Awesome! That link made me sit straight up in my chair...couldn't believe the lyrics...so wondering if this just left you speechless...and perhaps comforted....
The photos of the cross and the bridge were very hard to see...the reality of it all sucks....
Hold on to the messages of HOPE that is where your precious Jack is resting...in the strong arms of HIS HOPE....
oh and the coincidence of the song did take my breath away...With God all things are possible....Lifting YOu and Yours Up Daily....Melanie in NC....excited for you and your trip to CA...

Anonymous said...

I do believe in signs and boy that was a huge one for you! Yes we all need to be reminded to really live and you are demonstrating that you can even when something so horrible happens to you.

Always thinking of you Anna...

Marinka said...

That's just incredible. You make me think of miracles.

K A B L O O E Y said...

Yikes. Did your knees buckle? And man, I hated seeing that crappy little trickle of a creek knowing it had been a deadly torrent. PS: Can you tell Jack that Baba O'Reilly IS the name of the song people call "Teenage Wasteland?" It's an understandable mistake for a kid to make. LOVE to you and your mystical iPhone of heavenly transmissions.

Jack Tyler said...

I am very much a serendipitous intruder here, but no one can read your posts and not be moved. At my age, I have seen death before, and have found this Chinese proverb to sometimes help:

"Who mourns the cocoon when the butterfly has flown?"

Wishing you peace...

Ann Imig said...

The cross by the side of the road.

Speechless, but feeling one fraction of an ounce of your pain.

And it feels huge.

Deb said...

Wow! I've asked God to show you tangable touches of His for you. I am so grateful that there are reminders of God's care for you as you journey on.

Julie said...

Someone is taking to you. It's not what we would ever want, but I truly believe he is good.

Unknown said...

Holy cow.

Last night my daughter asked me what happens when the universe ends and I said we'd be with God. She said - how do you know? I responded that yes, you do need to have faith, but God gives us little signs to let us know he's there. I thought of Jack's phone and I hadn't even read this yet.

Anonymous said...

You are never alone. Jack is with you. God is with you. We're all with you in thought, heart and spirit. You are an amazing woman and mother. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I'm just so desparately sorry that it has to be this journey.

Schiffmans said...

God is with you and He knows when you need Him. Praise Him for that. And thank YOU for sharing your heart with a world who needs to hear it.

Nomads By Nature said...

I don't know how you didn't just breakdown then in a puddle like I'm doing right now for your loss, your pain, your amazing miracles every day. I pray for you and your family, for God's strength and grace to carry you when it is too difficult to go on by yourself. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Tears streaming down my face. I haven't listen to a music radio station since April when I miscarried my second child. I am not comparing your pain at all to mine but just giving you my background. You are so brave ! I even took off all my cell phone rings and just listen to a normal ring. To me music is a happy thing turning it way up singing at the top of your lungs loving life. I just cant' do that yet.

Anonymous said...

Wow what an appropriate song. I definitely believe in the connection. Lisa L.

Anonymous said...

omg! i got chills, the i smiled then i cryed... is amazing to see your little angel watching over you! much love.

Anonymous said...

Incredible and inspiring. Wow. What an amazing God.
Mandy

Patricia said...

Wow - speechless and in awe. With God, nothing is impossible. And, I believe, there are no "coincidences" in life.....
Sending prayers and strength your way.

Unknown said...

Incredible! Just incredible. I felt so mad when I saw pictures of the creek bed. I cannot imagine how you look at it. But then to hear that song it was unreal. What a gift. I am so amazed right now. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Cat Alford said...

Wow that's incredible. Jack is definitely with you.

Anonymous said...

I have read this story twice now and it stopped me in my tracks both times. Thank you for sharing your heart and life with us...I can't even begin to explain how much it touches it my soul.

Hugs,
Eliza

Anonymous said...

Crying. Oh, Anna. I wish I could hug you. What a blessing to hear that song. I'll never think of that song the same way again.

Mellow said...

I've been reading for awhile, but have never commented, till today. As a mother who lost her son, I feel your grief as raw as it was the day we lost our boy. I pray for you and your family and think of you often. This song to you that day is a treasure and a reminder that God has never left you, even when we feel alone. What a gift. What a beautiful son your Jack is. I pray you feel peace very soon.

SouthLakesMom said...

God speaks to us in so many ways. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Twice now since I read your blog about Jack knowing the word "semaphore" in preschool, I have come across it. When I first read the post, I had to go look up the word and then knew right away that Jack is now your semaphore, communicating with you. We finally had our daughter baptised recently - your son's death definitely helped put this "to do" to the top of my list. In church that day, the first hymn mentioned "all these semaphores" as angels and I struggled to sing through tears, thinking of your family. Then just now after reading your post and listening to the song, I turned on the radio and heard "semaphore" again. Your Jack is most certainly communicating with you. I hope it gives you some comfort in these days of struggle. Wishing you much comfort in the arms of family and friends too.

Katy said...

I just love you and your Jack. I have been remembering to hug my Jack more often now, and get angry at him less. Reading your heart reminds me that nothing I worry about really matters.

Kate Lewis said...

Anna,
I took a breather from my online blogging and tweeting world for several weeks only to come back to your news. While not a regular commenter, I would read your blog regularly. I feel like I know you! I first read about Jack on Sunday. I have not stopped thinking about you since. I have a son Jack's age. His name is Ben. I continue to read posts from these lasts few weeks, I click on the links and I can't stop crying. I am so sorry. But, as impactive as the news of Jack is, your journey with God is leaving me speechless. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I hope you will always find comfort here.
All my heart for you,
Kate

Anne said...

I know that song.I remember first hearing that song.It sent chills up my spine.What a song.What lyrics and meaning.God is talking to you with a messages from God.And that one song...you know that God does have a sense of humor too.Maybe he is just trying to make you laugh or smile.

sweetpagene said...

i stumbled across your blog a few months ago and keep coming back because of the way i feel when i'm here. my heart breaks each time for you and your family, but more than that, i can feel so strongly the incomprehensible love of god. thank you for sharing your love, your faith, and your beautiful son with all of us.

IrishRN07 said...

I think Sweetpagene said it best. Seriously - Where is the "like" button on this thing??

Kim said...

a gift of grace. uh-mazing. may God continue to send these gifts just when you need them.

Cathy Reaves said...

Wow.

You are probably going to dislike me for this comment. I come here for perspective. My husband of almost 20 years told me that he's leaving and wants a divorce. As heart-broken as I am, your loss is much worse. And I need that perspective. I am sorry if that is lousy but you have things much much worse.

Befriending Faith said...

I love it. Love it when miracles make their way into our lives in even the smallest (but also the largest) ways.

Prayers to ease your aching heart.

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

I love the sweet pumpkin a friend left for Jack. The song and all the other messages from the phone are beyond words. I believe if Jack were in your shoes he would say, "What the Johnny!!?"

Anonymous said...

Wow, Anna... God is certainly with you and he is showing you that everyday. Thank you for the reminders! Praying for you!
Nicole

Lindsay said...

wow...God is at work in amazing ways. what a great reminder of that. I pray you are able to find small slivers of peace in your days..thinking of you all the time.

Gretchen said...

Once again I am in awe. In awe and in tears, brought to my knees at how tenderly Jesus is caring for you day after day. You are choosing to live and to love amidst pain that none of us can truly fathom. And because of that, your beautiful boy is touching lives, allowing Jesus to change lives, through the words that you write here. My prayer for you today is that Jesus will continue and even increase these measures of comfort for you and that one day you will have a full and overwhelming understanding of what He is accomplishing through the life of your son.

Anonymous said...

Wow, incredible. I am the mother of a son who just seven months ago was diagnosed with lymphoma. We sent him off to college a vibrant, healthy kid. We picked him up just five weeks before the Spring semester ended with a grapefruit size tumor in his chest. He has gone through chemo, radiation, and now we wait...and pray that the cancer is gone.
I check your blog to check on you and your family. Your posts remind me to not take things for granted and I hug and squeeze that son and my three other children just a little bit harder because of your experience.
I pray for you and your family.
Mimi

Anonymous said...

Speechless, sobbing and trying to compose myself to go hug my son...

Anonymous said...

Yes, Anna, I believe Jack is communicating with you and trying to ease your pain somehow. I thought of you quite strongly on the 8th. I believe I always will. My heart still aches. ~Shanna

Anonymous said...

As the song days, "with life, we never know, when we're coming up to the end of the road." Perhaps God lead you to this blog to think about our own mortality and that you were created as an eternal being. Where will you go at the end of your road?
Romans 10:9 says...
"That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Jack was my daughter's friend and classmate. Our family continues to grieve but we are also praising God that Jack confessed "Jesus is Lord!" and we look forward to seeing him again. As I type, I'm praying I'll see YOU too! Don't put off such an important matter...

irene kane said...

Thank you, Anna, for the message to live, love, and forgive. And to live life to the fullest. Jack is certainly in your midst with all his heavenly messages and his GREAT and UNBOUNDED love for you and his family. You remain in our prayers.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

There are no words.

Paula said...

Needed a little bit of Heaven today. Thanks for sharing. AMAZING.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Incredible. You may be interested in a book called
"Hello From Heaven." Seems you could write your own chapter. Wishing you Peace, and Blessings during these very hard days.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Speechless!

Michelle DeRusha said...

I am flabbergasted. And I can't believe I still get surprised by God's awesome ways. Blessings and love Anna. xxoo

Jules imjulz5@yahoo.com said...

Anna,

I too had my own little tear stream down for you, your family & for the miracle of the message from Jack.

As I look at the creek bed and bridge..I am compelled to ask, could we rebuild the bridge? Make it a beautiful wooden covered bridge in Jack's memory? Make it a pretty place to heal instead of an ugly place of pain?

I'd love to help do this. We could enlist a bunch of folks to help..imagine the beauty that could stand there for years upon years in Jack's honor? I'd fly in to help make it happen!! I'm sure hundreds would..if not thousands.

Just a thought that crossed my mind while listening to Jack's song! I pictured it in my mind.

Blessings to you,
Jules

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

Oh my goodness. I generally don't believe in signs of things, but this is eerie. But in a good way.

Nicole said...

Bawling... what an amazing gift. He loves you so much...

Lynn said...

How can anyone not believe that this came from Jack.

Midwest Mom said...

awesome. Just awesome. wow.

Drea said...

I may never meet you, yet I feel blessed to have been invited to a part of your life via your blog. My sister in law lives in your neighborhood, and she told me about your family. I just want to say how touched I've been by your words, and by the events around you. The outpouring of love, hope, and miracles (like this song). You are being cared for in so many ways. Please accept a warm and heartfelt hug from a stranger who also cares deeply.

j.sterling said...

seriously.. BLOWN AWAY! amazing!!! and i wonder if you know that they say that people on the other side communicate with us OFTEN through electronic devices. for whatever reason, it's easy for them? lol i KNOW without a doubt, this is your little man. 100% i am convinced that jack is with you- often- giving you signs so you know he's there- he's sharing moments with you- he feels what you feel- and he loves you so very very much. i think that you are so very blessed and lucky to have these constant reminders and little things from him. i know a lot of people who wish for ANY type of sign from those they've lost- and they feel liek they never get one. it's pretty cool that you seem to get them often from him! i mean, in the grand scheme of things. dear god, do i sound awful? holy shit. don't hate me. you know what i mean, right? i mean, of course it's not fucking cool at all that jack isn't here physically anymore, but...

omg, i'm shutting up now. but i love yo. lol

There's only butterflies... said...

Anna, I thought of you when I read this

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-changlipsenthal/life-after-death-synchronicity_b_1160653.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D121806

I believe that not only did Jack send you that song, but that he was right there with you.

Bourg Family said...

WOW! God is so good, even in this really sucky time, to send you little messages from Jack.

Teri said...

Wow, your sweet Jack is always with you. I am glad that he sends you little reminders though. Big big hugs!

Momobug said...

That is absolutely amazing...
-love from Ann