Friday, December 30, 2011

At Which Point We Call Our Son a "Trunk Tool"



The night of December 23rd, Tim was in despair.

He prayed that he, too, would see a sign letting him know Jack was okay.

The morning of the 24th, while Margaret and I slept, Tim decided to do a
crossword puzzle. He pulled out one of the spare Washington Post puzzles he
keeps in his bag. Geek-ish, I know. The puzzle was from Valentine’s Day 2011. Yeah, a 10 month old puzzle.

And the answer to 1 Across?

JACK

Do I understand this? No, but I sure do love my puzzle boy.




60 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Speechless, Anna.
    Still praying
    And my husband and I decided to start geocaching because of Jack
    xoxo

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  2. JenniferDecember 30, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Amazing! This made me cry!

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  3. PatriciaDecember 30, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Yes - there are no "coincidences" in life. I fully believe that this is true - Praying that this and other signs to come, will bring you all some peace in your hearts. God Bless you all, and bless your beautiful boy who is in the loving arms of our Father above.

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  4. ellaDecember 30, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Yep, crying here. Your family has been on my mind constantly lately and I'm glad to hear Tim got his very own sign from Jack. Praying.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Chills, and yes it is ABSOLUTELY a sign from your baby. xoxoxo

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  6. AlexandraDecember 30, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Oh, you know, this is the real thing.

    YES IT IS.

    Much love to you.

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  7. LauraBethDecember 30, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    So glad that Tim received his Jack sign. Know that you and Tim and Margaret have been close in our thoughts, and constantly in our prayers this holiday season. The evening after Christmas, we were driving across town and detoured to see Jack's tree. The beautiful blue lights certainly twinkled in the night. Your boy, your precious son, shines on...

    Sending love to you all from the other side of town...

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  8. DianaDecember 30, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    This Christmas must have been awfully difficult for all of you. I'm so sorry for that. It is going to take a lot of time until it doesn't............I wish peace for you all. God bless.

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  9. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.December 30, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I think there are signs all around us. We just need to keep our eyes and hearts wide open. Still thinking of you daily and praying for all good things.

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  10. geriDecember 30, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    I hope that crossword answer relieved tim's despair, if just for a moment or two. have been thinking and praying for your family alot this past week.

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  11. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    The photos of Jack are beautiful beyond words. I am so thankful that Tim has his very own sign from Jack. I pray it is the first of many. Prayers, thoughts, (((hugs))) -- Mariann Alicea

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  12. JenDecember 30, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    I can only imagine how hard this Christmas season has been for you and your family. Keep praying, keep looking for those signs. We will be praying for you, too.

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  13. MeganDecember 30, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    This made me cry and laugh and smile all at the same time. It renews my faith and gives me hope and breaks my heart and takes my breath away. Thank you for sharing. Sending love and prayers.

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  14. MeganDecember 30, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Back commenting again. I was so touched by this I wanted to share it and let everyone else feel all this post had to offer. I decided to share the link on my personal facebook page and blog facebook page. I have tried uploading links for over a week and not one has worked on either page. I haven't been able to link up one blog post or share a single link for over a week. I even complained to the husband about it. So as I was copying and pasting the link to this post I was thinking, "Shit! it isn't going to work" and then it worked. It made me smile. Then I thought, "Yay! I can posts links to my blog and generate traffic!" Tried posting links to my blog and it wont post. Nothing. Touched.

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  15. JendyDecember 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    As I read and retread this post I keep coming back to "what lifts one up".....Jack. Love you. Love the treasured ornament that will have a prominent place (on a grander tree next year) in our home always. Xoxox

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  16. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    awesome - wonderful gift for your husband! I am sure it made the holiday a little easier. Have thought of you often.

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  17. LeannDecember 30, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Tim got his sign... praying for peace and comfort for your family during this holiday season.

    I hope 2012 makes life look brighter.

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  18. MichelleDecember 30, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Did we miss the part about it being the Valentine's Day crossword?! I think that means:

    - LOVE JACK -

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  19. Debby@Just BreatheDecember 30, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Sound like a sign to me. I pray you all continue to get signs from Jack. I get signs from my mother.
    Your in my thoughts and prayers.
    ((HUGS))

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  20. DawnGesDecember 30, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Have been thinking of you and praying for you, Tim, and Margaret throughout the past several days--especially through Christmas. We have a blue ribbon bow on our tree and Jack's picture on our refrigerator. We'll remember. Love, prayers, hugs.

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  21. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Wow, just wow. Oh Anna. I know he was giving Tim a sign, I just know it.

    You made it through Christmas. I hope Santa et al were especially good to all of you this year.

    The picture of Jack working the puzzle is wonderful.

    jbhat

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  22. Jenn @ Juggling LifeDecember 30, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    It truly is a wonder and a comfort.

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  23. StimeyDecember 30, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Amazing.

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  24. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    That's the beauty of God...He hears our prayers and meets us where we are! I am confident our loving God will continue to surround you all with what you need! Love you! Karen

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  25. AnonymousDecember 30, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    i'm so sad for you but at the same time i really feel that jack is happier than any of us can imagine...

    he's with many wonderful people in a beautiful place....

    i wish i could give you all a big hug and make things better...

    love and peace with many signs of jack...i think and pray of you all often...

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  26. LisaDecember 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Wow...no words, really...that is just amazing.

    Thinking and praying for you, Tim, and Margaret....

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  27. MarinkaDecember 31, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Wow! (And not just about carrying the 10 month old puzzle around).

    ;)

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  28. VardaDecember 31, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Perfect. Just perfect. I know how hard it is to be starting the New Year without him in your arms (even though he resides forever in your heart). What a wonderful son, to keep sending his messages of love from beyond.

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  29. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Oh, how you are loved--by God and by your beautiful Jack. Many, many prayers.

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  30. YuliyaDecember 31, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I still lay awake at night sometimes and my thoughts drift to you and your family, I don't know you and I didn't read you blog before but you are in my thoughts and in my heart.

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  31. SusanDecember 31, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Made me cry too.
    If that's not a sign, I don't know what is.

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  32. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Sign translated:

    "I Love you so much Dad"-Jack

    That was his way of expressing he is in Heaven and waiting for you both.

    God bless you and your lovely family.

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  33. NanaDianaDecember 31, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    JACK! Was there ever a sweeter 4 letter answer to a puzzle question? I believe! xo Diana

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  34. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    I wish for a glimpse of heaven to find rest in my soul, knowing that my son is with his heavenly Father. I may have to wait until we are reunited. I find this to be difficult yet trust that the Bible and God's promises are true. I rely on these until we meet again.

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  35. Kate Coveny HoodDecember 31, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I love that Anna. Love you too.

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  36. JoriDecember 31, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    What a wonderful sign from your sweet boy!

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  37. Mrs. EDecember 31, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    I thought of your little family all through Christmas, knowing this would be a hard one for you. So glad Jack is still sending love to his family!

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  38. LDecember 31, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    I sure do love your puzzle boy, too. And your crossword-keeping husband. And your sparkly girl. And you. XO

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  39. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Wonderful - a little "hello" from your "trunk tool". (Didn't you post once about how Jack helped you load a curbside piece of furniture into your trunk?)

    My heart aches for you all - will continue to pray....

    Lisa G in CT

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  40. AnneDecember 31, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    God continues to amaze me as he shows signs and glimmers of Jack.I know he is there with you.He always will be.And even though I have never met him he is with my too.We continue to keep you all in our prayers.May God continue to watch over you and hold you close in the coming year.Peace to you all.

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  41. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Your whole family continues to be in my thoughts. Every. Single. Day.

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  42. JenDecember 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    What a sweet, sweet soul Jack is to be sending you smooches from Heaven. Thank you for sharing your heart and your family amidst your grief. I grieve for you and carry your family in my heart. Since reading your story, I have thought of and prayed for you so much. Blessings to you in this new year...
    Jen

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  43. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Oh, my goodness. That's awesome. I hope it brought your husband comfort.

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  44. RuthieDecember 31, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I know only of you and your family through your blog and have wanted so many times to comment but always hesitated. What words can I possibly offer that will ease a fraction of your pain. I may not worship or pray, but I do find myself praying for your family. I hope those prayers will make up for comforting words that I lack. Much love to you and your family this day and in all the days to follow.

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  45. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    where do I begin? Have written here anonymously since your son's passing. Telling you of signs I saw...lyrics about birds on the radio coming on just as I thought of your Jack, seeing a "Love is the Answer" necklace with birds and then a "Lake Anna" sign above it just as I thought of him. I've offered my words of encouragement as best I could. Well, Christmas Eve my daughter and I were out on errands when we should have been at church w my mom(plans had changed) and for some reason I can't explain I decided to drive to Jack's cross by the creek (hadn't seen it since Sept). I said a prayer as we passed and thought of you. Later that night my mom was taken to the ER and the short of it is now she has since passed away. I've asked for signs and thought of you more than ever. We went to her home yesterday and there was a tiny glass blue bird on her window sill. "Is that the sign?" I thought? I found 3 Post crosswords she had done, including the one from the 24th and took them to keep. On the way to the funeral home, a bird left me a "gift" on my windshield! I hope you can appreciate the humor when I thought, "I hope THAT isn't the sign!!". I since you read your Xmas Eve post about the crossword puzzle and who knows....
    Sorry for rambling. I feel your grief more than ever and hope to have the grace,courage and even sense of humor as you do. Love and blessings. I so admire you.

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  46. KentDecember 31, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Anna - You and your family have been in my prayers this holiday season. Thank you for sharing the amazing signs you are receiving. They give all of us hope and comfort. I hope our prayers are doing some of the same for you.
    xoxo Kent

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  47. RachDecember 31, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Oh my. I'm all choked up. Signs are such a blessing.

    Praying you are all doing as well as can be expected and that you made it through Christmas.

    Hugs,
    Rach

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  48. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Anna, I believe so, so strongly in signs like these. My sister-in-law just got married a few days ago. She was thrilled but so sad her father wasn't there to walk her down the aisle. There was a school right next to her wedding ceremony venue. Schools always have signs, "Winter Break Until..." etc. This sign was welcoming home a serviceman whose name was the exact same as her father's. :-) I told her it was most definitely a sign from her father from above. I believe it so much.

    I thought about you and your family a lot this past week. I will keep praying for you.

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  49. A Speckled TroutDecember 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I spent some time this week with my cousin who lost his wife of 44 years last Christmas. I have been aware most of my life that this time of joy is also a time of tremendous sadness for many. This was an especially bittersweet season this year and your family was always on my mind.

    I pray 2012 brings gentle breezes to lift your wings.

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  50. JenniferDecember 31, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    God is good!

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  51. LauraBethDecember 31, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Stopping back by, a few minutes before the ball drops in Times Square and the start of 2012, to send you prayers for peace and blessings for this new year. Hugs to you, Tim, and Margaret.

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  52. LindsayDecember 31, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    oh how wonderful...a lovely sign from sweet, dear JACK! amazing..love love love!

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  53. prenni5January 1, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    A perfect Godwink! I'm so glad Tim got his sign. :)

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  54. Martha L.January 1, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    Stunned, although I shouldn't be, at God's provision for Tim.

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  55. The Carens ClanJanuary 1, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    Wow... Instant goosebumps & tears. I guess he got his answer, Jack's with the Greatest now. Will continue to pray for you always.

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  56. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    A friend of mine posted this on Saturday: 'A pair of blue birds just landed on my balcony. I am absurdly excited. I NEVER see them.' Jack is making friends and making rounds to make people smile.

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  57. Leah CJanuary 3, 2012 at 7:37 AM

    Oh my...that took my breath away.

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  58. HeidiJanuary 3, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    That's amazing. Really and truly.
    As someone who has been doubting signs for a while now your stories have breathed some life into that place for me. So beautiful.

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  59. Ann ImigJanuary 3, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    That might be my favorite Jack photo so far--with the puzzle.

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  60. BeckyJanuary 4, 2012 at 6:58 AM

    That gave me Goosebumps. Wow.

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