Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Different Kind of Bridge

A blog reader living in Mozambique sent a photo she took while driving in South Africa with her husband.

She felt compelled to capture this Bible verse , which Jack considered his "life verse," on the back of the truck in front of them, as she had just been thinking of Jack and our family.

It took her a while to get a non-blurry shot, and when she did, she was surprised and amazed to see what was visible in the frame of the photo.

As am I. Wow.




Thank you, friends, for loving us. For lifting us up all around the world. For not forgetting. For sharing these amazing experiences with us, so we can learn from them and share them with others. Thank you.

83 comments:

Ms Kate said...

Anna there is good in this world. You and Jack are a conduit of all the good. You inspire me and so many others with your blogs. Thank you and please know you are in my thoughts daily.

Erin said...

WOW.

Cindy said...

Love this. Love you.

NanaDiana said...

Wow~Anna-Let me find one person that DOESN'T believe after seeing that! The overhead transom is the crowning touch! xo Diana

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! God is Good. You have been in my thoughts and prayers daily.

(I don't tend to leave comments. I feel at a loss for words to express what I want to say without it sounding trite, so I'm not sure if you set the word verification or if it is done random. However to post this I had to type (jackin)

Stefanie said...

There ARE no coincidences. Nice to see Jack is getting around :)

jessica said...

Wow. How beautiful! It's amazing in times of heartache where we draw our strength from!

I pray for you and your family everyday.

May God continue to help your hearts heal.

~*Jessica

Patricia said...

Dearest Anna:
As my dear Mother, now in heaven, always told me "God works in mysterious ways".....she's right. Messages from above.

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow I have goose bumps!! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Love it

Carol-Anne said...

Since reading your blog, my faith has really just gotten stronger and stronger. Not that that makes your pain any less, but I hope it brings some sense of good coming from this horrible thing, because I bet I'm one of many.

Gigi said...

That was utterly amazing!

Heidi said...

Wow! Just. Wow.

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely incredible and amazing!

Aimee said...

Amazing.....Jack has touched so many lives, and will NEVER be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

WOW - that is amazing!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Jack is a missionary!
For some reason this makes me think of a children's book that we used to read: The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
It is a tale of three trees with big dream of what they will be when they grow up. Somewhere along the way each of them forgets or doubts. But finally they realize their dreams did come true... just not as the expected... but in a way that makes perfect sense to God.

Lisa said...

That gave me goosebumps! Simply amazing...

mia said...

Wow amazing... I am so happy you continue to get signs from God and your sweet Jack... Anna, you inspire me everyday... Prayers everyday and Hugs from Richmond:) xoxo

Cheryl said...

My my. I am stupefied. God bless and keep you all. I think of you daily. All 4 of you...

Anonymous said...

Cold chills!.....What a gift fom God.....NO DOUBT a message!!!! Feel the love!!

GCK said...

Anna...I have followed your blog and have prayed continually for you and your sweet, sweet family...Please know that there are many of us who are here to share your pain and who love you dearly and have yet to meet you...

Lynne said...

Truly awe inspiring. I love that Jack had a "life verse."

Kimberly said...

Goose bumps. That is amazing.

Anonymous said...

that is awesome. if you need some more encouragement tonight, or tomorrow, or the next day- the Passion 2012 conference is streaming live and the worship cannot help but lift you.

Anonymous said...

Anna, Every now and then I read your post of what happened on that horrible night. Each time I read the post I think that this time, when I get to the end, the ending will be different. Jack will be safe and there will be lots of tears and shouts about a ruined uniform and stories at Thanksgiving about "The Time Jack ALMOST got swept away". But, of course, the ending is always the same. I wish I could wave a magic wand and write a different ending to that night. But I can not. I can only say that I kiss my 12 year old son a little extra everyday for you and I thank you for all you are teaching the rest of us about the true meaning of love and faith.

God Bless You and Tim and Margaret

Katherine said...

I love this, Anna. Fantastic. And I love you, too!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I've been sitting here at my computer all day. I checked your blog earlier and didn't see a post so I figured maybe tomorrow. Anyway, I was sitting here by the computer with tears coming down my face thinking of my own mother who past away only a few months ago. Thinking of how much I miss her and how much I want her to see my children and be a part of their lives. I decided to just check on your post, just in case there was something new. This photo is a beautiful reminder to you and all of us that God is all around us, giving us all signs when we need them. Thank you Jack:)

Anonymous said...

love!

A Speckled Trout said...

Your little homebody is getting out and about, eh?

Kate said...

Woweeee! Thank you for sharing. Jack is really getting around. :)

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

WOW! I remember my pastor saying we have to be willing to be willing. Anna your family is willing, you could be hiding under the covers wishing the world would go away but you don't, you continue to look for hope and strive for peace, that is some pretty strong faith my friend! What an example you are for so many!

Clare said...

Absolutely incredible. This post stunned me. WOW doesn't even begin to describe it!

Also, I thought you might be interested in this group. My friend who lost her 17yo brother goes to their annual conference. It was in Reston last year and will be in Tampa this year.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bereaved-Parents-of-the-USA/135586933150256

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this, I look for signs of my mom all the time. You give me hope. Jack is loved by so many. I pray that my mom loves him in heaven

Cynthia said...

Wow - chills! WOW!!!

Auntie Mip said...

It will forever take your breath away how Jack will know exactly when you need him and reveal himself in the most stunning yet obvious ways. We can continue to have connections with those who have gone before us. God's masterful plan at work!

ella said...

yep, I'm liking this bridge much, much better. So neat (yes I just used the word neat) that support is coming in from all over the world.

Anonymous said...

OK, I'm sorry to be dense... but are you referring to the bridge, or am I missing something else?

Unknown said...

oh wow oh wow oh wow. This really encourages me, as I know it must you.

Big hugs and lots of love.

geri said...

That a blog reader in Mozambique would take the time to keep trying to get a clear photo of a truck with Jack's "life verse" (and oh yes, how PRECIOUS was that boy of yours that he had a life verse at such a tender age!) on the back of it to send to his grieving family is so profoundly kind and beautiful. And reminds me that we are indeed called to take care of each other, to lift each other up, to be there for each other, we are all connected, all part of one big human family. thanks so much for sharing this, and thanks to the reader in mozambique who took and sent the photo.

asefcik said...

All I can say is WOW and AMAZING!

Vodka Mom said...

and thank you, Anna. thank you.

luv2run said...

From your son I am buidling a better life and for that I am thankful for.

Hugs from a stranger!

luv2run

Me said...

Jack is making me a believer in a higher being. Thank you.

Princess Kate said...

Don't ever think you left Jack in 2011, he's right here, right now teaching us all a thing or two. The photo gave me hope. Hope for you and your family and hope for this world. Jack is reaching people all around the world in wonderful ways.

Jill said...

Wow. That is amazing.

Midwest Cottage and Finds said...

Anna-You and your family have been in my thougths and prayers since Jack's accident--I have not commented until today--What a wonderful way for Jack to speak to you...This is truly amazing....My prayers and special intentions will continue for your family....

chris

Amy said...

I'm praying for you daily. May you continue to receive signs like this.

Jori said...

Simply amazing!

Meredith Self said...

Thank you reader who took the time to send you this picture! I know there are so many others being touched by Jack, and by you! Including me and my family!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Just look at what that kid is doing... Love you Anna.

~Erin said...

"A coincidence is a miracle in which God remains anonymous."

Alexandra said...

CHILLS.

JenK said...

Wonderful and amazing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Paula said...

Oh.My. That is beyond powerful. What a message from heaven. I prayed last night for the Holy Spirit to send you a sign of comfort today. But, wow. A sign. Wow. What an incredible woman to share that with you and now all of us. Love.

Susan said...

Oh.Wow!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Amazing. I love when God shows us that He is always there!

Julie D said...

Anna, I just found your blog and saying how sorry I am for your loss just seems so...small. You are living every parent's nightmare, and somehow surviving it, and I don't know how. But God bless you, and Tim and Margaret, for letting you continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving on.

Your Jack was a beautiful young man and I know how blessed you must feel to have had him even for the short time you did. As I've read through your blog and seen all the signs that he has sent to you...all I can think is that I hope it's some comfort to you to know that he's watching out for you now....

Hugs and love to you all.

Anonymous said...

Mozambique? Mozamwow. I'm so glad this reader sent you this wonderful picture.

love,
jbhat

Anonymous said...

Wow.

I felt compelled to look up the meaning of 'Jack'...and found this: 'Jack' means 'God is gracious'. Of course it does.

mannahattamamma.com said...

well you know, actually, I'm pretty much a heathen these days; not sure what I believe in, but even *I* was amazed by this juxtaposition. What a powerful connection--even the sheer fact that you can say "a reader in Mozambique..." (er...I hope the woman who snapped the photo wasn't driving?)

anymommy said...

Gorgeous. I'm so glad that you found your way through Christmas and that you felt so loved and supported. I continue to be amazed by the ways Jack finds to reach out to you and touch you - and through you us all.

Susannah said...

Holy moley - Wow is right!

Sara said...

My husband and I are getting ready to purchase our first home and I came across your website as I was searching around for blogs on design. As a new mother with two small kids I was horrified, devastated and heartbroken for you and your family. I have been thinking about you since then and I just wanted to reach out to you and tell you that your story of your Jack will remain in my heart and so he will live on in many strangers you may never meet. My eyes fill with tears when I think of the loss you and your husband and your daughter have suffered, but I am so glad that you have each other to lean on. Please know that out there in the land of the internet there is a stranger who would be so happy to help with whatever your family needs during this time, so if you can think of something that a random stranger can do, let me know. But for now, you and your family will be in my thoughts and I'll be checking back to see how you're doing.
With love from aother mom,
Sara

Rach said...

Signs. What a gift.

Hugs and Prayers,
Rach

Orangies Attic said...

Goosebumps... and another sign from your sweet, smart, and wise boy. :)

Theresa O said...

I'm floored! That is TRULY AMAZING!! WOW - Speechless! Especially since I love that verse and have it posted on my mirrors at home now!! Jack is EVERYWHERE! It's incredible Anna.

God Bless you today and each day forward. Hugs.

Jen Luebke said...

Everyday I look to your blog for inspiration and you never cease to amaze me. It's amazing to see how your love for Jack and his faith continues to inspire others, all over the world. What an amazing boy!

Jody Clarke Hand said...

Wowza!! A very inspiring and amazing moment this reader captured. Thank you for sharing. I read your blog as often as I can so that I can somehow support your strength. You continue to amaze me every day.

Mariah said...

This post made me teary-eyed...There is no way this is a coincidence. God is real, and true! What a wonderful gift!

Donna Karlinchak said...

There are signs everywhere and I am so glad you have wonderful messengers sending them to you! What an incredible sunset last night...always thinking of you and your family.

Leah C said...

Wow...just...wow!

TheLab said...

Oh, Anna. This must have been both difficult to read and the most amazing blessing as well. I can't imagine the emotions.

I love what so many of these dear commenters wrote above.

The story "MGH" shared was particularly impacting:

"It is a tale of three trees with big dream of what they will be when they grow up. Somewhere along the way each of them forgets or doubts. But finally they realize their dreams did come true... just not as the expected... but in a way that makes perfect sense to God."

Can't wait to meet Jack.

Dinosaur Mommy said...

It never ceases to amaze me how God speaks to us at just the right moment in such simple, yet profound ways. God is so cool!

Praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Anna..

What a wonderful sign...
I love that your poor broken heart remains able to SEE our God and your little boy throughout all of this, even as you don't understand.

I so wish your circumstances were not what they now are.

Still praying several times a day for you, Margaret, Tim, your marriage, now your nephew and his family...thank you again for sharing yourselves with us.
Love,
Lisa G.

Elz said...

WOW, the Lord works in many mysterious ways.

Anonymous said...

Proof that God is here with us and watching over all of us. Hugs and prayers - you are amazing! Thank you for being such an inspiration.

Katie K said...

Just beautiful and so touching. Always thinking of you and your family.

Susan said...

Incredible.
And sometimes, not often...the kindness of people amazes me.
I envision this reader trying and trying and trying (have been there!) to get a half-decent shot of a moving vehicle. Amazing.

Dawn said...

Amazing.

for a different kind of girl said...

There's nothing I can say to this but wow. Simply wow...

prenni5 said...

Just amazing!!