That was a beautiful way to celebrate Jack's birthday and so many of us who read the blog wish we could be there with you. I imagine that Jack was a clone of your husband in so many ways, I feel like I know a little more about Jack just by hearing his voice and seeing his mannerisms. Sending hugs and love xoxox
Your family never ceases to amaze me. You and Tim have such strength that I don't think I could have under the same set of circumstances. What an appropriate tribute to a wonderful boy. God bless you and your family.
That's really nice. It must have taken a lot of strength to get through that, especially the "Happy Birthday" part. I didn't realize how much Jack looks like your husband! I hope that you're having a good day today.
Oh Anna thank you for sharing your life with us all...my heart is aching for you and your family...what a wonderful showing of support you have. Jack is an amazing boy with amazing family and friends. Happy Birthday to your beautiful angel. ((hugs))
Oh my goodness Anna! What an amazing display that was! I can't even put into words how much this video touched my heart. Beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy.
Wow. You are amazing, beautiful parents. Watching you and Tim sing "Happy Birthday" is just a glimpse of the strength, love and pain you both experience every day. It's raw and honest.... Sending hugs and prayers!
Oh Anna, I am writing through tears. What an amazing and beautiful sight to see those balloons heading towards Heaven. I am so glad to see you surronded by so much love. Hugs to you today and every day!
That was lovely, and the part when you were singing and you and Tim looked at each other like "I know" that we do with our spouse when it hurts..........
You two along with Margaret are going to be o.k. The look said so.
You're so funny. You have a nice nose, not at all pointy, and your voice sounded so young!
I loved this video, and, of course, I cried. It was good to see you animated--and it was important to see the looks that passed between you and your husband.
I haven't commented since your "crap in my yard" post (which I've shared with more people than I can count). I continue to be in awe of you, your family and your friends. I was driving my kids home from a birthday party and I passed people walking up the road carrying blue balloons. I knew nothing of a celebration yet I still thought about Jack. I think about him - and you - so many times each and every day that I can't believe it. I've never met you, yet I find myself looking for you. I just want to hug you and let you know that I'm one of those "crazy" people who can't let you go, who is selfishly thankful for your posts as you've made me a better mother and a better person. Your pain is not fathomable to me and I pray for the smallest inches toward peace for you and your family. Thank you for putting yourself out there.
He is the best looking boy and so reminds me of my son, Jackson. I can't imagine the pain you're living with--without your Jack. Your Jack and my Jackson are so similar. My Jackson just turned 11 on 3-16. I'm so sorry for your loss and think of you often.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. What a wonderful friend you have in that videographer! When the balloons launched it took my breath away - I can only imagine the live event.
The video and the event it recorded are such an amazing tribute to Jack, as is your blog and your beautiful writing.
Thinking of you and sending prayers your way every day.
That video was one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things I've ever watched. What a wonderful celebration of life and love. Still praying for you often.
That was a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing it with those of us who couldn't be there. I wish that you could have sung happy birthday to Jack in person that day, but I am so grateful that you have this community to support you and love Jack no matter what.
Anna, a fellow blogging friend just told me about your blog today, mentioning that she had a strong feeling that you could use a little extra love tonight.
I'm a mama to three littles under 6, with #4 on the way, and right now, I have a house full of undone laundry and dishes, a husband who's away on work, and about 50 other obligations that are nagging at me.
And instead of doing anything "useful" with my time, I've been reading your story (and Jack's) for the last hour or so.
I have never lost a child (and certainly hope I never will), but the rawness of your words is so poignant that tears were streaming down my face (and I'm not a "crier," though...with these hormones...).
All that to say that, although I can scarcely fathom your loss, I feel the truth of your love for Jack in your words and am convinced that, as Romans 8:38 says, "Neither death nor life..."--meaning the life we have to struggle through after a beloved child's death--"can separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I gather that you already know this from reading some of your posts, but I don't guess it hurts to hear it again when you're in pain. (Or maybe everything hurts).
I just found your blog and am overwhelmed with sadness of the loss of your son! I am at work right reading, having just watched the video of the release of the balloons for Jacks birthday and I am bawling!! OMG I dont even know you at all but feel like I do for some reason. I really dont know how you get through your days, but God bless you and your family. You seem like beautiful people who have blessed this world. I will continue to follow your blog but I guess I have some catching up to do, LOL. Jill from NY
My friend, Cassie, shared your blog with me last night, and I just wanted to say how deeply touched I am by your expression of your love and your ability to share your grief with the world. May you continue to find peace through this tragedy and be a beacon of light for those who face the loss of a young, innocent soul such as your Jack.
Beautiful. It reminds me of what Glennon wrote about when you were able to speak at the funeral service - because you would not stop parenting Jack. It's so clear that Mother/Father of Jack and Margaret will always be who you and Tim are, that the accident could not change that and never will.
You are beautiful inside and out! Nose and all! :o) That was so touching to see you and your husband. And all those supporting you. It really was special. I am glad you had so many people supporting you on a day that had to be so difficult. You turned it into a celebration of a beautiful life that has touched so many -- and continues to do so through your words, kindness and wisdom.
I have never commented on here before, but I have been following your blog since the accident. I continue to pray daily for your family and the loss you are suffering.
I was moved to comment because I noticed the look exchanged between you and your husband during the singing of "happy birthday" and it has stuck with me all night and day. I saw the look of pain and general sharing of knowledge between spouses, and my heart breaks for you. I just wanted you to know that you are being prayed for all the way in Tennessee, by me, my husband, and my prayer group. God bless you and your family.
Anna, that was absolutely beautiful. I am so glad we got to see Tim. This is going to sound strange but I think seeing the pain on his face broke me up just a little more than yours. I say that because as moms we are so strong when it comes to our kids i.e. YOU are the one who spoke at Jack's funeral. When my daughter passed away people offered to help pack up her room and go through her stuff but I wouldn't let them. I felt like as her mom that was my job and no one elses. I think it is just heartbreaking to see a man cry and be vulnerable. You could definitely see the tenderness between you two. I just so wish this was not your reality but thank you for sharing with us. Even those of us who don't know you feel like we were able to participate in the celebration of Jack.
Anna, thank you for this beautiful post. I continue to hold you, Tim, and Margaret in my prayers, all the way from Seattle. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, for letting us love and support you. I cried throughout the video, and then more as I listened to the lyrics, and even more seeing that the name of the song was "Flood Waters."
The juxtaposition of the cause of the tragedy in September, yet the expanse of God'd healing grace and love is powerful.
Oh Anna, I so wish I could just hug ALL the pain away and turn the clock back. The video literally brought me to my knees.
I was just on the Samaritan's Purse website and it's flipped over $20,000. How amazing is that? I'm so in awe of the Donaldsons. Blessings , comfort and tons of warm hugs coming your way.
THANK YOU for sharing this with us. What a gift for all those of us out here in blog-land to be able to feel like we can be part of your celebration of Jack. Love and hugs to you and your family.
Oh goodness me, I'm crying too. Oh I can't imagine your pain; but somehow this video brought it closer than even your amazing way with words could. I have no idea what to say, but I just wanted to say that we are WITH you. I am so sorry for your pain. That look between you and Tim; how you both stopped singing happy birthday. I also thought it was amazing how that little girl had Jack's life verse written on her balloon; he is teaching so many lessons, still. Your arms must feel so empty; one day Jack will fill them again.
I am sorry. Thinking of you all.
xxxxxx
p.s that shot of Margaret is beautiful. She has such a stunning face. Such depth in her eyes. You and Tim make beautiful children.
God's love shines so brightly in this video, it is amazing. Your family is so blessed and awesome, it is a joy to see. I, like everyone else on here wish we could take even a bit of your pain away, or turn back time love. I can only pray, send thoughts of love and positivity, and send virtual hugs your way. Keep shining.
What a blessing Kim is! I am so thankful she made the video, since we were out of town and couldn't be there. Know that the three of you were in my constant prayers on Sunday.
Sending love, hugs, prayers, strength, and peace from the other side of town
What a beautiful video. My tears haven't quite dried yet, and that's okay. Please know that Jack is changing lives through this blog. It will truly be a privilege to meet him one day in heaven. Can you imagine him meeting all the people he touched and made an impact on after he left this earth? The line is going to go on for miles and miles. It makes me smile through the tears. Thank you for sharing your boy and yourself with us.
Well - you know the story of my not so successful attempt to bring two of my children...
First there was the "where do I buy balloons 10 minutes before we have to be there fiasco, resulting in 2 ice cream cones and 2 logo balloons (classy!). Then there was the fact that no one ever told me that we were doing BLUE balloons (for the record - the FB post I read just said "balloons"). So our our red and white logo balloons looked extra lame.
But the pinnacle of our experience was my supremely bad parenting move in prying Oliver's balloon out of his steel grip at launch time and making him cry.
The walk back to the car with my special needs six year old sobbing, "I want them down...I want them down" was just SO in the spirit of the event.
One of the many things in my life that I probably should have made a solo mission.
But I did LOVE seeing all of those balloons. And seeing you. And feeling all of the love surrounding us as we watched the balloons float up to the sky. And I guess in the end, Oliver expressed one of the mixed emotions in all of our hearts. The ascent was beautiful, but I too, wish they could have stayed.
In California, I stepped outside, looking at the beautiful mountains, looking at the sky, feeling for you and your beautiful heart, and cried and smiled and loved on you, Jack, Tim and Margaret and all the people who miss Jack and mourn with you.
Eduardo and I cried watching the video and are so grateful to share in the moment of celebrating Jack. Thanks for sharing. Love you.
my sister lost her 7 weeks young newborn to SIDS. that was almost 4 years ago. each year on evelyn's birthday she and friends and family release blue balloons with wishes, quotes, whatever people want to share tied to the balloons. it's hard and beautiful and painful and moving and a million emotions each year each time. in a few months what would be her 4th birthday will also be her twin sister's birthday. evelyn was a twin and her twin sister releases the balloons each year, too. i'm so very sorry for the loss of your son, jack and admire your courage to continue to walk through your grief and write it all down for the world to read and learn from.
Anna, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL to me silly lady (nose).....it was sad and sweet to see you and Tim share your knowing, like so many precious moments I have been witness to from you in the past. Loving thoughts coming your way. Aleta
Hi Anna. I don't know if you will see this comment, but I just wanted to tell you how touching this video is. Broke my heart, that look between you and Tim. I've spent the last few weeks reading your blog from current to this point. I will keep reading. Your family is amazing.
73 comments:
The balloons were so beautiful. Thank you, Kim and thank you friends and neighbors ( near and far) for this gift. Love you, Anna!!
That was a beautiful way to celebrate Jack's birthday and so many of us who read the blog wish we could be there with you. I imagine that Jack was a clone of your husband in so many ways, I feel like I know a little more about Jack just by hearing his voice and seeing his mannerisms. Sending hugs and love xoxox
What a beautiful tribute to Jack....just beautiful.
Lou Cinda
Your family never ceases to amaze me. You and Tim have such strength that I don't think I could have under the same set of circumstances. What an appropriate tribute to a wonderful boy. God bless you and your family.
That's really nice. It must have taken a lot of strength to get through that, especially the "Happy Birthday" part. I didn't realize how much Jack looks like your husband! I hope that you're having a good day today.
That completely took my breath away.
Your family, your community.. a beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy.
God love you and bless you all.
My eyes spill over!
How wonderful!
We love you guys!
Oh Anna thank you for sharing your life with us all...my heart is aching for you and your family...what a wonderful showing of support you have. Jack is an amazing boy with amazing family and friends. Happy Birthday to your beautiful angel. ((hugs))
Oh WOW, that choked me up!
Hugs!!!
lu2run
Oh my goodness Anna! What an amazing display that was! I can't even put into words how much this video touched my heart. Beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy.
Wow. You are amazing, beautiful parents. Watching you and Tim sing "Happy Birthday" is just a glimpse of the strength, love and pain you both experience every day. It's raw and honest.... Sending hugs and prayers!
I don't know how you ever got through the day. God bless you all- xo Diana
Oh Anna, I am writing through tears. What an amazing and beautiful sight to see those balloons heading towards Heaven. I am so glad to see you surronded by so much love. Hugs to you today and every day!
Hugs to you Anna.
Perfect. In every way.
oh my. beautiful, heartbreakingly beautiful. i want to reach into the screen and hug you and tim and margaret. beautiful.
That was lovely, and the part when you were singing and you and Tim looked at each other like "I know" that we do with our spouse when it hurts..........
You two along with Margaret are going to be o.k. The look said so.
Beautiful....
Lisa G. in CT
What a tough but wonderful day. What a wonderful tribute to your son.
You're so funny. You have a nice nose, not at all pointy, and your voice sounded so young!
I loved this video, and, of course, I cried. It was good to see you animated--and it was important to see the looks that passed between you and your husband.
Who was the little girl who came to hug your leg?
Thank you for being so selfless and sharing this with us in such a difficult time. I don't know where you find the strength.
My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
The love that you share through your blog helps people on a daily basis.
I haven't commented since your "crap in my yard" post (which I've shared with more people than I can count). I continue to be in awe of you, your family and your friends. I was driving my kids home from a birthday party and I passed people walking up the road carrying blue balloons. I knew nothing of a celebration yet I still thought about Jack. I think about him - and you - so many times each and every day that I can't believe it. I've never met you, yet I find myself looking for you. I just want to hug you and let you know that I'm one of those "crazy" people who can't let you go, who is selfishly thankful for your posts as you've made me a better mother and a better person. Your pain is not fathomable to me and I pray for the smallest inches toward peace for you and your family. Thank you for putting yourself out there.
The video made me cry...and I like your nose.
thank you so much for sharing this- it was beautiful. i am thinking of you and your family and sending you my love.
He is the best looking boy and so reminds me of my son, Jackson. I can't imagine the pain you're living with--without your Jack. Your Jack and my Jackson are so similar. My Jackson just turned 11 on 3-16. I'm so sorry for your loss and think of you often.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. What a wonderful friend you have in that videographer! When the balloons launched it took my breath away - I can only imagine the live event.
The video and the event it recorded are such an amazing tribute to Jack, as is your blog and your beautiful writing.
Thinking of you and sending prayers your way every day.
Love,
Claire P.
Great video! I'm so glad you weren't alone on Jack's birthday.
That video was one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things I've ever watched. What a wonderful celebration of life and love. Still praying for you often.
That was a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing it with those of us who couldn't be there. I wish that you could have sung happy birthday to Jack in person that day, but I am so grateful that you have this community to support you and love Jack no matter what.
Anna, a fellow blogging friend just told me about your blog today, mentioning that she had a strong feeling that you could use a little extra love tonight.
I'm a mama to three littles under 6, with #4 on the way, and right now, I have a house full of undone laundry and dishes, a husband who's away on work, and about 50 other obligations that are nagging at me.
And instead of doing anything "useful" with my time, I've been reading your story (and Jack's) for the last hour or so.
I have never lost a child (and certainly hope I never will), but the rawness of your words is so poignant that tears were streaming down my face (and I'm not a "crier," though...with these hormones...).
All that to say that, although I can scarcely fathom your loss, I feel the truth of your love for Jack in your words and am convinced that, as Romans 8:38 says, "Neither death nor life..."--meaning the life we have to struggle through after a beloved child's death--"can separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I gather that you already know this from reading some of your posts, but I don't guess it hurts to hear it again when you're in pain. (Or maybe everything hurts).
Thinking of and praying for you...
~Abbie
What a beautiful way to remember a special day. Wishing you peace and blessing for your family.
Just beautiful. Happy birthday, Jack. And hugs to you, my friend.
That was a beautiful video she put together. Love and hugs to you.
Anna,
I have literally cried a puddle of tears here on my dining room table as I watched this video. Truly a beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy.
With love,
Jen G.
I see the terrible pain on your faces. Wish we could wipe it away.
I just found your blog and am overwhelmed with sadness of the loss of your son! I am at work right reading, having just watched the video of the release of the balloons for Jacks birthday and I am bawling!! OMG I dont even know you at all but feel like I do for some reason. I really dont know how you get through your days, but God bless you and your family. You seem like beautiful people who have blessed this world. I will continue to follow your blog but I guess I have some catching up to do, LOL.
Jill from NY
My friend, Cassie, shared your blog with me last night, and I just wanted to say how deeply touched I am by your expression of your love and your ability to share your grief with the world. May you continue to find peace through this tragedy and be a beacon of light for those who face the loss of a young, innocent soul such as your Jack.
That was lovely:)
Beautiful. It reminds me of what Glennon wrote about when you were able to speak at the funeral service - because you would not stop parenting Jack. It's so clear that Mother/Father of Jack and Margaret will always be who you and Tim are, that the accident could not change that and never will.
You are beautiful inside and out! Nose and all! :o) That was so touching to see you and your husband. And all those supporting you. It really was special. I am glad you had so many people supporting you on a day that had to be so difficult. You turned it into a celebration of a beautiful life that has touched so many -- and continues to do so through your words, kindness and wisdom.
Julie in PA
What a great community you have. Thanks for posting the video. God bless your sweet family. Also, your nose is NOT pointy - you're gorgeous!
Beautiful. Just such a lovely and heartfelt tribute to your boy. Cried my eyes out.
I'm a mess after watching this.
Your husband...the singing. So beautiful and yet, I'm still sad.
Always thinking of you.
I love the color of the balloons matches perfectly with the blue sky.
cheap fragrances
Like the others, I write through tears. I am sorry you had to sing Happy Birthday to Heaven and not to Jack.
This is absolutely beautiful, and what a great and memorable way to celebrate his birthday. lots of love.
Door251.com
I have never commented on here before, but I have been following your blog since the accident. I continue to pray daily for your family and the loss you are suffering.
I was moved to comment because I noticed the look exchanged between you and your husband during the singing of "happy birthday" and it has stuck with me all night and day. I saw the look of pain and general sharing of knowledge between spouses, and my heart breaks for you. I just wanted you to know that you are being prayed for all the way in Tennessee, by me, my husband, and my prayer group. God bless you and your family.
That was beautiful...and painful!! God Bless your family and your little boy! Much love from MN! <3
Beautiful. May God be with you, now and always.
Anna, that was absolutely beautiful. I am so glad we got to see Tim. This is going to sound strange but I think seeing the pain on his face broke me up just a little more than yours. I say that because as moms we are so strong when it comes to our kids i.e. YOU are the one who spoke at Jack's funeral. When my daughter passed away people offered to help pack up her room and go through her stuff but I wouldn't let them. I felt like as her mom that was my job and no one elses. I think it is just heartbreaking to see a man cry and be vulnerable. You could definitely see the tenderness between you two. I just so wish this was not your reality but thank you for sharing with us. Even those of us who don't know you feel like we were able to participate in the celebration of Jack.
Anna, thank you for this beautiful post. I continue to hold you, Tim, and Margaret in my prayers, all the way from Seattle. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, for letting us love and support you. I cried throughout the video, and then more as I listened to the lyrics, and even more seeing that the name of the song was "Flood Waters."
The juxtaposition of the cause of the tragedy in September, yet the expanse of God'd healing grace and love is powerful.
Wow. So touching and beautiful. Love to you and your family.
So touching. I have been following and praying for your beautiful family since the accident, and will continue to.
Breathtakingly beautiful((HUGS))
Oh Anna, I so wish I could just hug ALL the pain away and turn the clock back. The video literally brought me to my knees.
I was just on the Samaritan's Purse website and it's flipped over $20,000. How amazing is that? I'm so in awe of the Donaldsons. Blessings , comfort and tons of warm hugs coming your way.
THANK YOU for sharing this with us. What a gift for all those of us out here in blog-land to be able to feel like we can be part of your celebration of Jack. Love and hugs to you and your family.
So happy that you were able to share this amazing b-day tribute to Jack. Truly beautiful.
Kelly
Oh goodness me, I'm crying too. Oh I can't imagine your pain; but somehow this video brought it closer than even your amazing way with words could. I have no idea what to say, but I just wanted to say that we are WITH you. I am so sorry for your pain. That look between you and Tim; how you both stopped singing happy birthday. I also thought it was amazing how that little girl had Jack's life verse written on her balloon; he is teaching so many lessons, still. Your arms must feel so empty; one day Jack will fill them again.
I am sorry. Thinking of you all.
xxxxxx
p.s that shot of Margaret is beautiful. She has such a stunning face. Such depth in her eyes. You and Tim make beautiful children.
xxxxxxx
p.s. still crying...!!
Dearest Anna,
God's love shines so brightly in this video, it is amazing. Your family is so blessed and awesome, it is a joy to see. I, like everyone else on here wish we could take even a bit of your pain away, or turn back time love. I can only pray, send thoughts of love and positivity, and send virtual hugs your way. Keep shining.
Ury
Seattle, WA
Anna...
What a blessing Kim is! I am so thankful she made the video, since we were out of town and couldn't be there. Know that the three of you were in my constant prayers on Sunday.
Sending love, hugs, prayers, strength, and peace from the other side of town
Simply Beautiful. The look between you and your husband during the singing says it all.
What a beautiful video. My tears haven't quite dried yet, and that's okay. Please know that Jack is changing lives through this blog. It will truly be a privilege to meet him one day in heaven. Can you imagine him meeting all the people he touched and made an impact on after he left this earth? The line is going to go on for miles and miles. It makes me smile through the tears.
Thank you for sharing your boy and yourself with us.
Well - you know the story of my not so successful attempt to bring two of my children...
First there was the "where do I buy balloons 10 minutes before we have to be there fiasco, resulting in 2 ice cream cones and 2 logo balloons (classy!). Then there was the fact that no one ever told me that we were doing BLUE balloons (for the record - the FB post I read just said "balloons"). So our our red and white logo balloons looked extra lame.
But the pinnacle of our experience was my supremely bad parenting move in prying Oliver's balloon out of his steel grip at launch time and making him cry.
The walk back to the car with my special needs six year old sobbing, "I want them down...I want them down" was just SO in the spirit of the event.
One of the many things in my life that I probably should have made a solo mission.
But I did LOVE seeing all of those balloons. And seeing you. And feeling all of the love surrounding us as we watched the balloons float up to the sky. And I guess in the end, Oliver expressed one of the mixed emotions in all of our hearts. The ascent was beautiful, but I too, wish they could have stayed.
Simply beautiful!
you are loved and admired and brave and beautiful. bless you.
thank you for sharing.
I especially appreciate your smile in the last picture. It is good that you still smile.
In California, I stepped outside, looking at the beautiful mountains, looking at the sky, feeling for you and your beautiful heart, and cried and smiled and loved on you, Jack, Tim and Margaret and all the people who miss Jack and mourn with you.
Eduardo and I cried watching the video and are so grateful to share in the moment of celebrating Jack. Thanks for sharing. Love you.
What a beautiful way to honor your beautiful boy. I miss him even though I never even knew him. Praying for you each day.
Oh my heart. Hugs to you Anna. That was just beautiful.
my sister lost her 7 weeks young newborn to SIDS. that was almost 4 years ago. each year on evelyn's birthday she and friends and family release blue balloons with wishes, quotes, whatever people want to share tied to the balloons. it's hard and beautiful and painful and moving and a million emotions each year each time. in a few months what would be her 4th birthday will also be her twin sister's birthday. evelyn was a twin and her twin sister releases the balloons each year, too. i'm so very sorry for the loss of your son, jack and admire your courage to continue to walk through your grief and write it all down for the world to read and learn from.
Anna, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL to me silly lady (nose).....it was sad and sweet to see you and Tim share your knowing, like so many precious moments I have been witness to from you in the past. Loving thoughts coming your way.
Aleta
Hi Anna. I don't know if you will see this comment, but I just wanted to tell you how touching this video is. Broke my heart, that look between you and Tim. I've spent the last few weeks reading your blog from current to this point. I will keep reading. Your family is amazing.
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