He arrived 2 weeks early, and left way too soon. We are doing well today, with lots of love and even a little bit of snow on the ground. I'm over at Momastery writing about how it's still possible to be an irritable shrew even in the midst of life and death and God and love.
116 comments:
Nothing is Impossible with God." Luke 1:37
Happy Birthday Jack!!!
Just Can't stop thinking about you....wishing Jack a beautiful birthday with God above...and you in your hearts & spirit. Much love.
Happy Birthday Jack and Happy Anniversary of the Day you Became His Mom Day! Sending you love.
Happy Birthday to Jack. Thinking of you, Tim and Margaret, praying for you everyday.
Thinking of you all today. xoxo
Thinking of all of you today. Happy birthday Jack!
What a beautiful boy.
Happy Birthday dear Jack. Sending love and prayers.
It's not you; it's the airport.
Happy birthday, Jack.
Happy Birthday Jack!
Hugs MOM!!!!!
Happy Birthday Jack. You would be so proud of your mom.
My daughter's first birthday as an Angel is coming up in a few weeks, it would have been her 7th.
Great post over on Momastery today too Anna.
Happy birthday, Jack. I think of you every day, knowing that you're safe with God, watching over your family.
Happy birthday and much love, rare bird.
You have been on my mind a lot this weekend. Now, I know why. Celebrate his birth today!!
Sending you all lots of virtual hugs today! Happy birthday to Jack - he just earned another feather on his wings today!
I've never commented before, but I came via Momastery a few months ago, and I think you are amazing. Happy birthday to your sweet boy.
Happy Birthday sweet boy! Huge hugs to you Anna!
Sending love and good energy on this day which will always celebrate your beautiful boy.
Happy birthday to Jack! May you be blessed with good memories of your boy today.
Anna, thinking of you today, sending love your way. Happy Birthday, Jack! With much love...
Hoping that your family has more smiles today thinking of the happy times that you have shared together. I hope that Jack is smiling on you all from heaven. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Happy birthday, Jack! And lots of hugs for your family today.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Happy Birthday and I believe he is celebrating his Earthly life with the angels today- xo Diana
I also arrived via Momastery several months ago, and have been following your journey ever since.
I'm so sorry your son is not here to celebrate his birthday today. I can't imagine the constant ache and endless void you must feel in his absence. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that complete strangers are praying for you often, and have grown to love your son through the stories you've graciously shared with us. My heart goes out to you and your family as I pray fiercely for peace to outweigh your pain more often than not.
Happy Birthday to a beautiful boy whose spirit lives on in the most beautiful ways. Surely he is looking down on you with such love and admiration today. Sending you Anna, Tim and Margaret all a HUGE hug from Purcellville. Thinking of you all today and everyday.
@Kiri, I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter, who would have been seven this year.
Anna... I sent you an email this morning. Popping in here, too, to let you know that you, Tim, and Margaret are in my thoughts and prayers as you honor Jack on his birthday.
Love, and hugs, from the other side of town...
I have a dear friend whose son died on 3/18/2009. I say to you, as I said to her this morning, I'll hold all of you close in my thoughts all day.
Claire
Happy 14th Birthday darling Jack! You are so loved, by so many, and so missed by all! Love, hugs and prayers. xoxo
Thinking of you and your family. Happy Birthday Jack!
I hope you spend the day remebering all of the good times you had with Jack.
I read your post on Momastery and I laughed at your airport story. My husband once locked his keys in his car at the airport and I had to drive an hour and a half at midnight to bring the spare keys. Found out that not only had he locked the keys in the car but had left the car running while he went away for 4 days. So, not only were the keys locked inside (still in the ignition), it was out of gas and had a dead battery... There is something about airports that apparently makes otherwise, put together men, lose their minds.
Big Hugs to you today!!
Love to you my sweet online friend. I've been praying all day for your family. Peace, love and forever hope.
PS I read quickly through the intro, so it didn't quite sink in that you spent last night with Jack's buddies and their families having dinner. I am SO happy for you that you were able to come together like that. That is just wonderful.
I thank God for the birth of Jack, and for the pleasure of knowing him through the loving words of his special mom! Anna, is there anything we can do today to honor Jack that might be a blessing to you? If you don't have any suggestions, I will still find a way to celebrate him today. In any case, I'm thinking of you and praying that Jack is enjoying an amazing heavenly celebration of his life.
Sending love to you and yours today and every day.
@kiri-- sending you love from one mama to another.
Happy Birthday to Jack! You are all in my thought today and always. I am working on making a donation of $14. in Jack's name. I will let you know when it happens. ((HUGS))
God bless, and happy Mom-iversary to you and happy birthday to jack.
happy Birthday, Jack!!!
I just found out about you today. My daughter sent me the link to your blog because she thought it might help me. Our 21 year old daughter committed suicide three months ago, and so much of your pain is so much like my pain. Just 3 months ago....and 4 months ago she was celebrating with us as her older sister got married. She was so beautiful, and glowing, and we all thought she was going to be okay, that she had gotten through the hardest times of her adolescent depression. But one month later she had taken her own life. So her 26 year old sister, and her 24 year old brother will never have their little sister again, and my husband and I will never have our baby girl again. But like you we are surrounded by love and prayers, and are trying to figure out how to get by. I can't wait to read all your entries, with tears running down my face. Thank you! You'll hear from me again, I'm sure. I am SO SORRY for your loss, and your daughter's and husband's loss. And thank you so much for being able to share your pain, and your hope.
Fourteen years ago a precious young child came into the world and changed it for the better. Thank you, Jack. And thank you, Anna, Tim and Margaret!
I am holding you all in the light today, along with Kiri and Florida mom. I can imagine no greater pain than losing a child.
May all of you, along with your families, be always surrounded by love and memories and hope.
Thanking God for Jack today and always!
that airport....Yes! we've had similar marital discussions on the exact same topic and nobody ever comes out a winner in that game. :) Although today's weather screamed "sad and cold", I hope you and your family had moments of warmth and peace sent from your rare bird today. I saw so many reminders around town - LOTS of fresh blue ribbons for Jack -- reminders that this community will always remember your special son and that your family is loved!
Happy birthday to your beautiful boy. He will never be forgotten.
Prayers and warm thoughts with you. I know the airport you wrote about, too well!
Happy Birthday to Jack and peace to you and your beautiful family.
Happy Birthday.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace.
Happy Birthday dear Jack - Our heavenly Father is holding you close today......and you too, dearest Mother....
happy birthday to your sweet son. ((((((Hugs)))))
xoxo,
Erika
You've been in my thoughts all day long, more than usual. I hope you've felt all the love and prayers surrounding you from all over.
Florida mom, you're also in my thoughts. My husband took his life several years back, he was only 33. Death is hard enough, but suicide adds another layer that is impossible to describe. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you especially today and holding you in prayer
I loved your Momastery post (but I love all your posts!). I woke up today with prayers on my heart for several friends in low places . . . I got busy with my kids, but these prayers - and others - kept coming into focus, and my mind floated to you and Jack - as it often does when I steal a few moments of quiet. I had no idea it was his birthday until I read your post, but I understand now why I woke up feeling today was an especially important day for prayer. You have been in mine all day. Thank you for the amazing gift of your words.
Happy Birthday, child of God :)
Happy Birthday sweet Jack! And Happy Jack's Birthday to you Anna. Sending love and prayers to your family today.
Have been thinking of you and praying-for all who love you and love your Jack.
Happy Birthday Dear Jack! Hugs to you and yours, Anna.
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories and your day be filled with stories and laughter as you remember what a beacon of light and love Jack was and still is in your lives.
Happy Birthday Jack!
Anna, the Donaldson family is always in my heart - and your son with the beautiful eyes and infectious smile is never far from my mind. I'm wishing you much peace, love and light on this day and every day.
Jack's life was not in vain and albeit far too short, has touched so many. As have your beautiful words of remembrance. Happy birthday, sweet boy. And warm hugs for you sweet mama.
Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest boys ever. Thank you for sharing him with us!
Jen
His beautiful brown eyes are a sight to behold. Happy Birthday, dear Jack.
May God's love for you be especially felt today.
Sending you love today, Anna, Tim & Margaret. Happy Birthday, Jack!
Happy Birthday to Jack! Embrace the irritable shrew-ness - self-acceptance is a wonderful thing.
AND GOD SAID
I said, "God I hurt."
And God said,"I know."
I said, "God, I cry alot."
And God said, "That is why I gave you tears."
I said, "God, I am so depressed."
And God said,"That is why I gave you sunshine."
I said, "God, life is so hard."
And God said, "That is why I gave you loved ones."
I said, "God, my loved one died."
And God said, "So did mine."
I said, "God, it is such a loss."
And God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross."
I said, "God,but your loved one lives."
And God said, "So does yours."
I said, "God, where are they now?"
And God said, "Mine is on the right and yours is in the light."
I said, "God, it hurts."
And God said, I know."
These are not my words , but the Holy Spirit prompted me to share them with you. God bless you, Sherri
Anna, I've never commented on your blog before, but I know your story well. I think of you, your family, and especially your son, often. I have a Jack of my own - it's a good, strong name:)
Happy Birthday to that sweet boy of yours and much love and many prayers to you...
making space for you and for jack...
Sending love and prayers to you today as you remember the gift of your son's birth. May the joy of having him be a balm to your broken heart.
@Florida Mom, I am so very, very sorry for the loss of your precious daughter.
Thinking of you and your family today! Love and hugs! xoxo
I'm sorry you can't be with Jack on his birthday. Thinking of all of you.
Anna,
My daughter's birthday is today as well. (19th here in India) but same time I guess! I will always remember you and your family in my prayers.
Continue drawing strength from the Lord!
Thinking of you today.
Dear Anna,
I just found your blog through Momastory and devoured some of your posts...I can so relate! I too lost a child, my daughter Savannah at age four and a half. That was 8 years ago...I miss her e v e r y single day.
I wanted to wish your beautiful boy a happy birthday today. And send you a hug in this email. Birthday's are one of the hardest days...they never get easier I think. The longing and the not knowing of what the last year would've brought and what the following one had to offer.
Every year we let off balloons into the heavens that my other daughter writes messages on. We do something my daughter whos not here would love....and I spend the day crying. However, I'm always better the following day.
You will always be Jacks mum and he will always live in your heart.
Sending a huge hug,
with love
Diana x http://sunshineinabluecup.blogspot.com.au/
Anna,
I will be thinking about your special boy all day today. In fact, I hear birds chirping outside my window right now...
I love you.
Annie
Days that would have been birthdays are so hard. I am sorry.
Happy Birthday, Jack!
Aww. Happy Birthday to your sweet boy, Jack! Big hugs to you all as you mark the day, bittersweet as it is.
I think of you and your family so often.
God is so good.
Leading me to you.
My nephew's birthday is this MOnday and I'm so scared about what my gut will do that day.
I'm so scared for my sister, I'm so scared for his brother, I'm so scared for his children.
I will find solace and strength in you.
"For he uses the weak to help the strong." You will help me, I know.
Happy Birthday to sweet Jack!
Happy Birthday Sweet Jack!!
NoVa Jen
Happy birthday to Jack and positive vibes to his mommy, dad and sweet sister.
Thinking of you. :)
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Jack! What a handsome young man you will always be! Keeping your parents & sister in my prayers today and always - and I KNOW you are just fine in the arms of Our Lord and the Angels! XO
Such lovely words here, my heart goes out to those here who are also hurting from their own losses... Anna your writing is a comfort that lets them/us know we are not alone.
I wonder how he would have wanted to celebrate this special day. Happy Jack Birthday to all of you.
much love,
jbhat
And it's possible to make your friends laugh even when it's sad. (shrew reference). Off to visit now.
Happy Birthday Jack! In 10,000 years you'll be 10,014!
Love you, Anna, and thinking of you on this day full of memories.
Happy birthday Jack! Missing you and your floop like crazy down here.
@Anna See, Thank you for your comment. So it looks like it's been almost a year and a half since Jack was taken, right? Most things I read say the first year is the worst. Is that true? (Please say yes!) We have Julie's 22nd birthday coming up next month, just 4 months after her death, and I'm already so concerned how we'll make it. We seem to take two steps forward and 1 1/2 steps back. Now we have to get through Easter, then the 4 month anniversary combined with her birthday. Please tell me we'll make it. You are in my mind constantly. Thank you so much for this blog.
Loved what you wrote about Dulles - so funny and honest. My tip for future pick ups is that I always say, "go to baggage claim then at the exits you'll see 2 ramps, one up and one down. Take the UP ramp, not the escalator but the UP ramp." With that being said, I was at Dulles this past Sunday picking up my husband, with my own horrendous gray roots and the bags were taking FOREVER so I had to circle....and circle....and circle. So, I was a shrew too :)
Anyhow, and understatedly more important, I send you love, light, prayers.
Happy Birthday to Jack. He is a remarkable boy. And, you are a remarkable mom.
Never commented before.......i didnt realise jacks birthday was the same day as my son who was 15 on the 18th march.........i feel so much pain for you.....dont really know what to say......i،m a brit living in nazareth israel and i think about jack and you every day............
Happy Birthday Jack! I have Jack's magnet on my van, people ask about it all of the time. Jack is influencing people in heaven and on Earth!
Your airport story is THE best! I read it yesterday, and haven't stopped chuckling. :)
Thinking of you! I think of Jack's story a lot.
LOVED the airport story. Hilarious. There really is something perplexing about the thought-processes of even the very smartest men. I can't understand it.
Love to you and Margaret and Tim and Jack.
Found you via Momastery. And I am blown away. Blown. Away. Love your perspective. Every last word.
I love you too. And I love Jack. Thinking of both of you today.
@Florida Mom, I think it does get better, it just never goes away. LOVE YOU.
Florida Mom, You write in such a loving way about Julie. I can't even begin to understand your pain, and no words are enough, but I'm so sorry. May God bless you and help you as a family to make it through the coming year, and especially to help you make it through her birthday next month that combines with the four-month anniversary, and to make it through Easter, as well.
Anna- I came across your blog from Momastery and I felt the need to write something. My heart is broken from reading your story of your beloved son Jack. It hits close to home as my very best friend lost her 9yr old daughter, Lauren in a car accident, on Nov 17,2012. I cannot fathom the despair your family has had to endure. However, in reading your blog it gives hope to the light at the end of the tunnel, I am sending her your link to perhaps help in some small way to ease some of the nightmare her and her family are enduring. Thanks for the words of wisdom and hope for everyone. You are an amazing woman, who has a gift from God in your writing. I wish peace and comfort for your family.
~Namaste-
Alyssa
Happy Birthday dear Jack!
Thank you for helping us spread the love and kindness amidst a tragedy. Please give your mama loving reminders of your greatness as much as possible. Thank you Anna, for being such a vessel for God.
Ury
Oh! The birthdays are so hard! Just seeing this today, but know you're in my prayers
you and your family is in my thoughts every day. xo
Anna,
Belated birthday remembrances for Jack. He was a beautiful boy, with wonderful parents and a sweet little sister. On their special days, we especially feel the pain of them not being with us on earth. We commemorated our grandson Barrett's short life last Friday. I hope that tears are healing because we certainly shed a lot of them over the weekend. The words you write so perfectly convey the emotions we are going through -- thank you, thank you. I am sending you virtual hugs!!!!
I have read many, many of your posts now...tears streaming down my face through many of them. You are such a terrific writer though I'm so very very sorry your loss is something you've had to write about at all. Many blessings and love to you. Your faith is my faith and I thank you for sharing it. Happy Spring to you and your family.
Happy Birthday Jack. You are missed, never forgotten. The days when you celebrate with you earthly family are in the future, but the impact of your life here on earth touches many.
Happy Birthday to your boy, Jack, and to your family.
I have been thinking of you & Jack this week and praying for your family. Our family has Luke 1:37 bookmarked in our scriptures, and we refer to it regularly. Thank you for sharing Jack's life with all of your readers.
My brother & sister-in-law's twin girls were stillborn this past weekend. It's made me think even more of you and others I know who have lost children.
I'm a new reader courtesy of Momastery, too. I love how that all works...
Thanks for sharing your journey in such a beautiful way.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family on this special day.
@Rachel, I don't know if you're still reading, but I'm so sorry for your brother and sister-in-law's loss, and for your loss.
Erika, who writes the 1-Urth Mama blog, lost her twin daughters shortly after birth. I'm not a regular reader, but I came across her from another blog that was recommended as uplifting (which Erika is, too), and she writes very movingly about her experience, which was several years ago. Grief is so personal; I have no idea if you or your family would find this helpful. I think Erika is a Christian, if that makes any difference. Again, I am very sorry.
Thank you so much for your supportive comments about my mishap with "Elle's Edition." And thank you so much for taking time to read about her and our family. It makes me feel loved. I imagine you reading about our experience through your eyes and your experience with Jack, and I feel understood—there's nothing quite so valuable to me at a time like this. And I echo your sentiments—I hope you don't suffer regrets. We get kudos for the most surprising thing of all—we are surviving.
Sending love and prayers your way.
Happy Birthday, dear Jack. Are you partying up in heaven?
Big Hugs Anna, to you and your family. Hope it's been a week of wonderful walks down memory lane with Jack at the center.
xo
I'm late to this, but I just want you to know I'm thinking about you. So, so much love to you....
Happy birthday, Jack!
Anna, your writing blows me away every time I read it - here and on Momastery. Thanks for sharing all of the beauty in this world, even amidst terrible loss. Hugs.
I am late to your latest posts and just have to wish Jack a Happy happy Birthday. I am thinking of you and your family Anna. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
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