tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post1755901654190168833..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Some Christmas Thoughts, With Gobs of Photos from Last ChristmasAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-43150689767771014792012-09-29T20:11:11.209-07:002012-09-29T20:11:11.209-07:00Anna, I am sitting here weeping for you, and your ...Anna, I am sitting here weeping for you, and your family. I am so, so sorry that you lost your beautiful boy. I am praying for you. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-66171615455639968442012-01-10T15:07:06.093-08:002012-01-10T15:07:06.093-08:00That last line got me.
I would do the same.exact.t...That last line got me.<br />I would do the same.exact.thing. I know I would.<br />Thinking of you and have been throughout the holidays.<br />xoSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18389068555743575226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-1794040412186859672012-01-09T16:40:22.545-08:002012-01-09T16:40:22.545-08:00Catching up with you after moving over Christmas. ...Catching up with you after moving over Christmas. I thought of you and your family so much over the holidays and prayed for you often. So relieved to hear that there was laughter and joy in your home over the holidays. I really do savor the times my kids let me snuggle and run my hands through their hair and peer into their eyes for a few moments - and even more so since learning of the loss of your sweet guy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01728920369928437728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-6919526666374145862012-01-05T21:15:12.766-08:002012-01-05T21:15:12.766-08:00Dear Anna,
The very first time I came across your...Dear Anna,<br /><br />The very first time I came across your blog was the day you posted a picture of your beautiful Jack. There was just the picture, and I thought it was an odd post. Yet something kept bringing me back, and a few days later I realized what had happened. <br /><br />Your blog brings me to tears every time... I am so scared at the randomness of the accident of the world in general. It is difficult to explain, but I hold my children tighter and closer. I look at Jack's pictures for so long, he is so beautiful, with such a light about him! I love reading about and crying over God's grace in helping your realize that your Jack is alright.<br /><br />You and your Jack have made me a better mother, a better person....<br /><br />Love,<br />-Bonnie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-79599219427061943702012-01-05T14:31:30.506-08:002012-01-05T14:31:30.506-08:00For the tenth time, when I feel undeserving to com...For the tenth time, when I feel undeserving to comment....HUGS.<br />KimKim @ A Brush of Whimsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14596532131719564146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-70932933702744080912012-01-04T18:50:29.659-08:002012-01-04T18:50:29.659-08:00Thank you, Anna. Thank you for letting us know th...Thank you, Anna. Thank you for letting us know that you guys are okay - I think about you all every day and was worried when you hadn't posted. I don't know you personally, but I just have to thank you for sharing your heart with us. Your strength and courage amaze me. I'm pretty sure if I were in your shoes I'd be in my bed and would never be able to leave it.<br /><br />There is so much I want to do for you - to take your pain away. I wish there was something I could do. If I were to bump into you - would it be alright to express my sympathy to you? I don't know if our paths would ever cross, but I live in northen VA and know I would want to do the right thing for you...and that is why I'm asking. Would you prefer one of your blog readers to approach or not? Not trying to ask a weird question - I just want to do the right thing to honor you and your family. <br /><br />I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family every day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-4608016007307787902012-01-04T18:18:58.906-08:002012-01-04T18:18:58.906-08:00Beautiful post. Beautiful Anna. Beautiful Family. ...Beautiful post. Beautiful Anna. Beautiful Family. Beautiful Son. Beautiful Daughter. Beautiful images. <br /><br />Thank you, Dear Anna.DawnGeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08225930487969097822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54199977598015546942012-01-04T17:46:28.263-08:002012-01-04T17:46:28.263-08:00In tears on your behalf once again. This is such ...In tears on your behalf once again. This is such a lovely post, and it warmed my heart to read about that anonymous Christmas tree and the gifts and messages left there. So glad you made it through this rough holiday season. I know there are many more "milestones" ahead of you, but please know that your story, and your son, has touched so many lives and will continue to do so. Love and prayers.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17089820242701950669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-19394813683631243412012-01-04T14:30:35.553-08:002012-01-04T14:30:35.553-08:00*Clarification: I recall reading of him in the new...*Clarification: I recall reading of him in the newspaper, but at the time, there was no specific name.Jeane`https://www.blogger.com/profile/12388176689446967190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-71868395041134529092012-01-04T14:28:40.321-08:002012-01-04T14:28:40.321-08:00Your Jack could just as easily have been my Christ...Your Jack could just as easily have been my Christopher and it breaks my heart that you had such a handsome, sparkling light taken out of your home way, way, way too soon. I just found your blog today. If we live in the same area as I believe we do, I remember reading of your son, but he had no name in the newspaper article I read online. I remember my heart squeezing as I read his name among those the floods claimed, realizing fully it could have been us. I am glad now I know his name. I cannot wait to meet him someday. I cannot wait to meet you someday, when your pain has been redeemed for something beyond what we can perceive...or perhaps I shall have the gift of meeting you before that day. Either way, thank you for leaning into your unfathomable pain and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly that comes from doing so. You are a woman to be admired. Jack's mama is loving him immensely by doing so...no doubt he's still so proud to be your son.Jeane`https://www.blogger.com/profile/12388176689446967190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-39147872551955804602012-01-04T13:20:24.729-08:002012-01-04T13:20:24.729-08:00What a very very beautiful boyWhat a very very beautiful boyTrish Mathisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09440478161052229557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-41119582266852902842012-01-04T10:19:55.358-08:002012-01-04T10:19:55.358-08:00Hugs from a stranger!
luv2runHugs from a stranger!<br /><br />luv2runluv2runnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-36857329802546090172012-01-04T09:40:53.734-08:002012-01-04T09:40:53.734-08:00Anna I thought of you and your family and prayed f...Anna I thought of you and your family and prayed for you all.I am so glad to see you post.My heart continues to ache for you and your family.And we continue to pray for you all.I pray that the coming year will be a healing one for you all.May God continue to shine his light on you and your family.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09188350801843939928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-37683503168705184612012-01-04T06:43:14.125-08:002012-01-04T06:43:14.125-08:00What A Sister (Anonymous at January 3, 2012 5:57 A...What A Sister (Anonymous at January 3, 2012 5:57 AM) said. EXACTLY what she said.<br /><br />Thinking of you and Jack and sending you love and thoughts and prayers all the time.<br /><br />bonzobonzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14122060893685294395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-34223923704852816622012-01-04T04:34:30.657-08:002012-01-04T04:34:30.657-08:00Your posts are breathtaking and it is so kind of y...Your posts are breathtaking and it is so kind of you to share. We were thinking and talking about you all through the holidays and your family is in our daily thoughts and prayers. So happy (but not at all surprised) to read there are others following from the UK. You are reaching so many people and providing us all with much inspiration and faith.andnowwearesixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17846071967054841815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-23734368786062602152012-01-03T21:51:40.716-08:002012-01-03T21:51:40.716-08:00Anna we only know each others mutual friend. There...Anna we only know each others mutual friend. There appears to be Manu of them. I really wanted to approach you at Jenn's holiday swap. I didn't want to be a stalker. Have you read "blue light" or "The Year of Magical Thinking by Joann Diddiom" or The Death Of A Child: Reflections For Grieving Parents by Elaine Stillwell . Sure thousands people have recommede book bit I think Joann Diddiom is the most intelligent. You are always on our mind and I hope to one have a chance at<br />Our mutual friends party to spend some time with youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89847840233415201332012-01-03T18:01:17.337-08:002012-01-03T18:01:17.337-08:00Sending you love. This is big. This is huge--in bo...Sending you love. This is big. This is huge--in both love and loss.Ann Imighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01383249597505013239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-65533209381572075302012-01-03T17:22:05.825-08:002012-01-03T17:22:05.825-08:00Oh Anna, I am just a mess reading this. As soon as...Oh Anna, I am just a mess reading this. As soon as I saw that first photo and went on to read your words, your powerful, moving, don't-know-how-you're-doing-this words I cried. I am blown away by you and at the same time ache for you. I don't have anything to say that would be right or even adequate, but know that I think of you and my heart goes out to you. I know I've said that before and I mean it. I really mean it.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01897963154223770756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-27059636228032228162012-01-03T16:30:20.000-08:002012-01-03T16:30:20.000-08:00just another post from a stranger, I want to tell ...just another post from a stranger, I want to tell you again that you are in my thoughts and I am walking beside you.Bfileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17657766918735380467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-76895807280190608872012-01-03T14:26:11.768-08:002012-01-03T14:26:11.768-08:00I was worried about you. I was out of town and kep...I was worried about you. I was out of town and kept checking my phone, but the service was sketchy.<br />I could not bring myself to post on Facebook or even smile about New Year's Eve.<br />There is a part of me that wanted 2011 to just be over, over, OVER. But another part of me that wanted a little bit more time... in hopes that there might be a better ending. I can put a positive spin on a few things. <br />But even when I look hard for all of the good... the literal loss of Jack and the figurative loss of Olivia just overwhelm me. <br />I put her to bed at about 9pm and followed to my own bed shortly thereafter... happy to let one year fade out and the other fade in. I woke up praying for you.<br />Thank you for this beautiful post.... I know that you said "everything" is different. But when I read you blogs it comforts me to read between the lines... I can tell that the real Anna is still there.<br />Lots of love and prayers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-78961957278025070542012-01-03T14:13:20.212-08:002012-01-03T14:13:20.212-08:00My thoughts were not far from you and your family ...My thoughts were not far from you and your family this Christmas. So glad to hear you made it through with a little joy and fun. Thank you for sharing your journey with us through your gift of writing. You are an incredible woman.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03877642073192012458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-40669952051610663102012-01-03T13:14:19.440-08:002012-01-03T13:14:19.440-08:00My heart just still aches for you and I cry when I...My heart just still aches for you and I cry when I read your words. I'm so very sorry again and again and again for you and your family's loss. <br /><br />It sounds like you had as good of a holiday season as possible but please know that I continue to pray for all of you, including your beautiful son.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01044279582701415786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-70056931247533438082012-01-03T10:15:28.007-08:002012-01-03T10:15:28.007-08:00Anna, I had to work at the restaurant on New Years...Anna, I had to work at the restaurant on New Years Eve, and it didn't really bother me because since we don't have cable, we can't watch a ball drop anywhere, so I joke that New Years Eve's excitement is looking over to the right to see the stove's digital clock turn to 12. Still, I kind of hurried to get home just to be there with my family. I made it with two minutes to spare. <br /><br />The commute at that time of night is about 35 minutes. I spent most of that 35 minutes thinking of you, Tim and Margaret. I prayed for you all. Because I always, though I know it's just another day, I was hurting for you all leaving this year and having to face a number that Jack didn't get to. Even typing that is so hard, for me, an outsider. The entire commute I was so horrified by what you were going through in the next half hour. I was mad that it was this way, that you had to do this. I was so mad, that even though it's just one more day, and the numbers and years mean nothing, they DO mean something. I was hating 2012 and prayed even harder for you.<br /><br />I'm so thankful you have the family you do, for Tim and wonderful Margaret, and your amazing sister and your nieces and nephews. I'm so grateful that you have friends who will sit and talk and remember with you. I pray for tons of that in 2012, even though 2012 is just a stupid number.<br /><br />And as I've said, for the days that you can't get in touch with anyone in person, please write to us about him. We always want to "talk" about Jack. <br /><br />Praying for each of you, with such love.<br /><br />LeslieTheLabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15805494195436969713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-50099106698456661012012-01-03T09:57:38.368-08:002012-01-03T09:57:38.368-08:00Thought I would check your blog today at work, as ...Thought I would check your blog today at work, as I always do....and I sit here with tears rolling down my face....imagining how hard Christmas, New Years, the New Year ringing in was for you. Thought of you more than often...even my dad mentioned the other day that he was thinking of you and "Your little boy" as he called Jack. And as every night I tuck my one and only son in at night, I always give him an extra kiss for you - and Jack. Because this could happen to ANY OF US - that is the reality of this. And I so wish it wasn't your family and Jack. Just wishing and wishing and wishing, that all the prayers throughout the world can keep helping you make it through each day. I saw another rainbow on Sunday - and thought of Jack. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD - and thanks to sharing your stories with all of us, and thanks to Jack!! I think of this every day and have it posted on all mirrors in my home. God Bless and give you much strength.Theresa Onoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-82597899704490071002012-01-03T09:55:47.358-08:002012-01-03T09:55:47.358-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.andnowwearesixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17846071967054841815noreply@blogger.com