tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post392078583411592803..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Three Years TodayAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-81104097161269463252014-09-28T12:38:13.766-07:002014-09-28T12:38:13.766-07:00August 13, 2006. That is my date. On that day, I l...August 13, 2006. That is my date. On that day, I lost my 13 year old son, Nate.<br />My aunt recently read your book and told me to do the same. I haven't bought it- yet, but I did want to "meet" your son and honor his memory before I do. Our biggest fear is that our child will be forgotten. Although I never met Jack, I will never forget him. <br />And, ironically, my younger son's name is Nicholas Jack, but we call him Jack. It's a strong name.<br />God Bless.Denise Pannell (mrspicasso)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14737074374387447462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-50650535321684969512014-09-25T11:32:25.494-07:002014-09-25T11:32:25.494-07:00I have only a few pages of Rare Bird left and it h...I have only a few pages of Rare Bird left and it has been a good read. Thank you for being willing to share so much of your life with people. <br /><br />This Sunday marks 16 years since my brother's death from brain cancer. I miss him every day.ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10107387078104994223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-65197879151519140132014-09-20T03:23:12.367-07:002014-09-20T03:23:12.367-07:00I'm new to your blog, having just this minute ...I'm new to your blog, having just this minute finished Rare Bird. I remember seeing the story of Jack's death in my feeder (has it been 3 years already?!) and remember clearly not wanting to read the details....There But for The Grace of God go all of us who let our children (play in the rain, cross the street, ride a bike, leave the house...) -- I was compelled to buy your book after an endorsement from Stacey at Any Mommy Out There. I lost a brother to illness at 13. Your interpretation of all of the relationships in the family and how they change is so spot on. I never realized how my Brother's death impacted my relationship with my Mother until I became a Mother and realized what his death did to her, and how strong she had to be to just take another breath. Your Jack, he is a beautiful soul. You can see it in those eyes. Thank you for sharing your story, and continuing to share your story, so beautifully.Nadinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-87698074608799368462014-09-19T15:24:21.884-07:002014-09-19T15:24:21.884-07:00Anna,
On July 15, 2013 my oldest son Alex drowne...Anna, <br /><br />On July 15, 2013 my oldest son Alex drowned in the beautiful St. Croix River. We live on the river and have great respect for it's majesty. He died of cold water shock and my daughter,nephew and niece along with many friends were with him. His body was held gently over night by the river until it could be found the next day by the divers. The longest night of my life. <br />In my grief process I have found myself often without words to describe what I am feeling. In reading Rare Bird you have given voice to so much of what I am experiencing. The parallels are numerous. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing and your grief with us. You are not alone. <br /><br />Peace and love - Carol Vitalis, Franconia, MNAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07481763583860645274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-68215274510641694642014-09-17T15:55:32.970-07:002014-09-17T15:55:32.970-07:00It's been an honor to be witness to you on thi...It's been an honor to be witness to you on this journey. Thinking of your family today.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05281923007236083997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-17468391188935197662014-09-15T19:43:00.435-07:002014-09-15T19:43:00.435-07:00Reading Rare Bird right now. So moved. Thank you f...Reading Rare Bird right now. So moved. Thank you for being honest. Do you accept prayers from North Carolina? :) Sure hope so, since some went up for your family today. What a handsome boy, your Jack. ❤️Lisa Whittlehttp://www.lisawhittle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-70105583052332713072014-09-15T09:10:29.318-07:002014-09-15T09:10:29.318-07:00I finished your book last night. I've followe...I finished your book last night. I've followed your blog but the book put your story into a greater context. I'm grateful for it. Although I didn't lose my daughter, she was diagnosed with cancer as a baby. I know the grief of leaving behind the life you thought you would have for the one that is suddenly in front of you. It's hard. When you share your heartache, it resonates with me and the burden is somehow lighter. And not least of all, the hope of your faith shines through. Thank you so much. <br />Love.annienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-70168239115742087042014-09-15T08:59:52.074-07:002014-09-15T08:59:52.074-07:00I read "rare bird" in a little less than...I read "rare bird" in a little less than 2 days and today it is on its way to a friend who lost her 18yr old daughter on July 11th to an asthma attack. My mother died Feb 3rd or 4th (they never figured it out) of this year and I am overwhelmed with grief. 3 months after her death, my spouse took my step-son (who I've known his entire life and have parented since he was 6) and left my daughter and I to our grief. I've seen him once since May and while he is alive and well, I miss him very much. My daughter has never not known him as her brother and becoming an only child has been very hard on her, especially so close after losing her beloved grandmother. Needless to say, your book resonated with me in so many ways...Losing a child is every mother's worst fear and I've witnessed it happen to a friend three times now, all senseless, stupid accidents that make no sense. Thank you for sharing your truth, grief and MOST OF ALL, your JACK with me. Thank you for making me feel a lot less crazy and for giving me a tool to help my friend who is reeling just 2 months after the loss of her youngest child, her only daughter. Jack was clearly an incredible being and your love for him is so strong that I know it will help others heal. Rebeccanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7547440890579544462014-09-15T08:18:37.846-07:002014-09-15T08:18:37.846-07:00I forgot to say something about this: "I know...I forgot to say something about this: "I know acting as though everything is fine won’t help one bit either , because it’s not the truth, so I give her metered glimpses of my grief, while still trying to appear as stable as possible." <br /><br />The wisdom, the sensitivity, the compassion of this is PROFOUND. It may seem merely responsible and normal to you, but take it from me, it is an extraordinary display of love and parenting. It is instructive for me and it is amazing that you were able to be this in the midst of a challenge more difficult than any other on this earth. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-18568217354267391102014-09-14T08:07:00.662-07:002014-09-14T08:07:00.662-07:00Anna, I am reading your book, and just got to the ...Anna, I am reading your book, and just got to the part where you say, "yes, it gets easier, but first it gets harder". My 27 year old daughter introduced me to your blog after my 21 year old daughter died by suicide. That was 20 months ago. So for me yes, it is continuing to get harder, and I'm looking forward to the day when it's a little easier. People that know tell me the first two years are the hardest. I will know on Dec. 16 if that's true or not. I ordered your book the day it became available, and little did I know that my daughter ordered it for me also. So now I have a copy to give to the next mother I meet that needs it. And I have met a lot of grieving moms over the last 20 months. I've read almost half your book in one sitting. THANK YOU! I am imagining the pain you went through as you wrote, because I know how painful it is for me to write about my experience, but also how necessary it is. I am so happy with your title and subtitle. I'm one of those readers that "voted" for that title. Our Julie was a bit like your Jack I think, a rare bird. She saw the world through a unique lens. We called her "Julie Bird" and we have collected hundred of "her" feathers, since she left us. Each time I read your blog, I pray for you and Tim and Margaret. I especially pray for Margaret, because I know how tough life can be for adolescent girls, even ones that don't carry the burden she carries. Peace and Hope are my wishes for you, and for me and my family.Florida Momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-92160318560499679952014-09-13T23:14:43.149-07:002014-09-13T23:14:43.149-07:00I just finished listening to the podcast with Glen...I just finished listening to the podcast with Glennon, and I'm still teary. I remember when you lost Jack. And it has stuck with me because of his love for legos, something my now 12yo son has adored forever. I hurt for you then and I hurt for you now. I will be getting a copy of Rare Bird asap. I've had loss in my life....not that of a child, although my disabilities ended our hopes for a larger family. Thank you for writing this gift. I'm so sorry that Jack isn't with you. My heart and prayers are with you. XoThe Rainbow Zebrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10556423049067122472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-88392765898007060752014-09-13T12:19:04.999-07:002014-09-13T12:19:04.999-07:00I just finished! Your book is beautiful! Thank you...I just finished! Your book is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your everything! As I read today, my oldest, who just happens to be a Lego-loving, faith-filled little boy, decided to open the sliding glass doors so he could hear the birds tweet. Out of the blue, he just starting tweeting back. I, honestly, looked up from your book, thinking this is so strange, and when he caught my gaze he just said, "What? They are talking to me!" Your Sweet little Jack is talking to all of us! Thank you Jack's Mom! We are listening!!!Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11147402659187708660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54398267862612808152014-09-13T08:11:48.939-07:002014-09-13T08:11:48.939-07:00Jack always reminds me to appreciate the people I ...Jack always reminds me to appreciate the people I love a little bit more every day. He reminds me to be a little more patient, a little more kind, a little more generous, a little more sensitive and tuned in to what others' are going through. I just wish that you did not have to pay the price for that. Thinking and praying for you and your family.Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09547046112210413940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7084262636713209422014-09-13T05:36:14.630-07:002014-09-13T05:36:14.630-07:00You have such a gift with words. Thank you for ex...You have such a gift with words. Thank you for expressing the unspoken thoughts that so many have. My copy of Rare Bird arrived in the mail this week. I look forward to learning more about Jack.Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10321917543890113364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-21896533314900993662014-09-12T19:28:22.392-07:002014-09-12T19:28:22.392-07:00I am so sorry. I lost a friend this year this dat...I am so sorry. I lost a friend this year this date; a great friend and mentor. may they be rejoicing in Heaven together. Praying now.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00365421565603011159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-57211913666311910562014-09-12T15:38:28.714-07:002014-09-12T15:38:28.714-07:00Still reading. Still grateful for your words. Ju...Still reading. Still grateful for your words. Just finished Rare Bird in less than 24 hours. It was wonderful, beautiful. Thank you for writing it.Gerinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-25793203261144297412014-09-12T15:32:47.530-07:002014-09-12T15:32:47.530-07:00My first daughter was stillborn in December 2010, ...My first daughter was stillborn in December 2010, and I relate so much to what you wrote about missing Jack and missing who he would be today, three years later. All those ages and stages... I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of Jack.Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05946311309467296976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-33493240762096778042014-09-12T15:05:43.492-07:002014-09-12T15:05:43.492-07:00I just started reading your book yesterday and aft...I just started reading your book yesterday and after getting half way through I had to check out your blog to learn more. I lost my sister in a car accident 10 years ago. I was 17 she was 18. Reading your book definitely brings many horrible memories forward but although I have been doing a lot of crying I also am strangely loving remembering the horrible times following her death. I am hoping to get my mom to read your book as I am sure she will be amazed at the likeness of your experiences. Thank you for sharing your horrible, wonderful story. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. Anniversary's are hard and as a family we always try to do something special on that day but it always feels terribly awkward for me. I hope you found something that fits for your family to remember him. <br />Amy Woudanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-81324257079501780892014-09-12T08:53:57.829-07:002014-09-12T08:53:57.829-07:00I had never read your blog or heard Jack's sto...I had never read your blog or heard Jack's story, but a couple of days ago a "random" link popped up on my Facebook newsfeed with a link to your book Rare Bird. I am a therapist. I work with women, couples, and families. And I get anxious when grief comes through my door. So I swallowed any desire I had to stay in a happy little bubble where the unthinkable doesn't happen, and I made myself download your book with the hopes that it would make me a better therapist. <br /><br />I have read the entire thing in two days, and wept so steadily in my bed for your Jack that my husband stopped playing candy crush on his iPad to hold me while I read your words. <br /><br />Thank you, Anna, for sharing Jack with me and the world. I will most assuredly be a better therapist, better equipped to be a cushion for someone's pain instead of an elixir. What I wasn't expecting, and what I'm so thankful for, is that after reading your beautiful, loving words, I'm a better mother, wife, friend…human. <br /><br />I'm just better. <br /><br />Thank you for your willingness to share your heart so honestly. Three years later, Jack is making people better. Perhaps he will never ever stop. <br /><br />Much love to you from Tennessee. Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04288135103187231342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-65754500602885017042014-09-12T06:06:55.783-07:002014-09-12T06:06:55.783-07:00I read your story for the first time on Monday thr...I read your story for the first time on Monday through a link on my childhood friends' blog, Momopolize. I'm in awe of your writing, even when the message was beyond heartbreaking. As a mom of a beautiful son and daughter myself I I totally connected and can't imagine how I would deal with that kind of crushing grief but I hope I would be able to mirror your strength some how, some way. Know that I have thought of you and your family all week and even found myself looking for signs of your Jack everywhere I go. Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you much success on your book. You deserve it.gomom247https://www.blogger.com/profile/01520289284548457654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-74440293287096391582014-09-11T22:57:25.985-07:002014-09-11T22:57:25.985-07:00Dear Jack's Mom,
I have been a follower of you...Dear Jack's Mom,<br />I have been a follower of your blog and story for quite a while now... I just finished reading rare bird...front to back and everything in between. I cried with you, and my heart felt every detail so much that the pain was immeasurable. The one thing that radiated so clearly through the entire book was your love for Jack. Thank you for sharing your story with us...prayers and love for you and your family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-55572043664044497442014-09-11T21:15:54.678-07:002014-09-11T21:15:54.678-07:00Anna,
I've been reading your blog for years no...Anna,<br />I've been reading your blog for years now and have never left a comment, but I finished reading Rare Bird tonight and I wanted to say thank you. Writing the book and trusting readers with your family's story must have taken so much courage--thank you for writing it anyway. Tonight when my three-year-old son Charlie pulled out some Legos to play with, I told him I was reading a book about a boy named Jack who also loved Legos. Somehow, somewhere, I hope Jack saw Charlie's smile. Sending love from Minnesota.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13744519062566976321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-91265820180752211912014-09-11T06:59:35.308-07:002014-09-11T06:59:35.308-07:00Thinking of you and your family, holding you in my...Thinking of you and your family, holding you in my heart. All my love...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16993610522830649033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-24458961197273118532014-09-11T06:31:04.759-07:002014-09-11T06:31:04.759-07:00I just finished Rare Bird a few moments ago. I'...I just finished Rare Bird a few moments ago. I've been reading your blog since Momastery linked to yours after Jack passed away. Your book was heartwrenching and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your family with your readers. Your family is in my prayers.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04953886556040785063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-72759450717032405032014-09-10T22:16:25.495-07:002014-09-10T22:16:25.495-07:00Thinking of you a lot this past week or two as I a...Thinking of you a lot this past week or two as I always do near back to school time. My thoughts have been with you at this time and I pray for strength for you during the book tour.<br /><br /> But don't forget you don't always have to be strong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com