tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post4577171686041178393..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: It's Gonna Be A Good Life?Anna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-50916251300566266922011-12-07T20:23:18.074-08:002011-12-07T20:23:18.074-08:00And this one had me crying too. It's not fair....And this one had me crying too. It's not fair. It doesn't make sense. It never will. It's gonna be a good life was supposed to include Jack. I know that; I get it. And I'm not gonna waste time telling you that you have to create a new normal, blah, blah, blah. Right now it just sucks. And it's okay to sit in that as long as you need to. I'm proud of you and I love you.<br />Annie P.prenni5https://www.blogger.com/profile/18346493728216305697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-90174784336548540902011-12-03T14:56:40.553-08:002011-12-03T14:56:40.553-08:00Anna...
I don't know what to say. I wish I ...Anna... <br /><br />I don't know what to say. I wish I had something to say. But I come here and I read your words and I pray with you. I pray with you every chance I can... not because you are "living my nightmare" as you once said, but because you are strong and you are beautiful and you deserve every reminder that God loves you now and always. I wish I could just wrap you in my arms and cry with you until we both end up sick to our stomachs... because sometimes you need that kind of cry.<br /><br />Thinking of you always, even though I have never met you.Law Mommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04109050393503675101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-83397912259061340412011-12-01T12:32:40.101-08:002011-12-01T12:32:40.101-08:00I'm so glad you have supportive friends - peop...I'm so glad you have supportive friends - people who know you and 'get' it. It's important to have that and I'm glad you do. <br />I think of you often, Anna. You're right, it is a choice. Every freaking day. And it's hard. I can't imagine how hard. My heart goes out to you.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01897963154223770756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-62433916776586794132011-12-01T04:32:30.236-08:002011-12-01T04:32:30.236-08:00Love and hugs from Australia.
I am reading and I ...Love and hugs from Australia.<br /><br />I am reading and I am enjoying your Jack. What a boy. And what a Mum.<br /><br />I won't forget Jack. I look at my brown eyed 11 year old son, and think of your brown eyed boy.<br /><br />I look at my brown eyed 9 year old daughter, and think of your brown eyed girl.<br /><br />xoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-6080088358969537082011-11-30T07:38:16.982-08:002011-11-30T07:38:16.982-08:00I really enjoyed all the linked mom posts in here!...I really enjoyed all the linked mom posts in here!Meredith Selfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-76170016969282465892011-11-29T20:23:51.800-08:002011-11-29T20:23:51.800-08:00This may be inappropriate to say (I'm not alwa...This may be inappropriate to say (I'm not always the best at saying things the right way, even when I mean well), but as horrible as it is to have lost both of them way too early, a small piece of me feels as though Jack and your mom are getting to know each other on the other side.<br /><br />Forgive me if that sounds wrong--but know that I pray for continued strength for you, Tim, and Margaret.Marissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-39383354938772562202011-11-29T19:08:03.000-08:002011-11-29T19:08:03.000-08:00anna, this post is brutal, yet so beautiful. the ...anna, this post is brutal, yet so beautiful. the rawness of the love you have for jack, your mom, your friends, marg and tim is so real, powerful, palpable and true. I'm so sorry for the indescribable agony, hurt and suckiness of this all. xoLounoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-2676177193221926512011-11-29T11:13:41.290-08:002011-11-29T11:13:41.290-08:00Forget me not
My little one
You have left us too...Forget me not <br />My little one <br />You have left us too soon <br />Though my body can no longer hold you <br />I hold you forever in my heart <br />As precious and beautiful as this flower caught in time <br />A mother's love does not forget.<br />~UnknownAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-92161495437394562022011-11-29T10:02:53.700-08:002011-11-29T10:02:53.700-08:00My apologies. I meant in the aftermath of tropica...My apologies. I meant in the aftermath of tropical storm Lee.Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-46787030971184179742011-11-29T09:54:12.545-08:002011-11-29T09:54:12.545-08:00Anna, on the day I logged on your blog and found t...Anna, on the day I logged on your blog and found the picture of Jack with the title OUR BELOVED SON, I knew something horrible had happened, but could not imagine what. I was desperate to know what could have possibly happened to your precious son in the short time since you'd posted pictures of his 1st day of the new school year. I was searching all over for reports of an accident involving "Jake" for I had no idea that wasn't his real name. I did know that your last name was Donaldson because you'd once e-mailed me in response to a comment I left. <br /><br />I finally was able to piece things together from comments left and from other bloggers who alluded to the flooding. <br /><br />In my search I did find a story that mentioned an 8 yr. old boy who was also tragically lost in the flooding following Irene, I believe in PA. I've wondered if you've made any attempt to contact the family who shares so intimately the realities of that awful night with you, Tim and Margaret.Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-77293014173036431992011-11-29T09:48:25.787-08:002011-11-29T09:48:25.787-08:00I realize that my story is not your story..so diff...I realize that my story is not your story..so different really, and yet I find comfort in your words...<br /><br />My father died suddenly of lung cancer when I was 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby. And I felt like my world shattered. I am now pregnant with my third baby, and my love-of-my-life-since-I-was-sixteen husband is battling Leukemia with only a 30% chance of surviving. <br /><br />I have great friends, but yes, such a rift...too much loss...too much pain...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-21924750762903738422011-11-28T21:40:02.417-08:002011-11-28T21:40:02.417-08:00Oh, Anna. I thought about you all day long... it ...Oh, Anna. I thought about you all day long... it was raining here. And again I wanted to believe that none of this was real.<br /><br />Reading this entry reminds me of a gift I gave to Olivia recently... after her first hospitalization.<br />It was a bracelet that said "Love life. Be brave." But I included a note because I really wished it said "Be brave. Love Life."<br />Some days even little trials are overwhelming. Some days it takes extreme bravery just to live life, let alone <i>love</i> life.<br /><br />Praying that you can find the courage to choose joy again.<br />much loveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-72005424083924237762011-11-28T21:07:37.776-08:002011-11-28T21:07:37.776-08:00Heaven for me would involve a lot of travel. Mayb...Heaven for me would involve a lot of travel. Maybe I could be one of those angels who is given missions back on Earth. I think I'd be good at it; maybe I'd get to light down and whisper something in an ear that really needs a steadying message, an urging to hang on, maybe just a tap on the shoulder that turns them around to see the crescent moon or rainbow. Maybe Jack's doing that today. And maybe he'll be my boss someday. He's already taught me more than most bosses I've had.K A B L O O E Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995547356428809262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7612881214318159242011-11-28T19:49:09.138-08:002011-11-28T19:49:09.138-08:00I noticed that you listed the book "A prayer ...I noticed that you listed the book "A prayer for Owen Meany" as a favorite. I can't remember if the quote from the movie Simon Birch is the same as in the book but this just came to mind as I was thinking about you while reading your post:<br /><br />"When someone you love dies, you don't lose them all at once. You lose them in pieces over time, like how the mail stops coming..."<br /><br />Such a hard loss, but I know there will be new chapters of your life that are just waiting to be written. And knowing you (which I wish I did IRL) they are bound to be good. Real good. <br /><br />In Him.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841755369028100734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-19751700089456528502011-11-28T19:37:16.552-08:002011-11-28T19:37:16.552-08:00I have so much faith in you. Your honesty and cont...I have so much faith in you. Your honesty and contemplation here on your blog and in your life with your friends will help you find your way back to a good life. <br /><br />Different good, but good. I don't know about "Good Good" but that lyric probably just sounded best with their song anyway :)<br /><br />I hold that hope for you because I've seen other bereaved parents go through this process and there are always others further down the road saying you will make it. You will.<br /><br />Keep choosing joy. Keep acknowledging pain. Both are true and not mutually exclusive.<br /><br />xoxoAnn Imighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01383249597505013239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-50308320009466305862011-11-28T19:21:37.252-08:002011-11-28T19:21:37.252-08:00Love, prayers, tears, hugs, repeat.Love, prayers, tears, hugs, repeat.DawnGeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08225930487969097822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-56397839937577630052011-11-28T18:51:42.245-08:002011-11-28T18:51:42.245-08:00For every bad day(s), you will eventually have one...For every bad day(s), you will eventually have one ok or good day. Jack would want you to continue to put one foot in front of the other like you did when you're mother died. Not only because you have to for Margaret, but because you still have so much life to experience. I know it's hard to imagine, just like after your mother died, but you will feel happiness again. When you think of Jack, silly things he did or said, or when others speak of him, you will smile and feel happiness. <br /><br />Loosing my mother when I was younger was very difficult. Mostly when I got older, as I experienced many of my firsts, and she wasn't there with me. I still found happiness in those moments and knew that she was "smiling down on me" and was so proud. <br /><br />I can't imagine loosing one of my children. It's a pain I hope that I NEVER have to feel. You are an amazing mother, feel no guilt for bad days, tears and sadness. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I am praying for you all during this holiday season...the good, bad and ugly. I love you, friend.Jennnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-1719946431990182862011-11-28T18:47:48.110-08:002011-11-28T18:47:48.110-08:00That song gets me everytime.
2 years ago we lost ...That song gets me everytime.<br /><br />2 years ago we lost my sister and her husband in a car accident. Two of my nieces live with us (husband and 3 boys).<br /><br />Sometimes Good Life comes on and I feel better and it helps me get through the day. Other times it jsut makes me wonder how we're all moving forward after such an awful loss.<br /><br />Each of the "firsts" without them has been really hard. The second time around is marginally better.<br /><br />I am so sorry for your loss. Jack sounds like he was a great kid.<br /><br />Reading your posts have made me feel a little less alone. Thanks for sharing.Peghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02162890081910497200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7057707662840951062011-11-28T18:04:50.172-08:002011-11-28T18:04:50.172-08:00Indeed, "How much, oh God, how much?" Th...Indeed, "How much, oh God, how much?" The loss of a son.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-63570811060494437192011-11-28T18:03:59.792-08:002011-11-28T18:03:59.792-08:00I'm sitting here with tears flowing down my fa...I'm sitting here with tears flowing down my face. Words cannot express my thoughts right now. :( {{{{Sending you big cyber hugs}}}}Aimeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10221203779708800168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-71898470956778005992011-11-28T17:39:00.697-08:002011-11-28T17:39:00.697-08:00sending lots of love and good thoughts your way to...sending lots of love and good thoughts your way today. it IS gonna be a good life. a good, good life.Jessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-3035889190861299382011-11-28T17:25:38.170-08:002011-11-28T17:25:38.170-08:00Praying and crying.
I have the paraphrase of a qu...Praying and crying.<br /><br />I have the paraphrase of a quote in the back of my Bible.<br /> <br />"mb, not a day goes by that I don't remember that Paul and the boys never met your dad. Jesus"<br /><br />The girl who shared it had lost her husband at 23. I know that these losses pale in comparison to yours. That said, it has given me much comfort through the years.<br /><br />He knows our sorrows.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your heart!MaryBethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04990855727723896399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-79016321266416343842011-11-28T16:56:07.107-08:002011-11-28T16:56:07.107-08:00like the last commenter said- he had a good life. ...like the last commenter said- he had a good life. he was blessed and loved, and part of the perfect family for him. his absence leaves you with a hole, but he did indeed have a good life, so don't forget that. life isn't measured by the places we go and the things we see, but rather hoe much we gave of ourselves and loved.... and even in just 12 years, jack did more of that than many adults ever accomplish.Cassie Bustamantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07848936864799611251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-13197003377794465182011-11-28T16:51:33.959-08:002011-11-28T16:51:33.959-08:00Oh honey, he DID have a good life...just shorter t...Oh honey, he DID have a good life...just shorter than we all would have wished for. And you will CONTINUE to have a good life, with awesome memories to guide you...and yes, a heavy heart too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-69881526716394204022011-11-28T16:36:26.789-08:002011-11-28T16:36:26.789-08:00I am coming over here from Kristina P's blog.
...I am coming over here from Kristina P's blog.<br />I am crying right along with you.<br />Just a year ago Nov. 11, my son died...he was 35, with 3 small children.(he was my second born of 5 children)<br />Yes, I know the feeling of feeling like a cannon ball ripped through your life.<br />I am still in pain.<br />You are in pain.<br />and I guess....the challenge comes in trying to remember "it,s gonna be a good life".<br />sometimes, just doesn't feel like it.<br />Please know I am so sorry , but words seems so "empty" sometimes I think.<br />Just know, that many many miles away, is another mother who knows that shattered heart.wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13619293936418976914noreply@blogger.com