tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post4618225900586810589..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Card RoundupAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89574807526826442092011-12-16T07:31:34.592-08:002011-12-16T07:31:34.592-08:00Sending you and your family love.Sending you and your family love.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08810592451953250786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7015378707184409722011-12-15T20:20:19.826-08:002011-12-15T20:20:19.826-08:00Prayers. And love. What a beautiful family.Prayers. And love. What a beautiful family.Loukiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-41554392704337853922011-12-12T14:20:11.163-08:002011-12-12T14:20:11.163-08:00You guys are a beautiful family. And you always wi...You guys are a beautiful family. And you always will be.<br /><br />Wishing for as much grace and peace as possible for you during this season and every day.Ann Imighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01383249597505013239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-28531695121759113392011-12-11T20:21:26.791-08:002011-12-11T20:21:26.791-08:00I know every day is hard but this time of year, th...I know every day is hard but this time of year, the holidays, must have it's own extra challenge. Thinking of you all. xothe mama bird diarieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11873150534166153971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-35355961924671639482011-12-11T19:37:49.606-08:002011-12-11T19:37:49.606-08:00I am an avid follower of your posts, Anna. I don&...I am an avid follower of your posts, Anna. I don't always comment though (actually, I think I've only commented once) -- mostly because I feel like what I have to say is not necessarily noteworthy for you, e.g.: we think about you constantly; not a day goes by that I don't say a prayer for you and your family; I don't know how you are doing it through this holiday season; I can't believe what has happened; WHY?; thank you for continuing to write, communicate and share . . . <br /><br />I am a "distant" friend from JMU and just this morning I was reading your blog with my 3 year old girls (twins) looking over my shoulder. They kept asking "who's that" and "who's that", etc. I continued to tell them, "That's Jack, that's Margaret, that's Tim, and that's Anna." They could tell I was in deep thought/emotion and said, "Mommy, I like them. They look like very good people." <br /><br />I just wanted to share this with you since you said you welcome any and all emails. You will forever be in my daily thoughts, Anna. Please don't ever worry about Jack being forgotten; it is simply not possible.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-45727175732746328132011-12-11T17:33:46.467-08:002011-12-11T17:33:46.467-08:00So many tears and prayers. This must have been br...So many tears and prayers. This must have been brutal but with moments of joy at the same time (as I imagine is your every day). You're family is beautiful. It was amazing how much Jack changed from 2009 to 2010. His baby face starting to change. <br />At mass today the priest said that we focus on Joy during the third Sunday of Advent. I pray for you, Tim and Margaret to experience breakthrough moments of joy (and peace) this Christmas season. lovelovelovePaulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11813028334232600926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-48343940822528970292011-12-09T10:04:48.527-08:002011-12-09T10:04:48.527-08:00Prayers continue for you and your family.What beau...Prayers continue for you and your family.What beautiful memories you have from those photos.BTW you and your husband seem to never change.You both look the same as when Jack was a baby.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09188350801843939928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-41378864822136314272011-12-09T08:35:50.230-08:002011-12-09T08:35:50.230-08:00Praying for a bit of peace for you, Anna. Wish you...Praying for a bit of peace for you, Anna. Wish you could go away somewhere tropical and different and memory free.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-41046634003702162622011-12-09T05:03:48.001-08:002011-12-09T05:03:48.001-08:00Anna,
I've become a stalker...I come every ...Anna,<br /> I've become a stalker...I come every day to check on you and make sure you are "ok". I came here through Momestary when Jack left this earth for our Lord's arms. I wish I could absorb some of the hurt you are all feeling...enough for you to be able to breath. But, since this is not possible~I pray for you each time I stumble here. I am praying that your darling daughter will continue to feel Joy this Christmas season even amongst the sadness of loss. I pray you and your Husband find comfort in each others arms and continue to raise your daughter with love and light. Jack has shown you so many tender signs of his life after death embrace them and know you are loved~Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-25562489780293340012011-12-09T00:09:32.403-08:002011-12-09T00:09:32.403-08:00What a Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Family....Tha...What a Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Family....Thank You for sharing something so precious..I am glad you have these to remember....remember the love and happiness you all share....I too love all of them...gotta love an awesome snuggie photo:) I read this today...and wanted to share as I think it was written for you...it is a daily devotional at Proverbs 31 ministries... Perhaps you already are aware of this site....todays devotional on 12/9 is When Christmas is Hard... so when you have a chance today...please read http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/12/when-christmas-is-hard.html <br />I think of you everyday...I pray for you everyday.... and every 12 year old boy I see I think of your handsome, vivacious son.... as Pam Priester said.. Jacks life is sending continuous Ripples into this world! Hope you hear some God Whispers Today.... Your Sister In Christ, Melanie in NCMelanie in NCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-76408173795745554532011-12-08T23:58:27.034-08:002011-12-08T23:58:27.034-08:00Sending you love today .Sending you love today .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-35618247652859001862011-12-08T22:14:59.089-08:002011-12-08T22:14:59.089-08:00And yet another tear in my eye for you & your ...And yet another tear in my eye for you & your seriously beautiful, photogenic family. I'm not sure if you realize how many people Jack is touching..you are touching..MANY. Including me.<br /><br />As I look through your beautiful memories of Christmas past, it's fun to see each of you grow through the years & smile in each others' presence. And you still have that presence - it may not be physically next to you this year, but Jack's presence is EVERYWHERE. In your house, on your tree, in your hearts, in the trees on your walk..you are, and will always be, your Family.<br /><br />Find a fun, creative, Donaldson way of celebrating Christmas 2011 with Jack. My mind goes to each of you holding your favorite photo of him, with a smile, by your tree? Perhaps. You'll know what's right; my guess is your phone will play "Good Life" or another rainbow will miraculously appear for you.<br /><br />Watch for those signs. They are Jack. He is WITH YOU.<br /><br />Merry Christmas Tim, Anna, Margaret & Jack.<br /><br />JulesJules M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-57180837197869881722011-12-08T18:59:12.522-08:002011-12-08T18:59:12.522-08:00We've never met but I think about you and your...We've never met but I think about you and your family every day. I wish that those of us who are thinking and praying for you could help ease your pain and offer you some solace. Each time I drive by a blue ribbon it makes me smile and my heart ache. I went into my oldest's room the other day and thought about how it would feel to never have him here with me again -- it took my breath away. How, dear Anna, do you find the strength each day to carry on? Your writing seems like a release for you - please continue to write. Thank you for sharing your truth with us, and allowing us to grieve along with you. I like what someone said about how each day you are not only moving farther away from the day you lost Jack but are also moving toward him. Jack must be feeling the love we are all sending him, and I hope you do too. Wishing you peace and praying for you, Jack, Margaret and Tim every day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-42318069238451113812011-12-08T18:02:59.424-08:002011-12-08T18:02:59.424-08:00So we're sitting on the couch watching goofy H...So we're sitting on the couch watching goofy Hallmark Christmas movies, and every little while I peek at your blog. I've studied your Christmas pictures a dozen time....such happy, simple, perfect pictures. <br /><br />And I think of the grumpy teen son up in his room wrangling with his calculus, and the other teen boy experiencing his first college exam period. And I ponder all the days,months, years we've had together. Scrapping, loving, crying, worrying (me mostly....single momdom will do that) ...just living our lives together, and every day a gift. All this time, I had no idea. <br /><br />But thanks to Jack, I do now. Bless all 4 Donaldsons....you are in my thoughts this first and hardest Christmas season. Much love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-61906595810366221682011-12-08T17:49:52.515-08:002011-12-08T17:49:52.515-08:00Thinking of you, especially on this Thursday the 8...Thinking of you, especially on this Thursday the 8th. Love, love, love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54712870003298608112011-12-08T14:13:33.832-08:002011-12-08T14:13:33.832-08:00That was an amazing voyage thru holidays that have...That was an amazing voyage thru holidays that have come and gone and a family that shifts and changes, but will always be yours. Wishing you peace and contentment now and always. <br /><br />When my daughters look at photos of their brother or their parents before they were here, they ask, "Where was I? Where am I?" When I say, "you weren't born yet" they respond, "fine, but WHERE was I." My 8 year old, many years ago, started to say, "you were with God." This satisfied them. This was his spontaneous response and nothing he ever heard from us. We are a spiritual family, but not religious. But he said what he KNEW to be true... And I just love it... <br /><br />Our kids were always "here" even before we knew them... and they always will be. <br /><br />X MeredithMeredith from A Mother Seekinghttp://www.amotherseeking.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-74106512417328303442011-12-08T13:59:29.878-08:002011-12-08T13:59:29.878-08:00Gorgeous sunset in ViVA this Thursday! 4:55pmGorgeous sunset in ViVA this Thursday! 4:55pmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-17480865305297077772011-12-08T13:35:39.523-08:002011-12-08T13:35:39.523-08:00Anna, I don't know you, but I came to your blo...Anna, I don't know you, but I came to your blog through Momastery around the time of the accident. I have been deeply affected and not a single day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. There was a morning when I thought of you while drying my hair and I shut off the blowdryer and got down on my knees in my bathrobe to pray for you in that moment. A week ago, when I opened our family's box of ornaments to put on the tree, and saw my daughters' handmade ones from years past, I immediately thought of you and how you would be opening a similar box and would find things with Jack's name on it, Jack's picture, etc. and I immediately started praying for you and that God would comfort you each moment during the Christmas season. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it will be. Please know that I think of your son so often and that I pray for you every day. Sarah from Alexandria, VAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-46700262921719402372011-12-08T11:41:17.206-08:002011-12-08T11:41:17.206-08:00Anna, :( There are no words. You have the most bea...Anna, :( There are no words. You have the most beautiful family, including an especially bright angel in heaven.<br />love,<br />CatCat Alfordhttp://www.budgetblonde.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-62684804929810197492011-12-08T10:40:32.213-08:002011-12-08T10:40:32.213-08:00There will never be words will there?!
A few yea...There will never be words will there?! <br />A few years ago I finally tracked down Sandy Zembruski's mother at Christmastime. Sandy's brutal and senseless death was a crushing blow to me -- but with 3 children under the age of 4 there was simply no way I could make the long trip to her funeral to hug her dear mother in person. It took me more than a decade, but I finally found her brother through Facebook... who assured me that it was not only ok, but a gift, for me to call her mother. <br />I was at a loss for words but I figured I could at least figure out how to visit Sandy and make a tribute. I was a little taken aback that her mother want to meet me at the grave sight... and almost backed out just knowing that I had nothing miraculous to say.<br />It was a wonderful, horrible meeting. There will never be words to express her loss or yours. But, ironically, it seemed like talking about it was like remembering and honoring.... and it provided a little balm.<br />I asked her if she would like me to send her Christmas cards. Would it be too painful to see one of her daughter's best friends with a growing family... knowing what she missed? Or would it be a welcome reminder that Sandy was so dear that I can never forget her? For her it was the latter.<br />I will never forget Jack even though I only met him for a second. I love the pictures. xxooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20999079254393983232011-12-08T08:38:00.191-08:002011-12-08T08:38:00.191-08:00Praying you, Tim, and Margaret through this holida...Praying you, Tim, and Margaret through this holiday season. May you feel Jack's sweet presence with you and may you know that Jack will never be forgotten, even though I didn't know him. May God bless you and your family each step of the way. Much love.Lindsaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-59905544489555338032011-12-08T08:15:30.585-08:002011-12-08T08:15:30.585-08:00My thoughts are with you this holiday season and e...My thoughts are with you this holiday season and every day after.Betty from NJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-6609117229216140062011-12-08T07:32:28.658-08:002011-12-08T07:32:28.658-08:00*HUGS*
What a beautiful collection of memories yo...*HUGS*<br /><br />What a beautiful collection of memories you have here. The snuggie picture is my favorite. We are all here for you, reaching our arms around to comfort you. I hope you find some peace this holiday season. XOXOmypixiebloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09135461083810124483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-4583734693389023882011-12-08T07:12:12.674-08:002011-12-08T07:12:12.674-08:00I think this sums it up best..."Another stran...I think this sums it up best..."Another stranger whose life Jack has touched." Your blog is a reminder for me when I'm losing patience with my three.<br />So sorry you have to go thru this. Many prayers for you all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-28810705872839309902011-12-08T07:03:41.500-08:002011-12-08T07:03:41.500-08:00Dear Anna,
This made me cry. I'm sorry. I read...Dear Anna,<br />This made me cry. I'm sorry. I read and read and I still just can't imagine your incredible loss. <br />I'm not a praying gal but for you I will pray this Christmas. Wishing you love and strength.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18389068555743575226noreply@blogger.com