tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post8459403293751144560..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Ages and StagesAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-9842319394539562122014-01-27T19:20:46.161-08:002014-01-27T19:20:46.161-08:00This is a lovely post. The mother of an old friend...This is a lovely post. The mother of an old friend of mine has six living children, a seventh having passed away in a tragic accident while still a toddler. When asked about how many children she had, she would say, "Seven, but one is being raised in heaven." I thought that was a lovely way to put it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-19705091906198019372014-01-22T20:03:21.671-08:002014-01-22T20:03:21.671-08:00Hi. A friend posted a link to your blog on my fb....Hi. A friend posted a link to your blog on my fb. She linked to the post about telling the doctor about your book, and talking to the PT about it. I was really taken with the post and with all your wonderful commenters as well, and started reading other posts as well. I am so so sorry for your loss. Your writing is a beautiful testament to Jack and to the strength and faith of you and your family.<br /><br />My son Caleb died on September 3, 2013, at age 6. This morning he was in my dream and he wasn't 6, he was younger - but I don't think his look and behavior matched exactly with a particular age/stage... he was young but he wasn't a replica of the photos and videos. He was just Caleb. The dream really had such an effect on me. I haven't even written about it yet, but your post made me think of it - not an age, just him. We are trying to figure out how to keep his incredible energy in our lives even as we know that we cannot have him back, physically. My friend just told me today that when she's in my home she feels his energy. It is so comforting to hear.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your journey. I wish we didn't have this in common, but since we do I am glad to have found you here.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00269331464632659168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-91734834168527240652014-01-13T22:16:10.199-08:002014-01-13T22:16:10.199-08:00This made my heart hurt and smile at the same time...This made my heart hurt and smile at the same time. I can only imagine how that car ride must have been with Jack's cousin. I love how much support and love you show to him. And I cry at that line in that movie too. Every. Time. We are all rich in our own ways. And Jack is there. Mama Maryhttp://www.mamamaryshow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-56229592307365189632014-01-13T05:33:03.748-08:002014-01-13T05:33:03.748-08:00Oh Anna, this is such an honest and real post. I l...Oh Anna, this is such an honest and real post. I love how you honor past and present.Galit Breenhttp://theselittlewaves.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-57805952384157436672014-01-10T21:11:06.556-08:002014-01-10T21:11:06.556-08:00As of tomorrow, 1/11/11, Sully has been 16 weeks 2...As of tomorrow, 1/11/11, Sully has been 16 weeks 2 days for 3 years. I like to think of him playing with friends, but at the same time I want to have my little baby boy to rock and cuddle one dayAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05327574737954838250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-64023977473973943232014-01-08T11:44:53.422-08:002014-01-08T11:44:53.422-08:00Tears, and love, and this is just so moving and wi...Tears, and love, and this is just so moving and wise. I always say the same things to you, but I deeply, deeply appreciate reading what you write about Jack. <br /><br />And I think you will find this funny too: I loved that old show Will & Grace and one of my favorite episodes was the one where Jack had plans for a one man show called "Just Jack" always said with jazz hands. The character doesn't remind me of your Jack or anything, but he was loving and quirky and fun and I pictured Jack doing jazz hands on a cloud at the end of the post and smiled. You give such a strong sense of your son through your words.anymommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11317877435130121894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-11338752679284205682014-01-08T07:33:11.517-08:002014-01-08T07:33:11.517-08:00My prayers continue for you as you continue in you...My prayers continue for you as you continue in your journey toward healing. And as you always so beautifully do, I am able to share in your story through your words. Thank you for that. Through his life and your words, Jack isn't done leaving his mark in the world, that is for sure. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-40431961760554617362014-01-07T18:45:08.617-08:002014-01-07T18:45:08.617-08:00Beautifully written and thoughtful as always Anna!...Beautifully written and thoughtful as always Anna! I've often thought about how those who leave us too early are forever in our hearts and minds "stuck" at a certain age. We move on without them because we have no other choice. But the moving on feels like leaving them behind and that is a very difficult part of the journey. Hugs to you sweet Anna!Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14197078418514604572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-44177719112870379542014-01-07T17:10:23.731-08:002014-01-07T17:10:23.731-08:00Lovely reflection. Lovely reflection. Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11036307989376190466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-33954289684237133512014-01-06T19:36:43.135-08:002014-01-06T19:36:43.135-08:00I can imagine. Sort of. Those milestones must be h...I can imagine. Sort of. Those milestones must be hard. But I'm so glad you're able to enjoy seeing those moments for others. Robin @ Farewell, Strangerhttp://farewellstranger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-72237295199956001742014-01-06T17:17:14.069-08:002014-01-06T17:17:14.069-08:00I am nodding along through the entire post. I get ...I am nodding along through the entire post. I get this. Sometimes when I'm with my kids, I wonder what Betty would have been like with her kids. Because I know she would have had kids. Or when Annie is posing for pictures with her friends, I ache for all the silly and funny things Betty and I did for a camera. I know it isn't the same as losing a child - at all. I just remember thinking often of how she wouldn't grow older and we couldn't share in our milestones together. And, oh, I know how this season conjures up the past. <br />How beautifully written, Anna. I love, love this post. Heartache, sorrow, beauty and all. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16993610522830649033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-40481376321505176302014-01-06T09:26:44.673-08:002014-01-06T09:26:44.673-08:00I'm sad that Jack didn't get his growth sp...I'm sad that Jack didn't get his growth spurt too. It strikes me that, while he was an old soul right from birth, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these - the children.<br /><br />I'm not saying anything specific so that might be confusing, just sharing the first thing that comes to mind.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12586581766383380976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-48104315538521918952014-01-06T05:38:57.450-08:002014-01-06T05:38:57.450-08:00This was beautiful. Happy New Year to you and your...This was beautiful. Happy New Year to you and your family. Love you guys. xoxoellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13959457718154564469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-15243367126282232072014-01-05T16:22:54.378-08:002014-01-05T16:22:54.378-08:00Every time I read about Jack I sense his very real...Every time I read about Jack I sense his very real presence in this world. You said it perfectly - Christmas is a time to look back and cherish the past, but also look forward to future hopes. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. xoxo<br /><br />Andrea Moweryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05610441014156049645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-46579970124936933532014-01-05T13:44:14.798-08:002014-01-05T13:44:14.798-08:00Anna, Jack's presence will always be where yo...Anna, Jack's presence will always be where you guys are. With the love that you guys carry for him...how could it not be? Thank you for all the intricate stories that you weave together so that we learn a little more about Jack. As a mom of three kids, two boys who are 15 and 13, and one girl who is 11, I can relate to all of your blog posts in some way, shape or form. You always tug at my heart strings and make me a better person for it. Please don't ever stop sharing about this sweet, quirky, unique boy who has changed so many people lives for the greater good. Much love to you and your family in this New Year. Sending you a huge hug from Purcellville....and can't wait to hug you one day in person...when your book comes out. Kim P.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89169289592209881922014-01-05T08:39:24.668-08:002014-01-05T08:39:24.668-08:00My sons are now 20, 22 and 24 but I still see the ...My sons are now 20, 22 and 24 but I still see the little boy faces in them...I can't help it. They almost look odd to me all grown up. I can so strongly see them at that pre-teen age.<br /><br />At the risk of sounding bat sh!t crazy here, I lost my best friend when we were 17 (I always think about how she never got to experience the internet, cell phones, HD t.v. etc.). I was going through a really bad time about a decade ago, and a stranger showed up and helped me...I swear it was my best friend in a mid 50 year old body. It was so eerie, her eyes were my best friends eyes, her mannerisms, her words. She knew my whole story before I even told her. After helping me she told me "You've always got an angel looking out for you". I think Jack will show up one day but don't expect him to look like the young boy you remember!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-80855006856915281792014-01-05T06:28:58.209-08:002014-01-05T06:28:58.209-08:00My sister died when I was fourteen and she was twe...My sister died when I was fourteen and she was twenty. Last summer my brother reminded us on her birthday that she would be old enough now to apply for social security. Oh my... we never stop thinking of her as our oldest sister...she is still integral to our family constellation, all these years later...love to you your family, especially Margaret<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-23677830340609832102014-01-04T20:53:33.866-08:002014-01-04T20:53:33.866-08:00Anna, this post particularity moved me. I read it ...Anna, this post particularity moved me. I read it twice, and cried twice while speaking about it with my mother and my husband that evening. Oh how my heart breaks for you- I had never met your darling boy, but I think of him often.....and will always. Hayleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01862820468086965828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54478677035366346372014-01-04T16:59:42.201-08:002014-01-04T16:59:42.201-08:00Every time I read, I am shocked by your ability to...Every time I read, I am shocked by your ability to access how you are feeling and express it so well. I hope you continue to find peace and joy in this new year. Rachel Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07050119457229635051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-64109798387218605982014-01-04T14:24:24.511-08:002014-01-04T14:24:24.511-08:00Sending you a big HUG on this one. So many though...Sending you a big HUG on this one. So many thoughts of what would he/how tall would he be. Even an active imagination doesn't help. XOXO SherriSherri Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-62680257111641232014-01-04T14:23:04.480-08:002014-01-04T14:23:04.480-08:00Sending you a big HUG on this one. So many wishfu...Sending you a big HUG on this one. So many wishful moments and a creative imagination doesn't help much as hard as we try. XOXO SherriSherri Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-5475832892976705142014-01-04T12:08:00.918-08:002014-01-04T12:08:00.918-08:00What a beautiful post! Happy New Year to you guys...What a beautiful post! Happy New Year to you guys! Mariahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13146833574992738732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-75869573686474229932014-01-04T11:44:18.406-08:002014-01-04T11:44:18.406-08:00Well said, your words are always so on track and i...Well said, your words are always so on track and inspiring. I'm glad Jack is present in your new home.<br />((HUGS)) Everything I see my Norfolk Pine tree in front of the house I think of Jack. Debby@Just Breathehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685398064340027809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-46388477189818007172014-01-04T10:44:29.005-08:002014-01-04T10:44:29.005-08:00I can't imagine what you are going through. A...I can't imagine what you are going through. All I can do, is thank you for helping me focus on what is most important and continue reminding me to keep perspective in life. Love and prayers to you, Liz, and the rest of your family.<br />Asha Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14593246700630069301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-31433572857471457492014-01-04T06:19:46.891-08:002014-01-04T06:19:46.891-08:00That time warp. I hate it.
Hannah's cousin ...That time warp. I hate it. <br /><br />Hannah's cousin Miles is six weeks older. It's still hard to see him sometimes, seeing all she could have been doing. <br /><br />In some ways, for me, it's gotten easier, and in others, not at all. You find your own way and muddle through it the best you can. :sigh:<br /><br />I'm sorry for your loss, Anna, I truly am. <br /><br />Hugs. Rachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09317328366288947798noreply@blogger.com