Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wonder-filled Wednesday

If you have a Michael's Craft store in your town, and you walk down the poster frame aisle, you'll likely see what we saw:

Row after row of pictures that look just like Jack and Margaret. I don't know what you call those things. Frame fillers?

Seriously, they looked exactly like my kids. Jack's arms, hands, cheek, hair, clothes. And Margaret. Little Margaret, arms out, next to her brother, hair flying out behind her? Wow.

My sister saw the frames first in her town and let us know about them. She wondered it we'd think she was stretching things a bit. Of course, I had to check them out for myself.

They did not disappoint, even up close. Without hesitation, Margaret said, "That's us, Mom!"

I was struck the most by the way these kids are standing, because it is precisely the way mine looked to me as they walked down our long driveway the day of the accident. Jubilant. That last time I saw them together.

And yeah, they are walking into a sunset (sunrise?) full of birds. So there's that.


If your kids are the real models from these pictures, please don't tell me. I'm just going to enjoy this little bit of wonder today.

I hope you will too.


68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amazing! Seems like Jack is in heaven, keeping a "to-do" list entitled, "Ways to let Mom, Dad, and Margaret know that I am thisclose to them." You are loved.

Beth said...

WOW!! There is no other word. I am sitting here with my jaw dropped wide open! God is still good!

ashley said...

That's awesome! I hope you bought one... Inspired by you and your family daily. ~Ashley in Louisiana

Unknown said...

I hope you bought one and are planning to put it up - all those birds!

Anonymous said...

Awww. I do strongly believe in signs. Yesterday afternoon my preschooler had a blue jay feather in his cubby. I saw two Blue Jays on my kids' playset out back this morning and Everytime I looked they seemed to be playing hide and seek with me. I, of course, thought of your Jack. I have been thinking of your family a lot since I discovered your blog a few weeks ago. NoVa Mom Jen

Anonymous said...

signs, signs, everywhere signs...love it!
i hope you bought one.

Anonymous said...

Your strength inspires me every day. Thankyou.

Peggy Anne said...

Amazing. As always, you have brought me that much closer to a Higher Power today. Thank you for sharing your expereinces, strength and hope.

Christy said...

My jaw dropped too! Amazing!

One bolt short of a toolbox said...

Amazing!

Jan @Door251

SanH said...

I really hope you have one already in display in your house!

One bolt short of a toolbox said...

Amazing!

Jan @Door251

Kristal said...

I found you through Momastery, only a few weeks ago. When I read and saw your post today, tears came immediately. I think that's your Jack telling you it's okay to remember that day with a smile. The fun part of it, the jubuliance that your kids felt as they were running off to play in the rain. I think it's a brutiful picture, if I may steal Glennon's word.

Kim said...

LOVE this bit of wonder and LOVE that there is one solo of 'Jack' and all the birds. This morning I was telling my kids of Ps. 30:5...weeping may come for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Yesterday, with the rain and the winds, drew our hearts to you, and today, with the sun and breeze, our hearts were again drawn to you. Grateful for His gentle grace in the Michael's aisle!

Arnebya said...

Jack keeps finding you, finding ways to make you smile, remember, feel. Your sharing this photo just did the same thing for me. Thank you for continuing to share him.

Anonymous said...

Wow. You are such an inspiration. Thank you thank you.

Meredith Self said...

Awww. It really does look like Jack and Margaret. When I saw the picture, before reading the text, I thought it was an extraordinary picture of them and was admiring how you always have such incredible pictures of your kids. :)

Eduardo did a trade with a photographer who is going to do some pics of us this weekend. Thought of you guys. Love!

Loukia said...

That is beautiful, and it would have taken my breath away. xoxo and love to you, always.

dwerrlein said...

this gave me chills. beautiful pic. beautiful msg.

Princess Kate said...

Such a beautiful sign from Jack. This I know for sure. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I believe in God, therefore I do not believe in coincidence. What a beautiful example of God's love for you.

New Mom said...

Wow, so cool! So did you buy one? I'm going to see if they have them out here in California. What an amazing find! Jack and Jesus are pretty creative in their ways of reaching out to you. :)

New Mom said...

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure...

(Just wanted to share this prayer I found in our church bulletin for this Sunday)

Suzy said...

Wonder-full for sure! These things just don't happen by accident. Reminds me of "choosing to see".

Lisa said...

That is totally a sign from Jack. :)

You know, that picture is exactly how I've pictured your two children running outside into the rain on that fateful day...every time you have referenced it...

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL.

OSMA said...

I like to replace the image of rain in my mind instead with these pretty birds, lifting him up. What perfect imagery.

These pictures are for you. I know bc I was just in Michaels for some ridiculous amout of time in every possible aisle (sheets of vinyl, anyone?) and did not see them at all.

But you and your sister did. :)

xoxoxo

Anne said...

Anna,
These little messages from Jack are little hugs!Amazing how God works.We still pray for you all.
xx
Anne

Theresa O said...

Jack is simply amazing. He surrounds you with these awesome and comforting signs that bring peace to you in just a tiny way.... he shows you he is near. Enjoy! He is amazing. God is Great...and Jack is proving that!!! xoxo

SheriJane said...

AMAZED!! how cool is that!?

Japolina said...

Love this!

Paula said...

My favorite part is that Margaret saw herself and her brother in there. What an amazing thing. Wow. Joy.

Anonymous said...

You can buy it here:
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-8700185-two-children-chasing-seagulls.php

Anonymous said...

What a sweet reminder of Jack and Margaret together and of their last day together. I think about you all the time and hope you are surviving the suckaversary month.
Bless you and your family. {{HUGS}}

Fiona, Lilyfield Life said...

Wow Anna, even I think they look like your kids and I only know them from your blog. Did you buy it? I would have!
Fiona xx

lisa lyle said...

That is awesome! I love your little signs like this that you share.

Unknown said...

I love little signs or what-ever-you-want-to-call-them. Today is my son's 2nd birthday. Or maybe he's still 16 weeks 2 days. I don't know. But, I flew to the beach literally and as I'm getting out of the car a butterfly lands and just sits there. Forever. I had time to get my camera out of a bag and walk right up to it and take some pictures. Gave me a bit of a wonder-filled wednesday feeling too.

Gigi said...

Please tell me you bought it.

darsden said...

Praising the Lord :-) WOW

Ellen aka Ellie said...

enjoying here

Me said...

If you don't mind answering this... how old would Jack be now? and how old is Margret? You have an amazing blog and I think about you and Jack every day.

Anonymous said...

Incredible! What a wink! Love and prayers to you, Tim, Margaret, and, of course, Jack!

The Carens Clan said...

I'm speechless! Wow!!! At first glance I really thought this was your own photo!

Elizabeth said...

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. My heart felt a tug when I saw these frame "fillers"...for sure, they are Jack and Margaret.

Anonymous said...

I'm new here, but I've been devouring your writing and your story in the past few days. I wrote about it here: http://thefirstbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-wildly-fortunate.html

Jack is beautiful. You guys were so lucky for each other.

ella said...

Oh man, this is so awesome. Beautiful, and most definitely a sign. I'm tempted to visit our local Michael's to check it out in person. ;)

Sue Hamblen said...

continually you touch me in ways I can't really describe!

Hillary said...

I have read several of your posts about your beautiful Jack tonight. I just keep thinking of my son and trying to grasp what you have been through. I am sending some of our family's love your way. May God bless you always, Anna!

Unknown said...

The kids, the birds - so awesome!

Anonymous said...

I think I even see a little floop.

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I wonder how many of these picture frames you are now going to receive in the mail... Pretty amazing.

prenni5 said...

Anna! It DOES look just like them. Wow!! What a God wink! Especially the close-up of the boy with the birds. Goosebumps!! Enjoy this moment. xoxo

Buttercream Bakehouse said...

everything you do and say is amazing. I can't believe the signs and YES, I agree, that is Jack looking in on you. Goosebumps and Hugs to you.

Laura said...

I love this.
SO much.

Jennifer said...

Not sure how I found your blog....stumbled on it a while back and check in from time to time. I love your witty sense of humor. My husband died and while it's a different kind of loss, it's still tragic and hard. I understand so much of what you mention. I just wanted you to know that I pray for you often. Your son reminds me a lot of my oldest (9 yrs old) You son was very handsome!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Absolutely amazing! God will always bring you reminders of the power of His love and the fact that heaven exists.

Anonymous said...

9/20. Another gorgeous Thursday sunset that sends my thoughts to Jack and his awesome family. Simply beautiful tonight!





Courtney {a thoughtful place} said...

That's a beautiful image. I had a nice laugh with your intimacy post, too. I have had the same thoughts with my brother. Enough said. You and Jack and the family have been in my thoughts. Can't begin to know what it has been like this last week. Posting about another little Jack tomorrow and somehow thought it might honor your Jack as well. Hugs

tracy@sellabitmum said...

Chills. xo

Vodka Mom said...

and am sitting here, holding your hand, and enjoying it with you.........

Reenie said...

WOW!!!

Anonymous said...

I have to say that you are my 'wonder' each day. I read your posts and am in awe of your maturity, your connectedness with God and willingness to see him in the amazing signs and expressions of love He sends you. Mandy xx

Tamatha Banks said...

Tender mercies from God. That is all.

Kathy at kissing the frog said...

I love it. As people tell me, and I will tell you, it's a sign from Jack. It just is, so enjoy it. :)

Lady Courtney said...

:) This made me smile, and yes, they are your kids!! And I agree with many other posts, a sign from Jack!!!

Jennifer said...

Awesome. I agree, they look exactly like your kids. God is indeed good. Your reunion one day in heaven is going to be so so sweet.

TheLab said...

oh my GOSH - I can't believe I'm BAWLING about a picture frame filler photo right now. WOW WOW WOW

Heidi said...

I saw this on FB and was blown away. At first I thought your kids must have modeled for something-or-other and Michael's chose this. That's how much these kids look like your kids.
It is truly awesome and truly meant for you.