tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post5578880866074542917..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: I'm Your Worst NightmareAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-15607100013559304422014-07-18T23:21:05.180-07:002014-07-18T23:21:05.180-07:00I have no idea if you read the comments from these...I have no idea if you read the comments from these old posts. Part of me hopes you do, but doesn't know why you would or should. I'm probably not the typical person to read it. Male, 37 kind of an adrenaline junkie thrill seeker type, yet very cerebral. <br /> I just want to say, this is all very raw in a refreshing way. I thank you for your honesty in conveying your thoughts and feelings. Often times "Christians" get too caught up in what "ought" to be said or how to say things, and we do so with what I would consider a dishonest heart. I think of King David and his many so called faults, but the one thing we can say is, when he knelt before God, he was honest before him. So thanks for your honesty. <br /> About 2 weeks ago I "stumbled" upon your blog and got sucked in. I think I stayed up until about 2am reading many of your posts. I ran the gamut of emotions, but in the end felt settled. I like to look at life through the light of death. I know it sounds bad, but the tragedies for the ones around us, help us recalibrate. Hopefully they help us hold on to and think upon what is most important in our lives. <br /> I don't know you or your family any more than what is posted in this blog but it's helped me remember and recalibrate. It helped me remember to cherish moments while they are here, and people, to remember to give love now, because I may not be able to tomorrow. It's like reading through something that broke my heart, but broke it open for God to mend. You have suffered much loss, but have a beautiful family and so much to be thankful for. May God continue to use you, yet relieve your burdens.Kjellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16907146133972381658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-56863528993239750572013-04-05T06:25:28.647-07:002013-04-05T06:25:28.647-07:00This blog is amazing. You have gone through a moth...This blog is amazing. You have gone through a mother's worst nightmare and you are helping, inspiring and feeling real feelings. My son's name is Jack..he is 2 1/2 and I have a daughter now too. I lay awake sometimes worrying of all the things that could happen to them in this world, but we will never be able to stop everything. I am so sorry for your family and hope that, while you will always ache for your son, you have found some healing and peace over the past almost two years. This blog is helping me help a friend who has had a death in the family. Thank you.Shandy, PAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-66071938488463907112013-04-05T06:25:07.526-07:002013-04-05T06:25:07.526-07:00This blog is amazing. You have gone through a moth...This blog is amazing. You have gone through a mother's worst nightmare and you are helping, inspiring and feeling real feelings. My son's name is Jack..he is 2 1/2 and I have a daughter now too. I lay awake sometimes worrying of all the things that could happen to them in this world, but we will never be able to stop everything. I am so sorry for your family and hope that, while you will always ache for your son, you have found some healing and peace over the past almost two years. This blog is helping me help a friend who has had a death in the family. Thank you.Shandy, PAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-43660475403206673702012-06-10T17:03:30.440-07:002012-06-10T17:03:30.440-07:00Dear Anna,
I have been wanting to write to you for...Dear Anna,<br />I have been wanting to write to you for some time now, but had trouble doing so. My family and I moved to Burke, VA from Illinois right before the accident happened. My own 7th grade son turned 13 on that day. I remember it well. I was driving in Fairfax trying to get him a last minute present when it was too flooded to get through. I turned around and headed to our new home just hoping to make it safely, after a car in front of mine stalled in the rising water. Another car pushed it out of the water. When I read in the Patch online the next day that a 7th grader lost his life, my heart ached for his family left behind, thinking "what if it had happened to us" and not even being able to comprehend just a little bit what that pain must be like. I do remember thinking the very same words you used for this day's title, which is what compelled me to leave my message on this post. I pray for your family and think of you often. I didn't know you had a blog until just recently and feel so honored to have gotten to know your son, your family, and you through your writing. It is so raw and honest and beautiful. Your light shines brightly and reaches out so far and wide to so many. <br /><br />I am praying for you and your family and sending love from nearby. Knowing you are living my worst nightmare has really changed my life and put me in a closer relationship with our Lord. Just needed to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of Jack and how awed I am in your strength.....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15595641521305572495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-23158757977347992032011-10-26T18:37:36.598-07:002011-10-26T18:37:36.598-07:00I am just now having the courage to read through t...I am just now having the courage to read through these posts, although (yet another stranger from the blogosphere) I have thought of your family often.<br /><br />This post, all on its own, is beautiful and inspiring. There's never any need to dress up your grief - God meets us where we are, and your community around you will as well. But wow, WOW, the strength and grace of you and your family - so evident here.ChiMomWriterhttp://www.itbuildscharacter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-23871292103247398302011-10-16T17:59:03.217-07:002011-10-16T17:59:03.217-07:00Still thinking of all three of you.
Every Day.
You...Still thinking of all three of you.<br />Every Day.<br />You are doing something good by writing. You don't know how many people you'll reach.<br />Wishing you love and peace, and eventually comfort.<br />I'll be checking in each day.<br /><br /><br />Lynn GuinnLynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09826731771375350000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-8290776557937221652011-10-08T07:03:06.329-07:002011-10-08T07:03:06.329-07:00thank you for sharing your grief. you are not my ...thank you for sharing your grief. you are not my worst nightmare--you are someone voicing the fears and deepest vibrations of my mother's heart. thank you for showing us the pain that is felt, the comfort that God does provide, even if it doesn't feel like enough and the way forward...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16908859022102034063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-15872806530367600372011-10-07T09:23:15.299-07:002011-10-07T09:23:15.299-07:00I found you through Serial Swooper's blog. I ...I found you through Serial Swooper's blog. I can hardly type through the tears. I am so, so sorry.Susanhttp://comingeast.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-60054599778808420982011-10-05T16:53:28.371-07:002011-10-05T16:53:28.371-07:00Anna, like the true and historical characters in t...Anna, like the true and historical characters in the Bible, you are real. And like the Bible, our souls connect and resonate with your written words. I'm so glad God allowed truth to reign in all the Biblical stories so we don't feel isolated when we encounter less than godly character in ourselves. I still laugh at your quips, but I also grieve with you and don't pretend to understand all your pain. I do know that our gracious God went before this with your family, and he's going before you now...preparing you to be used for His glory!Karen Flandersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-60545615889366727562011-10-04T06:34:22.114-07:002011-10-04T06:34:22.114-07:00Your faith in God, and your love for your son and ...Your faith in God, and your love for your son and family, inspires me. It brings me to tears. It keeps you all in my thoughts and prayers.<br /><br />Does it frighten me, yes because my son has anaphylactic food allergies. The past six years since his diagnosis has meant a healthy dose of anxiety meds for me every day.<br /><br />But I pray that God and Jack continue to send you signs of love, gifts of peace, and tons of strength as you take each step, every day.<br /><br />And we are here for you, and with you, even if only in spirit.<br /><br />*Tender hugs*The Rainbow Zebrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10556423049067122472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-48531590846982925142011-10-04T03:52:12.663-07:002011-10-04T03:52:12.663-07:00Anna and family, praying for you all many times th...Anna and family, praying for you all many times throughout each day that God will comfort you, strengthen you, never let you go, and bring you some measure of the peace that surpasses understanding. There are no other words to express how sorry I am. All I know is that God is greater than our grief and you glorify and reveal Him through your word and your faith.kellyeldridgenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-38737672316060522122011-10-03T20:22:38.168-07:002011-10-03T20:22:38.168-07:00You are doing amazing work by speaking out about y...You are doing amazing work by speaking out about your loss. You are inspiring as you go along and giving others hope. The signs that Jack is safe and ok is a true blessing. I'm at a loss for words but I'm always thinking of you and your family. Hope these signs bring some peace.Mama Loves Cakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10530013953677173687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20894679489940494222011-10-03T13:16:18.747-07:002011-10-03T13:16:18.747-07:00God is so cool. He know what YOU need. He knows yo...God is so cool. He know what YOU need. He knows your thoughts and how your mind works and He is meeting you there with little signs all the time.<br /><br />I don't know how it all works...the whys, the endless questions, BUT, I do know that His peace passes all understanding. And somehow, somehow, He works all things (even unimaginable things) together for good.<br /><br />He's good like that. You just keep on believing and watching for Him.<br /><br />Love from Georgia-<br />DebbieDebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01141369378814313350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-76098429410717862242011-10-03T10:38:14.144-07:002011-10-03T10:38:14.144-07:00I only learned about you after Jack's death, f...I only learned about you after Jack's death, from blog friends-of-friends. And I have had your blog bookmarked to be read ever since you first posted what you read for the memorial service. I started to read it once, but my 11-year-old daughter walked into the room and started to read over my shoulder, and I didn't have it in me to explain what I was reading, so I closed it and waited until a day that I felt like I could face the pain of grieving a tiny fraction of what you're experiencing. I know you don't have that luxury, of choosing when to grieve, and I'm so sorry. But I do want you to know that a stranger across the country in Utah was weeping this morning thinking about your having to be separated from your wonderful son. I'm sure, as you say, that he is in a wonderful place (and knows why God made mosquitoes) but I am so sorry for your whole family that you have to go on without him for a time.<br /><br />-Zina W.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20224557119614088762011-10-03T10:30:53.565-07:002011-10-03T10:30:53.565-07:00I've started to leave a comment a few times, b...I've started to leave a comment a few times, but I didn't think there was anything I can say that could possibly make you feel better. But after reading this post, you need to know that your son is with the Lord, and "they" are talking to you. I truly believe this! And have experienced this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Jack was very lucky to have you as a mother!!!Lady Courtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118924605331267248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-46230580392947092172011-10-03T10:30:18.523-07:002011-10-03T10:30:18.523-07:00WOW!! What a beautiful post.
{{hugs}}WOW!! What a beautiful post. <br /><br />{{hugs}}Reeniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17516885315219959524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-47585453724506072932011-10-03T08:56:23.690-07:002011-10-03T08:56:23.690-07:00Anna,you truly are inspiring and powerful. It is t...Anna,you truly are inspiring and powerful. It is true that your story is every mother's worst nightmare, but your strength is powerful and amazing. Though we come from different religious backgrounds, your steadfast faith is truly inspiring, and I know that others will learn wonderful things from you, as well as from Jack, who I know is a wonderful soul. Thank you for being so open, even during your most painful moments. Your family is beautiful and strong and I wish the best for you. May Jack's memory always be a blessing for you.amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15197833121449075534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-67804837209086718312011-10-03T08:45:00.296-07:002011-10-03T08:45:00.296-07:00Oh, my love with you.
StephOh, my love with you.<br /><br />StephStephanie Wilson she/her @babystephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02703122439142892617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-5083923829272015812011-10-03T07:47:29.867-07:002011-10-03T07:47:29.867-07:00I agree with White Farmhouse. I applaud the way yo...I agree with White Farmhouse. I applaud the way you have handled yourself through this entire process... There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but you do what you can with what your given... Hold on to these signs and know that they come from a higher being we may never understand... but they are meant to comfort you when you need them the most.<br /><br />And when that doesn't work, turn to us, your blogging friends, who just want to hug and lend support in any way that we possibly can. <br /><br />XOXOmypixiebloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09135461083810124483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-52028772117785129732011-10-02T20:04:07.446-07:002011-10-02T20:04:07.446-07:00My neighbor told me you had a new blog post up, bu...My neighbor told me you had a new blog post up, but I needed to wait to read it until I had a quiet moment. Anna, thank God you are a writer. For how painful it must be to put this all into words I am thankful for you trusting all your readers to gently but firmly catch you as you fall and try to help you back up. I, like so many on here, continue to pray for you and your family ~ at all times of day and night. I pray that you have moments of peace and togetherness today, just today - will pray for tomorrow, tomorrow as Momastey says. I also pray for you to have moments when you feel yourselves being lifted in prayer. Keep writing. Keep sharing your all your lives with us. Sending love.Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11813028334232600926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-62691496519698763512011-10-02T18:02:48.282-07:002011-10-02T18:02:48.282-07:00Beautiful, Anna. Keep writing, we're here w...Beautiful, Anna. Keep writing, we're here with you and for you. And your dear husband and daughter. <br /><br />Don't stop sharing, especially about your darling Jack.<br /><br />Though I didn't know him, I'm missing him along with you and celebrating his life through you.Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-55353413203865227762011-10-02T16:35:39.907-07:002011-10-02T16:35:39.907-07:00On September 7, 2007 my younger brother died in a ...On September 7, 2007 my younger brother died in a car accident. I am not a longtime reader of your blog, but I felt moved to write to you. I don't know what you are going through, but I do have an inkling of what your daughter is feeling. Although, both my brother and I were young adults, so losing him in childhood is a somewhat different experience for Molly. Sibling death is not something we talk about or have tools in place to deal with very well. I didn't realize that my brother was actually my best friend until he was gone. This person is who you thought would be there for you for the rest of your life. You thought you would bury your parents together. Suddenly being an only child, to have to be the only one for your parents, is a huge responsibility. As a parent you can try to mitigate this (I know my parents don't want me to feel this way), but the responsibility is just there. <br />Please keep laughing. Grieving is hard work. Yes, it does get easier with time, but the time also carries you further away from when he was alive. It is a bitter comfort. <br />Thank you for sharing your story, especially the little signs that you have gotten. We got some of those too. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717423890621626528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-65022521382692995772011-10-02T14:55:24.106-07:002011-10-02T14:55:24.106-07:00You are my treasure...you make me kiss & hug m...You are my treasure...you make me kiss & hug my kids more every moment. I wish you didn't have too feel all this pain for all this good. You are in our prayersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-31288679107820272292011-10-02T07:26:27.615-07:002011-10-02T07:26:27.615-07:00'For I know the plans I have for you' dec...'For I know the plans I have for you' declares<br />The Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br />Praying for you and your family.smilinjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16774270348325860387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-83379453908938992952011-10-02T05:26:14.791-07:002011-10-02T05:26:14.791-07:00Ok, if you're allowed to swear now am I allowe...Ok, if you're allowed to swear now am I allowed to not punctuate properly? I appreciated the fine print (not nearly as touching as the rest) because I am plagued EVERY SINGLE TIME I write my blog, or even a Facebook post, about run-on sentences. I can see your red pen marks in my mind. One year of sophomore English, one year as teaching assistant, and multiple years of yearbook did little to change the fact that I never really cared enough about punctuation to use it correctly (or absorb how to in class apparently). I still wish I had. I hadn't really thought of the longterm consequences of staying in touch with one's high school English teacher. Just tell me one thing, do you roll your eyes while reading my blog? DO you have a mental red pen? I feel like you might. At least be comforted to know that two additional years of high school English teachers and a whole slew of college professors fared just about as well as you did---at least you made an impact and remained in my life!<br /><br />Anyway, I think about you all the time and I am so grateful when I see that you are feeling of God's love. Strange though it may seem to have God and rememberances of Jack appear on a cell phone, I know that God knows each of us individually and that He loves us. He doesn't want us to be in pain or to experience the anguish that you currently are, He wants to comfort you and every single day I am sure that tiny moments present themselves---whether it be through good friends, family, a sunset, or a cell phone---to remind you that Jack is not gone forever but for now. Thank heaven for eternal families and for a knowledge that we will live again, together. Greatest words ever---together forever. Love you!Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11002333463159375758noreply@blogger.com