tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post7200577934008719087..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Wednesday "Wramblings" and WalmartAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-55048725966023010282013-02-04T13:06:51.426-08:002013-02-04T13:06:51.426-08:00So glad I found you. My thoughts and prayers are ...So glad I found you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The heartache is unimaginable...stay strong.an apropos beginninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09927523098894826988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54047665197307412462012-11-29T08:59:08.846-08:002012-11-29T08:59:08.846-08:00Anna, as I read your blog for the first time today...Anna, as I read your blog for the first time today I am transported back to February 28, 1995. The day my son and I were driving singing Our God is an awesome God. The van hit black ice, lost control, broadsided by 1/2 ton truck and my Jake was transported to the arms of Jesus. Our families and church family were overwhelmingly wonderful. My heart breaks for you. For here I am almost 18 years later and can feel like it was yesterday. God is good and he is an awesome God. I have seen many wonderful things that could only come from him. As I have read through each blog post I remember being there. You are a great writer and your book will be such a blessing. Thank you. LeasaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-43177515543285927722012-09-08T08:44:19.520-07:002012-09-08T08:44:19.520-07:00You are so raw, so lovely in your writiing...I hav...You are so raw, so lovely in your writiing...I have not been so touched as I have been by your transparency, thank you. I came across your blog by a friend of mine posting it to her FB account. I cannot stop reading. <br />I must say Jack's life has already impacted me and I look forward to knowing more about him through you...because I truly acknowledge him, his life...what an amazing boy! <br />Please know I am praying for you...today I celebrate Jack and the gift of now knowing a beautiful life I never knew a few hours ago...I am blessed! May Gods love, peace, comfort, grace overwhelm you and your family today! <br />Stacy O'Neill<br />Boca Raton, FL.Stacy O'Neillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04870528269716784429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89391716171519652702012-09-07T09:24:41.959-07:002012-09-07T09:24:41.959-07:00there are no words to describe the hurt and pain I...there are no words to describe the hurt and pain I feel for you as one mother to another. I sit here reading your blog with tears. Your writing is beautiful but what you write is heart-wrenching. Something that no one should have to go through. But still I read and read just to learn more about your wonderful boy Jack and your family. Your story will stick with me forever. I am so sorry for how unfair life can be and how some things just don't make sense. I have four kids and one son is 12 in 7th grade this year. I can't imagine living through what you have and I admire you for going on for your daughter and husband. You are an inspiration. I am so sorry for your loss and I'm sorry for Jack and what happened to him that horrible rainy night. Please know that even though we don't know each other, your in my heart and prayers and that I am SO SORRY this happened.Buttercream Bakehousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02016453955192441933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54736186132905175242012-06-14T16:29:11.675-07:002012-06-14T16:29:11.675-07:00Wow, Anna. I just clicked over to you because it ...Wow, Anna. I just clicked over to you because it has been a long while. And now I am crying. Your sweet son - our sweet children - really want to please us, don't they? Jack just keeps on giving, doesn't he? Congrats on the Voices of the Year nod. This post most definitely deserves the honor. Take care, Kristinapaddle attachmenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561197999300047800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-18489990736606897802012-06-09T11:36:24.135-07:002012-06-09T11:36:24.135-07:00Beautiful post, as always (and congratulations). ...Beautiful post, as always (and congratulations). Again you took me back to those raw "firsts" of grief. I too remember my first trip to Walmart and how unprepared I was for how overwhelming it was. Tears fell when passing the Sunny D, the jerky sticks, Austin was everywhere. And then again when you mention the four plates...how many times my finger lingered over that fourth plate, willing it, wishing I could set it out. ...Or the first time we went out to eat and the lady says, "only 3?" two words that broke my already broken heart. (sigh) Sending you many hugs today.joyfulchallengehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-37829250284251641342012-03-23T13:46:28.602-07:002012-03-23T13:46:28.602-07:00I have been truly moved reading all of your posts ...I have been truly moved reading all of your posts about the accident. What a terribly tragedy, I know others are finding strength in your words. I sure am.Karah @ thespacebetweenbloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11813486614826802548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-82234884888440096212012-02-16T13:33:31.535-08:002012-02-16T13:33:31.535-08:00Anna,
I read your blog every day. I found your b...Anna,<br /><br />I read your blog every day. I found your blog through YHL. I come here daily and have been reading your post both the ones from after and before the accident. Anna, I want to have some profound words, some prophetic word from God, something, anything that doesn't sound trite or empty or stupid. This post made me cry and hit me harder than any other I have read. I did have to laugh about the B.O. part - your family is freakin' hilarious. And, the part of the neatly written handwriting killed me as well. I am not sure why either. Maybe that you saw another glimpse into that sweet little heart of his. That heart that was part of a little boy growing into a responsible, respectful, God-fearing young man.Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13111064620503580685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-57383200756363139432011-11-07T00:11:39.890-08:002011-11-07T00:11:39.890-08:00I found your blog from another blog. I often click...I found your blog from another blog. I often click on so many links that I often don't even know how I landed there, and sometimes the posts are of parents who suffered a loss.<br /><br />I'm not a heartless person -- I always feel badly for the family -- but yours hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm not sure why... maybe because you this post talks not as much abut the big picture but more about the little things. His handwriting. His smell. The most recent visit to a store you frequented often with him.<br />I don't know how you do it or how you manage but you have something in you that is so strong, it takes my breath away. To find the courage to go on living after your sweet boy is no longer with you. My heart is with you.Brianna Storchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15168582521609028736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89162140168127179612011-10-25T18:51:38.860-07:002011-10-25T18:51:38.860-07:00I remember coming here to the post of the first da...I remember coming here to the post of the first day of school after hearing about this terrible tragedy. I am so proud of you and your family for keeping on (although I am sure what you share is the best side of it all). It's comforting to hear your ability to rely on neighbors, faith, and each other to live with your loss. <br /><br />Know that you are helping others through theirs.Kristinhttp://mutterschwester.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-25665605477096328542011-10-24T20:44:59.383-07:002011-10-24T20:44:59.383-07:00Anna, as someone who has been blogging for almost ...Anna, as someone who has been blogging for almost five years, I've read enough heartbreaking stories to know I have probably aged 10 years from the pain and worry and tears. This post, this very post, has been the most raw, touching, heart wrenching post ever. I was sobbing. For you and for Jack and for your husband and daughter. I am so sorry, and I pray every day. Your story, Jack's story, has touched me to my core. Your words in this post are chilling and you are an incredible mother. I don't know what to say. God bless you all.Loukiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7151393733355738222011-10-23T23:02:05.198-07:002011-10-23T23:02:05.198-07:00Like all of your friends and readers, I fight for ...Like all of your friends and readers, I fight for words when I visit you here - comfort? support? love? understanding? It sometimes feels like there is nothing I can say that can even touch the depth of grief you must be feeling. And so I avoid visiting for a day or two, feeling completely helpless. But then come back because if visiting you here can make me feel better, even just for a moment, then hopefully it works two-fold and helps you as well. So for all these moments of grief and pain countered with love and blessing, know that you are heard. And loved, so much.mosey (kim)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14990626697257089908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-7369607741259685322011-10-23T20:16:18.924-07:002011-10-23T20:16:18.924-07:00Oh Anna, I am sobbing and praying for you. What I ...Oh Anna, I am sobbing and praying for you. What I wouldn't do to bring your son back to you.the mama bird diarieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11873150534166153971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-40382874252290659812011-10-23T18:17:59.813-07:002011-10-23T18:17:59.813-07:00The neat handwriting and having had the sheets and...The neat handwriting and having had the sheets and sweatshirts washed are making me cry. My heart hurts for you so much. xoxoJillhttp://www.evybeatscancer.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-56024543389399695442011-10-23T17:12:50.808-07:002011-10-23T17:12:50.808-07:00My heart is breaking for you, Anna. I am just pray...My heart is breaking for you, Anna. I am just praying and praying for you and Tim and Margaret every day. That's all I can say.Michelle DeRushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07658349105535790020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-6396374927074149652011-10-22T20:22:46.101-07:002011-10-22T20:22:46.101-07:00Oh Anna. I wish there was something I could do fo...Oh Anna. I wish there was something I could do for you. <br /><br />This piece was so utterly honest and it made me feel like I was hovering above you.<br /><br />All the love and prayers in the world to you and your family my dear.Pseudohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10430783970802030846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-29705714996440019402011-10-22T19:45:27.913-07:002011-10-22T19:45:27.913-07:00Everything you wrote here is the truth - our love ...Everything you wrote here is the truth - our love ones are most certainly everywhere, and when we miss them as much as we do, when they are taken, we almost subconsciously seek out things everywhere, even if we don't want to, because they truly are everywhere.<br /><br />I may not have lost my husband, but when he deployed, that's how I felt, that he was lost. And what you described here is how I felt whenever I opened my eyes, he was everywhere. <br /><br />Continued prayers for you and your family's healing. You are constantly in my thoughts.Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parentinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06066995811409390360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-31444978577795548082011-10-22T06:03:25.883-07:002011-10-22T06:03:25.883-07:00Because I have three sons, I can't tell you ho...Because I have three sons, I can't tell you how often I think of Jack...of you...of Tim...and of course, Margaret. Reading this leaves me speechless. We continue to support you all through loving thoughts and prayers as you grieve. Hugs and love. xoChrisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01180105790160574066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-58438041703468691742011-10-21T19:26:52.658-07:002011-10-21T19:26:52.658-07:00Precious Anna, it is amazing to see how many lives...Precious Anna, it is amazing to see how many lives you and Jack touch every day. You taught my beautiful daughter, Jennifer Alexander Orr, waaaay back before you were married, and we were so impressed with you then. Who knew that you two would stay in touch. And Amy Larsen and I worked together at Shrevewood for many years. So, along with so many others, I was stunned and horrified at the tragedy that hit your beautiful family so unexpectedly. I'm sure there are no words of comfort, but am so glad that you have your faith in God to help through the many, many difficult times that most of us can never imagine. We are all so sorry that such a senseless thing could happen, and hope that the outpourings of love and prayer will in some way help. I will never race through Walmart again, without thinking of you and Jack. Thank you for sharing your courage and grief with us, and reminding us to cherish every moment.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13208710128748010943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-9663312453705277952011-10-21T12:14:23.348-07:002011-10-21T12:14:23.348-07:00I am a university professor and just before readin...I am a university professor and just before reading this post yesterday I had graded an assignment from my students. Several of the boys turned in papers that were a mess, the writing so sloppy that they were hard to read and harder to grade. I'm still struggling with how to explain to them that how their work looks is important, just as much as the correctness of the answers. Sloppy work reflects badly on the pride they take in themselves and their seriousness as students, and although I hadn't thought of it this way until you said it, is disrespectful to me and my time. I wish all of my students had grown up with parents as caring and conscientious as Jack's. You did good by your son.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-10574242362069376102011-10-21T07:22:32.248-07:002011-10-21T07:22:32.248-07:00Everything is the same and
Everything is differen...Everything is the same and <br />Everything is different.<br /><br />I almost had to be escorted out of Bed, Bath and Beyond.<br /><br />Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-50906544151784644282011-10-20T22:53:40.662-07:002011-10-20T22:53:40.662-07:00This is exactly what my mom has told me about life...This is exactly what my mom has told me about life after my dad died (she was pregnant with me at the time). No one warns you about how it's all the little everyday things that make you break down, and she always, always mentions the grocery store. Sending a virtual hug.Jessica {Team Rasler}https://www.blogger.com/profile/03605645521225532592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-28966652764621301402011-10-20T19:21:37.992-07:002011-10-20T19:21:37.992-07:00weeping right along with you.weeping right along with you.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00018110214696071522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-24276071074080862902011-10-20T14:53:24.032-07:002011-10-20T14:53:24.032-07:00Gosh Anna. I can't stop thinking about you ~~ ...Gosh Anna. I can't stop thinking about you ~~ I totally understand. Every last bit. I would feel the exact same way...holding onto memories...smells. The car story. I can't imagine what it felt like to receive that hot wheel car. Can't imagine.<br />I will continue to pray for you. I'm not a praying gal but for you...I pray.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18389068555743575226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-12515046269547150872011-10-20T14:51:33.958-07:002011-10-20T14:51:33.958-07:00You are an amazing writer and an amazing woman. I ...You are an amazing writer and an amazing woman. I am a local girl and of course heard of Jack's accident on the news. I felt so bad for you it hurt. I have a 12 year old son too and I just can't imagine... I have been praying for your family. A friend of mine from Church shared your blog and at the time, your latest post was from the first day of school. What a beautiful family! I just couldn't bring myself to really read or look at your blog again until just today. Your faithfulness to God through this storm is so inspirational. The messages you have received on your Bible apps and from the singing birds are just incredible. Thank you for sharing. I will continue to pray for your family! Hope to see Margaret on Ellen :)Peggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15658513449613552971noreply@blogger.com