tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post7529505289190415659..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Friday ShortsAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-91236138217592802972012-10-17T19:31:09.906-07:002012-10-17T19:31:09.906-07:00Interesting that I'm seeing this post today......Interesting that I'm seeing this post today... A dear lady from my church just passed away yesterday after an 11 year battle with cancer, and I've been thinking of her constantly. Though she was far too young (she was only in her 40s, with an 18 year old son) I still have a sense of peace and relief for her; relief that she is no longer tied to this beautiful, yet fragile, body that caused her so much trouble and pain. Peace that she fought long and hard, was able to spend those precious 11 years with her family, and was an example of faith to all those around her.<br /><br />I like to think that, when we die, we get our own precious time to feel complete, heavenly joy. That the first thing that happens to us when we reach the other side is not sorrow for those we leave behind, or worry, or memories of a sometimes painful earth life, but that we each get a moment - however long that is in eternal timelines - to feel the release of this loud, confusing, beautiful, painful, busy, exciting, rush of a mortal life, and that we just get to feel the joy of coming home to our true, eternal selves. The complete peace of remembering who we truly are.<br /><br />I hope that's true. I hope it for your friend, for my friend, for Jack, and for all of us. :)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17089820242701950669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-2282173944665004522012-10-16T09:40:55.646-07:002012-10-16T09:40:55.646-07:00I'm allergic to eggs. Like super bad allergic....I'm allergic to eggs. Like super bad allergic. I'm living with my parents right now...and they love eggs (from their heads down to their legs). It's all I can do to keep my head from spinning and vomit spewing out when I smell deviled eggs or egg salad.. or even an omelet being made. I think I'm breaking out in hives just typing about it. Oh and Tuna.... ohhh how I loathe tuna. Mom loves that too. Why can't my parents love pizza more than tuna and eggs? I mean, pizza wouldn't be a horrible thing to smell all of the time, right?<br /><br />But I reckon someday, when my parents time on earth has passed... I'll be longing to smell those putrid smells because I will know they are still there with me (cuz I sure as heck ain't going to be eating that mess!).<br /><br />When my Nona passed on... it was such a hard thing- we were selfishly wanting our Nona to be with us forever on earth... but she had been in pain for a long time. A devout Christ follower, ready to finally meet Him in all of His glory... how could we possibly think life on earth is worth sticking around for when all of her life she was living for HIM? Our precious Nona never stopped believing, loving, nurturing, or cooking (ha)... her time had come. The ultimate reward... meeting our sweet Jesus.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15768617370458484526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-10410941538463814082012-10-14T16:45:16.100-07:002012-10-14T16:45:16.100-07:00posmotaAnna, I have posted before. I lost my 17 y...posmotaAnna, I have posted before. I lost my 17 year old son a few weeks before you lost your Jack. You are my touchstone of pain - how horrible to say that but you have been a gift. Your words I cling to so often - they tell me I am not alone and help me to be strong. I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate your blog posts so much more now that I have heard your "voice" - I watched the videos you posted of an event you spoke at. Your words are truly your voice ... but I also like hearing "your" voice in my head. I just want to say thank you and know that you are not alone - you know that - but in your loss, you are not alone. My Eric was so much like your Jack, Legos and all.NancyShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00734318283534717852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-3330575836796056112012-10-14T08:40:49.727-07:002012-10-14T08:40:49.727-07:00I like lives well-lived and senses of completion. ...I like lives well-lived and senses of completion. My friend here in France recently lost her grandfather and it completely de-stabilized her. At age 35 she had never lost anyone before (my jaw is on the floor over that one). He died with all his grandchildren surrounding him with their hands on different parts of his body - his shoulders, his feet, his legs ... I can't even contemplate such a thing.<br /><br />Sometimes it seems like death is the only natural, wonderful, long-awaited for event. Only sometimes ...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12586581766383380976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-3877975189037697962012-10-13T05:22:56.314-07:002012-10-13T05:22:56.314-07:00I saw the same clip on the Today Show. Thanks for...I saw the same clip on the Today Show. Thanks for sharing with other moms about being in photographs with your kids. They's as valuable to kids as they are to moms, and your story especially exemplifies that point. Katy Englehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05916666989091193551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-71366131279975547382012-10-13T04:54:50.644-07:002012-10-13T04:54:50.644-07:00They just mentioned your blog on the today show.(S...They just mentioned your blog on the today show.(Saturday edition in the 7:00 a.m.! Youre famous! Japolinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07298168458099473725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-79672565205512466642012-10-12T18:58:20.964-07:002012-10-12T18:58:20.964-07:00I hate Deviled Eggs too. Hate em! And raisins. I l...I hate Deviled Eggs too. Hate em! And raisins. I like your outlook on where she's headed. I think it's a celebration for sure!<br />xo<br />Annieprenni5https://www.blogger.com/profile/18346493728216305697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-52623824523657754232012-10-12T18:12:11.516-07:002012-10-12T18:12:11.516-07:00I saw your picture on NBC too and like another pos...I saw your picture on NBC too and like another poster, I was so excited because I saw "a friend" on the news. I know we've never met but, I figure since I think of you and your family all the time, you qualify as a friend. Just another way that your sweet Jack is touching people all over the place!!Jackie A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89516392980377732832012-10-12T16:48:56.587-07:002012-10-12T16:48:56.587-07:00See someone beat me to it - but just saw your fam...See someone beat me to it - but just saw your family pic on NBC News! What a lovely photo - and important commentary on being IN the photo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-38561929501291866812012-10-12T16:37:52.687-07:002012-10-12T16:37:52.687-07:00Just saw the story and Anna's picture on NBC N...Just saw the story and Anna's picture on NBC News! Beautiful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-89382888645283603572012-10-12T16:05:54.944-07:002012-10-12T16:05:54.944-07:00I read your every blog entry. I have hurt and gri...I read your every blog entry. I have hurt and grieved with you from afar. Toda, I felt like I saw a friend on the national news. The Huffington Post was doing a piece about mothers that never have their pictures with their children, and a woman blogging about it. The showed your Mother's day picture with Jack and Margaret. I was excited. I was like, there is my "friend," to my husband. Then, I explained your were one of 3 blogs I read faithfully. Just wanted you to know. Have a great weekend. Hoping each day is better than the one before it.Damnitdaisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09012489510653745077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-6509650318266330982012-10-12T15:25:40.923-07:002012-10-12T15:25:40.923-07:00My friend Vicki died, a week before her 25th birth...My friend Vicki died, a week before her 25th birthday, due to leukemia almost two years ago. This time of year causes me to zero in on all those days before she left us and how I prayed for a Hollywood ending--a miracle--her being cured. What a great witness that would be. <br /><br />The ending we got though, was Vicki accepting Jesus four hours before her death. <br /><br />Four hours. <br /><br />This weekend, I realized that if her life was a movie, that's exactly the kind of ending God would--because He did--write.<br /><br />Now, speaking of sweets, the last time I saw Vicki was on my 50th birthday. She presented me with a whole lotta the crappy candy we both adored--and I ate it swiftly. So much of it was inhaled I couldn't fit into my jeans for her service (her desired dress for us. So during my sermon, I thanked her, scolded her, and missed her.<br /><br />Tuna, I won't eat or smell. Deviled eggs, stinking good!Miss Stewart and Studentshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12010614193371618679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-47429082401690152362012-10-12T14:20:09.557-07:002012-10-12T14:20:09.557-07:00Anna, You always seem to touch my heart. While I ...Anna, You always seem to touch my heart. While I was reading this I wept thinking of my grandpa AND it was a special moment for me. Thank you for that.<br /><br />Always thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.Princess Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00868992133684014734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-63995339357632659322012-10-12T12:37:39.409-07:002012-10-12T12:37:39.409-07:00this made me think of my great aunt's funeral ...this made me think of my great aunt's funeral some years ago. The phrase that remains with me from that service was when the priest simply said, <br /><br />"She spoke, every day, to God."<br /><br />That immediate, yet humble, connection? Working towards that.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794925792830102749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-36595295798206817402012-10-12T12:20:54.751-07:002012-10-12T12:20:54.751-07:00Eating desserts first is always the best plan! Whe...Eating desserts first is always the best plan! When someone old passes away it is still very sad but knowing that they lived a long life is a beautiful blessing many don't get to have. Knowing the comfort of Heaven and knowing we will all meet in Heaven is the only way to move forward after loss. You are always in my heart and in my prayers. Debby@Just Breathehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685398064340027809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-63644098354160602102012-10-12T10:23:28.015-07:002012-10-12T10:23:28.015-07:00Love you so much Love you so much Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545448323973770367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-30572716231261577262012-10-12T09:28:37.436-07:002012-10-12T09:28:37.436-07:00I think Jack lived a wonderful life and was surrou...I think Jack lived a wonderful life and was surrounded by people who loved him, guided and encouraged him. He knew God and he never doubted his parents and sisters love. I love how you always told him how proud you were of him. I have a 6 and 7 year old and I read your blog one day, and thought "wow, I don't say that enough" I consider myself a wonderful mom, but the pillow talk, the compliments, well... I lacked that and now I don't. Thank you for sharing your stories. I would rather live 12 years with you as a mom, then 80 years never knowing love, and some just don't. It is sad but someone I know has lived 80 of the worst years, I have ever seen and he is a bitter angry man. It will all make sense one day. I am sorry his life on earth was so short, I am. But I think his life was awesome and it continues to be. Glad you are feeling better. I LOVE deviled eggs, made me want to go make some lolmollysmith222https://www.blogger.com/profile/12169420212667799498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-66296636261260459282012-10-12T09:28:16.280-07:002012-10-12T09:28:16.280-07:00I think Jack lived a wonderful life and was surrou...I think Jack lived a wonderful life and was surrounded by people who loved him, guided and encouraged him. He knew God and he never doubted his parents and sisters love. I love how you always told him how proud you were of him. I have a 6 and 7 year old and I read your blog one day, and thought "wow, I don't say that enough" I consider myself a wonderful mom, but the pillow talk, the compliments, well... I lacked that and now I don't. Thank you for sharing your stories. I would rather live 12 years with you as a mom, then 80 years never knowing love, and some just don't. It is sad but someone I know has lived 80 of the worst years, I have ever seen and he is a bitter angry man. It will all make sense one day. I am sorry his life on earth was so short, I am. But I think his life was awesome and it continues to be. Glad you are feeling better. I LOVE deviled eggs, made me want to go make some lolmollysmith222https://www.blogger.com/profile/12169420212667799498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-79241544089105987522012-10-12T08:53:49.412-07:002012-10-12T08:53:49.412-07:00Sending some hugs and love, from the other side of...Sending some hugs and love, from the other side of town...LauraBethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05021383257389435454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-34426443886985721672012-10-12T08:43:53.919-07:002012-10-12T08:43:53.919-07:00I hope you're feeling better. Please take good...I hope you're feeling better. Please take good care of yourself. I really hate certain food scents, too. I'll be thinking of you and your family this weekend.<br /><br />"Let her own works praise her in the gates."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-2852838907808461502012-10-12T08:41:51.280-07:002012-10-12T08:41:51.280-07:00The priest gave a beautiful sermon at our son'...The priest gave a beautiful sermon at our son's funeral. He talked about how only God knows what is a full life, and what the measure of a person's life is. And many other lovely things. And when he was done, he turned to the picture of our son, pointed at it and said "but still, this, this I don't understand." And I felt so comforted and validated when he said that.<br />Praying that someday we will all know and understand.Gerinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-79353634908641096252012-10-12T08:24:13.705-07:002012-10-12T08:24:13.705-07:00I was going to comment on the same quote Aimee did...I was going to comment on the same quote Aimee did. What great insight! I will be attending a funeral tomorrow for a similar, Godly woman. I am looking forward to sharing this insight with others! Thanks!!Sybil@PeaceitallTogetherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00553263217267565072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-87828100997967116442012-10-12T07:59:41.889-07:002012-10-12T07:59:41.889-07:00"She is free from her cancer and can go right..."She is free from her cancer and can go right to the source of her devotion to gain rest, to gain answers, and perhaps to keep teaching!" That's how I think it works, too. A few months before my grandmother died, she gave me the most wonderful gift. We were alone in the kitchen (which was very, very rare since it's a very big family!) and she looked into my eyes and said, "It will not be a tragedy when your grandfather and I die. We have lived long and wonderful lives." Then she paused and said, "Do you understand?" I am so, so grateful for that because it gave me such peace. But, of course, it's different with Jack and with children, it is a tragedy. And yet, Jack, too, has now gained his answers and you demonstrate through this blog that he is definitely still teaching others!Aimee @ Smiling Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18103618447184051230noreply@blogger.com