tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post8421104684892457491..comments2024-02-11T02:09:23.512-08:00Comments on An Inch of Gray: Home RunAnna Whiston-Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-86891812431538322212013-10-22T08:46:08.788-07:002013-10-22T08:46:08.788-07:00Break my heart!!Break my heart!!Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00133648768009610945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-37282254733121708402013-10-17T19:31:46.081-07:002013-10-17T19:31:46.081-07:00My third grader is a lover of science, history, an...My third grader is a lover of science, history, and math. He really does NOT like playing sports on any team, though he's played soccer for the last few years. He does like swimming, and playing tennis. <br />Thank you for once again sharing your stories about your son, Jack. Can you believe me when I say your story, out of all the stories in the world that I've read or heard about, has touched my heart, broken my heart, and made me appreciate and cherish every second more than anything else? And believe me when I say I think about your loss every day. As a mother it's hard not to. Love love love love to you. Loukiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-54079274770273792082013-10-17T18:49:30.280-07:002013-10-17T18:49:30.280-07:00Love this insight into your beloved son. His char...Love this insight into your beloved son. His character is so clearly defined - thank you for sharing him with us. Love to you.Andrea Moweryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05610441014156049645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-59877562882527821332013-10-17T14:50:35.450-07:002013-10-17T14:50:35.450-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.jmartenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04106168891195913351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-86424799472347661872013-10-17T14:49:44.155-07:002013-10-17T14:49:44.155-07:00I so needed to read this today, as I am having my ...I so needed to read this today, as I am having my sweet, sensitive second grade boy take a break after experiencing tearful frustration over a project. I have often wondered if he will outgrow this phase (can you call it a phase if it has lasted for 8 years??) He is smart and kind and a million other things I love, but he can also be incredibly sensitive, which translates to difficult. There is nothing relaxed or easy going about him. He is that kid who would rather hang back and watch at a party, or just plain stay home. As a mom, it can be hard to watch and just let him "be."<br /><br /><br />This summer he discovered baseball, and coincidently his team is the Dodgers. He loves it, and has found something that gives him the inside track on making friends. He amazes me with his skill.<br /><br />So thank you for letting me know that my sweet, sensitive boy may grow into some resilience, and that there will come a day when tears don't fall so quickly.<br /><br />I keep you, Jack, and your family in my prayers. Blessings to you on your journey, and thank you for so eloquently describing my feelings. jmartenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04106168891195913351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-45734490744243335792013-10-17T13:15:54.970-07:002013-10-17T13:15:54.970-07:00@Bryan Covell-- Thank you for sharing your memorie...@Bryan Covell-- Thank you for sharing your memories of Jack. Love, Mrs. D.Anna Whiston-Donaldsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14921348961654008115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-47851807286783749052013-10-17T11:59:11.649-07:002013-10-17T11:59:11.649-07:00That scrimmage was the last time I saw Jack. What ...That scrimmage was the last time I saw Jack. What I remember is that I was pitching, and Jack hit a weak ground ball to me. I got him out, and as he walked to the dugout, we shared a laugh. After the game, he made a comment to me about how that pitch clearly was unfair. We laughed even more. He wasn't mad at me at all, we were just two friends having a good time after a relaxed scrimmage. That's always how I'll remember him.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979152925030825019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-34799261176252048652013-10-17T11:15:41.326-07:002013-10-17T11:15:41.326-07:00If heaven has a baseball field, I believe Jack &am...If heaven has a baseball field, I believe Jack & Austin are playing and having home runs that are out of this world. ;)joyfulchallengehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-85098240218329150642013-01-03T06:09:27.261-08:002013-01-03T06:09:27.261-08:00I have been reading your blog, but I had missed th...I have been reading your blog, but I had missed this one until someone recommended it on Momastery. Truly a beautiful post, Anna. I'm glad I found it.Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598792501741861659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-44614934567456919012012-04-18T19:56:01.791-07:002012-04-18T19:56:01.791-07:00You truly capture him with your words. It's g...You truly capture him with your words. It's gorgeous. I hope you tell us who wins his award!anymommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17870033179328734404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-68561961239545614082012-04-18T18:50:43.382-07:002012-04-18T18:50:43.382-07:00Every story I read about Jack really impresses me....Every story I read about Jack really impresses me.<br />You were so lucky to have such a great kid.<br />I know you know that...but sometimes it's nice to hear it.carrie // kimmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03548226123850006761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-1651835046146796422012-04-18T11:19:36.891-07:002012-04-18T11:19:36.891-07:00Thank you for this post! I needed to hear this af...Thank you for this post! I needed to hear this after having some frustrating moments with my "sensitive and gifted" five year old at recent soccer practices. <br /><br />I love reading your posts about lessons learned from Jack. His beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-77916142455159814762012-04-17T22:48:16.731-07:002012-04-17T22:48:16.731-07:00Hi,
I'm a Grade 7 teacher from Calgary, Alber...Hi, <br />I'm a Grade 7 teacher from Calgary, Alberta and somehow I found my way to your blog tonight, browsing over from Young House Love. <br /><br />I wasn't expecting to stay up two hours past my bedtime, learning about your family and having my heart pulled open with your grief. You can add another person to the list of those praying for you from around the world. <br /><br />Your son was the kind of kid I love having in my classroom. Thanks for sharing his spirit with all of us. <br /><br />-BriannaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-36763235817299014932012-04-17T19:19:05.156-07:002012-04-17T19:19:05.156-07:00I love that his team is honoring him. Long may the...I love that his team is honoring him. Long may the celebration of his life and wonderful qualities continue!Ann Imighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01383249597505013239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-21218686383451365092012-04-17T09:57:59.683-07:002012-04-17T09:57:59.683-07:00I have to tell you - there isn't a day at Zach...I have to tell you - there isn't a day at Zach's baseball practice or a day at a baseball game that I don't think of your Jack. And now reading this, I definitely will be thinking of you. The other day we were at a scrimmage game and a boy on the other team got up to bat and his teammates were yelling "Go Jack"....and as I sat there thinking wow, I don't know a whole lot of boys named Jack through Zach's school years....and how odd as I had just been thinking about you all - because that was the day the rainbow had appeared for just what seemed like a few seconds.... <br /> <br />Zach also is sensitive, a loner at recess, loves baseball, doesn't YET care if they win or lose (I'm sure the competitive side is coming though!), and could also fit in a bat bag - for as always, he is the smallest on the team.<br /><br />Thanks for always sharing your loving words about Jack. You are truly an amazing person, and a more amazing Mother.Theresa Onoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-29256853074566854472012-04-17T09:05:20.373-07:002012-04-17T09:05:20.373-07:00"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with t..."Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15<br /><br />I'd say this is both. Cause to celebrate his life. And cause to mourn a passing to soon. <br /><br />Thank God that so many people have gathered together to honour the memory of your little boy. Take solice in the fact that he is remembered. He touched lives. He will live on: on earth in our memories and in Heaven for eternity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-36978562446074385062012-04-17T07:47:50.578-07:002012-04-17T07:47:50.578-07:00Anna,
Thank you so much for sharing this. Know t...Anna,<br /><br />Thank you so much for sharing this. Know that I pray for you and your family as you travel this road of grief. <br />~ChristyChristynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-26031540096344790272012-04-16T13:18:08.965-07:002012-04-16T13:18:08.965-07:00God Bless you and your awesome family Anna. Your ...God Bless you and your awesome family Anna. Your memories of Jack and his life and growth are so precious because they are so truly reminiscent of the growth and struggles of most other boys including my own. May you continue to grow as well. I am happy to see you smile in your pictures, and hear the warmth in your writing. Love, prayers, and blessings.<br /><br />Ury<br />Seatle, WASalvimomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05882238346452676368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-20800858004614300922012-04-16T11:53:19.513-07:002012-04-16T11:53:19.513-07:00Thinking about you today. Hope you are doing ok.Thinking about you today. Hope you are doing ok.Princess Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00868992133684014734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-68135966664285272572012-04-15T21:55:48.007-07:002012-04-15T21:55:48.007-07:00Along with several others, I see so much of my qui...Along with several others, I see so much of my quirky, passionate kid in the beautiful words you wrote here. Jack's hard fought victories are a ministry of encouragement as I watch my 7 year old wail at parties, walk around recess alone, and rail against things that aren't just so. <br />I am so sorry that Jack is gone. I am so sorry for the giant hole ripped in your heart. I am praying for you.<br />JenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-91300498831203651222012-04-15T19:16:23.098-07:002012-04-15T19:16:23.098-07:00I can only echo Marinka's sentiments-she said ...I can only echo Marinka's sentiments-she said exactly what I was thinking.Jenn @ Juggling Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14455967210924573398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-80853019840358405932012-04-15T13:47:47.314-07:002012-04-15T13:47:47.314-07:00While I am not a faithful comenter {thank you, iPh...While I am not a faithful comenter {thank you, iPhone!} I read your blog and think/pray for you and your sweet family all the time. <br />What sweet memories of persevering through hard things. Sports didn't come easy for Jack, but yet her pressed on and in. Love that about him. <br />Your recollections of him are so honest and pure and quite often funny. I miss the Anna from B.A., but it's not like I like you any less. You're just different. I love that your humor is still present, but you are so much deeper and truer than I have ever encountered.<br />You know the post you shared about the one standing on the sidelines watching the griever? Well, I am LOATHE to say something that I think is helpful only to have it fall flat or worse, be an unintentional stinging slap, or one that causes you heartache beyond what you are already experiencing. <br />Know that you are loved, admired, and treasured.purejoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07095975148508760030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-21671391370435872942012-04-15T10:54:52.629-07:002012-04-15T10:54:52.629-07:00I agree with Marinka, this post took my breath awa...I agree with Marinka, this post took my breath away also. The Sportsmanship Award is definitely one that would be honored to have Jack's name on it!Debby@Just Breathehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685398064340027809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-74792035104198656182012-04-15T06:53:18.303-07:002012-04-15T06:53:18.303-07:00This one took my breath away, Anna. I don't k...This one took my breath away, Anna. I don't know what to do first, praise the writing, wail at the injustice, cheer for those near wins.<br /><br />love to you all.Marinkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16489592695993949578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334921515741798160.post-18923644128174189042012-04-15T06:07:17.956-07:002012-04-15T06:07:17.956-07:00I still vividly remember my 8 year old on his trav...I still vividly remember my 8 year old on his travel soccer team getting yellow carded and starting to cry on the field. His coach said to me with a look of helplessness....."whatever he does, he just CAN'T CRY". Oy. And yes they outgrow it. Thank goodness. <br /><br />What a sweet tribute to your boy. Obviously THEY remember him as a good sport. What else matters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com