Today is the Day

Three years ago today, I lost my sweet boy to colon cancer. Although I will never be comfortable talking about the details of the day, I will say it was horrible beyond description. I am really doing ok today. And rather than focus on any pain that I could dredge up if I focused too much on it, I'd rather ask you a favor.

Something I often think about is the fact that there are other people at the hospital (or at home) saying good-bye to loved ones today. This happens every minute of every day. And when I think about them coming home without their child or their mother or their sister or their loved one and that horrible ride home filled with the deepest sorrow, I offer a prayer in their honor. If you would be willing, would you take just a moment and offer a prayer, send up positive thoughts, light a candle (thank you, Ali) or just have a peaceful moment of silence that they may be buoyed up in spirit and that they might soon find peace? That would truly make me feel better.

And then give your loved ones a big hug, a note of appreciation, and DON'T let today go by without telling them that you love them. You just never know.

I would love that!

And now, Joey, I love you sweet boy!!

27 comments

  1. Thanks for the reminder to be kind to those we love. Sometimes that is hard with a teenage boy but I'm thankful he is here and strong so far! Bless you on this day.

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  2. Thinking of you and your family today, Jennifer. Thank you for your constant reminders to cherish what we have.

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  3. You are so brave and just wonderful! I pray for you and your family and for all who suffer the pain of losing someone.
    God bless!
    xo

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  4. Will do! Giant hugs to you and yours today...thinking of you!

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  5. Jen,

    Big hugs to you and your family.

    What a great reminder for everyone to hug loved ones tight.

    Love you!

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  6. Your family will be in our prayers today, Jen, as will those other families who grieve.

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  7. Jennifer thank you--I have tears in my eyes--thank you for the reminder to hug those that are most dear to me. I was already thinking about you today-know I'm praying for you and yours family.

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  8. Prayers and blessings to you and your family.

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  9. Thanks for reminding us what is truly important. WARM HUGS to you!!!

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  10. Jen, I know April is such a hard month for you. I think of you often over here but I REALLY think of you once April comes. On the way home from the school run, I sat quietly in the church and lit a candle for you and Joey. Praying for a plethora of peace to wash over you today and bring all the happy memories to the forefront of your memory, praying for peace in your heart, praying for Brett to get through the day too. Men are sometimes forgotten a little, as well as a prayer for Katelyn and Jimmy too. Your spirit, strength and grace through times like this NEVER cease to amaze me. So today in the church another candle was burning beside our usual two others. Joey's candle was nestled right beside the candle for my Papa(we lost him to cancer), and on the other side was the candle of hope we light for Kate (McRae). Hugging you from across the miles.

    Ali xxxx

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  11. I'm always thinking of you. You're absolutely amazing and I look up to you more than you know. I love that you're my friend.

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  12. Absolutely will say a prayer. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

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  13. You have touched my life more than you know Jen. Your story has affected the way I look at my children and cherish those little moments with them. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you are going through something I can't even imagine. But I love you! I want you to know I'm thinking of your family, and praying for those who are in the hospital in similar situations. ((hugs))You are missed Joey!

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  14. Oh my, what a difficult challenge God had faced you with, but it appears that you are doing just as God and your son would have wanted. Reminding us to pass on the love.

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  15. You, Brett and the kids are also in my prayers today. Big hugs.

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  16. (((((Hugs))))) to you and your family. I pray for your family, and other families who have lost loved ones, on a regular basis - but I'll say extra prayers today that you will have peace, joy, and abundant love in your lives.

    I can't believe it's been three years already.

    Blessings to you today,

    Lizzy

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  17. Jen - you are so precious and please know that your loss has really reminded me lately to try and treasure time with my child. We have been having a difficult relationship lately but the other night, I read you entire blog and the next day, I started to be more patient with her. I think of you often.

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  18. thinking of you my friend. hugs!

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  19. Thinking of you today. Hugs Lisa

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  20. Done and done. What a beautiful post.

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  21. Thank you for sharing your heart, Jen - I don't *know* you, but enjoy your scrapping inspiration, as well as admire your strength. I have a big boy, 19, in college, and soak him up every chance I get. My 10 yo girl is filling my days, and believe me, I think of you often. Thank you, and God bless you and your family :)

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  22. Sandra A10:46 AM

    You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Your request is granted; prayers for all. Joey, your sweet and kind face reminds us all just how precious life is.

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  23. ((HUG)) for you Jen and your family.

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  24. Your bravery and selflessness inspire. Rather than thinking of yourself and dwell on missing your son, you remind us of not only to treasure what we have, but also to pray for those for whom today might be that day they lose someone they love. You are so right. Prayers and blessings to you Jennifer.

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  25. You've got my tears and a prayer, right now.

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  26. I may be a few days late, but I prayed the same. What a wonderful thought it is to know so many people could be praying for the same thing, and for the peace that will come of it. Thank you, and your boy really is beautiful.

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  27. I know how those anniversaries weigh on you for weeks ahead of time myself. Even if you don't look at a calendar, somehow your soul just KNOWS. ((hugs)) to you and wishing that you have peace.

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