Nine Years Without Our Boy: Working Through the Loss of a Child

Nine years ago today we lost our beautiful boy, Joey. Two weeks after he turned 13, Joey left the Earth after a valiant battle with colon cancer. As April approaches each year, we wonder how we will face both his birthday and the anniversary of his death. Today I will remember him with joy. Today I will remember his smile, his laugh, his love, and his legacy. Today if I shed tears, I will mingle them with tears of joy that I got to be his mother and that for 13 amazing years I got to be the one to raise such an incredible boy.



While many of my readers know our story, some do not. You can read about Joey's story HERE.

If you know someone who is going through a profound loss right now: death, divorce, loss of job, loss of a relationship please hug them tight. Tell them you love them. Tell them that you're always there for them. Be patient with them. Give them time to grieve. Don't rush them. Pray for them. Think of them. And never forget what they are going through. They could use all the love and help they can get. I know it made a profound difference in our life because we were surrounded and supported by hundreds of people who loved us and loved Joey.

We love and thank all of you!

5 comments

  1. I can't even imagine what this loss is for you, Jennifer, but I can tell you that I would have tears of grief and joy not only on this anniversary, but every day. I'm glad you have a great support system, too! (I'm sure you've been told many times that Joey looks like you!)

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  2. I'm sorry, because I know that this pain does not pass. trust in God he knows everything , and will save you.

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  3. Jen, I read Joseph's story with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful but short life and I'm so very sorry that you and your husband had to face what all parents fear. I have had mothers who have lost children tell me that the sorrow never really goes away, no matter how many years have passed, and I believe that. I am glad that you are able to find some joy now through his memory. Hugs to you and your family.

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  4. Jen, I had known that you lost a son at an early age, but didn't know the details of it. I just sat and read cute Joey's story and I'm just overwhelmed with admiration for you and your family. What an unimagineable trial to go through. I can't imagine seeing any of my four boys suffering and not being able to do a thing to ease it for them. I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning with a little more kindness and patience in my heart--not just to my own boys and husband, but to everyone I come in contact with. Hopefully it gives you some comfort to know that Joey's story is making the world a better place one person at a time. Isn't the Gospel of Jesus Christ such a wonderful beacon of light in this trial-filled world?? Like you, I KNOW you will see Joey again, and for that I'm so overjoyed for you! Lots of hugs, Elisha.

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  5. I can not imagine... Sending hugs your way and thinking of you <3

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