Sunday, April 7, 2013

3 Years Ago

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so the faith without the deeds is dead." - James 2:26



I remember this day so vividly 3 years ago today. I woke up early in the morning and sat by Jake and held his hand, as I knew it would be the last time. I prayed and I prayed. The days, weeks, months, and years to follow are something that no one could have prepared me for. I know most won't understand until they have been through it-- and even then every situation is different.



Today-- on a beautiful day in Missouri we celebrated the life of Jake. As I was driving to the park today I thought back to when everything first happened my heart was filled with such sorrow - I didn't stop crying for a very long time. Even today with tears there seems to be so much healing that has happened (at least for me).







Maybe it is part of growing up or just knowing that someone has to be strong and keep it together. As many of you know we had the privilege of connecting with a donor recipient of Jake - his name was Mike.  Today I think of them as they had called April 7 Mike's second birthday. I thought it would only be appropriate to share a blogpost that Mike's wife Kathy made in honor of Jake in February 2012.

To me it is just a reminder how connected we all are... Even when we don't realize it.


"Jacob Watson Gentry

       Jacob Watson Gentry, known as Jake to his family and friends, is the young man who passed away on April 7, 2010, and provided Mike with a second chance at life. 
       Mike and I have been in contact with Jake’s mother, Virginia.  We are planning to meet, possibly in March.
       Jake’s family had a blog during his illness and they have graciously given us permission to place a link on our Caring Bridge site.  It is our hope, both his family and ours, that our readers will learn from our experiences and spread the word to your friends and families.
       While reading Jake’s blog you will learn about his personality, his humor, his family and about the tragic manner in which he died.  Any time a child dies it is tragic.  Yes, Jake was a child.  He was an 18 year old boy.  He was just a few months older than our own daughter, Kristen. 
       We know that those of you who have been our prayer warriors through Mike’s illness and recovery will appreciate having a name and a face for your prayers. 
       I ask that you continue to pray with us.  As we do, keep Jake’s family in your heart and prayers.  I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a child.  I cannot imagine the decisions Virginia had to make during Jake’s illness.  I cannot imagine how difficult her life must be now. 
       I can only pray that God shed his grace on her and her family for the wonderful gift they have given our family.  I pray that she will find peace in knowing that her son lives on in others.  I pray that God will hold her hand and give her comfort in her hours of grief.  I pray that their pain will diminish with time. 
       We will forever be grateful to the Gentry family for sharing Jake with us.  We thank God for Jake every day.  We will always honor his memory.
       Link to Jake’s blog
May God bless the Gentry family,
Kathy"

"You have turned my mourning into dancing, you have turned my sorrow into joy."
Lots of love, 
Rachel