Sunday, April 10, 2016

6 Years ~

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry I haven't posted here in such a long time! Today April 10, 2016 ~ we celebrated Jake in park surrounded my nature, beauty, friends and family. Six years ago today, myself and my siblings Erin & Andy stood and spoke before many of you at Jake's celebration of life. One of the hardest things I have ever done, and much of it I can't truly remember.





Grief is one of the most difficult things to ever walk through, and one of the hardest to try and explain. It is in so many forms and I often think of it in waves. My personal journey after Jake passed has been something I cannot really describe. I have learned that some people won't understand, will never have the right words, and sometimes will not act in the way that I believe they should. My heart has found such peace with that last statement because I have realized for people to truly understand my feelings and thoughts maybe they would need to experience loss in the same way, and that I would never wish upon anyone.

Today, we celebrated Jake. We had lunch, cake, and a beautiful balloon release. Before everyone arrived a few of us were there early setting up and blowing up balloons. A man approached us and said: "I noticed your banner, DONATE LIFE is that for organ donation?" We responded, yes and he asked if that also included Bone Marrow Transplants, we responded yes. He then shared with us the story of his wife needing and receiving a bone marrow transplant 5 years ago and said it saved her life. He asked us if we lost someone and my mom shared that we lost Jake 6 years ago, but were able to donate his organs. She explained every year we get together and celebrate him and share the gift that he has given us and so many others. The man thanked us for sharing his story and advocating for organ donation. ~What a cool way to start the picnic.


I hope you all find the same peace and joy.

Love you all. XO.
Rachel