Jacob turned 10 this week.....

It's hard to believe but it's been 10 years since he was born and died. I had sent out the following to friends and family:

Ten years ago we were blessed by the birth of our much anticipated first child, Jacob. Five days later, as we held him in our arms, God’s plan was set in motion. While over the years we have questioned this plan many times, we can now say we understand.

We have been able to find joy and peace from a time in our lives that was so very painful. We were able to have four happy, healthy children subsequent to Jacob that weren’t in our original life “plan”. We’ve been able to meet some wonderful people along the way including those at Precious Parents who also understood what the loss of a child was.

We find happiness in other’s success. We’ve been taught the true meaning of compassion, caring and sincerity all from a child who lived such a short time. Because of him, we have lived differently.

Please take a moment out of your day to hug someone special in your life in honor of Jacob’s 10th birthday in Heaven. Take another moment to tell them you are there if they ever need a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear.

Happy 10th Birthday Jacob! We all love and miss you so very much.

Love,
Daddy, Mommy, Luke, Lily, Whitney & Grant

I shared our story at church at our "Do You Have a Story to Tell" night. It was nice for me to be able to speak of him again and share with others what we have learned from losing a child. I can vividly remember being at the cemetery and walking away from that tiny casket with empty arms questioning what my life would become.

I'm proud to be able to have been a part of Precious Parents at Children's Hospital having the opportunity to help other parents who've lost a baby. I'm proud to be able to do all that we have done and continue to do with Jacob's Gift.

Today, July 31st in 1998 was the day we learned we would go into the hospital and hold our son while he died. I can say now I understand and am honored to have known him those 5 days. I met parents at the July Precious Parents meeting who had just lost their child and my heart breaks for them. I can't convince them it'll all be fine and their life will be okay. I wouldn't have believed it at that point either. All I can say is "I'm sorry" and "I understand".

So if you've made it this far and aren't too bummed out, I thank you. I really appreciate all who have been so kind and supportive of me.

Our Night at the Races is Saturday, Sept. 27th at Elm Ridge Party Center in Canal Fulton. Tickets will be on sale about a month prior and are $20 each (includes dinner & full bar). I'm already working on collecting all the gift certificates, tickets, autographed items, sponsorships, raffle baskets, etc. that goes along with this event. It is our only fundraiser other than receiving private donations.

I'm always searching for connections to items we can use for raffles or Silent auction so if you have anything, please let me know.

Hope you can join us!!

Enjoy the rest of the Summer,

Joanna

We'd love