I have thought about Jake's 3rd birthday for well-over a year, which seems odd because while planning his 2nd birthday, I had to push out the unthinkable thoughts in my mind that questioned whether or not he would be here to celebrate another year. Even though we are incredibly heartbroken that we can't have our Jakey boy here with us, we hope that Jacob's life serves as an inspiration and not as a tragedy. We are truly blessed to have had Jacob in our lives and we will continue to celebrate him.
Over the past several months I have happened across various different websites dedicated to celebrating children and random acts of kindness (RAK) days, events and ideas. Did you know they actually have a national RAK day in New Zealand, which happens to be in September!?! Now, I know it's not a coincidence that I 'happened' across these sites...I think I had a little guidance from a little angel who knew just how he wanted us to celebrate his birthday.
Jacob taught us to live in the moment and to find the joy in our lives. He showed us all such strength, love and perseverance. Through our journey with Jacob, we experienced such kindness, generosity and support from others -- we aspire to pay that forward.
OUR BIRTHDAY WISH for Jacob...is for all of our family, friends and blog readers to find a positive way to remember Jacob, by seeking out a kind or loving gesture for another person and/or live in the moment; do something that brings you and those you love, JOY.
Here's a few ideas to get your wheels spinning...
- Leave work a little early and have a fun family night with your kiddos
- Call or visit someone who is sick (meals are a plus)
- Read to your child...let them pick the book and throw in an extra one for good measure. Jacob absolutely loved snuggling up and reading books with us.
- Take a long walk, hike or bike ride somewhere beautiful and just enjoy the scenery
- Donate food or clothing to a local shelter
- Be spontaneous and do something you've always wanted to do
There are so many possibilities! The coming days are going to be rough for us and it would mean so much to our family, to know that Jacob's life continues to touch others in a positive way; that he continues to bring joy and love into the hearts of many!! Let's celebrate the life of an incredible boy -- spread the JOY and share a little extra kindness in memory of Jacob!!!
We would love to see/hear about how you celebrated with us, so feel free to text, e-mail or send pics via Facebook and Instagram -- don't forget to hashtag #joyofjacob.
I love the idea. RAKs are such a wonderful way for us to honor our NPA angels and to have an opportunity to share their stories. Please know, Josh and Sarah, that Jake DOES continue to touch my life and he DOES bring joy and love into my heart. Every day when I check your blog, each time I look down at Jake's ladybug on my Pandora bracelet, when I see a FB post from you, I am reminded once again to cherish each moment and to do "just one more" little thing to make someone else's life a little nicer. I'm so very, very sorry you have to feel this pain. I wish I had a way to change that for you. But I will be glad to share my RAKs with you this week! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYou always have the perfect words to say Cathy. Thank you for opening your heart to Jake, our family and all the other NPA families ~ it means a lot!! Can't wait to hear about your RAKs
DeleteYou got it Sarah!!! Plan on at least one a day from us for jakey's entire birthday week. This is such a beautiful way to celebrate your little darling. We do the same thing for Wylder's "diagnosis day" and what was one of the worse days ever is now such a wonderful day full of RAK. We would be honored to celebrate sweet jake this way! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! We did a RAK for Wylder and that must be why this idea has been stuck in my mind. Such a great way to show love for our kiddos and bring joy to days that are very difficult. Love our NPD family :)
DeleteCount us in. What a nice week it will be. We love your plan.
ReplyDeleteNanci Glassman
Norfolk VA
Thanks Nanci!!
DeleteWe will be seeing my elderly grandma on Sunday and sharing the miracle of life with her, letting her hold her newest great granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea Jill!! I bet your grandmother will be elated to hold your little beauty!
Deletewe are in too! I will be thinking of something great:) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI bet you will! I remember reading The Three Brother's Go to the Beach to Kelly on Trek's special day...it meant a lot to us to be able to participate in some small way. Hugs!
DeleteI WILL DO SEVERAL RAK IN JACOBS HONOR!! FOR THE FIRST RAK I AM TAKING SOME CLOTHES AND BATH SUPPLIES TO THE HOMELESS SHELTER. THANK YOU SARAH, YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME. WHAT A WONDERFUL MOM, WIFE, FRIEND AND GRAND DAUGHTER IN LAW YOU ARE. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN OUR FAMILY!! LOVE YOU, GRAMMA GRACE
ReplyDeleteThanks Gramma Grace, I bet that will be so appreciated! :)
DeleteSARAH & JOSH,and baby Kelly !
ReplyDeletewishing you much love and Peace today and always,,,,,
Love you DAD
Aka' STAL
We found your blog when someone paid our toll for us on our first visit to New York City yesterday. Contrary to rumor, New Yorkers were very kind, beginning with our toll being paid. We are very sorry to learn of Jacob's illness and passing but how wonderful that his short life has reached coast to coast. We are a day late but will forward an act of kindness in his memory. Our deepest sympathy to you. Two moved travelers.
ReplyDeleteJacob's life has indeed touched the hearts of many! Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and for paying it forward in his memory. Much love!
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