As sad as it is to lose someone you love SO VERY MUCH, it was an incredibly peaceful and loving experience. We spent the last few days snuggled up close to Jake in his bed as countless family members and friends came by our home to love on our little man. We listened to all of the songs that we played in the delivery room when Jake was born, read him his favorite stories, and told him that we loved him more than anything in the entire world! Last night our family gathered in his room while Jake's grandpa Paul played some of Jake's favorite songs, including "Here Comes the Sun". Jake loved music! Throughout the entire process, we kept Jake completely comfortable and free of pain. Jacob is so incredibly tough, that he waited until every little part of his tiny body was worn out so that he could gather every last kiss and cuddle that he possible could. Even in his final moments with us, we got to snuggle him in our arms and hold his hands. We couldn't have asked for a better way to send off our little man to a place where we know he will be free from the pain and restrictions that he was so unfairly given in his life here on earth.
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| Holding cousin Hailey's hand while she read a story to him |
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| Snuggled up with Momma and his favorite stuffed animal Ele |
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| Holding Daddy's hand |
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| Grandpa Dennis gave this rosary to Jake prior to our gathering for his last rites and his cousin Casey made sure he had his PERSEVERE wrist band. Jake held on to these items for most of the day |
It is impossible to describe what a wonderful blessing Jake was in our lives. Jacob was a true JOY from the moment he was born up until the moment he took his very last breath. Our hearts are broken and even though Jacob will remain forever in our hearts, we know that there will always be a giant piece missing. It is simply impossible to fill the empty space in our hearts that Jacob filled.
Jake was just two-years old (not quite 26 months), but regardless of the length of Jake's life here on earth, we can without a doubt say that our little man touched the lives and hearts of so, so many. As I signed on to the blog this evening, I was amazed to see that Jacob's blog has received 3,300+ views in the last few days...so incredibly touching! We have received countless messages and texts from people over the last few days, which is a true testament to the insurmountable love and support for our little man Jake from across the globe. As his parents, we hope that sharing Jake's story has inspired others to live their lives more fully with joy, laughter and an abundance of love!
"Even the smallest of feet have the power to leave everlasting footprints upon this world"
We love you with all of our hearts Jacob Lee Brooks!!!!
I don't think there are words to express my condolences for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWe often take our loved ones for granted. It sounds like you were able to fully cherish every moment with your little man.
Your strength is amazing and I'm sure Jacob's perseverance will shine through in your baby girl.
My heart goes out to you and your family!
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ReplyDeleteoh sweet, sweet Jacob. my heart is broken for you. He is so beautiful and I am so sad as you said in your words, that he did not get to live a full life, but I am so touched that the life he did have was full of love. Thank you for sharing his sweet life with all of us, I loved getting to know him through his mama's words. I send you all my love as you go thru this hard time of saying goodbye to one baby just days before you meet a new one. so much love, Chelsea
ReplyDeleteWords simply fail me as I read your message this morning. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Jacob. Thank you for sharing his all too short life with us. May you feel the love of all who came to know him. Your family remains in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteEven when there truly are "no words," you found just the right ones. Sending you our love and offering prayers for strength.
ReplyDeleteNanci Glassman
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Sarah and Josh.....Heaven is a brighter place with Sweet Jake playing and laughing. --Leslie Lawler
ReplyDeleteOh sweet, sweet boy. He will be so missed. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss, but like you so thankful that he is now free of his burdens and that he was in your loving arms until the very end. Thank you so much for sharing your precious boy with us, Sarah. He will always be in my heart as will you and your whole family. Sending much love and praying for strength and comfort for you and Josh.
ReplyDeleteFly free Jacob spread your wings go be with our Father . Rest in peace little man you are free now
ReplyDeleteI send my love to you Josh and your wife I'm truly sorry for your loss little man is at peace now
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you. Sweet Jacob made a mark on all our hearts and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your beautiful post.I am so inspired by your love and courage - an example for many. How wonderful to have Angel baby Jake looking down on all of us. God's love comfort you, dear friends.
ReplyDelete__________________
I’ll Lend you for a little time a child of mine
by Edgar Guest
“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine,” He said.
“For you to love the while he lives and mourn when he is dead,
“It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.
“But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
“He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, but should his stay be brief,
“You’ll have his lovely memories, as solace for your grief,
“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
“But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
“I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
“And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.
“Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
“Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say: Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
“For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness: we’ll love him while we may,
And for happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay.
“But should the angels call for him much sooner than we’d planned.
“We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”
Sweet sweet Jacob, just as your momma said ... You are so so loved. Thank you Sarah and Josh for sharing Jake with us. You are absolutely incredible parents and gave jake such a full and loving life. I am so sorry for your loss and heartache. May you see Jacobs strength in the eyes of your expected arrival soon. Sending you love during this impossible time. Xxoo Shannon and Steven
ReplyDeleteHe has inspired so many people! He has a special place in a lot of hearts and will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteAll my love, thoughts and prayers for you and yours. I wish you peace.
ReplyDeleteLarry Batti
I am so sorry for your loss. I learned of Jacob and your family from my niece, Samantha. Jacob's story has been spread far and wide, and so he has touched so many. Jacob was here for very special reason; we must always remember Jacob and little children like him to remind us that love should never be taken for granted, never wasted or abused, and that connection can never be broken. Bless you all and we cry with you.
ReplyDeleteHaving lost a child in our family who fought for her life everyday for 10 yrs. we share your heart and know that God brought these exceptional children into our life to bring us strength and courage we would have never known had they not shared theirs with us. It also brought us all closer to God which I believe was their chosen path to begin with. Many many HUGS!Anna Considine family member of Julia Loranger
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written Sarah! Jacob was loved by so many and brought joy into the lives of everyone he has met. I will always remember his sweet smiling face :) Love you!!!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful update, I'm glad that he has found peace. Sharing your story has helped so many families through their difficult journeys. Brett Linzer (Quinn's Dad)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and so very touching. Your little man was such an inspiration. Sending you, Josh and your families lots of love and strength. <3
ReplyDeleteDear Sarah & Josh, what a beautiful testament to your amazing little boy. Your blog is beautifully written and truly reflects the profound love you have for your son. I am so deeply saddened for your loss. My prayers are with both of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThe Ziemke Family
Dear Sarah and Josh.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the story of Jacob and the story of your family. Your strength and spirit are extraordinary. The strength and spirit of your son will never be forgotten. It is not easy to have one's heart ache so profoundly; and somehow still be thankful for the short time spent with a child so dear. Though difficult to fathom the "things happen for a reason" side of all this, your faith, family, and friends seem to have truly been a remarkable support. May we all learn and be comforted by your and Jacob's courage, bravery, and resolve. Peace and Love mean more today. Prayers and light to you and your son - and all of us that have been touched by this journey. D
My thoughts and prayer go out to this family. As a father with an 11 month old son, I cannot even imagine the pain that the parents must be feeling right now. This is one of those situations where I ask myself if this is gods plan or not. I can't see any reason for taking a child so young.
ReplyDeleteTo the mother who I believe is the one posting on the blog. I admire your courage and composure during this hard time. Your words are very well thought out and sound very sincere, I wish you and your family nothing but the beswt during these hard times.
Sarah and Josh,
ReplyDeleteJesse and I are deeply saddened to hear little Jacob is gone.
Surely there is no loss that is sadder or harder to understand than the loss of your child. Jacob has passed from our sight, but not from our hearts. The love and memories you gave to Jacob will keep him close forever.
We love you guys, and our thoughts are with you.
Evita and Jesse
Josh and Sahra,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and love are pointing your way.
Jocko Rodriguez and Family.
I'm sorry for lose of your beautiful son. Sarah you sound like an amazingly strong mommy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJosh and Sarah, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteEmily Hoshida and Family
I'm usually full of words for any topic, but there are none to describe this situation. My heart aches for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could day something wise and insightful that could help ease your pain, but I think you've already given yourself any advice that I would give to you.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but glad that your son is free from any pain that he had while here. What an amazingly strong little man!
You are so lucky that he chose you to share his life with him, as we are lucky that you shared his story with us.
Best wishes
I have just learned of Jacob's story a few days ago. I knew Jake's grandma Sheila years ago when she took care of my daughter. Knowing what a wonderful and close knit family she's from I was devastated to hear about Jake's condition. My life has been forever changed after hearing how you both as parents and the whole family came together to give such a beautiful quality of life to this little fighter! He couldn't have felt anymore loved. I am forever grateful to have been shown how you can still have joy along with sadness, comfort with pain, and triumph over loss. I vow to definitely live and love so much more with my family. Little Jake was a mighty being and has left a huge legacy!
ReplyDeleteLoving Regards,
I have been following for a few months and am so saddened for your family at the loss at such a fantastic little man. I hope you find the Lord's peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWe are truly sorry for your loss!! May Jacob live on in the hearts of all those he's touched. We wish your family continued blessings throughout this difficult time!!!
ReplyDelete<3 the Angel Family
Sarah and Family
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
i just realized my comment never published! there are literally no words i can think of to offer you guys. you have been such a source of inspiration for us since we learned about quinn and i so wish i could take away even one ounce of your pain right now. we have been thinking of you and Jake constantly and am know that he is in a better place now, always looking out for you. love and strength, xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSarah and Josh,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing Jake's life with the world. I would check in monthly to share in all the happness, the joy, the accomplishments ,and most of all the LOVE your beautiful family has been through. Jake has touched my heart forever and I thank you for that. I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than the lose of a child. My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time. Please have comfort in knowing that your little princess to be will have her own angel looking down on her.
Hugs and love,
Gina Russo
I'm just a stranger from a country town in minnesota and I am so sorry for your loss I just found your blog through Quinn's blog (from stir.com) and I'm so heart broken for you and yours. To lose than gain to persevered than bloom I am at a loss. Because of Quinn and Jacob I've learned a new way to live with my daughter who recently was diagnosed with cancer me a mom at 24 with my world and life 3 years young... I guess the only true thing to do is to live life to the fullest. In reading all the blogs I've giggled, "Awed" cried and now I've balled. . When does the shock go away and the strenght come with acceptance? When does it become ok? Its like your blog "to much to soon" I'm really sorry I've started to ramble but I will be praying for you and your <3 RIP little man you are the true amazing grace
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