Today marks eight months since Jacob earned his angel wings. After I got off work, Kelly and I had a special visit with Jakey at the cemetery and for the first time since November, the 15th wasn't such a difficult day for me. That was until I got home to open the mail and read the recent newsletter from the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation, which basically hit me like a ton of bricks. I was flipping through the pages and saw my little man's sweet face amongst all the other brave NPD kiddos, whose families and friends have pulled together despite the most difficult of circumstances, to fundraise for research and cures for this devastating disease. I actually felt proud for a moment to see that so many people we know are helping to make a difference in the fight against the disease we despise! Then I turned to page 2 of the newsletter and saw Jacob's name, as well as several of our littlest of friends listed under a section titled "Memorials" -- queue tears and heart being pulled from my chest and stomped on, yet again!
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Unfortunately, this is my reality. I live it every day, over and over. I never know if hearing Jacob's name or looking at his picture might bring a great big smile or trigger tears. What I do know, is that I never want people to forget about the incredible little boy that Jacob was and how many lives he touched in just two short years.
The other day, I was pleasantly reminded of the great impact Jake had on the hearts of others, when I received a message from my cousin. My cousin Mattie is spending her summer in Belgium running youth services/programs through Camp Adventure, which is an internship program that sends college students to work with military children on military bases throughout the world. Mattie is absolutely amazing with kids and is currently studying to be a teacher, so this program is a perfect fit for her. I know she's having a wonderful adventure herself as she's been traveling to nearby countries on her days off. While on one of her weekend adventures, she met another youngster who recognized her Joy of Jacob wristband because she has one too! Say what!?! Mind you, Mattie is on the other side of the WORLD right now! How could someone have possibly recognized one of Jacob's wristbands? Insert...six degrees of separation theory!!
Our world is truly small at times. It turns out that the other youngster is also partaking in the Camp Adventure program at a base in Germany, but lives in Chico, California where I went to college...and...she just happens to know one of my good friends (and college roomie). Crazy, right!?!
Needless to say, I'm still incredibly touched to know that Jake continues to make a difference in the lives of others and helped my cousin make a new friend all the way on the other side of the world.
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| Mattie holding Jakey on Christmas 2011 |
Never doubt just how special you are or the difference you can make in this world!! Love you little man!
Oh Sarah - even though we have never met, I wish I could just give you a huge hug. Your beautiful Jakey and his friends have grabbed my heartstrings and I WILL never forget any of them or the way they have changed my life. That is because you blogging mamas have given us the chance to know you and your precious babies on a very personal level. Your selfless sharing of your difficult journeys has made so many aware of this awful disease and has prompted so many people to not just read your stories, but to take action to find treatments and a cure. Please know that Jake is in my thoughts every day and always will be, as will you, Josh and Kelly. Sending you hugs and looking forward to the time that the mention of Jake's name will bring smiles more often than tears. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI too wish I could give you a hug Sarah. I am so so sorry that Jacob is not in your arms. Jake is such an amazing little boy that certainly continues to touch lives all over the world. I love that his wristband is being worn literally across the globe, amazing! Sending you love and strength. Xoxo Shannon
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