This is Jack. He’s Emma’s older brother. At the start of the weekend of his 10th upcoming birthday he, his dad and mom were busily redoing his bedroom in preparation for his birthday party to be shared by family and friends. He was very excited and really looking forward to it.
Jack and his dad had just finished putting up the new shelves on the walls in his room when his dad got a call from someone. They needed his help to move a larger size aquarium from their home. As always his dad (a generous and kind man) said he’d be right over. Jack, Emma, Jordan and their mom never saw him again.Just a few blocks away he was struck and killed by a meth using driver who failed to yield.
When I wrote “Ethereal Life” and spoke of …in a heartbeat it can be gone… it was true and extremely personal. Just a few days ago Jack had picked the puff ball and was demonstrating to me how quickly it could be blown away, that was when I got the inspiration to write the poem.
I have watched this family struggle for the past two years since the most devastating day of their life.
In Jack’s case it was particularily hard. It happened during what would have been a celebration of his birthday. Jack is a very special boy. He is highly sensitive, he see’s most things in black and white. Borderline Aspergers, intellectually off the charts, but in a few areas, emotionally immature. Prior to his dad’s death he was well on his way to overcoming many of the characteristics common to his type of personality. After his fathers death there was a reversal, but slowly he’s progressing forward again.
On the day of his dad’s eulogy, the family’s church was packed with people. Hundreds. His dad had been well loved and admired in the community for his many acts of kindness and giving. The pastor standing in the front of the gathering had asked all those with a special memory of this man to stand and share. Many did, one after another. Towards the end the pastor asked if there was anyone else who wished to share.
And then amazingly, young Jack who is not an outgoing boy at all, solemnly stood up and turned to the very large group of gathered family & friends and stated … I have some things to share about my dad. And then the most heart breaking, soul wrenching words came forth from him. He held himself upright and spoke quietly and with dignity about the dad he knew and loved.
He spoke of his love and about all the things he would miss and why he loved him so much. In closing he said he was glad his dad was in heaven but he was really going to miss him. Then he quietly said “that’s all” and sat down. The silence in the large filled room that day was broken by the sound of many – crying tears of sadness over Jack’s earnest young words.
As I said Jack is very special. He’s introspective about people & life. If you’ve been following my blog you met his sister Emma recently when she posted a blog of her own. Jack watched and the other day he approached me and asked if he could post a blog too. Of course I said yes. For him to reach out and share is a sign of some very good things happening in his mind.
For those of you who have commented on Emma’s Post, she is most grateful and I thank you. In a little while soon I will post Jack’s first blog. He is as excited about it as I am for him and his wanting to reaching out to others. I will be most appreciative of all who read this today if you can take just a few minutes to come back, read and comment to him when Jack’s Post appears. Again thank you.
The Why About This 
Took a while to enter a reply, as it is difficult to see through tears. What a wonderful boy. To be able to stand up in front of all of those people and speak like that must have taken him such courage, and with such love for his dad.
There’s not much I can say apart from the fact that I have such admiration for him doing that.
It was completely unexpected, Jack is borderline Aspergers and he isn’t the type of individual to stand up in front of people (much less a large group, much less the circumstances) It was so profound, one of the comments on that page by “Chris”, husband to Christina’s cousin was there and explained well how we all felt in that moment. Hundreds of people gathered, you could have heard a pin drop and then when he sat down with such dignity, this broken hearted young boy, everyone cried with such pain for him!
I’ve just read that comment. I know with Asperger’s how hard it is to stand in front of people you don’t know. At that age is even more difficult. There’s not a lot of “neurotypical” people who could have had the same effect.
I think his dad would have been extremely proud of him. I think his dad IS extremely proud of him.
I whole heartedly agree with you!
A very warm and a touching story. My heart goes out to the family and to Jack in particular. You are such an amazing person for offering your help and love.
Thanks Celestine, yes this family has been through much pain and sorrow. They are finally moving on in a good way and I, well I love them and help as I can. I appreciate your thoughtful and kind words. Love to you…my new friend. 🙂
When I looked at the first photo I saw a vulnerable boy in his positioning; one that still needed gentle caring and so I was pleased as I read through his circumstances that you are providing some of that caring. Every thing counts, especially if it is done with love. ♥
So sorry for the loss you all have experienced…and no doubt still do. I know this feeling. It sounds like you have amazing children and all of you will come through whatever comes your way just fine. 🙂 Blessings to you. A.
Thank you. They are not my birth children, but I live in their home now and help as I can. Their mother is a simply amazing person still struggles with being the “whole parent” when before she was just half. Both of the childrens parents were highly loving, caring, and interactive with them. Their mom is learning how to be that way without her beloved and missed partner. She’s doing an awesome job. I just pick up the extra pieces that need to be taken care of, oh and love the heck out of all of them! Thanks for your warm and caring thoughts.
Then it seems they are twice blessed. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with your readers. Your story touched my heart. Currently I won’t be able to read all of the posts in my in-box right away but I will catch up as soon as possible. So, for sure, I will read Jack’s Post and I hope I’ll find Emma’s Post as well by taking a look in your archives, later.
Two beautiful high energy souls is what I see in the last picture of this post. – Much love from the depths of my heart.
Thank you Stefanie, much appreciated.
My heart goes out to you all Penny. Such beautiful children and such a lot to go through when still so young. Incredibly important who they still have around them and they are very blessed to have you. Ruth
Thank you Ruth.
Oh, this is truly heartbreaking, but Jack seems like a wonderful little boy and my heart goes out to his family~
Thank you for loving words.
Oh so heartbreaking. God rest his father’s soul & God bless Jack & his family.
I found this both engaging and touching. I really want to see what this special kid comes up with.
This just broke my heart. I am so sorry about Jack’s dad…life is so unfair and painfully short. Will be waiting to read Jack’s post. This just ripped my heart out though. Big hugs to Jack, Emma, and Jordan. God bless
Thanks Boomie.
It’s sobbing to read the story of losing his loving father at such a young age. By reaching out he will gain some the strength… Looking forward to reading Jack’s first post.
Thank you Jen, Love and god bless to my amazingly awesome Goddaughter. XXXOOOXXX
Every time I think about the whole thing, it just gets me. It makes my heart hurt for them, but I know know that God has a mighty plan for Jack and I look forward to watching that unfold. I’ll be watching for Jack’s first blog post!!
A true blessing! Thanks so much for “liking” a recent post of mine! I am so pleased to find this inspirational blog of yours. Truly lovely!
I will never, ever forget the day Jack stood up and talked about his dad. This (at the time) little boy said what I was feeling more eloquently than I could have ever hoped to. I’m glad he’s doing so well now. I’m guessing someone, somewhere, might be giving a helping hand…
love your blog. thanks for following.
Oh Penny… such a heartbreaking turn of events in these children’s’ little lives 😦 So sorry to learn of what they experienced. They are far too young to know this sorrow… I just pray they have so much love and supportive arms around them now, that they grow and thrive despite this incredible loss. Will certain look out for Jack’s post — he’s adorable and I love the photos above 🙂 Much Love to all of this family and you my friend ~ R
Thank you.
Thank you Chris for sharing your memories of that day. I won’t ever forget either. Again thank you. Special XOXO’s
can not wait to see Jack’ s post. Having just lost my daughter last year and the journey there , I do not know how these children are maintaining. Much love and prayers sent their way.
What an amazing guy Jack is. I look forward to his post!