September 23rd

 
On this special day our family wears blue. It’s our way of letting Jack know we’re thinking of him. We’re thinking of Tiffany, Coby, and our hearts are still broken, even though it’s been 3 years since their sweet little Angel went back home. It still doesn’t seem real, even now.

Jack was such a beautiful little boy. He had the most contagious laugh and if you looked at his chubby little face those big blue eyes would suck you right in. Jack loved his mommy more than anything. I rarely saw Jack away from his mom, and she usually had him wrapped up in that Moby so he was literally attached to her most of the day. He was always so close to her and I used to wonder how her back held up so well with all of that weight she packed around. She loved Jack more than anything and he was 100% a mama’s boy.

Tiffany and I and our 4 little boys went to Wheeler Farms to feed the duck s the Friday before that Day. I remember there was a goose that was nipping at Jack and Tiffany chased after that goose and she kept saying, “Get away from my baby”. I just looked at her and thought, “Now there’s a mom who loves her baby”.

I love this girl more than anything. I really don’t know why I was so lucky to have her as my cousin, my best friend, and my go-to person on anything and everything. I tell Tiffany this all the time but I truly believe that some friendships are created before we are even born. I know she and I were so close, and I’m pretty sure that we made a deal with each other that we’d take care of each other. She’s like a sister to me. I’d do anything for her.

When she lost Jack, I physically hurt because I knew that she was in so much pain. I know she’s still in so much pain and it breaks my heart.  She’s told me this before that just like a duck, everything on the surface looks smooth and calm, but underneath those webbed feet are paddling like there’s no tomorrow. No one can really see all that’s going on but it’s a constant struggle. I know that she’s had to endure more pain than any person should ever have to, and through it all she still offers so many gracious gestures, and offers her love and kindness to everyone around her. She doesn’t judge or criticize others. She just smiles and laughs and looks for the good in all things.

I know Tiffany so well and I know right now, at this very moment she’s probably wiping her tears away and missing her baby. I’d do ANYTHING to give her a hug right now and tell her I love her and I wish I could take that pain away.

September 23^rd will always be a special day for us. It’s our day to honor this short but beautiful life; little Jack will always have a very special place in our hearts.