Sunday, March 30, 2008

Stay Forever

No, I didn't win any money. OF COURSE. Seriously, you will never meet anyone who has worse luck than I do. But we still had a very good time, it was nice to get away, and I did get some great stuff at the outlets. I missed my girls though.

I was so happy to get home and see them, and it felt so good to be back with my babies, but all that night I couldn't stop thinking of Jack. I miss Jack. I miss him more than I missed the girls for one measly night.... what do I do about that?? How do I make that better? WHEN do I get to hold my Jack again??

I've been trying to start a separate site for Jack and his Fund, now that there is finally some action going on with it, plans are slowly being made, ideas being formed. I WILL get to it, soon, I just haven't found the time. Maybe if I give up sleeping and/or showering I could find a few spare moments, but I'm selfish and just not ready to take that step yet. ;)

There are a couple things I've been wanting to write about for awhile and thought I would post on Jack's site, but since I haven't gotten it really up and running, I will write it here before I forget, because they're really important to me.

First there is the story of the Stroller. Many people already know part of this story. Last summer the NJ Nesties threw me the most amazing baby shower, and a ton of them chipped in and bought us the Peg Perego Triplette Stroller. It was one of a multitude of incredibly generous things these women have done for my family, and I was so so touched by it, and THRILLED with this beautiful stroller. PJ put it together almost immediately, and we kept it in our living room for months so nothing would happen to it.

After Jack died, I am serious when I say the stroller was one of the things that I really worried about. It had been such a beautiful, generous gift and now, what would we do with it?? The thought of it going to waste broke my heart, but we could never return it, we had no packaging, nothing, and Target is notoriously terrible for accepting returns. My aunt called Target and was lucky enough to get a really kind woman named Buffy on the phone who, after hearing our story, told my aunt they would take the stroller back and send us a Target gift card for the full amount. I couldn't believe it.

But then I worried, how would we package and mail this gigantic stroller? The next day I got an email from Buffy saying Target wanted to make this as easy on us as possible. We did NOT have to return the stroller, and they would still send us a $1,000+ gift card (which they did... and we have been using to buy many many boxes of diapers, bottles of Neosure and cute Carter's outfits). They said to donate the stroller to charity. Incredible!

Then the dilemma became, who to give this stroller to? It's harder to find the right recipient than you'd think. I wanted someone who would use it, needed it, didn't just want to sell it. My mom found a couple through a friend who had an 18 month old boy, and now were expecting twin boys. He was also a firefighter in a local town, and they could definitely use the stroller. It was so perfect. They came a few weekends ago and picked up the stroller, and while it was hard to see it go, it made me so happy that they would use it, and they seemed like a really nice family. So lucky to be having three healthy boys.

And one of their twins is going to be named Jack. So a little Jack will get to ride in that stroller after all.

Second story - a very nice woman named Jennifer and her son Evan, who read my blog, were really touched when I wrote about the gifts Jack received at CHoP on Christmas from a local charity. Evan, who is obviously one amazing kid, decided he wanted to do something like that for kids at his local hospital. They organized a Toy Drive and recently dropped off a TON of new toys at Winthrop Hospital for all the children there, including a big beautiful doll house and fire station for the playroom, all in memory of my Jack. Look at all these toys (and handsome Evan dropping them off at the hospital):



I tried to tell Jennifer and Evan how much this meant to us, but words aren't really adequate. The thought that this little boy did all this means so much to me, that he did it in Jack's memory. He is one of the many many people that are keeping my Jack alive. Thank you Jennifer and Evan, and everyone who helped you and contributed to your toy drive. Those gifts that were given to Jack on Christmas meant so much to us, I will never forget the feeling of walking in Christmas night and seeing those little wrapped gifts sitting by his crib, waiting for him, letting us know he hadn't spent Christmas alone. I know you've done the same for so many other families... you've let them know, they're not alone.

And finally, Kimberly, the mom of gorgeous triplet girls, sent me an email asking if her family could do their annual March of Dimes walk this year in memory of Jack and in honor of Katie and Charlotte. Did she really need to ask? Of course!! I am so honored she would want to do this for my family. Thank you Kimberly, and your whole family. PJ and I are really touched you are doing this.

So those are my stories of "Jack" - the closest I can get to updates about Jack, I guess. Thank God for these people though, who like I said, help to keep my Jack alive for me. Like our song says, where he can stay forever... and he will. We won't let him go.

37 comments:

My name is Tammie said...

I am so happy to hear of such beautiful generosity. People have the ability to surprise at every turn. That little Jack will stay forever in so many people's hearts, he will for sure stay in mine.

Mom O Matic said...

I do believe our angels are here on earth. Guiding us, working through us and helping us. Clearly, you have been connecting with some of yours.

Hugs for you as always!
Lotta

TeacherGirl said...

I have been reading your blog for a while now and feel like I get to experience your life with you. I am so happy to hear the wonderful stories of Jack and all the lives he has touched.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for months now. and Every few days I check your site to see if you have updated it. I am so amazed by your stregth. I have cried for you and prayed for you. I hope that you know how wonderful of a mother you are to your three beatiful babies. Your story has touched my heart in so many ways. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Love, Elyse

Anonymous said...

The stroller story really touched me and brought tears to my eyes. It's amazing to see the good that people do for one another. Jack will be in our hearts forever!

Amy (TheGiggleWorm) said...

Megan - thanks for sharing all this info in this post.

I think of Jack every day. We include him in our prayers

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

what absolute touching stories, thank you so much for sharing them! we are walking in the march for babies this year as well. please know that we will be walking not only for our babies, but for yours as well. i was also going to send you an email and ask if we could walk in jack's honor - but wasn't sure exactly what to say. know that he (and your girls) will be on our minds with each and every step.

Lisa said...

Thank you, Megan, for posting these beautiful stories. It's amazing what one little boy has done to help such a big world, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

You are a beautiful person. God bless you and your family-most of all your little angel Jack.

CRS said...

Megan, it's incredible how your family continues to inspire people to do good. It's amazing.

-SBF

Anonymous said...

Oh Megan, your stories never cease to bring tears to my eyes. I'm so glad that so much good has come of Jack's struggle. He (and you, and PJ, and the girls!) managed to bring out the very best in people. That's an amazing legacy that Jack left behind. You should be (and I know you ARE) so very proud of your boy!

XOXO and lots of {{{{HUGS}}}}

Linda = )

CP3Kids said...

I am sitting here at work, crying, over the beuatiful spirit of people and also over your amazing strength over the past few months. You deserve all the happiness with your girls that you will likely have in the future. And no one will ever forget Jack, a part of your life forever.

Cristina said...

It is amazing how many lives are being changed in Jack's memory. I found your blog via thenest and I read it all the time. Your strength is amazing. I wanted to donate to the family that is walking in Jack's honor for the march of dimes but the link doesn't work. :o( If you want you can e-mail it to me at crisdasilva at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

What wonderful stories. There are some truly beautiful people in the world, doing beautiful things in Jack's name.

Unknown said...

I think I found your blog from maybe the Steece's? Anyways, I've been stopping by for a few weeks now and am so touched by your story. It breaks my heart and inspires me at the same time. I am so glad you've encountered so many angels to help you through this. That's wonderful what Target did and so sweet of that boy to do a toy drive in Jack's honor. Also kudos to you to help someone else out in return.

Anonymous said...

Megan,
Another tear jerker entry! I continue to be moved and touched by your family. What an inspiration you are to people to keep your chin up and keep trying, even when there are times you just don't want to. I am so thankful I found your blog, your updates continue to motivate me to do good for others. I love that you and hubby were able to donate the stroller to another fire fighter's family. How neat! May God bless you and your family.
--A Mom in Jacksonville, FL

As told by her mom, Sandy... said...

I have found so much inspiration in you and your babies' stories. Thank you for your beautiful words.

Your babies are absolutely precious.

sandy
www.madelinewagerman.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog now for awhile and everytime I get tears in my eyes. Jack has touched my heart and I will continued to be impressed by how he inspires people to do good. If you ever get a chance, please read this blog: http://abbygupdate.blogspot.com/

they are an amazing family who lost two of their triplets and now little Abby is growing up.

Jody said...

I was hoping you'd win, but it figures, doesn't it? Damn the man.

I thought it was so weird when one of my kids said that if our baby B had been born it would have been a boy named Jack. Who knows why, maybe he has a friend named Jack, but it kind of stuck in my mind because I've always thought that baby would have been a boy.

It's very much new news, but we're planning to try for one more in another year or so. If he is a boy, we want to have Jack as part of his name for our baby B and your little Jack. So, yes, many of us think of him every day. He was that special.

Anonymous said...

I still think of Jack every day. I even took his picture out the other day and looked at it (it is still in my wallet).
Evan and all of the other people who do kind things in memory of Jack are inspired by him and are beautiful people!! The girls are beautiful--Vibes and prayers still come your way!

Anonymous said...

Again, I am left in a puddle of tears after reading your most recent entry. You write so beautifully and like I have said before your strength is remarkable. For never having met you in real life I think of you and Jack and the girls often. Those stories of Jack especially the stroller is so touching. Keep doing what you are doing Megan, you are amazing. Take Care.

Anonymous said...

Wow - your Jack is doing amazing things from up above. I am humbled each time you share a story of your Jack. You stay strong,someday you'll be with him but until then he is always with you in your heart.
Lori

Anonymous said...

I am happy to hear you had a nice time in AC and did some shopping. It's amazing how kind people can be. I think of Jack every time I hear that song by Alicia Keys...everyday. It brings tears to my eyes every time. He will live in your heart forever.

Anonymous said...

Your little Jack did more good in a few short months then most people do in a life time. He will always be remembered through these generous gifts. There are times when I often think of him and how he has changed this world for the better.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, I am just in awe over the story about sweet Evan. What a wonderful tribute to your Jack. And I am so glad that you found such a perfect use for your stroller!!
Love reading your blog... you are an inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

Every time I hear the Alicia Keyes song I immediately think of little Jack and your family. He is making a difference . . . even in heaven.

guinnf said...

I sent you an email, but I wanted to let you know that it is not a problem to link to our MOD page. It makes us happy to raise money.

Kimberly and the GA Guinn Triplets
www.guinnfamilyhome.com

Anonymous said...

Wow. The story about the stroller is amazing. A Jack will indeed get to ride in it after all. That was a really sweet statement. I read your blog but I do not know you or your family. Jack has for sure made an impact on so many people that he has never met.

Gillian said...

Beautiful entry Megan! What amazing things people are doing in Jack's name. It's only fitting that wonderful things are happening thanks to a wonderful little boy!

(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

You haven't made me cry for a while, but tonight I cried and smiled at the same time. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that Evan's toy drive meant so much to your family, and to others! He was thrilled to see your latest entry and so happy that he made you feel good, and that he was able to do something to keep baby Jack with us all.

One of our local papers is going to even run a story on the drive.

Amazing, isn't it? Jack still influences so many people... and in all honesty, the drive was not a difficult thing to do - and Evan really enjoyed doing it - so we are all hoping that other kids read about his drive and decide to do something, too.

Oh, and Evan is already talking about the next toy drive. :)

Thinking of you and your beautiful family always!
- Jennifer & Evan & family

Joy said...

What an awesome way to honor your little boy...blessing someone with the stroller and the March of Dimes in his memory. I think of you and your family often...you are an inspiration. I can only imagine how hard this all is for you, but your strength is such an encouragement to so many! God bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

I just want to say that reading this blog has reignited my faith in humanity. You are a wonderful, admirable woman, and so obviously an amazing mother. I admire your strength and determination, and I will say a little prayer for (and to!) Jack for you.

Patyrish said...

This entry has me bawling.

Jack WILL stay forever....so many wonderful things have happened because of that sweet baby boy of yours.

I know you are so proud.

Marie said...

your amazing....your strength amazes me. you and your family are always in my thoughts.

hugs

Anonymous said...

We hope all is well. Everyone, I'm sure, misses your way with words!! Update soon!

Anonymous said...

I miss your updates! You don't know me, and I'm not sure how I found your blog, but your beautiful family has touched my heart...I hope all is well, and you are just busy with your precious baby girls...Michelle