A Person is a Person
August 24, 2011 at 10:50 am | Posted in Grief, silver lining, twins | 9 CommentsTags: child loss, gratitude, Jake, Jewish customs, life after loss, parenthood
“A person is a person, no matter how small.”
– – Dr. Seuss
Jake weighed into this world at 2 lbs. and 14 ozs. Not a big guy but a fighter. According to the secular calendar, nearly 6 years ago Jake’s heroic struggle ended. Jake gave it everything he had, and we were and still are so proud of him. Sometimes the challenges you face in life are simply too much.
According to the Jewish calendar, the anniversary of Jake’s death was 2 days ago. The Yahrzeit falls annually on the Hebrew date of the deceased relative’s death according to the Jewish calendar as opposed to the secular calendar. Evan and I lit a Yahrzeit candle. We said the mourner’s kaddish. After all the times I have said this prayer I still cannot seem to memorize it. Perhaps it is because I am usually crying. Perhaps it is a mental block. Whatever. We thought about Jake.
I will light another candle for Jake in a few days. I have my own tradition of lighting Yahrzeit candles on both the Jewish and secular anniversaries. I will just call it the mourning mom’s calendar.
Luckily, the Cat in the Hat and Fancy Nancy were visiting the Princess and the Cowboy this weekend and kept everyone busy.
Note: The Power Ranger costume was in the wash so the cowboy costume filled in for the moment. . .
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A Mourning Mom 
I love your rituals for remembering and honoring Jake. Know all your friends and family will be thinking of him too. xo
Comment by Kelcey— August 24, 2011 #
Blessings to you as you remember and mourn Jake’s life and his passing.
ps. Love the names of these costumed cuties! (Fancy Nancy??? LOL)
Linda
Comment by The Good Cook— August 24, 2011 #
Thinking about you and sending our love during this tough month of memories.
Comment by Daphne— August 24, 2011 #
I am thinking of you and praying for you. You are an amazing woman.
Comment by Kristen— August 24, 2011 #
I had that quote on the sheets we had done for my son’s memorial service. I love that quote because it reiterates the fact that every life counts. As I journey through the aftermath of loss, I have found that the people who still “count” my son– as a person who has an ongoing part in our lives– get fewer and farther between. I have learned to appreciate these people. They get it. When there are so many that just don’t. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way as August unfolds.
Comment by Reese— August 24, 2011 #
Fancy Nancy and The Cat really loved being with you all this weekend. I will do anything within my power to keep you from crying. Even if that means keeping you really preoccupied until 11:58! We had a wonderful weekend. xx! see you tomorrow!
Comment by Susan— August 24, 2011 #
Loving Lanie..You are in my thoughts today and always!!!!
We need to plan our date!!
Comment by Penny— August 24, 2011 #
Thoughts are with you, as always! Love the quote–so poignant. And love the pictures–so cute!
Comment by eden— August 25, 2011 #
[…] me for a moment” and I left the conversation all together. I always remember Jake and Sawyer but I do not always talk about them. But maybe it does not have to be so […]
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