My Jessie Journal:: Hi Sweet Pea, it’s daddy! I know you know that but I just love writing it every Thursday. Even though you are not here…I’m still your earthly daddy. A role I will cherish until I see you again!!! I so wish I could get a note from you…that would do my heart so good. I know that won’t happen as I just have to trust in the master plan and believe I will see you again. Hugs from our home Jess!!!
I was reminded about a statement yesterday which says…Pain is inevitable but misery is optional! That is so true! There is a ton of pain in this race of life but no one has to wallow in it and become miserable. I have stopped many times at the misery water station along this race but I try my best to not stay long. Thankfully the other runners wearing the same “I have a child in Heaven due to cancer” shirts motivate me to get up and get going. We are this amazing support team to each other even though we don’t talk much when we run. When the chance comes to echo words it’s mostly… “I understand and I’m here for you.” That is one of the roles I love playing…cheering for other kids, sibs, moms and dads. It’s a very lonely race but thankfully knowing there are others out there running the best they can…most of the time walking…it makes you feel part of a community that truly love you.
I sure LOVE YOU! That will NEVER change not matter what!!! Those were the last words you mumbled to mommy and I… “Lub you”. I will forever hear and cherish that second of sound in my heart and soul. Dang…tears but tears of LOVE! Don’t worry, I’m still running and didn’t stop by the misery table that time=). Your NEGU motto is such a powerful one filled with so much power, hope and strength. I LOVE seeing kids wearing their “I’m a NEGU Kid” shirts. I have even had parents tell me their child asks to wear the shirt when they go to the hospital for treatment…WOW!
All of this because YOU asked… “How can we help them?” I always think about that statement and apply it to my life…but I have added one word to the end…MORE! I like to challenge myself with, “How can we help them more?” You started with the most amazing, loving and wonderful gift…JoyJars!!! We have added or Year of Joy program that includes the Birthday JoyJars, Holiday JoyJars, NEGU Power Packs, Family Fun Packs and Sibling Blessings Boxes. So the whole family can be encouraged to NEGU. We didn’t stop there…we added more like our new iNEGU smart phone app, our Memory Canvases program for grieving families, and our Breakaway Adventures. We added Special Connections so professional athletes and D1 teams can deliver JoyJars to kids in the hospital. The ONLY reason we add more is to honor your wish… “Please help every kid fighting cancer Never Ever Give Up!”
All of this is what keeps me running in pain but not letting misery cause me to stop! It’s not just me…as you see in this picture…it’s mommy, Shaya, JT and I….
WE miss you SO MUCH…WE LOVE YOU tons more…and WE will see you in a WINK! Promise!
xoxo,
daddy
