Okay, so maybe I didn’t walk but my friends and family did. They walked for James and Jake and it moved me to no end.
And it will continue to move me for days, weeks, years to come.
Somehow, there was no rain. The day just felt like a celebration. A celebration of life and of lives changed by these sweet babies.
I hope they can feel the love. THE LOVE FOR THEM IS SO BIG.
Before we left for the walk yesterday morning, I was nursing Elijah and Anna and Noah were ready for the walk with their shirts on and their teeth brushed, their tennis shoes laced up and Anna said “today feels like Christmas, I’m excited like Christmas.”
And in that moment I thought “we have done something right, so right.”
Later in the day, Noah said to his Aunt Amy, “I wish I could have seen James and Jake born.”
And still I know that we have done something so right. I want Anna and Noah to wish that, I want them to remember them and know that they have the sweetest little guardian angels. I believe they know this. I hope they know this.
And I believe that we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love and care about LIFE. So many people who understand the fragility of it all. It could all be gone tomorrow … what did you do with it today?
Not just the people who were physically with us on Saturday morning but also YOU. YOU who dug into your pockets and helped Team James and Jake meet and exceed it’s goal for 2010. All of you who have supported us and the March of Dimes… THANK YOU.
You helped to make this day glorious.
Be assured that you have done something right. I’ll have to tell you about the conversation I had with Anna during the walk. She is an amazing little girl. I was so proud and happy to be a part of this very special day and to meet Eli. What a sweet little man he is. I can’t wait till next year.
Oh, precious. I’m so blessed to really know your family and be witness to these good things.
Steph
It really was an amazing day. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.
So many of us have you to thank for the level with which we love and care about life. I’m so glad I could be there. Even more glad for those three healthy babies in the front row (none of whom understand how to look at a camera, apparently).
It was so great to be there, I am so happy that it worked out so well! It feels so great being there every year, it just seems like we are all one, big, happy family. It’s an honor to walk for these babies.
Oh what lovely moments. Just from reading I can tell you have done SO many things so so right. We walked too. Not there with you but yet there with you.
James and Jake have taught us all something. They have changed my life and they, along with the others, will never be forgotten.
It was a beautiful day and I’m not surprised that the rain stayed away…
xoxo
I am so glad it was such a beautiful day for you and your family. Your story has touched so many lives. James and Jake have touched so many lives. And will continue to do so. Thanks for sharing and showing the love.
By the way, Noah’s facial expressions are priceless.
Yay!!! What an awesome, memorable day with the ones you love in honor of little ones you love. So, so special. I LOVE those shirts…got any extra?
Yeah! Congratulations on exceeding your goal!
I have been reading about this and I love it! Every time, I read someone’s post, it’s a blessing to me! Your family is loved and cared for by so many! James and Jake will never be forgotten, please remember that! Two amazing blessings, that continue to bless and parents that share that! Love it! Good job everyone!
Your sweet Anna is so right. Just from your post, I can tell it was like Christmas: a day of giving, remembering, celebrating, sharing, counting blessings, and of, course, being watched over by angels.
Erin DID NOT walk 6 miles in FLIP FLOPS w/ a child on her back?? did she???????
i am so happy that you had a great day! love the family pic!
I originally found your blog through Steph’s, which seems like so long ago but really wasn’t, and it was just after you had lost James and Jake. I remember sitting at my Mom’s store and reading what you had gone thgough and I was amazed at your grace and strength and your honesty in the face of grief.
I still am. And I will never forget those babies.
Wish I could have (not) walked with you.
xo-zak
It is amazing how two little guys who are not here to take the credit have made such an impact on your family and friends but also the blog world.
I will probably never meet you but have read your blog accounts where you are so open and honest and feel that I have been privelaged to get a glimpse into your world.
James and Jake are an eternal part of this world and will continue to touch peoples lives.
Erin did walk six miles in flip flops, but only part of it with a child on her back. She’s a nut!
Oh my goodness… That was just so precious. I have tears in my eyes. Your kids comments blow me away.. that is what makes you so proud as a parent. I hope my kids become that caring… We are trying so hard to teach them that. Wonderful post! Congrats on the turn out! Go Team James & Jake!
Hey, everyone needs to stop hatin’ on my flip flops! You’re all just jealous.
I’m here to verify that not only did she walk in FLIP FLOPS!!! with several CHILDREN ON HER BACK!!! but she DIDN’T have a JACKET ON EITHER!!!! (which I think bothered some of the motherly people walking) She is very very naughty. ….BTW, Erin, I may be by to steal your son …he is mine.
How amazing. These photos are so touching…and I love what Anna said about Christmas…how sweet.
Anna was right. It did kind of feel like Christmas. The love in the air, the emotion, the sense of accomplishment all added up to a pretty big rush. The support from so many people that helped us reach our goal was pretty overwhelming. I think it was good that the walk was so long because it added to the sense of accomplishment and it really FELT like we were doing something for the babes we lost and the babes that might not be lost in the future. What a day!
Beth and Brian, kudos to you for not thinking twice before starting this incredible movement. I know James and Jake are so proud.
AMY, I LOVE YOU. You can steal my baby any time you want. Mainly because I think that if I tried to stop you, you’d just beat me up.
How’d you get to know me so well??
Its amazing huh? The love of others is the biggest blessing.
What a beautiful, awesome day… What an inspiring, AMAZING family – James and Jake did a good job picking you guys! As for these pictures you’ve posted, I would like to squeeze & hug all of the people in them!
You’ve got a fabulous group of people that love and love so very perfectly… Nice work. ~JH
Your children melt my heart…. ALL of them.
Nell
What an amazingly wonderful celebration!
What a gorgeous group! I’m glad it was such a wonderful day for you all. Your family is just so wonderful Beth. Those related to you by blood and those that you consider “family” even though they are not.
The memory of your two beautiful boys lives on and on…