Dear Sharon, Torey & TJ,

I just felt I had to share this story with you.  I was at my 88 yr. old aunt's funeral service today which had a luncheon afterwards at Sean Patricks.  Since I had not been there since Jacquie's service, my thoughts of course turned to your family and especially Jacquie.  I was having a conversation with my cousin's wife who told me about her neighbor who lives in Sanborn.  He was around 42 yrs. old, was feeling somewhat ill and went to the doctor.  He was admitted to Roswell and died 4 days later from ALL.  It will be a year this December that he left behind a wife and teenage boys.  They did not know prior to his going to the doctor that he had ALL.  I immediately thought about Jacquie's fight and courage and how sad it was that this man didn't even have a chance to fight or prepare or spend PRECIOUS time with his family & friends.  I can't for the life of me figure out which is more unfair.  Then when I started to tell her Jacquie's story, she told me that their church had been praying for her and even had a bone marrow drive.  It IS amazing how many lives Jacquie touched.  We were/are so blessed to have known her and lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of that wonderful smile.  We will never forget her - how could we - she renamed us and it stuck.  We will forever be Mr. & Mrs. O. 

Jacquie left a legacy that you should be so proud of.  Her life was a gift that brought awareness and support to all who are battling cancer.

Though I'm not one for writing, I felt compelled to share this story and to let you know that I too am still reading the posts (thank you, Sharon) and continue to pray for some comfort and peace for all of you.  Always Believing. 

Our love to all, Nancy

Sharon,

It is wonderful to hear that you have felt Jacquies presence, its hard to say exactly what that means to me, and even to you, just because it is that great.

I would like to share something I have always noticed, and don't think it is just in my head. Sometimes I think God, or one of his Angels (Jacquie in particular) speaks to me through others actions or words. There are some things I hear come out of the mouth of another and I get this goose bump feeling all down my body. Like a spirit of sort telling me that it is important and directed right to me on purpose. The thing is, its not just a chill because there are no goosebumps on my skin, and it has happened in a very, very warm church before.

I say this because spirits of loved ones do continue to be with us and contact us through things(Jacquies bear in your case) and the people around us. I didn't know her so I only get a tingle from my head to toes, but your connection was closer than anybodys, so when she touches you, its not just a tingle down the body, it is that warm, comforting feeling you experienced.

I pray that you continue to heal, and that your beautiful daughter keeps warming your soul.

~with love

~Joe Browning 

 

How wonderful for you to feel Jacquie's love and warmth.  How wonderful of Jacquie to embrace her mom.  When our hearts are open to our loved ones, we become approachable to experience their presence near us.  I am so happy you were comforted by Jacquie.  She loves you very much. 

I read your latest entry and I got chills!!!  Jacquie IS with you.  I pray for you, Torey and TJ that you may have peace and feel God's grace and presence.each and every day. 

 

On a lighter note, I wish I was in Buffalo for the Vera Bradley party.  Bummer!  Have fun!!!!!

If they make camoflague vera bradley bags, i'm in for two...

 

hoping all of you some peace...

 

tj...always a big brother...mopar rules, sorry

 

torey...throw another log on that fire for me...pass the meatloaf

 

sharon...i wish i had words for you...here are a few...albacore tuna...two toed sloth...michael clean your room

 

i need you all to know i think about you and jacquie...it keeps me going forward with a new spirit...

 

hang in there all...she is all around you

Sharon, I love that you felt Jacquie hugging you yestarday morning.  My tears began to fall just like yours while reading your post, which is usually the case, and I am so happy that you had found that feeling and warmth you had been waiting to feel.  Jacquies everywhere but always with you and in your house, I know this because there was no one better for Jacquie then you, and no where else she would rather be then at home! Expect more hugs, I know she can't resist :)

My bear has a permanent spot in my bed too!..Miss you guys*

I was soooo excited to get my 'EFF cancer' t-shirt in the mail. I will wear it proudly and tell even more people about how amazing Jacquie and all of you are!

 

I am thinking of you all constantly. I wish I was going to be home for the Vera party...

 

Your family is truly amazing, teaching Jacquie's lessons each and every day.

 

Always Believing....

I am very excited for the Vera Bradley Party, I know Jacquie will bel there with us all! I think and pray for your entire family all the time.   

 

I miss you Jacquie and I am always believing,

 

Love always,

Amanda

This is the first time I have written on here, even though I have checked the website just about eveyday for the last 6 months.  I hope you know how many people are really praying for you each and every day.

 

I just wanted to let you know that I have joined the bone marrow registery and hopefully will be able to donate to someone who needs it. 

 

I have really been inspired by Jacquie and realize that I should be thankful and take advantage of every day.

 

Hopefully the registry will find a match and I will be able to help someone fight this horrible disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love you, and you have inspired me to be brave

 

 

Love you always

 

Sharon,I am Renee's mom...i just read you entry about the young girl at genesco..you said you don't think you know how to comfort that family but i think that you do...all you have done is so comforting to all of us who read you entries. you are braver than you think. it will take years i am sure for you to feel any better but you do so much to help all. Two days after Jax died a very good friend of ours enter the hospital to begin the same journey and he is still fighting to get to the place for the transplant...it so helps for me to be able to go back and read some of your entries about when you were at this stage. Yesterday he applied for a clinical trail as a last hope. please,in all your prayers,say one for him...he is 61 yrs old but that too is too young.

Again i want to say how honored i am for having known Jax if only a little bit and being able to donate a few times for her...it truly was an honor to get to help in such a small way.

 

always praying for you and your family and mine(renee and nichole)..becky roselli

Missing you more today than ever!!!!

I Love you, cousin Angela

Jacquie,

Even though you are not physically with us, I know you are still here with us everyday in spirit.  I know this because somehow everyday I feel your presence.  Whether it is a tinkerbell sticker on the back of a car or the warm sun, I know you are here and I know you are in peace.

I am still so touched by your strength and courage.  I will never stop believing in you Jacquie.

I read your update today and felt compelled to write..my daughter was a friend of Jax and my son is a friend of Lindsay Matthews.  Too much tragedy and sadness in such a short period of time.  I think Karen Matthews would benefit greatly from speaking with you.  Lindsay is every bit the wonderful person you read about. 

Hello Everyone.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, and pray for you as you struggle through what must still seem to be a nightmare.  Please know that you are all cared for, and as much as we all tried in our own ways to fight for Jackie, we are still standing and fighting with you to make it through each day.  In my own selfish way, I fear that God will take one of my children away sooner than should be.  That fear has changed my perspective though - it has taught me to allow myself time to just enjoy life's little moments with my kids and with my family.  It has taught me to appreciate those moments of frustration as much as I cherish the moments of joy.  Thank you to your family - and to Jackie for that life lesson.

Sharon - I have not heard from you, and I worry about you.  Please let me know when you are ready to talk.  I am here for you any day, any time. 

With Love and Friendship Always,

Kristen