Jack's Plaque

His plaque was put in around the middle of July this year.  We absolutely love it.  Thank you so much to all who donated.  If anyone wants to see it, let me know and I can tell you where it is located at the Arboretum.

Busy

So I took a break.  A break from facebook, blogging even instagram.  I didn't really do it on purpose but I think I needed it.  I've also been pretty busy.  

Of course I've been chasing Sarah around everywhere.  She's climbing on everything.  She pushed a chair up to the counter and got in the kitchen drawer.  Oh boy to I have a curious little girl.  She had her 15 month check up earlier this month.  All went well.  She's on the petite side but the doctor said as long as she gains weight then she will be fine.  She walked up the stairs at the pediatricians office about 10 times and would have kept doing it if we hadn't left. 

Such a stink!

So independent

Her doctor is the same one that Jack saw.  When she first came in she acted like she recognized me but thought it was because of Sarah.  A little later she asked if I had other children and I reminded her of Jack and then she remembered everything.  We talked a little about what happened, she said she had been thinking about us and wondered if she would ever get to see me again.  It was difficult going back to her but also I felt comfort in knowing that we were on her mind.

I've started working again.  It feels good to get out there but I missed that little girl.  I had to get big hugs before I left. 

She gives the BEST hugs!



Since I'm working in Lexington I got to visit Jack's tree and the cemetery.  It was gorgeous both days. 

In front of Jack's tree at the Arboretum

Exploring

My babies

I love the fall colors in the background

I saw a grief counselor for the first time.  I really feel like she will help me work through all of my thoughts and emotions.  I've had such a good experience with social workers in the past and I know that talking through things will really help me.  

The Sweetest Donation

I don't usually post twice in one day but when I got the mail today there was a letter in there that needed to be seen. 

 

As I read it, tears filled up my eyes.  What a suprise for this sweet little girl to ask for donations for Jack's plaque.  Jen you have a wonderful little girl!  THANK YOU Reagan for doing this for Jack and Happy 7th Birthday!

 

I sent the check in this week for the plaque.  When I spoke to Marsha at the Arboretum she said that it usually takes 2 months to get everything complete.  I will make plans either when the plaque is set or in the spring for the get together at the Arboretum in honor of Jack.  I can't thank everyone enough for the wonderful support and donations.  It was a complete success! 

PayPal

Since I got such a wonderful response yesterday I created a PayPal account for Jack's Plaque.  If you want to donate and do not have a PayPal please contact me and we can work something out.  I really appreciate all the support!  I have such wonderful friends!!

 

Jack's Tree at the Arboretum

 

Jack's Memorial Tree

This weekend we went to Lexington to pick out Jack's memorial tree.  Soon after Jack's funeral a few friends got together and purchased a tree for him at the Arboretum.  This place is very special to John and I, when we lived in KY we would run the almost two mile trail.  It is a very beautiful place that has native trees to all parts of Kentucky. 

Friday we met with Marsha and she had us walk around to find a tree that we liked.  So we did just that.

We let Sarah run around and she loved it.  She had to pick up her feet up high in the grass but had so much fun looking in the grass and trying to eat the leaves. 

Searching for anything that she can put in her mouth.

Big steps!

We found a couple that we liked so we went back to let them know.  The first one was an Ash and they are having trouble with bugs so we decided against that one. 

Sarah and I in front of the Ash tree.

So here it is.  Jack's tree.  A Scarlet Oak.  I can't wait to see it in the fall when the leaves are bright red!

We want to get a memorial plaque for it but it is $500.  I was thinking about doing a fundraiser on Facebook to raise the money for it.  What do you all think?

The white dot in the middle of the picture is the
location.  Right above the Oatts Visitor Center.

Next time you're at the Arboretum go so hello to Jack!  I think I marked the map correctly but it's located right behind the picnic tables off of the parking lot.  It over looks the field where they did Shakespeare in the Park.  Thank you so much to Mike and Julie for getting everything set up and to everyone that pitched in for the purchase of Jack's tree!!