11.16.2008

Gator Walk 2008

Not long after I met my husband, we were talking late into the night. Just the two of us, talking about our lives. And that's when he told me about Baby JW. He cried, and I cried. It was the saddest thing I'd ever heard.
Later, I asked him if he'd take me to visit the baby's grave.
So one weekend, we visited the grave. A tiny spot in the children's section of the cemetery. A pretty little marker in a pretty little spot, but such a sad thing to see.
From then on, we made regular trips to visit the grave. We glued little Hot Wheels cars & trucks to the marker. We brought bouquets & balloons. At Christmas, we always bring him a tiny tree.
And then in 2006, we started doing the Gator Walk. After we walk, we always visit the grave, and bring gifts. This year, we took a bouquet and a balloon, and also new Hot Wheels to glue on the marker. This was Spiderman's first time ever visiting his big brother's grave. He glued the Hot Wheels on himself. Then we all held hands and said a little prayer for Baby JW.
What we do for the March for Babies is not much in the grand scheme of things, but it's our little way of doing something positive in his memory. And it's our hope that one day, parents won't have to endure the pain that my husband & his family went through.
And when J hugs me and thanks me for all that I do for the baby....that makes it so worth it all.



Gator Walk 2008

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/>me & my hubby...he's wearing a shirt from Gator Walk 2007 & mine is from 2006 =)

only the big kids walk with us, it's a 5k and I think the little ones would get worn out.

Unfortunately, my camera took a crap on me before the walk even started. So I have no pictures of the fun stuff, or of the grave, I normally take pics every year. Let's hope Santa brings Mama a new camera! But here's a picture from last year.

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23 comments:

Mamahut said...

You are all awesome! You and your hubby are such a cute couple.

Swirl Girl said...

I am sure baby JW appreciates it as well.

Jo-Jo said...

I couldn't imagine how he felt or what he goes through everyday. I am sure that everything you do in his memory is felt through every future JW.

Alison said...

what a wonderful and loving way to remember JW and to help other families...very sweet.

You look marvelous!! at first I did not think it was you in the picture..way to go Momma!!!

WheresMyAngels said...

I started to read this yesterday but was running late to work. I love the idea you glue on hotwheels to the marker. I would of never thought of that. It is really neat that your son can help with that part along with the walk.

Jen - Queen of Poo said...

Aw, he'd be my Tabitha's age. He died the day before she was born. :-(

You're a wonderful wife to honor his memory like that. I'm sure it means the world to your husband.

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

What a great way to remember...

And regarding the cysts...of course they'd be petite!!

Hallie :)

Tara R. said...

My college kid was a the Walk too. Her organization brought out about 10 kids and raised a little over $500. It's a good thing you all do.

Unknown said...

That is just such a heart breaking story. What a great way to honor Baby JW.

Debbie Y. said...

I can't imagine losing a child. You are amazing to do all you do for your husband in this regard. He is lucky to have you in his life.

About my weight loss, my goal was to get down to 150 and then have plastics as the surgeon says that will take off another 20 pounds. Then I realized to be considered normal weight for my height I need to weigh 145. If I can lose down to 165 and if the plastics do make me lose another 20 pounds then I only have another 3 to 4 pounds to get there (on my scales that is). It seems the surgeons scales show me weighing about 3 to 4 pounds heavier (with clothes and all). I go tomorrow for my year post-op check up. I am probably going to be disappointed with my weight loss for the last three months as I have stalled big time, but at least I am not gaining. He says I will have to wait six months (maintain weight) before I can have the plastics.

Bad Momma said...

What a bittersweet story. It's wonderful how you get the kids involved in such a positive way. It may not seem like much but you are helping make an impact.

I would imagine that this is one of the hardest things a family can go through.

jori-o said...

Stopping by from SITS (you roll-called right above me). I just read your sweet post about Baby JW. I'm so sorry that your hubby has had to suffer, but so glad you have found a way as a family to do something positive in JW's memory.

Nice to meet you! ;)

Jennifer said...

Aw, such a sad story--but I love the way you guys visit and bring the little cars--so sweet!! And that's great about the walk!!

Emily said...

Wow...what a great story. I'm glad you were above me in roll call today!!

Momisodes said...

What a wonderful way to honor JW. You are such a wonderful wife and mother keeping his memory connected throughout the years.

Mrsbear said...

I think it's great that you do that as a family. It's a wonderful experience for them and a great way to honor baby JW.

Hope Santa brings you that camera.

Aubrey said...

Such a wonderful thing for you all to do! I can see why he loves you!

Kim said...

It really is such a beautiful thing you guys do.. and the picture of you two is just adorable. I hope you get the new camera too!!

Anonymous said...

Very sweet post.

Buttons and Dots Photography said...

OMG, you are so wonderful to do this for your hubby! What an awesome person you must be! I wanted to thank you for your words of encouragement yesterday and offer some of my own!

A New Yorker said...

It's nice what you do!

Ashley said...

I just read the story about Baby JW and I'm almost in tears. What a sad story... but at least you can remember and honor him through the march. What a good wife, mother, and stepmother you are.

tiarastantrums said...

this is so sweet - I LOVE that you bring hotwheels!!!!