Dear family and friends,
As of today, we are one month from the anniversary of Judson’s death. It is hard to believe he has been gone 11 months. It is hard to experience the memories of what we were going through at this time last year. It is hard to carry on in life while mourning. And it is especially hard to know that our little man is irreversibly gone from this world knowing that these 11 months will be multiplied exponentially.
However, it is good to know that Judson has been set free from his pain and suffering unbound by time. It is good to experience the sweet memories of our incredible little blessing. It is good to carry on in life with hope. And it is especially good to know that we will be reunited with our precious child forever when all our months and years in this world become like a nano-second from the perspective of eternity.
But until then, as we remain here, we are torn apart in continued bereavement. October feels like the marker of an upcoming season wrought with particular heaviness and sorrow. It is this time last year when we began to see the indicators that Judson was facing imminent death if not for miraculous intervention.
Now, a year later, our boy is gone! It is sinking in that he is really GONE!
I admit to, at times, feeling quite alone on this road of exceptional loss (which seems to be a natural by-product of losing a child), but I also know we have been uncommonly surrounded with love and support in incredible ways. In our tragedy we have been given numerous and great blessings!! We want to continue to have hearts of gratitude that see those blessings.
As each minute passes the default lifestyle is to just try and “make it” without our son. Yet we also know there is purpose to his story. We have been asking ourselves some important questions… What does God want to do with Judson’s story—our story? What does God want to do with us as individuals and as a family in light of this journey? Though we are still grappling with grief, we have our ears and hearts open to His leading.
Thanks for caring enough to keep up-to-date on our lives.
Much love and gratitude,
Christina (on behalf of Drake too)
The past few months have passed in a blur, i remember Juds passing last year and cannot beleive its nearly his anniversay. Tonight i was re-reading Jacks caringbrideg site…did we really live through what happened. It amazes me how we get the strenth to carry on.
I want you to know that Jud is never far from my thoughts, like Jack he really did touch peoples lives forever. I was talking about him today to a friend in work and have emailed her some links to his site and youtube. He is just so special.
I have been in contact with mel moon, did you see the poster??? Its great she wants to help.
lots of love
Melanie xx
few months have passed in a blur, i remember Juds passing last year and cannot beleive its nearly his anniversay. Tonight i was re-reading Jacks caringbrideg site…did we really live through what happened. It amazes me how we get the strenth to carry on.
I want you to know that Jud is never far from my thoughts, like Jack he really did touch peoples lives forever. I was talking about him today to a friend in work and have emailed her some links to his site and youtube. He is just so special.
I have been in contact with mel moon, did you see the poster??? Its great she wants to help.
lots of love
Melanie xx
You all are in my prayers….especially during the coming days as you replay your final days with your Jud.
God Bless!!!!
I found your very touching site through a family friend’s caringbridge site (caleg gill). I just want to offer you hope for the days, week, and yes years ahead. I too have lost a son (age 27 years) 4-1/2 years ago (March 2004). I know the days are very difficult and hard right now; however, I want to promise you, it will get better. Will you ever get over the loss of your son? NO, I do not see how a parent can ever fully recover, but you do learn to deal and cope. We do share a common thread and that is our believe in Jesus Christ and the blessed assurance of a reunion at some appointed time. As I have seen on your blogs, you long for heaven and I FULLY understand that feeling. I am so sorry that your family has had to deal with this illness and the outcome of losing your precious Jud. Stay strong, hold tightly to your faith and lean on the promises of our Faithful FATHER.
Sincerest sympathy,
Pam Welch
Christina and Drake,
I wrote on another page that I experienced the loss of a son…but it was back in 1975! And although the sharp pain and the huge hole in your life will ease, the memory of that special boy will never fade.
Sadly, the holiday seasons will be somewhat bittersweet; you are very wise to fully celebrate life with Jessie. I hope we will get to see some videos of the joyous times you spend with her!
You are both such great, articulate writers! You’ve moved people around the world. It’s thrilling that Judson’s story will assist in the cause for medical research for such horrific diseases.
Yes, God is using your talent and Judson’s story for good.
God’s Blessings!
Marilyn, Huntington Beach