There are many opportunities presented in life to have courage. My children and I have had lots of practice having courage and I think we have been pretty successful at times. And being kind should be a given, but it seems that this is something that often goes by the wayside in this day and age. I often speak to my plea to be kind! So many people are going through so many things and we don't know what people are facing each day. I've also have talked about my story not ending like this. That there is more to our story than what has happened. Paying it forward and having courage and being kind are all so very important in my philosophy of life.
There is someone else that has walked a path of yuck but has shown courage and is so very kind. I have written of my dear friend, Liza, before. Liza lost her teenage son Jackson two years ago tomorrow. July 1st. Those of us that have experienced loss have a square on the calendar that brings us to our knees. A date or a time or a place that will forever be burned into our memories. That will forever cause our hearts to shatter into a million pieces. Liza's is tomorrow. And my heart hurts for her.
Last year, on the first anniversary of Jackson's death, we had a kindness race at Evergreen Park. We were given a list of things to accomplish and whoever finished their list was the winner. But in reality, we were all winners as we worked our way through the list. We all had our minds opened and our hearts expanded as we checked things off of the list that shared love and kindness to others.
Liza has been posting the list again this year, asking her friends and family to work through the list in honor and in memory of Jackson. After chatting with my girls, we decided that we are going to accomplish the list and more! We are going to call it "July for Jackson." As a family we will choose one good deed every day to spread love and kindness in honor and memory of Jackson. And we encourage you to do the same! For Jackson. For paying it forward. For just being kind!
The list is posted below! Feel free to add your own! When you finish a task feel free to visit Liza's Facebook page "Jackson's Light" and show Liza your good deeds in honor of Jackson. Or in honor of anyone else you want to honor! Be kind! And have courage!
Tomorrow, Liza's calendar square where she lost Jackson, is going to be so very difficult. I can attest that when you lose someone you love, the day you lose them sticks with you for a long time. My calendar square is in October. My stomach starts knotting in September dreading the turn of the calendar. So if you can't participate in July for Jackson, then at least pause and send Liza and her entire family hugs and love and prayers. Surviving another year is a huge milestone, but so heartbreaking at the same time. They need their family and friends and community to bolster them up to make it through the day.
To Liza and Tina and Darby and all their friends and family, my love and hugs and prayers to you all as you flip the calendar tonight to the day that changed you all forever. Have courage and be kind. And always know that you have many, many people that love and care for you! Hold on and express your grief and know that in just thirty-one days we'll turn the calendar again, moving forward one day at a time. We'll all hold your hands and walk with you. And many of us know and wish we could take your pain away!
To everyone else, you also have courage and be kind! This broken world needs more courage and kindness and you can be a small spark that ignited the change we need to see in the world. Do good deeds! Pay it forward! Be kind! For we are all fighting battles...
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Be kind. Love one another. Spread love and peace and joy! Help put a stop to the evil that has infiltrated our world and our homes. Be kind! Have courage! And spread love to others! And remember Liza and Jackson tomorrow...
Here's the list! Here's to a month of love and kindness! And live the list beyond July too! I love you, Liza. And I'm sending love to Jackson, for in his death you have accomplished so many great things. And in sharing him with the world, the world will be a better place for the love and kindness spread on his honor!
Be kind and have courage always...
Tammy,
ReplyDeleteWhile I was visiting Darby last week we were sitting together talking one night and I read your Father's Day blog post out loud to her. I had tears in my eyes and choked on my words getting through Amelia's response to you. I hate that there's so much pain around us, in our community, and in this world, but at the same time it is people like you and your daughters who have been hurt the most, yet have the most genuine, caring hearts, who remind me and others that we're not alone and we can and we will keep moving forward each day.
I love you Tam. This blog post, reading Jackson's name, spreading the love in his memory even though you never had a chance to meet him. Man, you would have loved him! That crockpot filled with hot chicken that you brought over when I had to think of the most simple things like breathing and drinking water to survive because I felt like I was going to die without Jackson here. The stack of gift cards I was able to give to Tyler to go out and get some food with his friends. Last year, the bracelets Amelia made and raised money to donate to charity in Jacksons name. I won't forget any of it. It all means so much to me! I love you and I love your genuine heart. Thank you so much for this. xo