October was busy enjoying our amazingly warm weather, the start of our busy Stella & Dot season, Halloween fun, and the beginning of November was here before I could believe it.
On the morning of Friday, November 5th I was sleeping in late when I heard the doorbell ring. I was home alone (an absolute rare occurrence) and my mind instantly began to try and figure out who might be at the door at 9:00 a.m. - UPS, FedEx, Wyatt's neighborhood friends? No, too early. Joe had taken the day off from work, but actually had to head into work to get a couple of things finished up. The kids had the day off from school, but had spent the night at my in-laws because Joe and I had been out late the night before at The Zac Brown Band concert.
The doorbell rang a second time with a bit more determination and by then I was looking out the windows upstairs to see if there was a car - and then I heard the doorknob turning and footsteps in the entryway. My heart was racing and I started to head back to my bedroom to go grab the phone...
My mom was on the landing of the stairs and my heart was relieved at first, but then immediately I knew something was wrong. I headed down the stairs with the help of my mom because my legs weren't working so well and my mind started racing again. Was it Joe? Did he get in an accident on his way home from picking up the kids after work? Was it Dad? Then I saw my Dad at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me. Once I was on solid ground my parents told me the news I had worried I might hear some day.....
My little brother, Jon, had passed away. He lost his battle with addiction - a battle he fought for almost 1/2 of his life.
We spent the day together as a family on my couch with blankets, boxes of tissues, and plenty of chocolate. Joe took care of us all so well - making us soup and grilled cheese and any other food he could prepare as a comfort. We had some visitors - my dear girlfriends whose hearts broke for us and who I will forever be grateful for showing up at my front door and praying with us and our beloved "Aunt Sherry" who came immediately the minute she heard the news.
Five days later my mom shared our loss on her blog and we were so amazed by the outpouring of prayers, support, and comfort from friends, family, fellow bloggers, fellow addicts, and many others.
We celebrated Jon's life on November 20th with a Memorial Service. We celebrated his artistic talents, his sweet soul, his loving heart, and his deep desire to be free from his addiction. The words from the song Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin couldn't be more true...His chains are gone and he's been set free.
As we begin a new year I'm still dealing with what we lost last year, but I'm so thankful for our family and friends that have supported us and continue to do so through prayer and love. I praise God for His promise (Romans 8:35-39) and am hopeful for the future.
So I'm officially transitioning back into the blogging world and look forward to sharing "our storey" with you in 2011. Happy New Year....
6 comments:
Just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you and your family through this hard time ♥
Beautiful post Jenn...thinking of you.
Welcome back Jenn. I still tear up at the story of your brother. Thank God you and your parents have each other.
I look forward to hearing more from you.
Jenn, I can identify somewhat with this post, and it breaks my heart. My sister attempted suicide 6 years ago due to her battle with depression and alcoholism. Fortunately, she was unsuccessful, but it changed my life forever. My heart breaks for you and your family. Please know that you are in my prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. I hope 2011 brings you peace.
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