Turning a Day of Sorrow Into a Day of Kindness
Three years. How can it be? On the first anniversary we released balloons from a mountain top in memory of our son. I had a beer to remember John. We spent the second anniversary at a lake where we had shared wonderful memories with our son. We later ate pizza, and yes, I had another beer in memory of John. This year, we’ve decided to do something different. It’s an idea from the MISS Foundation. Instead of spending the day in mourning, we want to spread joy and happiness to others. A little kindness goes a long way. It will certainly make our hearts lighter.
We’d like to invite anyone who wants to remember Ethan and John to participate in the Kindness Project. MISS has some ideas on their websites. They even have free memorial cards that can be printed and handed to those you help. I truly can’t think of a better way to show our love for Ethan and John than to share it with others. So, on July 27, the day after the third anniversary of their death, please help us spread some kindness in the world!
2 Comments »
Leave a Reply
About
John Thomas McGee
Feb. 1, 1941 – July 26, 2008
Ethan Drew Forster
Aug. 21, 2001 – July 26, 2008
Ethan’s grandparents, Nancy and John, picked him up at the Sacramento airport on Thursday, July 24, 2008 for his first “solo” visit with them. Two days later, around noon on Saturday, Ethan, 6, and his grandpa John, 67, were playing in the swimming pool at the mobile home court in Selma where John and Nancy lived. They were alone in the pool. Nancy had walked home to make lunch. Although no one was there to see, based on the swelling on Ethan’s forehead and cut above John’s eyebrow, it appears that Ethan leaped from the side of the pool toward John expecting to be caught. This was a game they often played. But this time, the game turned tragic when they bumped heads, knocked each other unconscious and drowned. Nancy found them in the shallow end of the pool, in three feet of water. Nancy, neighbors and emergency personnel worked desperately to revive them. We deeply mourn the passing of Ethan and John but take solace in knowing they were doing what they loved, laughing and playing. Their absence from our lives has left a hole that can never be filled.
-
Recent
-
Links
-
Archives
- July 2011 (1)
- June 2010 (1)
- October 2009 (1)
- July 2009 (1)
- September 2008 (1)
- August 2008 (5)
-
Categories
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
The amplified sorrow of your story and how it has swiveled around towards kindness is a very loving and encouraging tribute. I pray that I am able to model this purpose in my own journey.
Thank You and God bless,
Michael
Thank you Michael. I will keep you and your family in my heart and prayers as you navigate this difficult road.