Thursday, October 8, 2009

AWESOME!


Throughout this whole experience we have been so touched by so many things...I can't even begin to describe what it has been like. All the gestures, big and small have meant so much. As I type, our dear friends are slaving away painting Jack's bedroom so we can have a fresh start. How selfless! We've had hot meals brought to our house for the past week and will continue to have them through the end of the month. Our friend hired a house-cleaner to come clean our house. We are spoiled!
Today, we received this letter from "Family Connections." Family Connections is an awesome, non-profit organization in Austin that is "committed to improving the development of young children and building a strong foundation for their success by educating and supporting the adults in their lives - parents, child care providers, teachers and community leaders." Dan and I have participated in Mommy/Daddy and Me 6-week playdates when both kiddos were born, took all our pre-parent classes there (how to get your child to sleep, labor classes, how to breastfeed, bath, feed your child...), they have a daycare locating service and have an amazing library that you can check out books and toys. They have singers and story-tellers and an annual Family Celebration. (ALL FOR FREE!)
They learned of our sad news and sent the letter above. If it is too small to read, maybe you can cut/paste to enlarge in your own word document. We were so touched by the thoughtfulness of the books they chose and can't believe how the kindness of everyone is holding us up so long and so high. Thanks to all...
Check out Family Connections for yourself and if you live in Austin...go visit!
www.familyconnectionsonline.org
Dan and I also attended our first Support Group on Monday. It was wonderful and we met so many people who showered us with unconditional love and understanding. The group is for anyone that has encountered a loss and then you split into smaller groups based on who you lost. It was a great experience and we look forward to going back. Thank you to all the funders who support "For the Love of Christi," without your support, it wouldn't be possible. This service is provided FREE to those grieving and we are so grateful. Check it out: www.fortheloveofchristi.org

7 comments:

Anne Witt said...

I am so glad the Turpin family is surrounded by loving and caring friends/neighbors. Wish I lived closer to help out. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping us informed through your blogs. You have many followers!

jen kelley said...

Wow! Family Connections is an amazing group! They really put a lot of thought into picking books that reminded them of Jack! Awesome organization!!

So glad to hear that you have both joined a grieving and healing group. I hope it helps during this sad time.

Think of you all,

Jen

Douglass said...

love you, kristen! we continually pray for you guys. i am so glad that you are being loved on by those around you. family connections is amazing...i miss it! glad the grief group went well. big hugs to you from africa!

Amber said...

That letter made me cry! What a perfect gesture - SO thoughtful. I think we need an Aurora/Kate play date, either at the pumpkin patch or at Family Connections or one of our houses or SOMETHING! Let me know what you think :)

The Lunoff Adventures said...

That is so AWESOME!

Briana and George said...

The Jon Scieszka Truck series books are some of Luke's favorites, too! (and I ALWAYS think of your Dan when we read about "Dump Truck Dan" :) What a very thoughtful thing for them to do. Wow, Jack has touched so many lives, and will continue to do so.

jessica holland said...

That is beautiful. I love Family Connections too, we went there several times when I was a stay-at-homer and we still lived in the Austin area. Scotty just checked out Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka yesterday at the library, so I was touched today to be reconnected to Jack. I know Jack's very first library book was one of Scotty's favorites, Monster Trucks. Thinking of you always, and so amazed by your strength through this all.