The Grace of Jill

   We have a dear and treasured customer who frequents our store. We have learned of her story through her visits...knowledge that we hold sacred. Over a year ago, her 8 year old son passed away, an unimaginable loss that has touched us all. What is so palpable from her presence in our store is her strength, her grace, her absolutely beautiful smile, the surround of her family and friends, as well as the depth of her loss.

   Because of the inherent sanctity of this tragedy I have not written of it before this time. However, in a way of honoring Jill's grace and soulfulness it feels appropriate to share a recent store encounter with her. She came into our store in all of her loveliness. It is always a pleasure to see her. She began to study color, lighting glassybaby within the store shadow boxes, taking careful measured time to choose just the right trio. I learned that she was taking a gift to strangers.

   Recently, tragedy has befallen another Seattle family. Their son passed away in a skateboarding accident. Again, a  life much too young to leave. Jill felt compelled to go to this family. She described to us so eloquently the kind of comfort and warmth and prayerfulness that candlelight and color have given her family. Her gesture and impetus to find this grieving family just gave us awe.

   Despite the gravity...this all strikes a chord to Mother's Day which arrives one week hence. The enduring, abiding, deeply soulful love of a mother and her selfless desire to provide solace to another family in their kindred loss.

   Until Next Time, Nicola

Comments

[Ann Washut]

I wish I knew the name and address of the family who recently lost their child to the skateboard accident. I believe I read about it and I know people that knew that wonderful young man. Wouldn't it be nice to have a bunch of strangers send them glassy babies to let them know others care? I know I would.

[cindy]

Thank you for sharing that story. It is such a blessing to be reminded that in times of the greatest struggle in life that grace really is one of the emotions we can meet tragedy with. I will send my prayers to Jill and her family as well as the other family you wrote about. When you bring goodness to the world despite what the world has brought to you, it really does come back.
Thank you Jill.