I wonder sometimes if this blog, and the journal before it, were hidden attempts of mine to play the role of a tragic hero.
In a way, sharing our story led to increased exposure, which in turn led to sympathy and support. The more intense the tale, the more intense the support. I hadn’t really thought of it that way until now to be honest.
Writing helped me to progress through the ups and downs. Now it helps me to ease the grief and continue to share the magnitude of Jacob’s impact on those around us. So, is it vanity that propels these posts?
Coming around full circle, if it is for vanity then perhaps I might prove us to be unique and gifted parents in a terrific situation who somehow survived it. Yea for us, right? Likewise, I run the risk of highlighting Jacob’s passing (celebrating milestones, etc.) to the degree that we appear to wallow in the misery.
I would prefer that the tone of these posts remain celebratory and thankful, yet reflective. But there is no denying one fact of grieving the loss of a child: the grief seems to recur and get revisited over and again. Not int he same way, like a circle, but more of a process with familiar landmarks. Interestingly, each time the grief comes, no matter how pleasant the interlude, it hits as though it’s almost new and fresh and raw – but not quite. And so each post seems to hit the same key. I know we aren’t pioneers in this situation, and we are by no means heroes for enduring it.
I agree with C.S Lewis: “In so far as this record was a defence against total collapse, a safety-valve, it has done some good.” Amen to that. And so I have come to the conclusion (at least for today) that this blog provides the safety-valve rather than a method of revisiting the misery or sharing the story for glory. In any event, we are extremely glad to have each of you along for the ride. We thoroughly enjoy your stories of how this blog has impacted your lives and those of your families. If all of this was to serve one purpose, and those impacts were that purpose, then I consider it gain.
Jacobs Ripples 
These posts serve many purposes. In my opinion, one of the many purposes is to help all of us walk along side of you and support you through your grief and our grief. Another purpose is to point all of us to Jesus and His great love and mercy. A third purpose is to give us insight and wisdom as to how to walk along side someone else who is grieving. God is equipping us through Jacob in growing our discipleship skills for others. Who knows how many other purposes God has in mind for this blog? Isn’t He a good and gracious God who can do so much more then we can every imagine?
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It is really important to share “your story” whatever it may be. Of course it serves as a cathartic outlet for you as the sharer, but it also does so for so many others who have or will face the same or similar circumstances. This is one of the ways that God is able to use you, Rob Myers, and your individual gifts and talents for the good as is promised to us in Romans 8. I am typically guilty as well of assuming that sharing one’s story feels self-centered and attention seeking (from my own standpoint not from others sharing their story, that I am always interested in). I have come to realize, however, what an incredible blessing and gift you can give to others when you share your story. Not only if they ever are to face similar circumstances and to feel the comfort of not being alone and the benefit of learning valuable lessons from one who has been through it; but for others, it is a beautiful gift to be open with them and to welcome them into your world.
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Beautifully said.
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