Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,
And let me take your hand.
I, who have known a sorrow such as yours, can understand.
Let me come in -- I would be very still beside you in your grief;
I would not bid you cease your weeping, friend,
Tears bring relief.
Let me come in -- and hold your hand,
For I have known a sorrow such as yours,
And understand.
-Grace Noll Crowell
1877 - 1969
I saw this poem and thought it was so appropriate for the JADES blog group. This is a place where we can be very still beside you in grief, a place where there are no judgments, and a place for encouragement and comfort.
My son Brandon died August 16, 1999. I often hear the term "lost", but I didn't lose Brandon, he died in a drowning. There are so many ways that we describe death, but the raw indescribable pain of a child's death could only be understood by another parent who has had a child die due to whatever circumstances took that child's life.
It has been 10 years since Brandon's death. The raw pain has been replaced by a capricious sort of peace. A new normal has set in and days are filled with love, laughter and the hectic schedule of being a Mother, Grandmother and Safe Kids Coordinator. There are the quiet times though when the part of my heart that is missing seems like a giant chasm. These times are less frequent even though the reality of Brandon's death will always be with me. I am fortunate and grateful to have people in my life who understand, listen and love me where ever I am in the journey. I have safe places to talk about Brandon without the fear of the "you should have moved on by now" thinking.
This is my hope for JADES. That it will be a safe place for you to come to share your child, talk to others who are on this path, and find a way to advocate and move through, not on.
So let me come in friend, and take your hand. I, who have known a sorrow such as yours, can understand....
Kim Patrick
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Introduction to JADES
Welcome to the JADES Network blog!
The Board of Directors for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is pleased to bring our JADES Network idea to reality. Below you will find helpful information on what JADES is, what the blog is designed for, and how it is managed.
What is the JADES Network?
JADES is an internet-based communication network, designed specifically for people who have personally experienced the tragedy of drowning. JADES provides the method to reach out to others who have experienced similar journeys of loss, and who are on similar journeys of hope.
Why was the JADES Network established?
Several of the NDPA's Founding Board Members are parents who had lost a child to a drowning or whose child suffered impairment from a near-drowning. They all shared similar experiences immediately after their tragedy and they have since reflected how they could have benefited from being able to reach out to other parents whose children had drowned or nearly drowned. The NDPA set out to create a network of support where parents and family members can safely reach out to each other, and share their journeys and share their hope. The NDPA believes that by reaching out, parents and family members may find healing, comfort, and a sense of direction for advocacy.
Who can participate in the JADES Network?
Anyone who has had a personal connection to drowning or near-drowning is encouraged to participate in the JADES Network, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers, friends, anyone. JADES participants are not required to be members of the NDPA.
Who manages the JADES Network?
The JADES Network was created by the NDPA and is governed by the NDPA Board of Directors. In addition, members of the NDPA’s Board or Advisory Council who have experienced a personal loss due to a drowning or near-drowning, also participate in the JADES Network. Online comments and discussions are reviewed by an NDPA Director for appropriate content, and may be reviewed by a mental health or medical professional to identify possible “at-risk” situations, which may require more professional help. See JADES Facilitator Profiles for more information about our facilitators.
What does the JADES Network offer?
Secured, Internet-based support through e-mail and “blog” type communication forums. Lists of resources for further help and support. Ideas for venturing out into advocacy.
How can I participate in the JADES Network?
Because our goal is to create a safe place to communicate, we ask that all participants become members of the blog for the JADES Network.
The Board of Directors for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is pleased to bring our JADES Network idea to reality. Below you will find helpful information on what JADES is, what the blog is designed for, and how it is managed.
What is the JADES Network?
JADES is an internet-based communication network, designed specifically for people who have personally experienced the tragedy of drowning. JADES provides the method to reach out to others who have experienced similar journeys of loss, and who are on similar journeys of hope.
Why was the JADES Network established?
Several of the NDPA's Founding Board Members are parents who had lost a child to a drowning or whose child suffered impairment from a near-drowning. They all shared similar experiences immediately after their tragedy and they have since reflected how they could have benefited from being able to reach out to other parents whose children had drowned or nearly drowned. The NDPA set out to create a network of support where parents and family members can safely reach out to each other, and share their journeys and share their hope. The NDPA believes that by reaching out, parents and family members may find healing, comfort, and a sense of direction for advocacy.
Who can participate in the JADES Network?
Anyone who has had a personal connection to drowning or near-drowning is encouraged to participate in the JADES Network, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers, friends, anyone. JADES participants are not required to be members of the NDPA.
Who manages the JADES Network?
The JADES Network was created by the NDPA and is governed by the NDPA Board of Directors. In addition, members of the NDPA’s Board or Advisory Council who have experienced a personal loss due to a drowning or near-drowning, also participate in the JADES Network. Online comments and discussions are reviewed by an NDPA Director for appropriate content, and may be reviewed by a mental health or medical professional to identify possible “at-risk” situations, which may require more professional help. See JADES Facilitator Profiles for more information about our facilitators.
What does the JADES Network offer?
Secured, Internet-based support through e-mail and “blog” type communication forums. Lists of resources for further help and support. Ideas for venturing out into advocacy.
How can I participate in the JADES Network?
Because our goal is to create a safe place to communicate, we ask that all participants become members of the blog for the JADES Network.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
