On April 20, 2009, our daughter – JoAnna, twenty years old – lost her battle with drugs and alcohol.
Those who know me know that I share my own personal experiences to teach. I also share my own experiences with others because I know that I am not the only person on this earth experiencing the joys, beauty, heartache and pain of human life. It is my way of saying, “You are not alone.”
And, unfortunately, my husband and I are not alone in losing a child during these times.
After receiving the news, I sobbed, and my knees went weak. I never realized how deep one could feel grief.
Then I became very quiet, shielded, and ‘listened’. JoAnna was with me. Now I know many of you are probably thinking that it was just wishful thinking on my part – and I would have probably agreed if I hadn’t spoken with many others over my lifetime that had crossed over…most of whom I had never physically known.
Death of a loved one is very hard. No one can take that pain from you. Many people told me that they just didn’t know what to say to someone who is grieving. And that is okay. It’s okay to say that you don’t know what to say – listening, hugging, and your presence say it all, and is so very much appreciated.
We have received an outpouring of support from all over, and we thank everyone for their kind words, support, hugs, assistance and love during this time.
Jan Toomer
April 27, 2009
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