This afternoon, when I picked up Jackson from bike camp, I brought my camera. But I wasn’t planning on taking pictures of him. No, I was on a much different kind of photographic mission.
With my camera, I was joining with other women around the blogosphere in a memorial for a special little boy named Evan, who died suddenly and unexpectedly just a few days after his mother Vicki returned from BlogHer.
As the rain soaked us and our little bouquet of flowers, Jackson kept asking me about this little boy we were remembering. “Why did he die?” Jackson wanted to know. But I couldn’t answer too many of his questions. I only know what I have read online.
But what I have learned about little Evan and his loving mother is enough to make me want to honor his life and try to comfort his family.
It is what we mom bloggers do. When tragedy strikes the mom blogosphere, it feels as though it is happening in our inner circle and we respond sending as much support as we can. So today, bloggers are rallying around fellow mom blogger, Vicki, and her family, as they mourn the loss of their son, Evan.
In honor of Evan, bloggers are posting special photos of flowers laid on swings and gathering them together in a Flickr Group. And for Evan, who had a love of swinging, this is such a great way to honor his life.
“Evan laughs and giggles and with each wide arc of the swing, his smile grows ever larger. The mother next to me smiles herself and says, “Boy, he really loves that, doesn’t he? I mean, kids just love to swing, don’t they?”
Yes, I think, kids do love to swing. But the reason my son loves to swing isn’t the same reason her daughter, in the swing next to us, loves to swing. My son loves to swing because he is blind and non-verbal, because he has what is termed “sensory integration dysfunction” and requires enhanced “vestibular input.” Swinging gives my son the kind of stimulation other kids, those who can see and talk and run and ride a bike, get by simply being and doing.
And, yes, he also loves to swing because all children love to swing.”– Vicki Foreman The Mother at the Swings
You can read more about little Evan and his family over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.
And you can see more posts dedicated to Evan at Pinwheels, Whitterer on Autism, MOM – Not Otherwise Specified, Maternal Instincts, Squidalicious, and Autism Vox.
Please also join us in honoring little Evan by submitting a photo of flowers on a swing.
Oh, how very sad. My love, thoughts and prayers go out to this family during this difficult time.
I too join the mom bloggers who are all grieving this loss….what a wonderful tribute to an amazing writer, mom and son.
It breaks my heart to know when someone loses their child! What a wonderful memory that he left with the earthquake in the middle of his ceremony, it is a reminder that his spirit is strong.
Thank you for letting us all know, our thoughts and warm wishes go to her and her family
A beautiful picture to remember a beautiful life.
What a beautiful way to celebrate Evan’s life and hug his family.
What a beautiful way to remember his life and honor his family at this time.
What a beautiful photo and sweet story.
I was at the Memorial today and it was very touching and moving. Not a dry eye there. Half way through the earthquake struck, causing a little rumble.
I’m so sad to hear this …Will put some flowers on the swing tomorrow and take a picture..
Oh this photo is PRECIOUS as I am sure all the others are. What a beautiful way to remember and show love during this most difficult time. My prayers go out…
Steph
This is awful. I’ll be praying for this family.
So very sorry.
OMG – That is terrible. Just a reminder that life can be so short. Prayers to the family!
OMG…this post just brings me to tears. How awesome of the blogging community to come together and do this virtual memorial.
My heart goes out to Vickie and her family!!!
I am going to make a special trip to the park tomorrow with my camera just to pay tribute to this special little boy and his family.
Thank you so much for letting me know about this. I can’t even imagine what his family must be going through.
oh janice, how appropriate that it rained. what a beautiful tribute to a special boy.
Beautiful Tribute, Janice. Beautiful photo!!!!!
My heart breaks. Anytime I Mom loses a child it breaks.
Nell
That little guy has the sweetest face. I will get my photo up tomorrow to honor little Evan.