JB passed away Saturday August 5th, 2006 - Just a few weeks before his 21st Birthday, and 2 hours after he married his childhood sweetheart Emily Cook.
He had Non-Hodgkins T-cell Lymphoma. He was first diagnosed in Oct of 2004, and was treated at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital in Portland Oregon
__________________AUG 21,1985 - AUG 5, 2006____________________
Sometimes, no matter how much faith we have, we lose people.
But you never forget them. And sometimes,
its those memories that give us faith to go on.
_______________________________________________
Tuesday August 4, 2009: Tomorrow is JB's 3rd anniversary in heaven. He is missed so much. Not one day goes by that I don't think of him, and miss his beautiful smile, and those big brown eyes. I get great joy out of showing his bug in the local VW events. It is so fun to drive, and makes me feel close to him. JB would be proud of the way his bug has turned out. I am still working at Avamere in Newberg. It is an assisted living facility, and I am the director of business services there. I love the job, and the residents. Nick is still living at home and getting started into college again. He has decided to be a medical/xray technition. I don't see or hear from Emily, but hear that she and her boyfriend bought a house this year, and she has a new job now at the new Hotel in Newberg. I wish her all the best, and am glad she is doing well.
_______________________________________
Tuesday May 19th, 2009: Hello to you all! It has been a while. I have been busy with my job at Avamere. I have been the director of business services for over a year now. I was going to move into another position, but decided I like what I am doing. I have learned alot this last year. Pat and Nick are doing fine. Nick has been in and out of college. He has decided to be a nurse, and will start school again in the fall. I will put JB's bug in It's 2nd annual car show on May 30th in Woodburn at the Woodburn Drag Strip.It is an annual VW event. Come and see us! I hear that Emily is doing well. She has been with Cory for a couple years now and they have bought a house in Dundee. I hear she is happy, and that is what matters most. I always wish her the best. We run into each other now and then. I always enjoy seeing her. One of JB's best and dearest friends Gwen Pilcher is getting married in July. JB if here, would be so happy for her and Ian. I will try to write again soon. I heard from several of JB's friends on Mother's Day, and that meant alot to me. I miss JB so much. I miss his laughter, his big brown eyes, and his wonderful since of humor. Love Lori
_______________________________________________________
TO START READING JB'S STORY FROM THE BEGINNING SCROLL DOWN TO: Week of Oct 10th: JB started Bible college. Somehow some of the log has been duplicated, but I am afraid to lose it so I will leave it alone. That is why I am letting you know where to start reading.
___________________________________________
Monday January 12th 2009: Happy New Year to you all! I made it thru another hard holiday season. But it was easier then the last couple. I am just working, and waiting for sunny weather so I can drive the bug again. I am moving into a new position at work with a pay raise and doing something I really enjoy. I will be the Director of Community Relations at Avamere where I am now. It will be less stress I hope. I had a fun weekend in Seaside with my cousins from Eugene. We are all getting together again in Feb for the seafood and wine festival in Newport. I don't drink so I am the driver for the gals. We will be staying in Lincoln City. It is fun even when you don't drink. Love to you all! Lori
December 10, 2008: Happy Holidays to you all! I finally got my decorations out and put up. It is still very hard to handle the holidays. I miss JB so much. Not much new going on in my world. I am working like crazy at Avamere. My job is so busy that the days fly by. Nick is still with me and going to school and working. He is doing well. We added my dad and step moms poodle Kaandy to our family a few weeks back when my step mom passed away. She is doing well and adjusting. Of course Tessa is beside herself. She thinks she is top dog, and wants all the attention. We are heading down to Eugene for Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
______________________________________________________
Sat November 1st: Wow! The holidays are just around the corner. I think I will be a little more into Christmas then I have been the last few years. It is so hard to be without JB at the family events. We talk about him, and that is good for us all! I am making my presents this year. I enjoy my crafty creations. Hope to hear from you all! Lori
____________________________________________________
Wed October 15th, 2008: My step mom lost her battle with cancer a few short hours ago. She started her fight with breast cancer several years ago. My dad passed away from a heart attack the year before JB passed away. My dad and step mom were married for 24 years before he passed away. They married my senior year in high school in 1980.
_________________________________________________
October 7, 2008: Hello to you all. I am still really liking my new job at Avamere. It is very very busy, but rewarding. Nick has started back to school at Chemeketa. He goes two days a week, and is working. Him and Pat will move in the next 6 months I believe. It has helped us all to be together in the same house this last year or so, and to heal and hurt together, but it is hard to have the ex living with me after 10 years of being single and divorced. We get along most of the time, but have our moments. I am looking for a part time job to keep me busy. I went on a cruise to Seaside in the bug with Rose City Volksters back in September. It was fun. We drove right out on the beach. I will try to upload some photos. I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween.
__________________________________________________
Thursday August 21st. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEREMY! I so wish I could hold you in my arms today and wish you a happy 23rd birthday. Just a few short weeks ago was your 2nd birthday in heaven. It hardly seems real to me at times. I miss your laugh, your smile, your sense of humor, your grumpy days, your happy days. I miss so many things about you, but I miss your hugs the most, and saying I love you. I still struggle with my belief in god since you've been gone. I know if there is a heaven, that you are there. It will take many many years for the pain to soften, and for my heart to mend. I will always miss you, and will always smile wihen I think of my big brown eyed boy! I love you, and miss you!
Holly and I took flowers out of her yard up to the cemetery today for JB's birthday! This year is easier then last for sure. It is hard because I miss all the gang. Scott, Kris, Gwen, Emily..... and all the rest of you too. I would love to hear from you all. I miss you guys. Love to you all! Lori
__________________________________________________
Saturday August 2nd, 2008: It seems like just yesterday to me, but it will be 2 years on Tuesday since I lost my wonderful, funny, cute, and loving Jeremy. I have decided life does go on, and I will survive this nightmare. Some things have gotten better. It seemed like all I did for over a year was cry and cry and cry. I couldn't wait to get home from work so I could let down my guard and cry. I have gotten past that to some extent. I still cry, but not like I used too. I never know what will set me off, and find myself in tears at very odd times. I can never explain the emotions and pain of losing a child, and the ups and downs of everyday life that seem to be so hard to get thru at times. I dread holidays, birthdays, family reunions, and events that JB spent with us in the past. I know that is wrong, but it seems so wrong to me that he is not with us. I find myself feeling sad at the thought of not seeing JB raise his children, and feel cheated that I won't experience being a grandma to his children. I am sure Nick is feeling the pressure to pick up the slack. He is having his own struggles with all of this. He trys to hide it, but I know he is hurting. It has changed all of our lives, and we will continue to heal and mend our broken hearts. I wanted to be at church tomorrow in memory of JB, but there is a big bug event at PIR. We are putting the bug in the car show. I know JB would be proud. It makes me proud to share his story and to show it. There are only a couple events of this type each year. I was missing him today horribly, and just got in the bug and drove up to the cemetery. That always make me feel better, and closer to him. It is a way for me to release my sorrow and pain and to feel close to my son. I don't always just go to the cemetery. I drive it as much as I can. It makes people smile, and I laugh everytime I see kids and adults turn around and slug the person next to them. "SLUG BUG" they say as the land the punch. When Scott and I drove the bug in the parade last year he said, "wow...we are bringing out the worst in people".... we laughed as we witnessed many people slugging one another as we went past. I'm heading to bed, so I can get up early and drive the bug to Portland International Speedway to join all the other crazy VW fans. It is a fun to see some of the crazy things people do. At Woodburn there was a bug that looked like a chia pet. I will have to download the photos this week. So come back and check out the bug show pics soon. Love to you all! Lori
Wed July 16th, 2008: We had great fun at the Relay for Life event this year. Thank you to Trina and Holly and all of you who walked the track in memory and honor of our loved ones. I have missed JB so much the last few weeks. I always miss him, but have been more emotional about it lately. I think it is the upcoming 2 year anniversary that is weighing on my mind. My life is so quiet. I miss the kids, the laughter and poker parties in my dining room. Kris and Chanelle are getting married in August. I am very tickled for them. I have taken the bug to a couple bug events/car shows this summer. It has been fun. I am driving to the beach this weekend. I have not gone on a long drive with it yet. I have gotten very comfortable driving it, and I feel close to JB each and everytime I drive it. My new job is going great. They love me and I love the job. I am learning alot. I have grown attached to a couple of the residents already. It is hard not to. I have been bad about going to church lately. I need to get back into the swing of things. No I have still not spoken to Emily but a couple times since JB passed away. That has not changed. I did see her mom and dad and sisters, and adorable niece at the Relay For Life Event. It is always nice to see them. I am hanging in there. I am still healing my broken heart, and I think that will be a forever process. Love to you all! Lori
RELAY FOR LIFE OF NEWBERG - JUNE 20-21, 2008
AT NEWBERG HIGH SCHOOL
Our team is called "The J Bugs"
Relay For Life is: A gathering of friends and families, A time to celebrate cancer survivors, A time to remember those we've lost to caner, Your way to FIGHT BACK!
FUN! FUN! FUN!
_____________________________________________
Wed June 4th: I somehow lost the last couple months worth of blogs. We are having our Relay for life fundraiser garage sale this Sat June 7th at 9am at 1000 Springbrook Rd #87. Come and buy lots of goodies and help us raise money against the fight for cancer. Things are going good at my new job. I am working for Avamere at Newberg, a senior assisted living facility. I am the Director of Business Services. We put the bug in the show at the Woodburn Drags big VW event last weekend. It was fun. JB's buddies Scott and his dad Steve, Kris and Chanelle, my cousins Sean and Brody, Mom and my brother Grant, Pat and Nick were all there. We had a bbq and had fun.
_________________________________________________
Friday Feb 15, 2008: Hello everyone. I am still on the hunt for a job. I did start getting unemployment benefits, and am looking for something new and enjoyable. Pat put a stereo in the bug this week for me. We had it done at Stereo King here in town. They did an awesome job on it. We put the tuner in the glove box, and they made a custom box for it. We are real close to having it ready to show. I am heading to Eugene to help my step mom around her house this weekend. She has cancer. My sister and brother will be helping too. She is alone since my dad died 2 years ago. I have been working in the yard with this nice weather we have had. I will have my relay for life page up and ready soon, and hope a lot of you can help me with fundraisers and walk on the 20th of June at Newberg High School. I took balloons and flowers to JB yesterday. It is pretty up on the hill. I am making progress, as I don't cry everytime I go up there now. That sounds simple, but it is a big step for me on my emotional roller coaster of life right now. Leaving my job has been very helpful believe it or not. I was very unhappy and it was just getting worse. I feel a big stress relief just in that.
______________________________________
Monday Jan 4th: Things have not gone my way lately. I lost my job a week ago after 8 years there. That was a shock. I was not happy there for a while now, but never thought I would be let go. I have worked in the newspaper business for over 15 years now. I do not have a clue as to what I will do. I just spent 5 days in Madision Wisconsin helping with the National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress. That was fun. They are needing a new coordinators right now. It is only a part-time job or I would apply. I need full time work. I may not have 10 vacation days needed to do the job as alot of new employers only offer 1 week for new hires. I had 3 weeks before, which would have allowed for it. Someday life will get better I hope. I just get through one hurdle, and then another comes along. Everyone tells me God has a plan for me, but I am not so sure of that anymore. I am struggling to understand. I know something better will come along work wise, and I was very unhappy with my job the last few years in advertising. Newspapers are a dying breed. Why pay for advertising when you can do it free with Craigs's list and other free sites now available. If any of you have any good leads, email me at lbsummer39@msn.com. Thank you!!!
*****************************************
Thursday Jan 24th, 2008: Hello to you all. Things are going ok. I have been worried about Nick, JB's brother. He is having a hard time since JB passed away, as expected. I am doing alot better then l was. My break downs are less frequent now. Certain things will set me off, and I find myself in tears now and then. I don't think that will ever change. I am going to be sponsering a Relay for life team this year in Newberg. I want to see as many of you out there on the track as possible. I will have info soon, and will post that and send out a newsletter. We will be called the "J Bugs". I will need help with fundraisers and events to raise money for our team. This is therapy for me I think. I love my little bug, and drive it as much as possible. It is comforting to me to drive it, and I take it up to the cemetary too. I only go up there a couple times a month now, as it is wet and muddy. I did see Emily at Scotts wedding but we didn't talk, except for hi. I'm sure that was tough for her as she has not been back to the church since JB passed away. I really don't know how she is doing personally. I don't see much of the old gang anymore. I do keep in touch with Scott, and he has been a wonderful friend to me and my family. We still have a couple things to finish up in one afternoon on JB's Bug before summer. I want to show it. Thre are a few VW clubs around Portland. Please send me an email if you want to be part of the Relay for life team this summer - lbsummer39@msn.com
**********************************
Thursday Jan 17th, 2008: I want to say congrats to Scott & Bekah Smits (Scott was JB's best friend). They got married on Sat the 12th, and are now off on a cruise. I hope to upload the wedding pictures that I have taken. They used JB's bug to get from the wedding to the reception. I was very tickled that JB could still be a part of the wedding in some way. It was a tearful & emotional weekend for me. I so wish JB could have been there with us. It was a fun day, and the bride was beautiful, and Scott was very handsome too. We hope they are having an awesome time on their honeymoon cruise.
I have been sick for the last couple weeks, and have missed some work with a bad cold. I am hoping for some sunny days in our near future to get outside and do a few things in my yard. I am having a few issues setting up a new "myspace account" for JB as I had put in my newsletter, but will let you know when I get that done. Love to all - Lori
_______________________________
Wed Jan 2, 2008: Happy New Year too you all! I just got back from my trip to Vancouver Island BC. I enjoyed my visit with Bettyann and her family. We had a nice Christmas on Qualicum Beach in her big log home. We missed Bill, and shared memories and stories of him thru-out the week. We hope to have a great new year! We are looking forward to Scott & Bekah's wedding on the 12th, and are so excited for them. JB would be so happy for them both too. I'm sad he can't be here to share in this special event. We continue to keep him alive in our memories, and not one day goes by that we don't think of him. I miss him so much it makes my heart hurt still.
_______________________________________
Thursday December 20th: I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I am going to Eugene Friday as it is the start of my holiday vacation. I will spend the weekend with family, and then come home Sunday to have Christmas with Nick and Pat. Nick and Pat will head to Eugene Monday to spend Christmas Eve with my family. I will leave early Christmas morning with my cousins. My cousin Hollys husband Ramone is from Canada. They are going to go pick up his boys and bring them back to Oregon after they drop me at the ferry. When they get dropped back off at home on the 30th, Ramone will pick me up at the ferry and we will head home on New Years Eve. I will be on the ferry for 2 hours then Bettyann's son will pick me up on the island, and we will join her large family and have Christmas dinner after I get there. It will be fun. I miss JB horribly, but I know he is in all of our hearts this holiday season. We miss you and love you Jeremy!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
______________________________________________
Wed Dec 12th: Merry Christmas too you all! It has been much easier for me to get ready for Christmas this year. I was in such a funk last year as expected, and didn't care if I had a tree, or presents under the tree. All I could do was morn for JB, and it took all my effort to get thru each day. I still have JB's stocking hanging up, and probably always will. I bought a Shrek ornament in his honor too. I want to go to Build-a-Bear and build a Shrek. It has been on my mind since I noticed it in the window at the mall. As many of you know JB loved Shrek, and had collected many Shrek items over the last couple years. I want to put him in the bug. I drove the bug up to the cemetary last weekend in the nice weather. Tessa tagged along too. I am spending the weekend before Christmas with my family, as I will be on Vancouver Island BC Canada with my friend Bettyann for Christmas this year. I am looking forward to getting away. I miss seeing JB's friends, as they are all off doing their own thing these days. I think of them all often, and may have to have a pocker party in JB's honor soon so we can get together again. Nick is still living with me, and doing well. He needs to find work, and get into college again soon. Gotta run! Happy Holidays!
__________________________________________
Tuesday Nov 27th: We had a nice Thanksgiving in Eugene. Nick and I celebrate our birthdays this week, and are planning a few fun outings with friends and family. I visited Rock Harbor Church last week, and Grace Baptist this week. I have not been going to church as much as I should, but it has been busy for us on the weekends. I hope you all survived the shopping madness if you ventured out last Friday. I am still planning on being with Bettyann on Vancouver Island BC this Christmas. Happy Holidays to you all!
______________________________________
Thursday Nov 15th: Wow, the holidays are upon us. I am trying to get into the spirit. I don't seem to get excited about much these days. I know that will pass with more time. Nick is home, and has been working with Pat. I spent last weekend with my mom and Naoma at the beach in Florence. It was very nice to relax and enjoy the ocean. I miss driving the bug on nice days, as our rainy season is here. I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving! We are spending it in Eugene with our family. Nick and I have birthdays coming up at the end of the month too, so we celebrate over the holiday.
_______________________
Friday Nov 2nd, 2007: I am excited as Nick will be home late tomorrow night from Idaho. He is a bit bummed that things didn't go the way he had hoped. I think he is a bit homesick too. I am hoping he will get back into college, and that thinks will fall into place for him. He is still struggling with JBs death. He holds alot inside I think. I have checked into getting him into grief counseling at the Dougy Center (provides peer support groups for grieving children). I don't think he will go however. It is time to order DOUGH FOR DOERNBECHER again this year. It is $5 for 5 pounds of sugar cookie dough. I sold over 40 lbs at work last year. All the proceeds go to Doernbecher Children's Hospital. You can order from me if you like, or at Rivermark Credit Union in Newberg/Portland area.
My thoughts are with the Olson Family in Canada - Vancouver BC, as they are holding a memorial service for Bill this weekend. I was able to attend the service here in Oregon. I am still planning to spend a week with Bettyann at Christmas this year. Take care everyone! Lori.
___________________________________________
Wed Oct 17: This week is going much better than last week. Thank heavens! I am excited that Nick is coming home at the end of November. Things didn't work out like he had planned in Idaho. I know he is frustrated, but I am happy to have him back home. I have been so lost with no kids around. I am heading to the coast with the dogs and a friend this weekend. It will be nice to get out of town. I am going to Eugene next weekend to stay with my nephew while my sister and brother in law go to the beach for the weekend. I went to a Community group with my cousin Holly last night and met others who go to Rock Harbor Church. It was nice to visit with pastor Brian and his wife, and to see Emilys sister and brother in law Jen & Doc there too. Have a good week everyone! It's rainy and wet and windy here in Oregon. Nothing new for us.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wednesday Oct 10th: It has been a tough week for me for some reason. I watched Extreme Home Makeover on Sunday night. It was about an 8 year old girl from Corvallis Oregon who has cancer, and is being treated at Doernbecher's. I cried and cried watching the show. It was the hardest TV show I have ever watched I think, as it brought back all the pain and memories of the last couple years. Every day I wake up and think about JB, and ask myself if this is real. I see JB's friends getting married, and planning families, and it makes me so sad. Don't get me wrong, I am very very excited for Scott & Bekah, and Kris and Chanelle to be married soon. I'm just sad as I won't get to enjoy watching JB with his children (my grandchildren). Nick is feeling the pressure I am sure. I keep thinking I will wake up from this bad dream. I keep alot to myself as I don't want to be depressing to my friends and co-workers. I have my melt downs at home usually, when I am alone. Somedays it is so tough to get thru work and my day as if life is normal. I have no desire to even decorate for the holidays. I would rather skip to January. I have been working with my doctor on my depression issues, and I am trying hard to get back to my "new normal" life again. I don't think it will ever be the same without JB. I am still struggling with my belief issues right now. I am questioning my faith, and asking Why God?? I grew up in a Baptist Church, and have always been a believer, even when I was not the perfect Christian, I still believed in him. I just wish I could understand why and be a believer again, and not doubt that there is a God. I know JB would not like me doubting his God! He wouldn't want me to hurt so much. I feel as if this is my diary. I can share my feelings and hurts. I know that my job is to make something positive come of all this, but I am not sure what that is yet. I will survive! I am thankful for my family, friends, and my son Nick, who are all very special to me.
**********************************************
Wed Oct 3rd: My new roof is working well. It has been tested this week for sure with all the heavy rain we have had. I thank Grant and Tim for all the hard work. My cousins Ramone and Holly helped put a wall up on the carport to protect the bug from the weather too. Thank you all. Things are movng along. I dread the holidays for some reason with the boys not here. I miss JB horribly still. I miss seeing Nick too. He is working and doing well in Idaho so far. I hear Emily is doing fine. She has been dating a young man for almost a year now I guess. She still does not see me or my family since JB passed away. Needless to say, things don't always turn out the way we would like them too. I do still see her family at church now and then, and keep in contact with them. They are all excited about the new baby Jen & Doc are expecting next year. Happy Fall to you all!
____________________________________
Tuesday Sept 25th: It has been a busy couple weeks for me. I have my brother Grant, and brother-in- law Tim, and a friend Jeff all coming up from Eugene, along with several volunteers to help put a new roof on my house this coming weekend. Pray for no rain! Grant and my nephew Cameron, and mom came up last weekend too, and helped me around the house. It was nice to get all the windows and things re sealed. I will soon be ready for a wet and wild winter with no roof worries. I miss the boys terribly. Nick is doing well in Idaho so far. All of you have a great rest of the week!
_______________________________________________
Monday Sept 17th: Wow has this month flown by quickly. I miss Nick horribly. My house is way too quiet. I miss having the kids around. I got sad news on my good friends Bill & Bettyann Olson who recently just moved back to Vancouver Island B.C. from Sherwood Oregon. Bill died of a heart attack on Friday Sept 7th, at age 74. My family and I send our deepest condolences to the Olson family. I will miss Bill and his big smile, and his old worn out hat that I used to pin flowers on and decorate when he was not around. I will miss the teasing and big hugs he gave me each time we were together. His wife Bettyann was in route to the hospital when he had his attack at home. She was in the hospital for a week, and got out this last Friday. We love you Bettyann, and know this is a difficult time for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We want you to get well soon. I am planning on spending Christmas with the Olson's this year. Christmas is a hard time for me not having the boys around. Take care everyone - Lori
________________________________________________
Friday September 7th: It has been a busy week. Nick is in Idaho now. He hopes to start working soon. Not much going on in my world right now. Just trying to keep busy. It is so hard not having kids in the house. Tessa won't leave me alone, and wants so much attention. She misses the kids too. I think now is the time for me to catch up on my crafts, and friends, and try to look forward and not back. August was a hard month for me with all the memories, anniversaries, and Nick planning on moving away. I still have my good days and bad days. I think I am doing better in my grieving process, but I still have days that I just cry and cry. I never know what may set me off. I love driving the bug on nice days. It brings me peace, and I feel close to JB when I drive it. We still have some things to do to get it finished, but it is real close. I hope you are all well, and please send me a note. I would love to hear from all of you. It is amazing but this site still gets over a thousand hits a week. Wow! I thank you for all your support and prayers, as I still struggle to get thru all this. Time heals all. Lori
_________________________________________________________
Friday August 31st: I hope you all have a safe and fun holiday weekend. Nick moves to Idaho on Sunday. I will be so lost without kids in the house. I need to find things to keep me busy. . Kids start back to school so I know you are all busy as this summer ends. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! Lori
___________________________________
Tuesday August 21st 2007: Today is JB's 2nd Birthday in Heaven! I miss him so much! Not one day goes by that I don't feel lost and alone without him. I always wish I could have just a few more hours with him. I have been a bit under the weather the last couple days. Nick leaves for Idaho this next weekend. Nick was home for the summer, and I enjoyed that! I have felt alot of anxiety with him making a big move like this. I have been a bit depressed , but I know this too will pass. I want to ask you all to keep a friend of mine in your prayers. Her name is Sam Olson of Yamhill Oregon, and she is 39, and fighting breast cancer that has spread to her brain. She has 4 young boys and a husband at home. She is the daughter in law to my good friends Bill and Bettyann Olson who just moved back to Canada. Keep your faith Sam, and miracles do happen everyday. Our thoughts are with you and your family. I have said this from day one..... CANCER SUCKS!!!
Happy Birthday JB, and we miss you more than words can say!
________________________________________________________
Monday August 6th: I want to thank all of you who remembered me yesterday on JB's 1 year anniversary in heaven. I want to thank those of you who sent and brought by flowers and plants, and for the cards, phone calls, and text messages . It meant alot to me. Thank you to my sister Ranee, and her husband Tim and JB's good friend Gwen, and Pastor Brian Burman for your support at church yesterday too. It really means alot to me that you all care and remembered me on this difficult day. JB loved you all as much as you loved him, and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know alot of you thru him. I know it was a hard day for all of us. The car show on Saturday to benefit Doernbecher's Children's Hospital raised almost $4000. :-) It was a fun day, and many kind and generous people were there to show support. The bug was a hit. Thank you again for everything! We can and will move on but never forget our beloved JB. "Blessed be the name of the Lord"
_________________________________________________________
Wed August 1st: I am putting the bug in it's first car show on Sat Aug 4th. When I read the story about raising money for Doernbecher's, and helping Labri (a 12 year old girl from Lake Oswego with an inoperable brain tumor) I knew this would be the perfect time for the bugs first car show. Hope to see you there!
CARSHOW FOR THE KIDZ - Sat August 4th - McKenzie Pub parking lot. 16450 SW Langer Drive, Sherwood, Oregon - 10am-4pm. Come help support our local Children's Hospital and make a difference in a child's life. (all proceeds go to Doernbecher's Children's Hospital)
___________________________________________________________________
Sunday July 29th: Thank you to all of you who helped get the "Love Bug" back on the road, and to all who helped with the parade. It was a great day, and I really enjoyed seeing everyone. It felt good to make good our promise to JB, and I felt all the love from you who joined us in making it happen. I have attached a link at the main menu to JB's Bug where you will find photos of the parade, and more. We got a ribbon too. Thank you all!!!!!
THANK YOU ALL WHO HELPED SUPPORT THE "j bugs Relay for life team" in Eugene this last Saturday as well. I hope to have pics/info posted soon.
P.S. thank you also for your prayers for my uncle Rich. He is doing better each day, but is still in the hospital up at St V's.
____________________________________________
Tuesday July 24th: We are just finishing up the final details to get ready for the parade Sat morning. I still have to wax the bug. If you are walking with us you need to be there by 9am. We are entry #44, and just let them know that at the gate off 8th St. If you need further details please email me lbsummer39@msn.com. Holly and our family are asking for your prayers once again, as my uncle Rich Oare (Holly's dad) is in a bad way up at St Vincents Hospital in Portland, after suffering a miassive heart attack on Sunday morning. He is in critical condition, and really needs our prayers right now. See you on Saturday, and we will be taking the flowers you all bring to JB's grave after the parade. I thank you all for your support as we remember our beloved JB this weekend.
*****************************
Monday July 16th: The Bug is home now!!!! I picked Gwen up yesterday morning in the bug and we went to Rock Harbor for church service. She said she loved hearing it come down the street again. It is fun to drive too. Very small inside. I got a call from Gloria Attrell at the funeral chapel on Saturday. She had read the article about the parade, and offered to put a tent up over JB's grave site the day of the parade. We will be taking flowers collected that day up afterwards. Several friends will be coming and joining us that day for the parade, BBQ and fireworks in the evening. It will be a bitter sweet day. I am looking forward to getting past the next few weeks. I have been in tears almost everytime I turn around lately. I know that is to be expected. It is frustrating at times when I can't just turn it off. I am still amazed I made it thru this last year. At times it felt like life would never go on again..... but it does and it has. Nick has been playing frisby golf with some of JB's friends this summer, so I have gotten to see them around the house a few times. (I love seeing them). I hope to see you all Sat August 28th. I know JB will be looking down on us and smiling at all the love and support from all of you! WE MISS YOU JB!!!! WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU ALIVE IN OUR MEMORIES!!!!
****************************
Monday July 9th: I am so excited!!!! We bring the bug home tonight, that is if Scott will let me after our test drive last night. Wow! Not the same as the modern stick shifts. I do need to practice. It was hard last night for Scott and I as we remembered JB, and shared a few tears. JB would be so proud of the wonderful job Scott has done, and all the long hours he has put into this project. The parade will be here before we know it. It is July 28th at 10am in Newberg. I got the driveway all cleaned up and ready for the arrival! I am crying as I type this. It is a happy but sad time. This month holds alot of memories as our one year anniversary of losing JB is approaching quickly. Not all good memories, but memories I will hold close to my heart, and never forget. I miss his smile, his laughter, his love for everyone he met, and those lives he touched. We hope to see you at the parade. Email me if you need directions. Blessings, Lori
*************************
Thursday July 5th: We had a nice 4th of July. Nick and I spent the day in Vancouver Washington with long time friends of our family. Nick grew up with Trina and her daughter, and extended family. We have the bug so close to being done. Scott and I went for a test drive on Tuesday. It is insured now, and almost ready to roll. Scott has been doing alot of the work in the evenings to finish the bug! YOU ROCK SCOTT!! WE THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! JB would have been so proud. We are getting everything ready to roll in the parade on the 28th. If any of you would like to walk with us in JB's honor, please contact me or Scott. I have had several offer to bring candy, and that would be awesome. It will help alot. Wear yellow if possible. The Livestrong colors are yellow. JB never took his bracelet off that he recieved from a nurse when he was first diagnosed. Love to you all! Thanks for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. The next 4 weeks will be hard for me and my family. We have alot of memories from last year to get thru. Love Lori
***********************
Thursday June 21st: We worked on the bug again this week, and now have one of the front seats recovered. We are almost done now. I am so excited. I will have to get used to driving a stick shift again. I am hoping to get the car into a couple car shows. It is so nice. Nick was able to help us this week too. He has been in Eugene, and missed alot of the get togethers. It is nice having him home again. We are going camping next weekend at the coast for a family wedding. It will be nice to have some one on one with him. He has been on the back burner this last couple years unfortunately with JB being sick. I want to make up for some of that before he moves to Idaho this fall.
***************************
Friday June 15th: Hot off the press - A very nice story will appear in our town paper, The Newberg Graphic tomorrow. To read the story click on "JB in the news" at menu. I have it there. The photos are not there, but the story is. I am hoping to have JB's Bug pictures here on the site soon.
********************
Wed June 13th: We worked on the bug again Sat. We have another long day to go yet. There will be a nice story in the Newberg Graphic on Saturday regarding the bug. I will put it on the site here somewhere when it is published. Nick will be home tomorrow for the summer. I am looking forward to that. Emily's brother is getting married this weekend, and Holly and I are the coordinators and will be helping Friday at the rehersal, and Saturday is the wedding. Congratulations Amber Fuller and Kevin Cook
*********************
Wed June 6th: It has been 10 months since we lost JB. It still feels like just yesterday to me. We are working on the VW again this weekend. I had a small mix up with the DMV, and the special plates I ordered did not come. I went back to the DMV yesterday, and they hope to get me the plates for the bug by July 15th. I want them on the bug for the parade July 28th. I was able to get "JBS BUG". The Graphic is doing a story on the bug and the friends who have helped put it back together. (The Graphic is our newspaper in town). I have decided to go to a grief counselor for a couple visits - thanks to mom and friends encouraging me. I am finding it very challenging with Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and anniversary date of his death coming up soon. I still feel very lost and not sure what my purpose is or what my future will bring. I know this is all normal when you lose your child. Nick is still moving home for the summer, and I am looking forward to that. It will be hard when he moves to Idaho this fall. We had a great time at the coast. There were 20 of us gals all together - good times!
**********************
Tuesday May 29th: It was very pretty up on the hill at Valley View Memorial yesterday. JB's grave site had alot of visitors and pretty flowers, Shrek trinkets, & all kinds of fun things sitting around. He would have approved. It feels comfortable and inviting to visit. It was so pretty up there with all the flowers & flags. It was a beautiful day. It was not as hard of a day as I thought it may be. I kept busy. Emily's brother is getting married in a few weeks and a bunch of us gals are heading off to the coast to celebrate and have fun on Saturday night with Amber (his new wife to be). It will be fun to get together.
*************************
Tuesday May 22nd: It has been a hard couple weeks for me for some reason. It is hard to always put on a happy face each day. I don't think an hour goes by that I don't think of JB. I have had a hard time sleeping too. Life is so upside down for me. I know it has been 9 months, and I should be getting better at this grieving stuff. I so wish I could flip a switch and turn off the tears each night, and the pain I feel every day. Nick is moving home for a couple months, and I am looking forward to that. He is moving to Idaho in the fall probably, and wants that to be his new home. I may have to move closer to him someday. I think a change might be good. I'm not ready to leave Newberg for a while however. It would be hard to leave JB. I know this too will pass and everything will get easier to accept with time. I expect that alot of JB's friends will be up to the grave on Memorial Day. I think it is a healing process for us all. Have a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend!
*************************
Monday May 14th: I hope all you moms had a nice Weekend. It was a hard day for me. I was so tickled when Gwen stopped with a rose and card, and Bryan stopped by with a balloon and card. (two of JB's best and oldest friends). That meant the world to me. Nick called me from Eugene too. He did come up on Saturday with my family for the day. We had a BBQ get together. I took some roses up to JB's grave yesterday. It was beautiful up there. I made it thru another tough day in my healing process. I am looking forward to working on the bug more. It is almost done. Hooray!!!
********************************
Monday May 7th: We worked on the bug again this weekend. It is so exciting to get it almost finished. I want to thank all of you who have put so much love and hard work into this "love Bug". It truly is a work of love from all. Scott Smits has it at his house, and he has put so many hours into this. I want to thank Emily's brother Kevin and Emily's dad Chuck too for all the time and work they have done too. And Kris, and Steve (Scott's Dad for all the parts) too. I love you all so much, and JB would be so proud of you all! Thank you!
***********************
Thursday May 3rd: Hello to you all. I am having a pretty good week. I went yesterday and ordered the special plates for the bug. I was able to get "JBS BUG". I was very tickled to find it was available. I also turned in the application to be in the parade. I know that alot of people stepped in to help our family over the last couple years, and I know that I have not thanked everyone in person. I don't even know alot of the people that helped raise funds and prayed for us while JB was sick. The whole community stepped in and it was so awesome. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I find life very quiet right now. I miss having the kids around. I still feel very out of sorts, and lost most of the time. I sometimes wake up and think.... did this really happen? I know that I still have my son Nick (thank the Lord), and I know he must feel the pressure of being the only child now. It has to be hard on him too. He is still in Eugene. I will go down for Mother's Day and see my mom and family. I told Nick he has to have lots of grand kids for me. What pressure that is! "smile". I am trying to keep busy, and not get depressed, which is hard to do some days. Mother's Day will be hard for me this year. We are going to be working on the bug again this weekend. We are getting close to finishing it. I want to get some photos online when we get it done. Love to all, Lori
*************************
Friday April 20th, 2007: Hello, We finished our Grief Group this week. I added a link called "Bereaved Parent's Wish List" on the menu to the left. It was helpful to me. I really want to talk about JB and I want to keep his memory alive. I am getting thru this one day at a time, and that is the best I can do. I will be adding a link to our Relay for life team soon too.
************************
Monday April 16th: We worked on the bug more yesterday, and had lots of help from JB's friends. It is looking so good. We have the back seats done, and started getting the carpet put in. I am looking for someone who wants to donate some love, and an hour of time. I want to have "Blessed be the name of the Lord" painted on the glove box. I paint, but don't have a steady hand for that sort of thing. Scot is cutting out a metal plate that fits onto the dash board, and I am going to have that engraved with JB's name. Pat and I have our last grief group meeting on Wed. We will bring pictures this week and share with others. I have gotten alot out of this group. The youth group at JB's church is going to walk in the parade with us on July 28th in honor of JB. Not much really else happening. It is quiet at work, and way to quiet at home. Nick is moving home with me in June for a few months, and hopes to get back into school this fall. He leaves Friday to be in a best friends wedding in Florida. That should be fun for him. I am still taking orders for T-shirts if anyone is interested. I have turned in the orders you have sent me so far, and I thank you all. All proceeds go to relay for life team "The J Bugs", and are $10 each. They have JB's picture and name on them.
************************
Thursday April 5th: It has been 8 months today since JB died. It does seem to be getting easier to accept, and the crying spells are fewer. I still never really know when or what may set me off. It's usually simple things like seeing his friends at church, or working on his bug, or just sitting and watching TV. Scot and Pat got the motor in the bug last Sat. We are real close to getting the carpet in, and then we start working on the seats. I am very excited to get it done. I think it will be nice to see it in the driveway and finished. JB would be so proud of Scot, Kevin, Chuck, Kris and everyone else who has put time into the bug to help get it finished. I thank you all for your continued support, and wis
