This past weekend marked the two year anniversary since my youngest son, Justin passed away. It was difficult…which was no surprise. I expected that. God is the only one who really understands the depth of my pain…or the pain of anyone who is going through . The grieving process is so personal…so individualized. We may both be separated by death from a child or other loved one but your journey through grief is not necessary the same path that I take. And guess what? That’s Ok.
However, for me, it is a beautiful thing to have love, support and encouragement from others; to know that I matter to you and how I feel matters even though you don’t really understand what I’m going through or the depth of it. Donavan, my oldest son, was here with me and two of Justin’s friends Richard and Ephriam along with the prayers and support of other family members, co-workers and friends.
I had a thought for and ‘in memory’ of project. The thought became a prayer, which became a written plan, which became The Justin’s Way Project, which became my mission to accomplish and God blessed it all. The JW project was inspired by memories of Justin…how he gave his coat away to a homeless lady in Huntsville…shared funds with others in need….marched in Montgomery against Alabama’s HB 56 law which for one would separate immigrant parents from their children. I was inspired to reach out to Daphine Tedder at The Manna House. This local soup kitchen is open 5 days a week to assist the homeless and needy by providing breakfast and lunch. By God’s Grace and with help from many of you and in a short time period, I was able to raise and present over $700.00 to The Manna House! To God Be The Glory!! 
Vanessa and Daphine Donavan, Daphine and Vanessa 
From the center-clockwise: Vanessa, Richard, Donavan and Ephriam
From Nightfall to Morning Light 
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Thank you very much Danielle for your kind words, your thoughtfulness and your ongoing support! 🙂
I am so happy that the JW project became more than a thought, I’m glad that it moved into a prayer, and that God ordained it to be a reality. God is good! He is awesome! And most definitely worthy of all our praise.
Losing a child is the hardest thing any human mother could ever experience. It’s is one of which you never get over, but you learn through Gods help along with family friends and others how to cope with the pain.
I’m even more proud to know that Justin has impressed on so many the art of giving. I’m proud that his memory is attached to such a great cause, and a great place that gives unselfishly to those in need “the Manna House”, and even to those who may not be so much in need but can go to a place to receive a least a portion of the love of Jesus through smiling servants of advanced servitude.
May the good Lord rest upon those funds collected, and multiply for the greater good of the less fortunate. May the good Lord also rest upon you Vanessa for having the passion to keep your sons memory alive in such an honorable awesome way!!!! God bless his brother and “special” friends for also honoring their friends memory by sacrificing whatever to spend that time with you. I know those moments are most precious.
Grief is handled in many different ways Praise God your grief reaps love, kindness, and servitude in ways to benefits others than yourself.
God bless the child who thoughts and actions reflect his face Amen!!!!