In Memory
August 21, 2008 I've said before that the purpose of this blog is to make you laugh. That's still the case, but today I'd like to do something a little different. You see, yesterday I lost someone very near and dear to my heart. His name was James, and he was the son of two incredible individuals: John and Abby Gjertsen. (In a way, Abby is actually responsible for the creation of this blog: she is the one who first e-mailed me the "Under Neat That" cake, which in turn inspired me to start Cake Wrecks. So if you enjoy this site, you owe Abby a small debt of gratitude.)
James was born with a host of medical problems, and he overcame huge obstacles while spreading joy and inspiration to all who knew him his 482 days here on Earth. Through their blog SweetBabyJames.info John and Abby provided encouragement to other special needs families around the world, and James was able to touch countless lives. His legacy is assured, and will be one of unceasing joy, strength, and courage. (Click here for a beautiful video celebrating his first year of life.)
Not only are John and Abby close friends, they have been hugely supportive of Wrecks. So today, in honor of John, Abby, and sweet baby James, I'd like to dedicate this post.
And because I still believe in the healing power of laughter, here's a great video for cake lovers everywhere:
Thanks to reader Rachel for the video link.
Reader Comments (115)
God bless Sweet Baby James.
All of my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My prayers to the family. I wish I had known about their blog when James was still alive. They sound like very special people.
All my love to Abby, John and everyone else James touched. I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
My sympathies. Your blog brings me so much laughter. My deepest condolences to your friends for their loss.
I know that God's comfort will be with this loving family and the many friends whom James touched in his short life. God bless you all.
My husband and I read Baby James' final blog together - my big strong soldier was in tears before it was over. I was, too. And yet, I had to smile through the tears because the love and joy in one another was so apparent in every picture and video of James and his family. They are all such wonderful examples of unconditional love! Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I am so glad that your friends obviously chose to appreciate the wonderful parts of having James with them, as well as slogging through the difficult times and facing so many challenges. God Bless! *hugs*
My deepest condolences to Abby, John, you, and all who loved baby James. If the measure of a life is how much you are loved, then perhaps James did all the living he needed to. I can't begin to fathom the depth of the pain of his wonderful parents, though, and wish peace for them, and comfort in happy memories.
Love your site! Good laughs. Please visit mine if you'd like. BRIGHTSEEKER.COM. Love the video.
I often come here for the amusement that all these silly bakers provide us with, but reading this today made me so sad. I ventured over to baby James' blog and I couldn't not cry. He was the most precious little boy and I have nothing but the upmost respect and sympathy for his parents for being so strong and loving. I know many people who would give up when presented with such situations, but instead they gave little James an amazing life, short as it was. I'm so deeply saddened by his death. I can't imagine the pain they must be going through. He, his parents and you are in my thoughts <3
aw, I'm sorry for your loss :( I'll keep his parents adn you in my thoughts, hugs
My deepest condolences. :(
Good Thoughts and prayers sent out.
My heart goes out to you and your friends. They are truly special parents and I hope they are blessed with a baby again soon. God love them and keep them for how they loved their sweet boy while he was here on Earth.
How sad. It was a very nice tribute from you. Touching
Thanks for making me laugh, you have a talent for it ;) x
I stumbled across this post today, and was in tears reading about little James' brief yet love-filled life. When I realized that I was reading a blog from 2008, I was hopeful that somehow, someway, your two loving friends had found a pathway to parenthood...adoption, fostering, uncle-and-auntying...someway to share the amazing live and strength in their hearts. I found their other blog, House of Gjertsen ( sorry if I got that wrong). I'm thrilled that they are now blessed with two healthy little ones. I wish them all the happiness in the world.