'We will never forget'

On Oct. 28, 2004, my life as I knew it changed forever. My precious son, Jacob David Wrona, passed away. It was his due date - his crib was ready, clothes were washed, big brother was excited, and we were ready to be a family of four. Devastatingly, this was not to be - he no longer had a heartbeat, even though he had had a strong one just days before.

I still went through labor and delivery. We still held him and dressed him. We still took pictures holding him in our arms.

We still love him. He is still our son, and we will never forget.

Although my grief was, at times, more than I could bear, I knew I needed to do something positive with the pain. I met three amazing women in the Edward SHARE support group - Laura Morgan, Stephanie Fiore and Amanda Albaugh. Together, we decided to organize Naperville's inaugural A Walk to Remember to raise funds to be used to beautify the existing angel garden at Edward Hospital.

Four years later, with the addition of several other amazing parents, the walk has continued to be a huge success, and a gorgeous, brand-new garden will be built - a place for healing, reflection and remembrance of our precious babies. I have my family and friends, these experiences and the SHARE support group to thank for my healing, and I learned that only truly special people are chosen to be the parents of angels.

Even though almost five years have passed, not a day goes by that I don't think of Jacob. Some days I smile; some days I cry a little; some days I feel him near. It has been a difficult journey, but the experience has brought about so many joyous things, including good friends and a walk to help others heal.

On Oct. 17, I will walk for Jacob, James, Mia, Colin, Justin, Reece, Ethan, Elise, B.W., Angel DeJesus, Erin, Faith, Baby Piket, Madison and every child who has gone too soon.

The walk is an event filled with emotion as well as support. We offer an opportunity for families to come together to share tears and memories, and to find support.

For those looking for a way to make a difference with their grief, we offer many opportunities to volunteer either with planning, or on the day of the event. All are invited to participate in the 2009 walk - parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and pets. Please visit napervillewalktoremember.org for details on registration, donations and volunteering.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=326107">Three women share stories of love, loss and healing <span class="date">[10/5/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=326109">Gretchen Self: 'Power and healing'<span class="date">[10/5/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=326113">Michelle Bohn: 'Moment by moment'<span class="date">[10/5/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>