Grandparent's Page

A few days ago an Arch Angel appeared before the Throne of God and he said "All of my Angels are very busy and I desperately need a new Angel for a special job to help alleviate the sufferings and misfortunes in the world."

"I searched everywhere and I found this very beautiful, absolutely perfect, infant baby boy. I believe he is destined to be an Angel." God said to the Arch Angel. "Bring him to Me and I will bestow on him the rank of Angel and he will be that for eternity. His death on earth must be without pain or discomfort. He will merely close his eyes and wake up at My side in the Glory of Heaven."

That new little Angel's name is "Johnathon Duane Todd".

I Love You.

Your Great-Grandfather, Marion Iacino

  I remember the day my first grandchild passed away. Although he was only in my life for 3 months, he was so special to me. We spent so much time together and he had a smile which always made my day brighter, the day he passed away I got to spend the day with Little Man. We went outside and did yardwork and then would come in and rest. Then back outside where he would sit in his little bouncy seat and watch me work in the yard. I remember him leaving to head home and even though he was fussy he still smiled. A beautiful smile which I still see every time I close my eyes.

I remember the devastation I felt when I was called an hour later and told he had died. Part of me died that day with him and it has taken me 24 years to come to a point where I can accept, he is gone.

For the last 24 years I have asked myself why he was taken at such an early age when he was so loved by me and so many others. I have struggled to understand and have only recently come to understand that Someone had a higher purpose for him: to bring the joy, comfort, and laughter that he brought to me, for the brief time he was here, to others. Seeing this Foundation and the good it is doing for so many has helped me see how he is not only my guardian angel but an angel serving others. He truly did have a bigger purpose and he is fulfilling that every day. Today I can rest and feel comfort in knowing he is watching over me and so many others. 

As a grandparent you find so much joy in seeing your children succeed and seeing them start a family of their own. Having grandchildren is a blessing and I am blessed to have many grandchildren now. Losing a grandchild is an event where you grieve the loss but also feel the pain that is being experienced by the parents. While you are hurting you are also expected to be the parent comforting your child who has suffered tremendous devastation. There is an old saying where you are not expected to outlive your children, well you are also not expected to outlive your grandchildren. 

While you are being the strength for your child who has suffered the loss, remember you must also grieve. While you will be expected to hold the family together as the patriarch or matriarch, you must also find time for you to absorb the impact of this event. You are expected to have answers to why this occurred. It is okay not to have the answer. You have also suffered a loss that may take years to understand. So, while you are supporting the parents of your grandchild look to your spouse, a close friend, or another family member for the support you need during the funeral and for the days and years to come. 

As I said earlier, I have finally found a level of understanding that is providing me comfort as I see the good Johnathon and his mother are doing with the foundation. This comfort is reinforced everyday now that I understand that God does not make mistakes and needed Little Man for a much bigger purpose.