Family: Today, Jax was on my mind a bit. My birthday was on all soul’s day, which was November 2nd. As excited I was, for my birthday, today, I realized that my birthday was the day to remember all of your loved ones who have passed. The point is, is that I am constantly thinking about you guys, and Jax. You probobaly wonder why, but its because you all have changed my life so much! Just the fun times, especially with you Torey. I remember when me and my family came to Pheonix and you and like Mr. Steffan were the only 2 who came to meet my family at the airport at 1am. And then I think of when my mom had that gym party for the adults, and me and my sister where showing you our rooms, and I remember telling you that I still slept with my sister because i was scared. And after I told you that, whenever I was scared to do something at the gym, you would be like,your not only scared of a backwalkover, but your scared of a robber coming into your house at night, and all I could do was laugh! How can I remember these things? Because these memories were so fun, and looking at your face when you were happy, and laughing, made me happy, becasue you, me, and all the gymnasts would have soo fun! And now sometimes i think that when I am having so much fun somewhere, you might just be in your room, just by yourself and lonely, and I want to cry. Just thinking about memories makes me cry, and I know that those memories will never be re-lived again. Sorry that this letter totally turned out to be takling to Torey 🙂 But I want you all to know, that Jax is always on my mind, and I know that she is looking down at you. Stay strong you guys! ~Natalie M.
Love to all the Hirsch’s miss you forever thinking of you. To my Jax you continue to amaze me everyday!!!! The people you continue to touch, the love you continue to spread.The smiles you continue to bring. I miss you so much!
so i got to work this morning and on my desk sat a box from disney. i of course knew it was something tink so i started to cry! a girl i work with went to disney for her honeymoon, she saw the tink store and thought of jax and all of us…she brought me a beautiful tink frame that says “believe in fairies” the note she left with it was so touching. i wish jacquie knew how often she is thought of by perfect strangers as well as her family and friends! i love you always beautiful tink! love, cousin angela
Der Hirsch Family, As a Geneseo Student Teacher supervisor and someone who has followed your story, I made a point to be on campus to take part in the bake sale fund raiser for Jacquie. It was a touching scene to see the many students involved in making a difference in your daughter’s name – again. Although the sale may not have been one of your many big fund raisers, it did have big impact on the community. Awareness was raised once more and I was so proud to see our students involved to make a difference – once again inspired by your daughter. Jacquie’s name is one often overheard in the education arena at Geneseo. The many Halloween goodies I bought were placed in a special box decorated with symbols and “Jaquie FOR ALL”. As my three children and friends at home gobbled them up, we chatted about the important life lesson Jacquie continues to teach. She truly is an inpiring teacher for many to learn from – for always. Another aside – My daughter celebrates her 9th Birthday Party next weekend and has chosen a “Tink” theme where she and her frieds will be painting “Tink” pottery statues. We will be sure to shed some extra pixie dust in Jacquie’s honor. As you must struggle through the days, please know the extent to which your daughter lives on and the way God uses her to teach so many so much… everyday. May you find strength and peace – and thank you for sharing a parents most treasured gift. God Bless ~ please believe.
Dear Sharon… I read your updates, always. And my heart breaks for you. and my love and sorrow are with you. I hope that you stay strong. Because, you will be with Jacquie, one day . Your love will keep you close. xxoo
Hi Hirsch family, Just wanted to send my love and let you all know how much i appriciate you for your kind “thank yous” to us! I keep reading posts and messages every day and am thinking of Jax always! Its crazy how often I’ve seen the Tinkerbell Movie commercial on t.v, little bits of Jax everywhere! She never stops..thats just the way Jax works 🙂 Miss you!
Hello Hirsch’s,I have been meaning to share a Jacquie story with you. I am teaching 5th grade in Clarence and I often wear my “We Believe” bracelet to school. A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my big teacher chair and was about to read something aloud to my students. As I was waiting for everyone to settle down, one of my students reached up and touched my bracelet and asked, “What is your bracelet for?” At that moment, 19 pairs of eyes looked up at me waiting for me to respond. It must have been something they have all been wondering since school began in September. I took a few minutes to explain to them about my friend who fought cancer and who recently passed away and how sad it made me. They all listened so quietly and it took everything I had not to break down and cry. They all listened to my brief story about Jacquie and told me how sorry they were for my loss. Some even shared their own experiences of people they have known with cancer. It was such a touching moment to share Jacquie’s life with my students even for a few moments. I felt like she was in the classroom with me; where she belonged. So, even though Jacquie may not be with us, she is still present in the lives of children and acting as a teacher in her own way. My thoughts and prayers are still with you each and every day. God bless:o)
Peace to the Hirsches and to Jacquie… I wanted to send a note to Jacquies friend that I didn’t meet back in September…Not the way anyone wanted to meet, but the more I think about it, I had to write… I don’t know your name but I know the uniform you wear…I want to thank you for the service you are giving to your country…It is not forgotten by me… I know that if there was a way, you would have laid down for your friend Jacquie, without question…It is the meddle you are made of and I could see it in your face and tears at the service… I don’t know any other way, other than to say I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend Jacquie…And I thank you, along with so many others, for your service to us and our families so we can continue to beleive… My heart to the entire Jacquie family…
Good Morning, So I know that everyone has their own Jacquie stories, but I feel the need to always share mine. Over the past 8 weeks my cousins have been my biggest support group. They are the ones that remind me of Jacquie, and how wonderful she is. My cousins were coloring yesterday at my Nonnies and I asked Donald (6 years old) to draw me a picture to hang at my desk. About 15 mins later he handed me the pic, and smiled. It was of a girl and a bunch of crosses. I told him it was great. then Domenica (whose 8) said “Do you know who the girl is?” Me not being very clever said “Yea it’s me.” She laughed and said “No it’s not.” Then Donald spoke up and said “It’s Jacquie with Jesus.” No wonder Jacquie loved Children, they have such a way about them their innocence is healing. I smiled for the rest of the day thinking about Jacquie, knowing that she is up in Heaven. Love you. Always Believing. xoxoxo Ashley
Hirsch’s, You are all doing amazing things helping to pass Jacquie’s legacy on through all of the wonderful community events. I can’t even imagine how hard that is for you, but her legacy will continue on forever. Like Alicia said, it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to forget about Jax and her amazingness that can not be put into words. I am thinking about you ALLways, and spreading Jax’s message wherever I go. Sending you lots and lots of strength… Sarah
I’ll be heading down to Geneseo’s first SDT mother daughter weekend November 8th. My daughter will be graduating soon, and I wanted to share time with the SDTs for this first and final event for us. Jacquie lived in the house with my daughter. The entire year since Jacquie was diagnosed on my daughter’s birthday, brought life altering change for all the sisters. I wanted to make the event a special memory for Jacquie, who I never knew, and am giving all the sisters Avon “Starbright” votives to light whenever they want to light their night. They will see Jacquie’s star whenever they feel they need to. I’ve collected those star votives for many years (Tink used to come to my birthday parties in Cinderella’s castle) and was touched by Sharon’s feelings about having to light a candle, but that’s what we have to do. Tinkerbell brought the light and the hope. If we want to see it, we must light it. I’m just waiting for the Tinkerbell wrapping paper to arrive. My guess is the SDT’s will cherish Jacquie’s star and light it for many years to come, just as I have, for those I have loved and lost. Don’t ever lose the light, and never stop believing ! Don’t misplace your wings either (that’s dumb!!) God bless and keep you Jacquie, and your beautiful family, our light 🙂
Sharon, Torey, TJ and beautiful Jacquie,Whenever I visit my mom and get a chance to get on her computer one of the first things I try to do is write in the guest book, because I am not able to from home.I think of all FOUR of you every day and Jacquie you always make me smile and I pass on your smiles to others… especially my little students 🙂 Miss you girlfriend
happy halloween everyone. well sharon i finally got my surgery date. this wednesday. cant wait. it will finally be over i hope. Sharon we all hope we can get together before Donna leaves for Florida. I have a question for everyone. did anyone notice the home page of this web site Tinkerbell next to Jaxs picture? the eyes are alike. Jax’s is the real Tink. everyone of us are reminded of Jax’sdailey through rainbows,coustumes,swimsuits,blankets ,eyes smiles.and some of the craziest things that we have done ,seenor heard.She will be with us for evershe spreads that magic everywhere.and instead of feeing sad it makes me feel really goodto have such a great feelingof happiness that can be spread everywhere. Asi was teaching swimming the other day their was alittle girl with a tink suit on and she reminded me of Jax .i had taught Jax swimming when she was just 15 months old my very first waterbaby .she was so determined to learn like her big brother T.J.anyways when jax had swallowed to much water and working so hard she would puke. we always said no orange juice before swimming . istill use this rule today. anyways this little girl does the same thing week after week. So the memories will be with us and the lessons also. this little one was just as determined to learn like jax no matter what it takes she was going to master her skill. we might not be able to see jax . but we see her through all different ways that she has touchediusin such a special way that her legacy will live on forever.It really makes me smile when i think of Tink, and especially the whole family how reallythey are comforting to us as we are to them. Just every one keep believing and Tinks dream will come true for everyone She has the Magic.Havs a wonderful day. the typing is getting better.
Tink~ yesterday was Halloween and i saw all these little girls dressed up at tinkerbell, and i began to cry…i began to think back about how you dressed up as her, and wondered why live was so unfair…I really miss you. Hirsch Family- I came across this and it helps me get through the day, I thought I would share it with you. “You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember her only that she is gone,or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.Or you can do what she’d want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” ~David Harkins Jax we miss and love you, continue to watch over us, especially your family. My thoughts are constantly with you Hirsch family. Love, Julie
Hello Hirsch’s~ Jax is definitly everywhere! I went out for halloween last night, and like every night I was thinking of Jax. Seeing all the costumes I couldn’t help but think of Jax dressed up has Tink. I saw a couple Tinkerbells but none of the people dressed up compared to how Jax looked as Tink “She was tink” and everything Tink represented! Sharon I was reading your post and I’m glad that we all can bring you comfort. Jacquie was always the first person to help me and cheer me up. So it is time for all of us to return the favor! I’m always here for you all! I love you. Bowers Love you Tink <3
Today was a holiday… granted not the biggest of holidays but one nonetheless which means I’m sure, that this day may have been a little harder. Know that we are thinking of you and loving you and holding you oh so close to our hearts. No day is easy these days but I hope some days bring you smiles when you think of your amazing daughter. We had an office party at work today and of course, I was Tinkerbell. I wore my wings proudly and had the word “Believe” puffy painted across my front. Any excuse to talk about Jax I run with.I love you guys and am thinking of you always. The girls and I would love to see you soon if it’s okay. We miss you! Thank you for sharing your wonderful Jacquie with us. My life is so much better because of her and I will love her forever.Always believing, <3 Sadie
Hi Sharon, Torey and TJ, This morning I found so extra tough and my eyes would fill up. I went to Elise and Connor’s Halloween parade at school and in an instantly went from smiling and laughing to trying not to have tears roll down my cheeks as 2 “tink” costumes paraded by and I became more consumed than I already am with thoughts of you, thoughts of all you have been dealt, thoughts of all Jacquie was dealt and not dealt, memories I have of your family and I just need to say…I care about you and I am sorry this is what you are going through. PS:I tripped AGAIN tonight over a mat at the gym. I seem to do it almost each time I am. Love, Sara Love, Sara
Jacquie, I often think if you could crawl inside my mind, you would be seriously astonished to see just how many things remind me of you and how often I think of you (and your family). I hope that when you were fighting, you knew just how often I (and countless other BELIEVERS) thought of you, were loving you, BELIEVING, etc. I know that you were at times afraid that we would somehow forget about you. Man, I really hope that now you can see how that is IMPOSSIBLE. There is no way that the world’s greatest and most beautiful angel could ever be forgotten. I really do hope that somehow now you do know exactly how much I think about you, and I hope it makes you smile. You are probably yelling at me telling me I should pay more attention while I’m in class, or at work haha. But seriously, just because you aren’t standing in front of us doesn’t mean you aren’t all around us, still making us BELIEVE, and still inspiring us to be better people and to do things that we might initially shy away from. (Like Sadie doing the musical!)I miss you so much, I often go between wanting to scream or cry, a lot of times i just go “UGHHHHHHHHHHHH” really loud because I don’t want to scare my neighbors. Keep smiling and shining down on us, we all need it.<3 alicia <3sending you my love always and forever
Hello Hirsch family, I just wanted to let you know that I continue to think about and love Jacquie each day. Now, being a first year teacher I think of jax, and I use her strenth to help me teach my students about life and how it important it is to always try to succeed, and value things that are important to you. When students ask me why I wear my Jacquie bracelet (s) I tell them that it is for my friend, who was such an amazing person..and also, to remind myself of things that jacquie would like us all to think about. I have always looked up to Jacquie and always will. Stay strong, I’m always thinking about her and you all Leah Robbins, SDT ps i own about 100 tshirts, but I find myself only wearing either my jacquie for all tshirt, or my tinkerbell tshirt.
Hi Jacquie, Thanks…because I know it was you who made me laugh out loud last night. I was at the Womens hospital on my way up to NICU to do my volunteering. Now I go at night and it is quiet and I always pass by the cafeteria which is shut down for the night. Well tonight lights on, and the specials board grabs my attention- “Specials Today:Green Chili Meatloaf”. Only in Albuquerque would there be green chili in meatloaf and probably could be a nice twist, maybe?! Made me laugh and I knew it was you that put that laugh in my quiet night. Thinking of you all and sending a hug. Love, sara
Tonight, at rehearsal – of the musical that I was inspired by Jacquie to try out for – there was a little girl there with her dad… she had a big beautiful Tinkerbell back pack. I told her how special Tinkerbell was to me and how I was very happy to see that back pack… she then proceeded to show me every part of the bag that sparkled. 🙂 THEN the clincher was that two minutes later, our choreographer walked in wearing none other than a Tink sweatshirt… I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I’m loving you and thinking of you all always. Always believing in our Tink, <3 Sadie
Sharon- your posts are beautiful, yet heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how your feeling but I’m glad to hear that all of us believers telling you how much Jacquie meant to us or how she’s changed our lives helps a bit. Your daughter was truly a special person. She had the gift of being able to bring a smile to anyone’s face. There is no way she could ever be forgotten. I also wanted to thank you from all the SDT’s. The vase of flowers and plaque will be on display for years to come.Jax- whenever I see tinkerbell, all I think of is you. It reminds me that you are around us all the time. But we miss you down here beautiful girl, and sometimes it’s hard not to be selfish and wish you here with us. I will continue to believe in you and continue your against this awful disease.<3 Melissa
Hirsch Family, I have a feeling that we will be seeing lots and lots of little tinks running around tomorrow night…my neighbor could not decide what she wanted to be so she is wearing her tinkerbell shoes and a princess dress…I told mom and dad to give her extra candy for the tink shoes:) And keep an eye out for dogs dressed as tinkerbell too! I wanted to get my brothers little pug one, but he said no, because Izzie would have freaked out and probably injured me in the dressing process:( bummer. Love all of you Hirsch’s! And Sharon, I am glad that we help even a little bit, because you have helped all of us too:) God bless, Casey ps…Jax how did you know to sprinkle Tink dust over the Phillies so they would win the World Series;)
I believe if I try hard enough I can fly. Even if I never do, it’s believing that matters. <3niteynite love,alicia xoxo thousands of hugs kisses and hand squeezing your way, day and night, night and day
Jacquie,I’ve been thinking about you so much lately. Every time some of my crazy 7th graders make me want to give up, I think about how this world is short one amazing teacher and that I can’t let you down. If you ever need a laugh while your looking down at us, peak over at me… especially during 9th period :)I miss you and your beautiful smile!Julie
Jax – Thanks for the “Tink” dust. It really worked. I wore your bracelet through the whole thing. PS – I Eeeked the 5th floor cardiac unit at General while I was there. 🙂
I don’t wear leg warmers and I am not the only one under the age of 60 in class!!! There are even young instructors and they incorporate modern things like pilates and weight training it is just called “jazzercise” … but yes I do feel I need to change up what I tell people when they ask me what I do for exercise, maybe I should just say fitness class or fitness training because I do get some strange looks and odd responses. Thinking of you all and sending some strength and wishing many things for you. Take care of you and Jacquie do not laugh at Michael, do not encourage him!! Well if it puts a tiny smile on your families faces, then I it is ok with me if he does it at my expense. Love, Sara
hello from the west… I send my love to you all… always wishin g for a better day… peace to all the Hirsches… Sara you are a dork… jazzercise and leg warmers? when we left Albuquerque and you were dancing in the driveway, I thought you were joking… Sharon, my sister IS a DORK…she has been fooling you guys all along… Alicia…music and words do help and I find the same in them all the time… Torey put another log on the Jacquie bon fire for me…we are still in a no burn situation out here so throw one on for me… TJ…remember what I told you…you will ALWAYS be a big brother…so keep that with you Jacquie…as you look down upon all of us, you can see what how you have touched so many, and with that gift, will continue to touch others from now on… peace and love
Well you can tell that Jax is forever with us! Whit I just carved a pumpkin also with “Tink”! Sharon I hope someday this will all be a bit easier for you. We are here for you if you need us. We all miss Jacquie so much. I gave blood today at work, which I have done many times. It has never been as emotional as it was today. We are all forever changed with the loss of such a wonderful person. Love you all. Jax I miss you, Ma Dukes Ma
So I just carved my pumpkin and of course I carved a Tinkerbell. Half because I love her too and the other half because it reminds me of jax. I hope today is a good day and you all are doing well. Love you always Whitney
Loving you all and thinking of you everyday….each of us do. As I was putting Ryan to bed, lights out, he quietly told me that in his prayers every night he prays for Jacquie and TJ and Uncle Torey and Aunt Sharon. Every day. Anjalie told me she thinks of Jacquie every time a certain song comes on. I, well it’s just about 100 times a day in different ways. I also have had a dream of all of you and I felt Jacquie was there, I could feel her warmth and a calmness. She is here among you! Patrick reflects at home when we would share time with TJ and Torey in the evenings. Sharon, I understand how difficult it is to go to memory or rememberance services. To be honest, I told our church they could not include my Dad’s name after he left us because I couldn’t bear it. I still can’t. Perhaps selfish on my part but everyone deals with it differently and that worked for me. It’s those sad, yet proud, yet wonderful, yet angry moments like those that makes loss and grief hard to work through. But we are here and we must and should, day by day, hour by hour work through those moments so that we may begin to live again.Our hearts have changed, we will never forget, but each of us will find a new way of life one that is filled once again. It’s what Jacquie and all our loved ones would have wanted. And yes, It’s not fair, it sucks that they aren’t here and you shouldn’t be in this position to begin with! But it’s out of our hands, so slowly by talking a lot,writing, feeling a lot, we all come back to life. It’s a very personal thing, each person does so in their own time and in their own way. I love you all, Torey, TJ and my very special Big Buddy! Indie
Dear Sharon: Your belief is so true. Your beautiful daughter should be with you. She should be doing everything in life she wants to do. It is so unfair. You are so right. As I left Roswell Park today, I thought about all the people there. Patients, caregivers, families, Doctors, nurses all with one motive to CURE CANCER. Even through your tremendous heavy heart and grief YOU continue fighting to CURE cancer. Jacquie’s foundation is leading the way and helping patients, families, caregivers, doctors and researchers. YOU are giving so many people HOPE. My prayers for strength are with you, your family and Jacquie’s friends .
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amanda cavarella says:
November 4, 2008 at 10:29 pm -
Just saying hi and sending my love to you all. I miss you so much Jacquie <3 Always believing, love, Amanda
Sadie says:
November 4, 2008 at 9:59 pm -
Love you guys, and always believing <3
Natalie says:
November 4, 2008 at 7:34 pm -
Family: Today, Jax was on my mind a bit. My birthday was on all soul’s day, which was November 2nd. As excited I was, for my birthday, today, I realized that my birthday was the day to remember all of your loved ones who have passed. The point is, is that I am constantly thinking about you guys, and Jax. You probobaly wonder why, but its because you all have changed my life so much! Just the fun times, especially with you Torey. I remember when me and my family came to Pheonix and you and like Mr. Steffan were the only 2 who came to meet my family at the airport at 1am. And then I think of when my mom had that gym party for the adults, and me and my sister where showing you our rooms, and I remember telling you that I still slept with my sister because i was scared. And after I told you that, whenever I was scared to do something at the gym, you would be like,your not only scared of a backwalkover, but your scared of a robber coming into your house at night, and all I could do was laugh! How can I remember these things? Because these memories were so fun, and looking at your face when you were happy, and laughing, made me happy, becasue you, me, and all the gymnasts would have soo fun! And now sometimes i think that when I am having so much fun somewhere, you might just be in your room, just by yourself and lonely, and I want to cry. Just thinking about memories makes me cry, and I know that those memories will never be re-lived again. Sorry that this letter totally turned out to be takling to Torey 🙂 But I want you all to know, that Jax is always on my mind, and I know that she is looking down at you. Stay strong you guys! ~Natalie M.
Kim says:
November 4, 2008 at 5:42 pm -
Love to all the Hirsch’s miss you forever thinking of you. To my Jax you continue to amaze me everyday!!!! The people you continue to touch, the love you continue to spread.The smiles you continue to bring. I miss you so much!
Angela says:
November 4, 2008 at 12:22 pm -
so i got to work this morning and on my desk sat a box from disney. i of course knew it was something tink so i started to cry! a girl i work with went to disney for her honeymoon, she saw the tink store and thought of jax and all of us…she brought me a beautiful tink frame that says “believe in fairies” the note she left with it was so touching. i wish jacquie knew how often she is thought of by perfect strangers as well as her family and friends! i love you always beautiful tink! love, cousin angela
Sherry Keihl says:
November 4, 2008 at 10:47 am -
Der Hirsch Family, As a Geneseo Student Teacher supervisor and someone who has followed your story, I made a point to be on campus to take part in the bake sale fund raiser for Jacquie. It was a touching scene to see the many students involved in making a difference in your daughter’s name – again. Although the sale may not have been one of your many big fund raisers, it did have big impact on the community. Awareness was raised once more and I was so proud to see our students involved to make a difference – once again inspired by your daughter. Jacquie’s name is one often overheard in the education arena at Geneseo. The many Halloween goodies I bought were placed in a special box decorated with symbols and “Jaquie FOR ALL”. As my three children and friends at home gobbled them up, we chatted about the important life lesson Jacquie continues to teach. She truly is an inpiring teacher for many to learn from – for always. Another aside – My daughter celebrates her 9th Birthday Party next weekend and has chosen a “Tink” theme where she and her frieds will be painting “Tink” pottery statues. We will be sure to shed some extra pixie dust in Jacquie’s honor. As you must struggle through the days, please know the extent to which your daughter lives on and the way God uses her to teach so many so much… everyday. May you find strength and peace – and thank you for sharing a parents most treasured gift. God Bless ~ please believe.
aunt val says:
November 4, 2008 at 8:02 am -
i am always sending my love and strength to all of you out there who have touched my life through the hirsch family and jacquie.
Bill says:
November 4, 2008 at 7:34 am -
marlene says:
November 3, 2008 at 10:13 pm -
Dear Sharon… I read your updates, always. And my heart breaks for you. and my love and sorrow are with you. I hope that you stay strong. Because, you will be with Jacquie, one day . Your love will keep you close. xxoo
Caitlin Burgher says:
November 3, 2008 at 5:45 pm -
Hi Hirsch family, Just wanted to send my love and let you all know how much i appriciate you for your kind “thank yous” to us! I keep reading posts and messages every day and am thinking of Jax always! Its crazy how often I’ve seen the Tinkerbell Movie commercial on t.v, little bits of Jax everywhere! She never stops..thats just the way Jax works 🙂 Miss you!
Jena Klein says:
November 3, 2008 at 4:46 pm -
Hello Hirsch’s,I have been meaning to share a Jacquie story with you. I am teaching 5th grade in Clarence and I often wear my “We Believe” bracelet to school. A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my big teacher chair and was about to read something aloud to my students. As I was waiting for everyone to settle down, one of my students reached up and touched my bracelet and asked, “What is your bracelet for?” At that moment, 19 pairs of eyes looked up at me waiting for me to respond. It must have been something they have all been wondering since school began in September. I took a few minutes to explain to them about my friend who fought cancer and who recently passed away and how sad it made me. They all listened so quietly and it took everything I had not to break down and cry. They all listened to my brief story about Jacquie and told me how sorry they were for my loss. Some even shared their own experiences of people they have known with cancer. It was such a touching moment to share Jacquie’s life with my students even for a few moments. I felt like she was in the classroom with me; where she belonged. So, even though Jacquie may not be with us, she is still present in the lives of children and acting as a teacher in her own way. My thoughts and prayers are still with you each and every day. God bless:o)
Angela says:
November 3, 2008 at 2:40 pm -
aunt sharon and uncle torey thank you sooo much! i feel jacquie even stronger today than usual!! i love you all sooo much! love cousin angela
Michael Stoughton says:
November 3, 2008 at 2:06 pm -
Peace to the Hirsches and to Jacquie… I wanted to send a note to Jacquies friend that I didn’t meet back in September…Not the way anyone wanted to meet, but the more I think about it, I had to write… I don’t know your name but I know the uniform you wear…I want to thank you for the service you are giving to your country…It is not forgotten by me… I know that if there was a way, you would have laid down for your friend Jacquie, without question…It is the meddle you are made of and I could see it in your face and tears at the service… I don’t know any other way, other than to say I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend Jacquie…And I thank you, along with so many others, for your service to us and our families so we can continue to beleive… My heart to the entire Jacquie family…
Huer says:
November 3, 2008 at 8:42 am -
Good Morning, So I know that everyone has their own Jacquie stories, but I feel the need to always share mine. Over the past 8 weeks my cousins have been my biggest support group. They are the ones that remind me of Jacquie, and how wonderful she is. My cousins were coloring yesterday at my Nonnies and I asked Donald (6 years old) to draw me a picture to hang at my desk. About 15 mins later he handed me the pic, and smiled. It was of a girl and a bunch of crosses. I told him it was great. then Domenica (whose 8) said “Do you know who the girl is?” Me not being very clever said “Yea it’s me.” She laughed and said “No it’s not.” Then Donald spoke up and said “It’s Jacquie with Jesus.” No wonder Jacquie loved Children, they have such a way about them their innocence is healing. I smiled for the rest of the day thinking about Jacquie, knowing that she is up in Heaven. Love you. Always Believing. xoxoxo Ashley
alicia says:
November 2, 2008 at 11:04 pm -
i love you. i miss you. i think about you allways.xoxo alicia
missy says:
November 2, 2008 at 10:16 pm -
Dear Sharon, Torey, T.J., thinking of all of you, sending prayers everyday for all of you .Love Missy
sue says:
November 2, 2008 at 9:35 pm -
just sending my love as my heart is breaking today
Casey Stiokas says:
November 2, 2008 at 8:19 pm -
Sharon, Torey, and TJ, We lit a candle for Jax today at church. She will always be our saint. Love you all, God bless, Casey
Pinchoff says:
November 2, 2008 at 6:17 pm -
Hirsch’s, You are all doing amazing things helping to pass Jacquie’s legacy on through all of the wonderful community events. I can’t even imagine how hard that is for you, but her legacy will continue on forever. Like Alicia said, it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to forget about Jax and her amazingness that can not be put into words. I am thinking about you ALLways, and spreading Jax’s message wherever I go. Sending you lots and lots of strength… Sarah
John says:
November 2, 2008 at 4:13 pm -
Sigma Delta Tau mom says:
November 2, 2008 at 3:02 pm -
I’ll be heading down to Geneseo’s first SDT mother daughter weekend November 8th. My daughter will be graduating soon, and I wanted to share time with the SDTs for this first and final event for us. Jacquie lived in the house with my daughter. The entire year since Jacquie was diagnosed on my daughter’s birthday, brought life altering change for all the sisters. I wanted to make the event a special memory for Jacquie, who I never knew, and am giving all the sisters Avon “Starbright” votives to light whenever they want to light their night. They will see Jacquie’s star whenever they feel they need to. I’ve collected those star votives for many years (Tink used to come to my birthday parties in Cinderella’s castle) and was touched by Sharon’s feelings about having to light a candle, but that’s what we have to do. Tinkerbell brought the light and the hope. If we want to see it, we must light it. I’m just waiting for the Tinkerbell wrapping paper to arrive. My guess is the SDT’s will cherish Jacquie’s star and light it for many years to come, just as I have, for those I have loved and lost. Don’t ever lose the light, and never stop believing ! Don’t misplace your wings either (that’s dumb!!) God bless and keep you Jacquie, and your beautiful family, our light 🙂
Marietta Bennett says:
November 2, 2008 at 1:39 pm -
Sharon, Torey, TJ and beautiful Jacquie,Whenever I visit my mom and get a chance to get on her computer one of the first things I try to do is write in the guest book, because I am not able to from home.I think of all FOUR of you every day and Jacquie you always make me smile and I pass on your smiles to others… especially my little students 🙂 Miss you girlfriend
SandyBanks says:
November 2, 2008 at 11:59 am -
happy halloween everyone. well sharon i finally got my surgery date. this wednesday. cant wait. it will finally be over i hope. Sharon we all hope we can get together before Donna leaves for Florida. I have a question for everyone. did anyone notice the home page of this web site Tinkerbell next to Jaxs picture? the eyes are alike. Jax’s is the real Tink. everyone of us are reminded of Jax’sdailey through rainbows,coustumes,swimsuits,blankets ,eyes smiles.and some of the craziest things that we have done ,seenor heard.She will be with us for evershe spreads that magic everywhere.and instead of feeing sad it makes me feel really goodto have such a great feelingof happiness that can be spread everywhere. Asi was teaching swimming the other day their was alittle girl with a tink suit on and she reminded me of Jax .i had taught Jax swimming when she was just 15 months old my very first waterbaby .she was so determined to learn like her big brother T.J.anyways when jax had swallowed to much water and working so hard she would puke. we always said no orange juice before swimming . istill use this rule today. anyways this little girl does the same thing week after week. So the memories will be with us and the lessons also. this little one was just as determined to learn like jax no matter what it takes she was going to master her skill. we might not be able to see jax . but we see her through all different ways that she has touchediusin such a special way that her legacy will live on forever.It really makes me smile when i think of Tink, and especially the whole family how reallythey are comforting to us as we are to them. Just every one keep believing and Tinks dream will come true for everyone She has the Magic.Havs a wonderful day. the typing is getting better.
Julie Wallenhorst says:
November 1, 2008 at 8:45 pm -
Tink~ yesterday was Halloween and i saw all these little girls dressed up at tinkerbell, and i began to cry…i began to think back about how you dressed up as her, and wondered why live was so unfair…I really miss you. Hirsch Family- I came across this and it helps me get through the day, I thought I would share it with you. “You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember her only that she is gone,or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.Or you can do what she’d want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” ~David Harkins Jax we miss and love you, continue to watch over us, especially your family. My thoughts are constantly with you Hirsch family. Love, Julie
Bowers says:
November 1, 2008 at 2:56 pm -
Hello Hirsch’s~ Jax is definitly everywhere! I went out for halloween last night, and like every night I was thinking of Jax. Seeing all the costumes I couldn’t help but think of Jax dressed up has Tink. I saw a couple Tinkerbells but none of the people dressed up compared to how Jax looked as Tink “She was tink” and everything Tink represented! Sharon I was reading your post and I’m glad that we all can bring you comfort. Jacquie was always the first person to help me and cheer me up. So it is time for all of us to return the favor! I’m always here for you all! I love you. Bowers Love you Tink <3
cmd says:
November 1, 2008 at 1:03 am -
Sharon, Torey, TJ, Jacquie-thinking of you every day <3
Sadie says:
November 1, 2008 at 12:22 am -
Today was a holiday… granted not the biggest of holidays but one nonetheless which means I’m sure, that this day may have been a little harder. Know that we are thinking of you and loving you and holding you oh so close to our hearts. No day is easy these days but I hope some days bring you smiles when you think of your amazing daughter. We had an office party at work today and of course, I was Tinkerbell. I wore my wings proudly and had the word “Believe” puffy painted across my front. Any excuse to talk about Jax I run with.I love you guys and am thinking of you always. The girls and I would love to see you soon if it’s okay. We miss you! Thank you for sharing your wonderful Jacquie with us. My life is so much better because of her and I will love her forever.Always believing, <3 Sadie
John says:
October 31, 2008 at 11:10 pm -
Sara (albuquerque) says:
October 31, 2008 at 9:40 pm -
Hi Sharon, Torey and TJ, This morning I found so extra tough and my eyes would fill up. I went to Elise and Connor’s Halloween parade at school and in an instantly went from smiling and laughing to trying not to have tears roll down my cheeks as 2 “tink” costumes paraded by and I became more consumed than I already am with thoughts of you, thoughts of all you have been dealt, thoughts of all Jacquie was dealt and not dealt, memories I have of your family and I just need to say…I care about you and I am sorry this is what you are going through. PS:I tripped AGAIN tonight over a mat at the gym. I seem to do it almost each time I am. Love, Sara Love, Sara
alicia says:
October 31, 2008 at 12:17 pm -
Jacquie, I often think if you could crawl inside my mind, you would be seriously astonished to see just how many things remind me of you and how often I think of you (and your family). I hope that when you were fighting, you knew just how often I (and countless other BELIEVERS) thought of you, were loving you, BELIEVING, etc. I know that you were at times afraid that we would somehow forget about you. Man, I really hope that now you can see how that is IMPOSSIBLE. There is no way that the world’s greatest and most beautiful angel could ever be forgotten. I really do hope that somehow now you do know exactly how much I think about you, and I hope it makes you smile. You are probably yelling at me telling me I should pay more attention while I’m in class, or at work haha. But seriously, just because you aren’t standing in front of us doesn’t mean you aren’t all around us, still making us BELIEVE, and still inspiring us to be better people and to do things that we might initially shy away from. (Like Sadie doing the musical!)I miss you so much, I often go between wanting to scream or cry, a lot of times i just go “UGHHHHHHHHHHHH” really loud because I don’t want to scare my neighbors. Keep smiling and shining down on us, we all need it.<3 alicia <3sending you my love always and forever
aunt val says:
October 31, 2008 at 12:03 pm -
sometimes my heart feels like it will fracture into a thousand million pieces, i can not imagine how it is for you all every moment of every day.
Amanda Parisi says:
October 31, 2008 at 11:55 am -
Sending a message to let you know I am thinking of you all everyday. You’re in my thoughts and prayers always.
Anonymous says:
October 31, 2008 at 11:04 am -
Hello Hirsch family, I just wanted to let you know that I continue to think about and love Jacquie each day. Now, being a first year teacher I think of jax, and I use her strenth to help me teach my students about life and how it important it is to always try to succeed, and value things that are important to you. When students ask me why I wear my Jacquie bracelet (s) I tell them that it is for my friend, who was such an amazing person..and also, to remind myself of things that jacquie would like us all to think about. I have always looked up to Jacquie and always will. Stay strong, I’m always thinking about her and you all Leah Robbins, SDT ps i own about 100 tshirts, but I find myself only wearing either my jacquie for all tshirt, or my tinkerbell tshirt.
Sara (albuquerque) says:
October 31, 2008 at 9:32 am -
Hi Jacquie, Thanks…because I know it was you who made me laugh out loud last night. I was at the Womens hospital on my way up to NICU to do my volunteering. Now I go at night and it is quiet and I always pass by the cafeteria which is shut down for the night. Well tonight lights on, and the specials board grabs my attention- “Specials Today:Green Chili Meatloaf”. Only in Albuquerque would there be green chili in meatloaf and probably could be a nice twist, maybe?! Made me laugh and I knew it was you that put that laugh in my quiet night. Thinking of you all and sending a hug. Love, sara
Sadie says:
October 30, 2008 at 11:56 pm -
Tonight, at rehearsal – of the musical that I was inspired by Jacquie to try out for – there was a little girl there with her dad… she had a big beautiful Tinkerbell back pack. I told her how special Tinkerbell was to me and how I was very happy to see that back pack… she then proceeded to show me every part of the bag that sparkled. 🙂 THEN the clincher was that two minutes later, our choreographer walked in wearing none other than a Tink sweatshirt… I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I’m loving you and thinking of you all always. Always believing in our Tink, <3 Sadie
Melissa Lewis says:
October 30, 2008 at 11:41 pm -
Sharon- your posts are beautiful, yet heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how your feeling but I’m glad to hear that all of us believers telling you how much Jacquie meant to us or how she’s changed our lives helps a bit. Your daughter was truly a special person. She had the gift of being able to bring a smile to anyone’s face. There is no way she could ever be forgotten. I also wanted to thank you from all the SDT’s. The vase of flowers and plaque will be on display for years to come.Jax- whenever I see tinkerbell, all I think of is you. It reminds me that you are around us all the time. But we miss you down here beautiful girl, and sometimes it’s hard not to be selfish and wish you here with us. I will continue to believe in you and continue your against this awful disease.<3 Melissa
Casey Stiokas says:
October 30, 2008 at 11:13 pm -
Hirsch Family, I have a feeling that we will be seeing lots and lots of little tinks running around tomorrow night…my neighbor could not decide what she wanted to be so she is wearing her tinkerbell shoes and a princess dress…I told mom and dad to give her extra candy for the tink shoes:) And keep an eye out for dogs dressed as tinkerbell too! I wanted to get my brothers little pug one, but he said no, because Izzie would have freaked out and probably injured me in the dressing process:( bummer. Love all of you Hirsch’s! And Sharon, I am glad that we help even a little bit, because you have helped all of us too:) God bless, Casey ps…Jax how did you know to sprinkle Tink dust over the Phillies so they would win the World Series;)
alicia says:
October 30, 2008 at 11:02 pm -
I believe if I try hard enough I can fly. Even if I never do, it’s believing that matters. <3niteynite love,alicia xoxo thousands of hugs kisses and hand squeezing your way, day and night, night and day
missy says:
October 30, 2008 at 9:10 pm -
Thinking of all of you,praying your days get a little better. missy
Bill says:
October 30, 2008 at 8:31 pm -
Julie Lambalot says:
October 30, 2008 at 7:29 pm -
Jacquie,I’ve been thinking about you so much lately. Every time some of my crazy 7th graders make me want to give up, I think about how this world is short one amazing teacher and that I can’t let you down. If you ever need a laugh while your looking down at us, peak over at me… especially during 9th period :)I miss you and your beautiful smile!Julie
Harry says:
October 30, 2008 at 5:06 pm -
Jax – Thanks for the “Tink” dust. It really worked. I wore your bracelet through the whole thing. PS – I Eeeked the 5th floor cardiac unit at General while I was there. 🙂
Sara (albuquerque) says:
October 30, 2008 at 10:53 am -
I don’t wear leg warmers and I am not the only one under the age of 60 in class!!! There are even young instructors and they incorporate modern things like pilates and weight training it is just called “jazzercise” … but yes I do feel I need to change up what I tell people when they ask me what I do for exercise, maybe I should just say fitness class or fitness training because I do get some strange looks and odd responses. Thinking of you all and sending some strength and wishing many things for you. Take care of you and Jacquie do not laugh at Michael, do not encourage him!! Well if it puts a tiny smile on your families faces, then I it is ok with me if he does it at my expense. Love, Sara
Michael Stoughton says:
October 30, 2008 at 9:22 am -
hello from the west… I send my love to you all… always wishin g for a better day… peace to all the Hirsches… Sara you are a dork… jazzercise and leg warmers? when we left Albuquerque and you were dancing in the driveway, I thought you were joking… Sharon, my sister IS a DORK…she has been fooling you guys all along… Alicia…music and words do help and I find the same in them all the time… Torey put another log on the Jacquie bon fire for me…we are still in a no burn situation out here so throw one on for me… TJ…remember what I told you…you will ALWAYS be a big brother…so keep that with you Jacquie…as you look down upon all of us, you can see what how you have touched so many, and with that gift, will continue to touch others from now on… peace and love
Kim says:
October 30, 2008 at 6:48 am -
Well you can tell that Jax is forever with us! Whit I just carved a pumpkin also with “Tink”! Sharon I hope someday this will all be a bit easier for you. We are here for you if you need us. We all miss Jacquie so much. I gave blood today at work, which I have done many times. It has never been as emotional as it was today. We are all forever changed with the loss of such a wonderful person. Love you all. Jax I miss you, Ma Dukes Ma
Max says:
October 29, 2008 at 11:47 pm -
Anonymous says:
October 29, 2008 at 9:48 pm -
So I just carved my pumpkin and of course I carved a Tinkerbell. Half because I love her too and the other half because it reminds me of jax. I hope today is a good day and you all are doing well. Love you always Whitney
The Christie’s says:
October 29, 2008 at 9:39 pm -
Loving you all and thinking of you everyday….each of us do. As I was putting Ryan to bed, lights out, he quietly told me that in his prayers every night he prays for Jacquie and TJ and Uncle Torey and Aunt Sharon. Every day. Anjalie told me she thinks of Jacquie every time a certain song comes on. I, well it’s just about 100 times a day in different ways. I also have had a dream of all of you and I felt Jacquie was there, I could feel her warmth and a calmness. She is here among you! Patrick reflects at home when we would share time with TJ and Torey in the evenings. Sharon, I understand how difficult it is to go to memory or rememberance services. To be honest, I told our church they could not include my Dad’s name after he left us because I couldn’t bear it. I still can’t. Perhaps selfish on my part but everyone deals with it differently and that worked for me. It’s those sad, yet proud, yet wonderful, yet angry moments like those that makes loss and grief hard to work through. But we are here and we must and should, day by day, hour by hour work through those moments so that we may begin to live again.Our hearts have changed, we will never forget, but each of us will find a new way of life one that is filled once again. It’s what Jacquie and all our loved ones would have wanted. And yes, It’s not fair, it sucks that they aren’t here and you shouldn’t be in this position to begin with! But it’s out of our hands, so slowly by talking a lot,writing, feeling a lot, we all come back to life. It’s a very personal thing, each person does so in their own time and in their own way. I love you all, Torey, TJ and my very special Big Buddy! Indie
alicia says:
October 29, 2008 at 4:04 pm -
sending my love always.alicia
rita says:
October 29, 2008 at 3:59 pm -
Dear Sharon: Your belief is so true. Your beautiful daughter should be with you. She should be doing everything in life she wants to do. It is so unfair. You are so right. As I left Roswell Park today, I thought about all the people there. Patients, caregivers, families, Doctors, nurses all with one motive to CURE CANCER. Even through your tremendous heavy heart and grief YOU continue fighting to CURE cancer. Jacquie’s foundation is leading the way and helping patients, families, caregivers, doctors and researchers. YOU are giving so many people HOPE. My prayers for strength are with you, your family and Jacquie’s friends .