Hi Hirsch Family, Jacquie most certainly is with us this Thanksgiving. I heard that the theme for the Macy’s parade was “Believe” on Monday morning as I was driving to work. Tears came to my eyes, and I immediately texted Marietta, who reminded me that Jax is always with us. Then last night, I saw Jacquie’s precious little, and we both took a moment to remember Jax and how funny it was to see each other outside of Geneseo. I know Jacquie is looking down on us and wishing us the best Thanksgiving possible. My thoughts are with you all, as I know that this must be very difficult for you. Know that you still have my love and support!I still BELIEVE!Pauline 🙂
Its Thanksgiving morning, so I want to thank you, Jacquie for everything you did and even continue to do. Thank you for teaching us that we can choose how our days will be. Thank you for teaching that we should live every single day to its fullest and not take it for granted, and to love all. Thank you for lighting up the world with your famous smile =D Thank You for being our Angel in Heaven looking over us.
You were my mother and my friend,Which was unusual.Somehow our characters still blend:Your wisdom and my will. I turned, and you were there for me;I spoke, you understood.I felt cared for, but also free;You loved, and I was good. I’m fortunate that I was bornTo someone just like you;I love you still. Though I am gone,I live in what you do.
i don’t have the words to take away the pain…just want you to know that i am thinking of you, loving you and feeling your sorrow. always in my heart, sue
Good Morning, (I apologize it’s a long one). I remember last year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I was beside myself. Jacquie had told me that she wouldn’t be leaving Roswell and would have to spend Thanksgiving there. I felt awful, I wished there was something I could do to change it or make it a better Holiday for her. I remember visiting her that night, she was so strong. She kept saying you don’t have to stay long I know you and the girls are going out. I hoped she knows that being there that night was the only place I wanted to be. I didn’t care about going out. I didn’t want to leave that night. The visit we shared that night means so much to me. I am thankful we had it. Now this year, today (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) I am once again going to Roswell. I am interviewing to be a volunteer. The only opening they had was today. I know Jacquie made that happen. She knew I would find some comfort in being there today. I know it may be hard to walk through those doors, but I am positive that Jacquie will be by my side holding my hand. This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have such an Amazing friend. Thank you Hirsch’s for raising someone who means so much to me. xoxoxo Ashley.
this quote seems to soothe my heart when it is hurting the most”If you leap awakeIn the mirror of a bad dreamAnd for a fraction of a secondYou can’t remember where you areJust open your window And follow your memory upstreamTo the meadow in the mountainWhere we counted every falling star”i wish i could make these next few days not so filled with pain, or that i could make them fly by. just know you are all in our hearts every second of every day.i love youxoxo<3 alicia <3
Dear Sharon…. I read all your updates, and my heart breaks for you, every time. Wish I had some words to ease your sorrow. I know how you must hurt, my daughter means the same to me, lived the same as Jax….so I know your heart is breaking. Just know…there are so many people to help you carry your burden, so many people who care. My heart feels for you every day…with love and care xo
Sharon, Torey and TJ, Just wanted you to know that you are always in our thoughts. Eventhough our girls didn’t know Jacquie, except through my stories and memories of her, they speak of her so often and she continues to live on in the hearts of so many. We especially think of her throughout the Tinkerbell movie and each time we see Tink. I pray that Jacquie is holding you close this Thanksgiving and through out this difficult holiday season. Love always, Missy
Hirsch family,This Thanksgiving I want to say that I am thankful for all of you, esp you Jax. I can’t imagine what this Thanksgiving will bring, but know that I BELIEVE that your strength will continue to bring you closer together to be the amazing family you are. Jacquie I miss you always and I thank God for you and that he brought you in to my life 3 and a half years ago.Love,Marietta
Hi Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie, I have logged onto this amazing website multiple times in the past few days and I click on write a message every time…but I am just not finding the words. I just can not seem to get my words out right now. Please just know I am caring about you all. Thank you Sharon for your friendship and thank you Torey, TJ and Sharon for being around the corner from my mom and dad and all that goes along with being close by. Jacquie- you have made my life richer for having known you and we are all just missing you. Love, Sara
sharon, torey and tj, i know that this will be a very difficult time…know that there are many people holding out their arms to you and although we all miss jax terribly, we are all so thankful for the time we did have with her…life is not fair and it was not enough time but it was/is precious. hold on to each other over the next few days and be patient with all the emotions you are experiencing. Jax, i know that you are watching above but please give your family some extra love. i love you!!
jacquie, sara took me on the ’light up the night’ path thru albuquerque, it made me feel like i had been there walking with her……she showed me where you put the rainbow to let her know you were ok. uncle bob was at the top of a moutain in arizona, i am sure you heard him, because he spoke to you and asked that you watch over t and your mom and dad. he sprinkled ’tink dust’ in the air for all of us and he said you calmed the winds just as he let it go and then you let the winds come back full force and carry the tink dust away. tj, tor and sharon, i wish you some peace in the next days, i wrap my arms around you all.. love, aunt val
Cause when push comes to shoveYou taste what you’re made ofYou might bend ’til you break’Cause it’s all you can takeOn your knees you look upDecide you’ve had enoughYou get mad, you get strongWipe your hands, shake it off, THEN YOU STAND. These were words for Jax to live by, but now they mean even more to the people she has left behind. Sharon, Torey, and TJ- whenever you feel knocked down and defeated just remember when you are on your knees looking up Jacquie is smiling down on you. You can be mad and angry for what has happened- but remember how much courage she had. Use her example to gain courage for the strength to get up- and stand. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you guys and Jax. I pray that you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving- and that you can be thankful for the time you had with Jacquie. I know that we all are. Still Believeing, Allison
To all the Readers….Happy Thanksgiving….May we all be Thankful for the little things in life and let us NEVER take one another for granted….Tell all those you love ….that YOU LOVE THEM today….hug them…and kiss them…and let us raise our hands to the sky to those who have Blesssed our lives and taught us so much about life…Jax one of them is you….as we gaze at the heavens we know and feel your presence…looking down over all those you love and whose lives you’ve touched that you didn’t even know….Jax we are greatful for the time spent with you here on earth and we lovingly and patiently will wait until we’re all together again….To God be the Glory !!!!!
I have to say, while there are plenty of times that I feel that good people are often dealt pretty crappy hands in life, and while I often feel that life isn’t fair (to say the least)… on days like this past Sunday, the anniversary of my dad’s passing, a day when I could feel the most bitter and angry, I actually felt grateful. I felt grateful to know and have contact with so many amazing, thoughtful, caring, selfless people. Hirsch’s, I told Sharon this, but I will reiterate it… you all filled Jac’s shoes perfectly… at a time when I used to rely on her for her comforting words, you 3 in turn provided me with that. Thank you so much.And Casey, I don’t think we have ever met, but you even remembered the date… that was so touching, I appreciate it more than you know. And Sadie, Ali, and Amanda – it was Jac that brought us all together and we have been ability to be such a great support system for one another… I know Jac must be smiling down to see some of her best friends from all different aspects of her life come together.This website is a perfect example of the human spirit, how thoughtful we all can be. Jacquie started such an amazing thing and we are carrying it on in her name.Hirsch’s, I know Thanksgiving will be tough, it will always be a heavy holiday in my household, and I am sure the same in yours.. but just hold onto each other, don’t push each other away, and just do what you can to get through. And know that there are hundreds of us that hold you all in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. Although you may feel very alone, please know that you never are. I love you all so much.xoxoxoxo<3 alicia <3 xoxoxoxoP.S. Sharon, never question if Jacquie is proud of you... you are holding on, digging in, and pushing through each day. Like Jacquie, in your darkest days, you are able to still provide light hope and love to others. <3
I know it will be tough Thanksgiving to be thankful without Jacquie around…but let us think of the things that we ARE to be thankful for… our families…far or near our friends…far or near our time with Jacquie… the memories… our children… our ability to love…and share it… our big brothers… our sorority sisters…a bond i do not know, but i see it is a helluva bond… Jacquies words and inspiration to make the best of each day… I hunt and fish and love the outdoors…I am thankful that I am able to enjoy that and get to walk around the mountains and see this wonderful land of ours and all the sights that go with it…I just finished a trip with my father and godfather out here in AZ…I watched a bald eagle soar about 3-4 miles without flapping its wings once…not once…what freedom… Jacquie now has that freedom to soar and I’m sure she is just coasting on her angel/tink wings without flapping… Iknow it is tough to think about being thankful while missing Jacquie, but in the next few days, try to look at some of the things we take for granted and pause…take a deep breath…think how lucky we are…to be here…to have what we do around us… thankful to have Jacquie… PEACE TO ALL THE HIRSCHES
this past weekend you were everywhere jacquie! i was driving to that poor little boys benefit on sat and there you were a tink bumper sticker right in front of me!! i was putting tickets in for the baskets at the benefit and there you were tink everywhere(thanks to the foundation of course) i put up my tree yesterday and mom gave all us girls a tink ornament and front and center there you sat! i love that you are everywhere with us still but how i wish you were really physically here with us i would give anything! i love you always and will never ever stop believing!!! love, cousin angela
Good Morning! I can still remember the benefit as if it happened yesterday! I have a picture hanging by my desk from the benefit of all of the Ciao Bellas and Jax. It is probably my favorite picture. It reminds me of the importance of friendship and love…everytime I look at it I thank God for giving me such amazing friends. Jacquie brought us all closer together and taught us that even on a day that could be really sad we have to smile, hold our chin up and make the best of it. I remember seeing you guys on the stage and thinking, wow what a family…to stand up there takes courage and strength, I was in awe of Jacquie then and I am still in awe of her now. xoxooxox Ashley
Hello Hirsch’s, I haven’t written in a while – I felt weird reading all the messages and not seeing my name. I guess since we’ve been texting I slacked on my guestbook writing. Of course I still read it every five minutes though. Sharon your texts make my heart happy. Ann Curry is such a sissy!! She’s not really, she did take the hardest route up the mountain but still that was her choice!! It also irritated me when I watched the footage on the mountain and she looked beautiful… she must have had make up people with her because there is just no way to look that good up there without help!! Torey I ended up listening to your message too late last night to call you back but it also made me smile. It’s also funny because I was wearing my eff cancer shirt too!! I always wear it very proudly. I will call you this week sometime 🙂 I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of your lives and part of the extended Jacquie family. I almost feel like she brought us all together to help and comfort each other. She knew we’d need each other and so in true Jacquie form she performed another selfless deed and brought us together. I will be in Buffalo next weekend – Saturday to Sunday and the girls and I were hoping that we could maybe come by and see you guys?? I will give you a call this week about it but if you would be around we would LOVE to see you. I love you all very much. I think of you always and it always warms my heart to do so. I see Jacquie everywhere and she inspires me everyday. Know that you have so many people who are constantly sending you love. Love you lots and I will talk to you soon 🙂 <3 SadiePS - To Alicia who I know reads this as religiously as I do... I love you and know that this day is hard. You also have so many people sending you love and holding you in their hearts. I hope you can feel your dad with you today. Love you <3
Alicia, I know you are a faithful reader and I want you to know that today I’m sure your Dad is filling your heart with his presence, whatever you need today he WILL be there, (thats what us Dad’s do, we will always be there for our beautiful little girls, some how or some way). Like your Dad to you, Jacquie continues to fill my heart each and every day. With Love, Torey
Jacquie has taught me the power of laughing at yourself, not taking “life” too seriously, and cracking jokes whenever the ’cracking’ seems possible.I remember the November benefit perfectly and will forever have a picture perfect of the Jacquie I know and love. I see, so vividly in my mind, Jax wearing her yellow and white stripped A&F Hoodie with her dark blue jeans and new “do” (the short brown wig). Then again, when I saw Jax in January at Bower’s house for a football game she had on the same hoodie – and when I saw her in cleveland, coincidently she wore that same yellow & white hoodie….I decided to play a friendly joke on jax by sending her a NEW A & F hoodie to “help her out!” She laughed at herself and laughed at me for calling her out… because she was the one who taught me to bring smiles and laughs whenever possible, I did – and now I will NEVER forget exactly how Jacquie looked, and more importantly the warm look on her face that somehow managed to comfort me at that difficult time, when I should have looks to comfort her. I don’t know how she did it, but I feel like she “helped” me more than I dreamed of hoping to help her. She was so strong, brave, and always so positive. And thats the Jacquie I know we all love and miss and we will learn from for a lifetime to come.Sharon & Tor-one, thank you for giving us all the gift of someone that is truly an angel.Love you guys,Nicki
Dear Sharon, Tory and TJ, I see Tink and signs that say believe everywhere I go. Everytime I see these signs I think of Jax and I say a prayer for her and for your family that God will see you through. As we approach Thanksgiving I want you to know that sharing your daughter’s life and your thoughts has inspired so many of us not to take anything or anyone for granted. May God bless you and carry you through this holiday season. Karen O’Brien Gaudy
I just wanted to let you all know that I’m consently thinking about you all and Jacquie. I found a poem the other day about friendship that Jax sent me many years ago. It was something I cherished so much that I put it away in my keepsake drawer. It was so nice to find and read. She is such a good friend and always made a point to tell us how she felt(even if sometimes we didn’t want to hear it) always honest and so caring. Just wanted to share that with you. I love you all, Nichole Love you tink<3
Somewhere in the process of moving home on Thursday, my Jacquie bracelet fell off. Now, I NEVER take it off, so I was extremely upset when I realized it was missing, and I could not find it. I had moved out of my place in Oswego, gone to class, and filled my car up with gas on my way home from school. It could be at any of those places. I figured it was gone for good, so I replaced it with one of the backups that we have in stock here at the Stiokas household. I was pretty devistated. The next morning on his walk, dad sent up a little prayer to Jax asking if she had just a little Tink dust to spare, he could really use it right now to find my bracelet. Later that day when he went to take my car to get snow tires put on, he found that his prayer had been answered. Needless to say, I was elated when I listened to my messages after work:) Thanks for that save Jax. And God bless you Hirsch family. Always Believing, Casey
Just saying hi and letting you know how much I think and pray for you all. Your strength and courage continues to inspire me. I miss you so so much Jacquie. I love you very much and hope you know how many people believe in you <3 love always, amanda
jax, there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you. your picture sits right next to my speedometer, and my tinkerbell hangs from my rear view mirror…thank you for always keeping me safe, and for teaching me what it means to believe<3sharon, torey, tj- i love you guys. i dont know what else to say other than i really just love you guys so incredibly much. try to remember the good times - i think its what tink would have wanted.i will always love, miss, and believe<3
It has been a long time since I wrote. I wanted to see how you guys are doing, and I think it is wonderful that Jax is sending down signs. To me, that is so very important. Stay strong family, and we all know, that Jax wants you all to live everyday with happiness. Keeping loving life, and I know Jacquie is watching over you :)Love always, Natalie Maranto
Sharon, I hope one day that I can have the kind of relationship that you and Jacquie share with my daughter. I pray that she can be the kind of daughter Jacquie is and I can be the kind of mom you are. To think you only had 23 years together, when some people wait a life time to share that kind of love and friendship. I think of you always and YOUR strength and Jacquie’s is inspiring. I know that Jacquie will continue to squeeze you tight and give you never ending hugs. I hope she does the same for me 🙂 Love,Marietta (girlfriend)
Dear Sharon, I am so glad you felt Jacquie near you!!! She always will be! NOTHING can break a bond between a mother and her child, NOTHING! I hope you continue to feel her love each day as well as the love from so many, many, people who love and pray for you . Clapping with Jacquie, Praying BELIEVING Missy
Dear Sharon, I read your entries everyday, and my heart just breaks for you. I remember when Jacquie was born. I was only 20 then, teaching at the gym and going to college, but I knew that when I had children, I wanted to be as filled with love as you were. You glowed Sharon. The reason I am writing to you today is because I think of you and Torey and TJ everyday. I read your entry this morning from November 18, 2008. Soon there after, a client came into my office with a teacup maltese all dressed in pink as cute a button. Her name was Tinker Bell. I immediately thought of you and Jacquie. So, you see, she not only comes to those she knows intimately, she comes to those who know you. I know that the miracle of love that she brought to you, lives forever in your mind, heart and soul forever. My love to all of you. Jodi
Good Morning! Jacquie is always with you Sharon, but it’s awesome that you actually got to feel her warmth and hug. She knows you better than anyone and will make sure to let you know she is there when you need it most. I have thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, and you know what I thought about? One Christmas Jacquie and Torey went for a run (yes Jax ran lol) and stopped by my house. I can paint a picture of how happy Jax was that day…it was probably 8 years ago, but the memory is still burning strong in my heart. The Holidays are going to be hard, so I hope you can remember a good Holiday story and carry it with you over the next few months. Love you all!! xoxoo Ashley
Sharon, When mom and I share stories, the emptiness and hole in your heart is always strong on our mind … we never forget for a moment. I liked your story about feeling Jacquie with you. I know you want her with you, with you in a different way and that is just so hard and I hurt inside for you, TJ and Torey. Thinking of you, missing you and remembering everything about Jacquie!!! Keep hanging on. I believe in YOU!Love, Sara and family
Dear Sharon, Torey & TJ, I just felt I had to share this story with you. I was at my 88 yr. old aunt’s funeral service today which had a luncheon afterwards at Sean Patricks. Since I had not been there since Jacquie’s service, my thoughts of course turned to your family and especially Jacquie. I was having a conversation with my cousin’s wife who told me about her neighbor who lives in Sanborn. He was around 42 yrs. old, was feeling somewhat ill and went to the doctor. He was admitted to Roswell and died 4 days later from ALL. It will be a year this December that he left behind a wife and teenage boys. They did not know prior to his going to the doctor that he had ALL. I immediately thought about Jacquie’s fight and courage and how sad it was that this man didn’t even have a chance to fight or prepare or spend PRECIOUS time with his family & friends. I can’t for the life of me figure out which is more unfair. Then when I started to tell her Jacquie’s story, she told me that their church had been praying for her and even had a bone marrow drive. It IS amazing how many lives Jacquie touched. We were/are so blessed to have known her and lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of that wonderful smile. We will never forget her – how could we – she renamed us and it stuck. We will forever be Mr. & Mrs. O. Jacquie left a legacy that you should be so proud of. Her life was a gift that brought awareness and support to all who are battling cancer. Though I’m not one for writing, I felt compelled to share this story and to let you know that I too am still reading the posts (thank you, Sharon) and continue to pray for some comfort and peace for all of you. Always Believing. Our love to all, Nancy
Sharon, It is wonderful to hear that you have felt Jacquies presence, its hard to say exactly what that means to me, and even to you, just because it is that great. I would like to share something I have always noticed, and don’t think it is just in my head. Sometimes I think God, or one of his Angels (Jacquie in particular) speaks to me through others actions or words. There are some things I hear come out of the mouth of another and I get this goose bump feeling all down my body. Like a spirit of sort telling me that it is important and directed right to me on purpose. The thing is, its not just a chill because there are no goosebumps on my skin, and it has happened in a very, very warm church before. I say this because spirits of loved ones do continue to be with us and contact us through things(Jacquies bear in your case) and the people around us. I didn’t know her so I only get a tingle from my head to toes, but your connection was closer than anybodys, so when she touches you, its not just a tingle down the body, it is that warm, comforting feeling you experienced. I pray that you continue to heal, and that your beautiful daughter keeps warming your soul. ~with love ~Joe Browning
sharon: How wonderful for you to feel Jacquie’s love and warmth. How wonderful of Jacquie to embrace her mom. When our hearts are open to our loved ones, we become approachable to experience their presence near us. I am so happy you were comforted by Jacquie. She loves you very much.
I read your latest entry and I got chills!!! Jacquie IS with you. I pray for you, Torey and TJ that you may have peace and feel God’s grace and presence.each and every day. On a lighter note, I wish I was in Buffalo for the Vera Bradley party. Bummer! Have fun!!!!!
Pauline Cantatore says:
November 27, 2008 at 10:12 am -
Hi Hirsch Family, Jacquie most certainly is with us this Thanksgiving. I heard that the theme for the Macy’s parade was “Believe” on Monday morning as I was driving to work. Tears came to my eyes, and I immediately texted Marietta, who reminded me that Jax is always with us. Then last night, I saw Jacquie’s precious little, and we both took a moment to remember Jax and how funny it was to see each other outside of Geneseo. I know Jacquie is looking down on us and wishing us the best Thanksgiving possible. My thoughts are with you all, as I know that this must be very difficult for you. Know that you still have my love and support!I still BELIEVE!Pauline 🙂
Joe Browning says:
November 27, 2008 at 10:01 am -
Its Thanksgiving morning, so I want to thank you, Jacquie for everything you did and even continue to do. Thank you for teaching us that we can choose how our days will be. Thank you for teaching that we should live every single day to its fullest and not take it for granted, and to love all. Thank you for lighting up the world with your famous smile =D Thank You for being our Angel in Heaven looking over us.
Jamie Winkler says:
November 27, 2008 at 12:53 am -
Thinking about you guys during the Holiday season. I notice the “BELIEVE” stuff everywhere I go and think of you !
Anonymous says:
November 26, 2008 at 11:52 pm -
You were my mother and my friend,Which was unusual.Somehow our characters still blend:Your wisdom and my will. I turned, and you were there for me;I spoke, you understood.I felt cared for, but also free;You loved, and I was good. I’m fortunate that I was bornTo someone just like you;I love you still. Though I am gone,I live in what you do.
sue says:
November 26, 2008 at 8:36 pm -
i don’t have the words to take away the pain…just want you to know that i am thinking of you, loving you and feeling your sorrow. always in my heart, sue
John says:
November 26, 2008 at 5:39 pm -
Huer says:
November 26, 2008 at 8:55 am -
Good Morning, (I apologize it’s a long one). I remember last year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I was beside myself. Jacquie had told me that she wouldn’t be leaving Roswell and would have to spend Thanksgiving there. I felt awful, I wished there was something I could do to change it or make it a better Holiday for her. I remember visiting her that night, she was so strong. She kept saying you don’t have to stay long I know you and the girls are going out. I hoped she knows that being there that night was the only place I wanted to be. I didn’t care about going out. I didn’t want to leave that night. The visit we shared that night means so much to me. I am thankful we had it. Now this year, today (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) I am once again going to Roswell. I am interviewing to be a volunteer. The only opening they had was today. I know Jacquie made that happen. She knew I would find some comfort in being there today. I know it may be hard to walk through those doors, but I am positive that Jacquie will be by my side holding my hand. This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have such an Amazing friend. Thank you Hirsch’s for raising someone who means so much to me. xoxoxo Ashley.
alicia says:
November 25, 2008 at 11:36 pm -
this quote seems to soothe my heart when it is hurting the most”If you leap awakeIn the mirror of a bad dreamAnd for a fraction of a secondYou can’t remember where you areJust open your window And follow your memory upstreamTo the meadow in the mountainWhere we counted every falling star”i wish i could make these next few days not so filled with pain, or that i could make them fly by. just know you are all in our hearts every second of every day.i love youxoxo<3 alicia <3
marlene says:
November 25, 2008 at 10:45 pm -
Dear Sharon…. I read all your updates, and my heart breaks for you, every time. Wish I had some words to ease your sorrow. I know how you must hurt, my daughter means the same to me, lived the same as Jax….so I know your heart is breaking. Just know…there are so many people to help you carry your burden, so many people who care. My heart feels for you every day…with love and care xo
Missy Somers says:
November 25, 2008 at 10:25 pm -
Sharon, Torey and TJ, Just wanted you to know that you are always in our thoughts. Eventhough our girls didn’t know Jacquie, except through my stories and memories of her, they speak of her so often and she continues to live on in the hearts of so many. We especially think of her throughout the Tinkerbell movie and each time we see Tink. I pray that Jacquie is holding you close this Thanksgiving and through out this difficult holiday season. Love always, Missy
Max says:
November 25, 2008 at 9:26 pm -
Marietta Bennett says:
November 25, 2008 at 7:52 pm -
Hirsch family,This Thanksgiving I want to say that I am thankful for all of you, esp you Jax. I can’t imagine what this Thanksgiving will bring, but know that I BELIEVE that your strength will continue to bring you closer together to be the amazing family you are. Jacquie I miss you always and I thank God for you and that he brought you in to my life 3 and a half years ago.Love,Marietta
Sara (albuquerque) says:
November 25, 2008 at 6:53 pm -
Hi Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie, I have logged onto this amazing website multiple times in the past few days and I click on write a message every time…but I am just not finding the words. I just can not seem to get my words out right now. Please just know I am caring about you all. Thank you Sharon for your friendship and thank you Torey, TJ and Sharon for being around the corner from my mom and dad and all that goes along with being close by. Jacquie- you have made my life richer for having known you and we are all just missing you. Love, Sara
sue says:
November 25, 2008 at 6:32 pm -
sharon, torey and tj, i know that this will be a very difficult time…know that there are many people holding out their arms to you and although we all miss jax terribly, we are all so thankful for the time we did have with her…life is not fair and it was not enough time but it was/is precious. hold on to each other over the next few days and be patient with all the emotions you are experiencing. Jax, i know that you are watching above but please give your family some extra love. i love you!!
aunt val says:
November 25, 2008 at 12:58 pm -
jacquie, sara took me on the ’light up the night’ path thru albuquerque, it made me feel like i had been there walking with her……she showed me where you put the rainbow to let her know you were ok. uncle bob was at the top of a moutain in arizona, i am sure you heard him, because he spoke to you and asked that you watch over t and your mom and dad. he sprinkled ’tink dust’ in the air for all of us and he said you calmed the winds just as he let it go and then you let the winds come back full force and carry the tink dust away. tj, tor and sharon, i wish you some peace in the next days, i wrap my arms around you all.. love, aunt val
Allison Gaudy says:
November 25, 2008 at 12:17 pm -
Cause when push comes to shoveYou taste what you’re made ofYou might bend ’til you break’Cause it’s all you can takeOn your knees you look upDecide you’ve had enoughYou get mad, you get strongWipe your hands, shake it off, THEN YOU STAND. These were words for Jax to live by, but now they mean even more to the people she has left behind. Sharon, Torey, and TJ- whenever you feel knocked down and defeated just remember when you are on your knees looking up Jacquie is smiling down on you. You can be mad and angry for what has happened- but remember how much courage she had. Use her example to gain courage for the strength to get up- and stand. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you guys and Jax. I pray that you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving- and that you can be thankful for the time you had with Jacquie. I know that we all are. Still Believeing, Allison
Anonymous says:
November 25, 2008 at 11:43 am -
To all the Readers….Happy Thanksgiving….May we all be Thankful for the little things in life and let us NEVER take one another for granted….Tell all those you love ….that YOU LOVE THEM today….hug them…and kiss them…and let us raise our hands to the sky to those who have Blesssed our lives and taught us so much about life…Jax one of them is you….as we gaze at the heavens we know and feel your presence…looking down over all those you love and whose lives you’ve touched that you didn’t even know….Jax we are greatful for the time spent with you here on earth and we lovingly and patiently will wait until we’re all together again….To God be the Glory !!!!!
alicia says:
November 25, 2008 at 10:33 am -
I have to say, while there are plenty of times that I feel that good people are often dealt pretty crappy hands in life, and while I often feel that life isn’t fair (to say the least)… on days like this past Sunday, the anniversary of my dad’s passing, a day when I could feel the most bitter and angry, I actually felt grateful. I felt grateful to know and have contact with so many amazing, thoughtful, caring, selfless people. Hirsch’s, I told Sharon this, but I will reiterate it… you all filled Jac’s shoes perfectly… at a time when I used to rely on her for her comforting words, you 3 in turn provided me with that. Thank you so much.And Casey, I don’t think we have ever met, but you even remembered the date… that was so touching, I appreciate it more than you know. And Sadie, Ali, and Amanda – it was Jac that brought us all together and we have been ability to be such a great support system for one another… I know Jac must be smiling down to see some of her best friends from all different aspects of her life come together.This website is a perfect example of the human spirit, how thoughtful we all can be. Jacquie started such an amazing thing and we are carrying it on in her name.Hirsch’s, I know Thanksgiving will be tough, it will always be a heavy holiday in my household, and I am sure the same in yours.. but just hold onto each other, don’t push each other away, and just do what you can to get through. And know that there are hundreds of us that hold you all in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. Although you may feel very alone, please know that you never are. I love you all so much.xoxoxoxo<3 alicia <3 xoxoxoxoP.S. Sharon, never question if Jacquie is proud of you... you are holding on, digging in, and pushing through each day. Like Jacquie, in your darkest days, you are able to still provide light hope and love to others. <3
Michael Stoughton says:
November 25, 2008 at 9:28 am -
I know it will be tough Thanksgiving to be thankful without Jacquie around…but let us think of the things that we ARE to be thankful for… our families…far or near our friends…far or near our time with Jacquie… the memories… our children… our ability to love…and share it… our big brothers… our sorority sisters…a bond i do not know, but i see it is a helluva bond… Jacquies words and inspiration to make the best of each day… I hunt and fish and love the outdoors…I am thankful that I am able to enjoy that and get to walk around the mountains and see this wonderful land of ours and all the sights that go with it…I just finished a trip with my father and godfather out here in AZ…I watched a bald eagle soar about 3-4 miles without flapping its wings once…not once…what freedom… Jacquie now has that freedom to soar and I’m sure she is just coasting on her angel/tink wings without flapping… Iknow it is tough to think about being thankful while missing Jacquie, but in the next few days, try to look at some of the things we take for granted and pause…take a deep breath…think how lucky we are…to be here…to have what we do around us… thankful to have Jacquie… PEACE TO ALL THE HIRSCHES
Marcia says:
November 24, 2008 at 10:49 pm -
missy says:
November 24, 2008 at 9:10 pm -
Thinking of you all, sending love and strength. love missy
Ralf says:
November 24, 2008 at 7:54 pm -
Angela says:
November 24, 2008 at 1:12 pm -
this past weekend you were everywhere jacquie! i was driving to that poor little boys benefit on sat and there you were a tink bumper sticker right in front of me!! i was putting tickets in for the baskets at the benefit and there you were tink everywhere(thanks to the foundation of course) i put up my tree yesterday and mom gave all us girls a tink ornament and front and center there you sat! i love that you are everywhere with us still but how i wish you were really physically here with us i would give anything! i love you always and will never ever stop believing!!! love, cousin angela
Huer says:
November 24, 2008 at 9:26 am -
Good Morning! I can still remember the benefit as if it happened yesterday! I have a picture hanging by my desk from the benefit of all of the Ciao Bellas and Jax. It is probably my favorite picture. It reminds me of the importance of friendship and love…everytime I look at it I thank God for giving me such amazing friends. Jacquie brought us all closer together and taught us that even on a day that could be really sad we have to smile, hold our chin up and make the best of it. I remember seeing you guys on the stage and thinking, wow what a family…to stand up there takes courage and strength, I was in awe of Jacquie then and I am still in awe of her now. xoxooxox Ashley
Ralf says:
November 23, 2008 at 10:15 pm -
Sadie says:
November 23, 2008 at 8:42 pm -
Hello Hirsch’s, I haven’t written in a while – I felt weird reading all the messages and not seeing my name. I guess since we’ve been texting I slacked on my guestbook writing. Of course I still read it every five minutes though. Sharon your texts make my heart happy. Ann Curry is such a sissy!! She’s not really, she did take the hardest route up the mountain but still that was her choice!! It also irritated me when I watched the footage on the mountain and she looked beautiful… she must have had make up people with her because there is just no way to look that good up there without help!! Torey I ended up listening to your message too late last night to call you back but it also made me smile. It’s also funny because I was wearing my eff cancer shirt too!! I always wear it very proudly. I will call you this week sometime 🙂 I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of your lives and part of the extended Jacquie family. I almost feel like she brought us all together to help and comfort each other. She knew we’d need each other and so in true Jacquie form she performed another selfless deed and brought us together. I will be in Buffalo next weekend – Saturday to Sunday and the girls and I were hoping that we could maybe come by and see you guys?? I will give you a call this week about it but if you would be around we would LOVE to see you. I love you all very much. I think of you always and it always warms my heart to do so. I see Jacquie everywhere and she inspires me everyday. Know that you have so many people who are constantly sending you love. Love you lots and I will talk to you soon 🙂 <3 SadiePS - To Alicia who I know reads this as religiously as I do... I love you and know that this day is hard. You also have so many people sending you love and holding you in their hearts. I hope you can feel your dad with you today. Love you <3
Amanda Cavarella says:
November 23, 2008 at 7:43 pm -
Just saying hi and I love you all. Continue to stay strong <3 always believing, mandz
Jen (Roswell nurse) says:
November 23, 2008 at 2:51 pm -
Just want to let you know that I am thinking of you all.
Torey says:
November 23, 2008 at 12:20 pm -
Alicia, I know you are a faithful reader and I want you to know that today I’m sure your Dad is filling your heart with his presence, whatever you need today he WILL be there, (thats what us Dad’s do, we will always be there for our beautiful little girls, some how or some way). Like your Dad to you, Jacquie continues to fill my heart each and every day. With Love, Torey
Casey Stiokas says:
November 23, 2008 at 10:46 am -
This message is for Alicia, My prayers are with you especially today. God bless you. Casey
Nicki LaGree says:
November 22, 2008 at 10:58 pm -
Jacquie has taught me the power of laughing at yourself, not taking “life” too seriously, and cracking jokes whenever the ’cracking’ seems possible.I remember the November benefit perfectly and will forever have a picture perfect of the Jacquie I know and love. I see, so vividly in my mind, Jax wearing her yellow and white stripped A&F Hoodie with her dark blue jeans and new “do” (the short brown wig). Then again, when I saw Jax in January at Bower’s house for a football game she had on the same hoodie – and when I saw her in cleveland, coincidently she wore that same yellow & white hoodie….I decided to play a friendly joke on jax by sending her a NEW A & F hoodie to “help her out!” She laughed at herself and laughed at me for calling her out… because she was the one who taught me to bring smiles and laughs whenever possible, I did – and now I will NEVER forget exactly how Jacquie looked, and more importantly the warm look on her face that somehow managed to comfort me at that difficult time, when I should have looks to comfort her. I don’t know how she did it, but I feel like she “helped” me more than I dreamed of hoping to help her. She was so strong, brave, and always so positive. And thats the Jacquie I know we all love and miss and we will learn from for a lifetime to come.Sharon & Tor-one, thank you for giving us all the gift of someone that is truly an angel.Love you guys,Nicki
Karen Gaudy (Allison’s mom) says:
November 22, 2008 at 10:23 pm -
Dear Sharon, Tory and TJ, I see Tink and signs that say believe everywhere I go. Everytime I see these signs I think of Jax and I say a prayer for her and for your family that God will see you through. As we approach Thanksgiving I want you to know that sharing your daughter’s life and your thoughts has inspired so many of us not to take anything or anyone for granted. May God bless you and carry you through this holiday season. Karen O’Brien Gaudy
Bowers says:
November 22, 2008 at 8:40 pm -
I just wanted to let you all know that I’m consently thinking about you all and Jacquie. I found a poem the other day about friendship that Jax sent me many years ago. It was something I cherished so much that I put it away in my keepsake drawer. It was so nice to find and read. She is such a good friend and always made a point to tell us how she felt(even if sometimes we didn’t want to hear it) always honest and so caring. Just wanted to share that with you. I love you all, Nichole Love you tink<3
alicia says:
November 22, 2008 at 6:16 pm -
love you all so much. keep hanging in there.xoxo<3 alicia <3 xoxo
Casey Stiokas says:
November 22, 2008 at 12:29 pm -
Somewhere in the process of moving home on Thursday, my Jacquie bracelet fell off. Now, I NEVER take it off, so I was extremely upset when I realized it was missing, and I could not find it. I had moved out of my place in Oswego, gone to class, and filled my car up with gas on my way home from school. It could be at any of those places. I figured it was gone for good, so I replaced it with one of the backups that we have in stock here at the Stiokas household. I was pretty devistated. The next morning on his walk, dad sent up a little prayer to Jax asking if she had just a little Tink dust to spare, he could really use it right now to find my bracelet. Later that day when he went to take my car to get snow tires put on, he found that his prayer had been answered. Needless to say, I was elated when I listened to my messages after work:) Thanks for that save Jax. And God bless you Hirsch family. Always Believing, Casey
Amanda Cavarella says:
November 22, 2008 at 11:46 am -
Just saying hi and letting you know how much I think and pray for you all. Your strength and courage continues to inspire me. I miss you so so much Jacquie. I love you very much and hope you know how many people believe in you <3 love always, amanda
Anonymous says:
November 22, 2008 at 12:33 am -
Thinking about you Jacquie. Seeing lots of Tink lately, so I think you’re thinking of all of us too.
megan d says:
November 21, 2008 at 9:10 pm -
jax, there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you. your picture sits right next to my speedometer, and my tinkerbell hangs from my rear view mirror…thank you for always keeping me safe, and for teaching me what it means to believe<3sharon, torey, tj- i love you guys. i dont know what else to say other than i really just love you guys so incredibly much. try to remember the good times - i think its what tink would have wanted.i will always love, miss, and believe<3
Natalie M. says:
November 21, 2008 at 10:30 am -
It has been a long time since I wrote. I wanted to see how you guys are doing, and I think it is wonderful that Jax is sending down signs. To me, that is so very important. Stay strong family, and we all know, that Jax wants you all to live everyday with happiness. Keeping loving life, and I know Jacquie is watching over you :)Love always, Natalie Maranto
John says:
November 20, 2008 at 10:28 pm -
Marietta Bennett says:
November 20, 2008 at 9:04 pm -
Sharon, I hope one day that I can have the kind of relationship that you and Jacquie share with my daughter. I pray that she can be the kind of daughter Jacquie is and I can be the kind of mom you are. To think you only had 23 years together, when some people wait a life time to share that kind of love and friendship. I think of you always and YOUR strength and Jacquie’s is inspiring. I know that Jacquie will continue to squeeze you tight and give you never ending hugs. I hope she does the same for me 🙂 Love,Marietta (girlfriend)
missy says:
November 20, 2008 at 7:27 pm -
Dear Sharon, I am so glad you felt Jacquie near you!!! She always will be! NOTHING can break a bond between a mother and her child, NOTHING! I hope you continue to feel her love each day as well as the love from so many, many, people who love and pray for you . Clapping with Jacquie, Praying BELIEVING Missy
Jodi Giovino says:
November 20, 2008 at 4:36 pm -
Dear Sharon, I read your entries everyday, and my heart just breaks for you. I remember when Jacquie was born. I was only 20 then, teaching at the gym and going to college, but I knew that when I had children, I wanted to be as filled with love as you were. You glowed Sharon. The reason I am writing to you today is because I think of you and Torey and TJ everyday. I read your entry this morning from November 18, 2008. Soon there after, a client came into my office with a teacup maltese all dressed in pink as cute a button. Her name was Tinker Bell. I immediately thought of you and Jacquie. So, you see, she not only comes to those she knows intimately, she comes to those who know you. I know that the miracle of love that she brought to you, lives forever in your mind, heart and soul forever. My love to all of you. Jodi
Huer says:
November 20, 2008 at 8:53 am -
Good Morning! Jacquie is always with you Sharon, but it’s awesome that you actually got to feel her warmth and hug. She knows you better than anyone and will make sure to let you know she is there when you need it most. I have thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, and you know what I thought about? One Christmas Jacquie and Torey went for a run (yes Jax ran lol) and stopped by my house. I can paint a picture of how happy Jax was that day…it was probably 8 years ago, but the memory is still burning strong in my heart. The Holidays are going to be hard, so I hope you can remember a good Holiday story and carry it with you over the next few months. Love you all!! xoxoo Ashley
Sara (albuquerque) says:
November 20, 2008 at 1:27 am -
Sharon, When mom and I share stories, the emptiness and hole in your heart is always strong on our mind … we never forget for a moment. I liked your story about feeling Jacquie with you. I know you want her with you, with you in a different way and that is just so hard and I hurt inside for you, TJ and Torey. Thinking of you, missing you and remembering everything about Jacquie!!! Keep hanging on. I believe in YOU!Love, Sara and family
Nancy says:
November 20, 2008 at 12:30 am -
Dear Sharon, Torey & TJ, I just felt I had to share this story with you. I was at my 88 yr. old aunt’s funeral service today which had a luncheon afterwards at Sean Patricks. Since I had not been there since Jacquie’s service, my thoughts of course turned to your family and especially Jacquie. I was having a conversation with my cousin’s wife who told me about her neighbor who lives in Sanborn. He was around 42 yrs. old, was feeling somewhat ill and went to the doctor. He was admitted to Roswell and died 4 days later from ALL. It will be a year this December that he left behind a wife and teenage boys. They did not know prior to his going to the doctor that he had ALL. I immediately thought about Jacquie’s fight and courage and how sad it was that this man didn’t even have a chance to fight or prepare or spend PRECIOUS time with his family & friends. I can’t for the life of me figure out which is more unfair. Then when I started to tell her Jacquie’s story, she told me that their church had been praying for her and even had a bone marrow drive. It IS amazing how many lives Jacquie touched. We were/are so blessed to have known her and lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of that wonderful smile. We will never forget her – how could we – she renamed us and it stuck. We will forever be Mr. & Mrs. O. Jacquie left a legacy that you should be so proud of. Her life was a gift that brought awareness and support to all who are battling cancer. Though I’m not one for writing, I felt compelled to share this story and to let you know that I too am still reading the posts (thank you, Sharon) and continue to pray for some comfort and peace for all of you. Always Believing. Our love to all, Nancy
Joe Browning says:
November 19, 2008 at 9:23 pm -
Sharon, It is wonderful to hear that you have felt Jacquies presence, its hard to say exactly what that means to me, and even to you, just because it is that great. I would like to share something I have always noticed, and don’t think it is just in my head. Sometimes I think God, or one of his Angels (Jacquie in particular) speaks to me through others actions or words. There are some things I hear come out of the mouth of another and I get this goose bump feeling all down my body. Like a spirit of sort telling me that it is important and directed right to me on purpose. The thing is, its not just a chill because there are no goosebumps on my skin, and it has happened in a very, very warm church before. I say this because spirits of loved ones do continue to be with us and contact us through things(Jacquies bear in your case) and the people around us. I didn’t know her so I only get a tingle from my head to toes, but your connection was closer than anybodys, so when she touches you, its not just a tingle down the body, it is that warm, comforting feeling you experienced. I pray that you continue to heal, and that your beautiful daughter keeps warming your soul. ~with love ~Joe Browning
rita says:
November 19, 2008 at 8:03 pm -
sharon: How wonderful for you to feel Jacquie’s love and warmth. How wonderful of Jacquie to embrace her mom. When our hearts are open to our loved ones, we become approachable to experience their presence near us. I am so happy you were comforted by Jacquie. She loves you very much.
Janine Spezio Eikenberg (Baltimore) says:
November 19, 2008 at 7:23 pm -
I read your latest entry and I got chills!!! Jacquie IS with you. I pray for you, Torey and TJ that you may have peace and feel God’s grace and presence.each and every day. On a lighter note, I wish I was in Buffalo for the Vera Bradley party. Bummer! Have fun!!!!!
sue says:
November 19, 2008 at 7:05 pm -
Jacquie, Thank you so much for giving your mom that hug. Now, could you please come see me? I could really use a hug today