Many of you will know all about my little boy Jacob, but I am sure many of you won't.
Jacob was born 9 years ago today. During the last phase of delivery I encountered serious problems, and as a result, Jacob had to be put on a life support machine. After 5 days, we had to make the horrendous decision to turn off the life support machine. It was such a difficult time for us, but Jacob has left an incredible impression on my life. I now have much greater empathy, and strength. I took away so many life lessons and know, eventually, I became a better person.
I know we are far from alone in our loss, and found the help and support of Sands, absolutely vital. They are there to help the families of those who suffer loss from Stillbirth and Neonatal death, and they most definitely helped me. One day, maybe I'll be able to get on the phone and help other parents who are reeling from their loss - but until then, what I can do is help raise money. And that is how I decided to celebrate and remember my little boy.
I will auction off over the next 5 days, 5 pieces of my work from the Crafty Countdown. I have selected my favourite pieces, and will frame them for the winner. I will also match the money raised (that bit will have to be after pay day!! It's been a little tricky not being allowed to work.....eeek).
The first piece was one of my favourites:
In fact, I was so happy with this, it almost got framed and put up in my house!
The way this will work, I need you to place your bids in the comments to this post, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can email your bid to leoniepujol@hotmail.co.uk. I will post the total of the bid regularly on here throughout the day, so please check if you are in the running (the blog notifications are slow, so please don't wait for them, just log in to check the blog!!).
The auction will close at 8pm this evening.
The winner will then be able to pay via bank transfer or cheque - and I will match the amount bid to send to Sands. I will check with you about the frame, to see what colour will be better for you :) Please bear with me, as I am rushed off my feet for the next couple of weeks, but when it calms down a little, I will get all the pieces framed and posted.
Good luck, and please spread the word.
Thank you, xxx
Hi Leonie.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read of your very sad loss.
Take care Kitty.
Leonie You show yesterday was brilliant I am so glad they let you loose.
So sad for your loss but I do know what it is like, losing a grandchild.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creation, xxx
Hi Leonie, wow, I cannot believe it is 9 years ago, thinking of you today, and may your heart hold the memories. Bx
ReplyDeleteHi Leoni I remember so well when you lost your little boy, so very sad what life throws at us.Your special memories will be locked in your heart forever.x
ReplyDeleteHi Leonie Hunny. I love this piece. I would like to start the bidding at £20
ReplyDeleteXx
Hi Leonie Hunny. I love this piece. I would like to start the bidding at £20
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I would like to make a bid of £25 xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm increasing my bid to £30 x
ReplyDeleteI have had many downs in my life but have not suffered the loss of a child. Something that no one should go through but many unfortunately do. I too remember that time nine years ago felt for you so much then as I do now as you remember Jacob's ninth Birthday. You are a wonderful person and doing this for the charity is amazing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck
Nicola x
Hi Leonie I feel for your sad loss, I to know what this feels like in some way, I lost my precious Grandson Alex, He would have been 7 this month. I did get to hold him in my arms for a while and always hold this memory of his little face. Sands where amazing and helped my daughter through her loss. I would like to raise the bid to £35 xxx
ReplyDeleteI have also lost a son Leonie My Simon was 18yrs old so know exactly how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteI would like to bid £35 xxx
I will raise my bid to £40 x
ReplyDeleteI remember the loss of your little son so well as I had a similar experience many years earlier , you never forget , thinking of you today and sending loving hugs, Anne xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you today Leonie, 39 years ago we lost our first born and every year on 30th June we say what if she had lived. Life is cruel and very testing at times but these things do make you stronger.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to keep Jacob's memory going.
Twiz
(((Hugs))) your friend Janna £50
ReplyDeleteThinking of you on this sad day. You are doing a great thing foe Sands keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today Leonie. I would like to bid £60 xx
ReplyDeleteRemember hearing the news was such a sad time, such a lovely tribute to your beautiful baby hugs love Joy xxx
ReplyDeleteLeoni sending you a big hug today, what a lovely thing to do to raise money for such a brilliant charity. I am really loving seeing you back on our screens, yesterday's shows were fantastic and such a giggle - don't ever change.
ReplyDeleteGo on then, who needs more craft stuff, my bid is £65.
Lots of love
Diane G xxxx
Hello Leonie,
ReplyDeleteI too, remember that sad time nine years ago! I remembering hearing the news on QVC and crying my eyes out! What a truly lovely way to remember Jacob's birthday! My bid is £70.
Great shows yesterday - catch up button is brilliant!
Xxxx
I remember seeing you on QVC soon after it happened Leonie, you were very brave to go on air as you were obviously so upset. This is a lovely way to raise money through your crafting. Lots of love xxx
ReplyDeleteI'll bid £70.00
Someone else bid the same while I was commenting, so I'll up mine to £75.00 xx
ReplyDeleteHi Leonie,
ReplyDeleteSadly, being on sickness benefit I can't afford to bid on your wonderful work of art. All I can do is wish you well in your fund-raising, I know that you will do well. It's for a wonderful cause and I'm glad they were able to help you through the terrible time you went through nine years ago.
Love and hugs
Bejay
hi sweetie.
ReplyDeletei too remember that sad day when it was announced that baby jacob passed away.
you have grown into a beautiful women inside and out, your jacob would be proud of you for being his mummy.
sending you hugs
maria xxxx
Hi Leonie, I remember that time as if it were yesterday, it's hard to believe it was 9 years ago. I empathised with you at that very sad time, I lost my eldest son in 1987 and I lost my youngest son in 1994, they were aged 21 and 23 respectively when they died, you only had Jacob with you for a small amount of time and my heart went out to you. I think this is a fabulous, fabulous way to 'celebrate' Jacob. I'm just so sorry that I can't bid at this time due to my hubby and I having money problems, but I wish you all the luck in the world for your fundraising.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from Patricia xx
Sending a big hug, I do hope you raise lots and lots of money. xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today Leonie xxx
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ReplyDeleteCannot believe it has been 9 years since you lost your precious Jacob. Lots of love and hugs. I hope you raised lots of money for SANDS. Creative Blessings, Tracy x
ReplyDeleteHi Leonie,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you, I remember the the time on QVC when Dawn told us the news, I can'y believe it's 9 years ago. Good luck with the fund raising.
Lydia
X
Bless you, Leonie.. I do miss your cheeky repartee on create and craft.. the channel is not the same without you.
ReplyDeleteDidn't know you lost a lil one,, so sad.. in my prayers, always
Marion
sadly i cannot afford to bid right now, but 36 years ago i lost my little boy, there's not a day goes by when i dont think of him .....time does heal but the love and longing to see him again never fades
ReplyDeleteall my love chrissy xx
I too remember hearing your sad news and feeling devastated for you. I will make a donation to SANDS but I'm afraid I can't compete in the bidding at this time. Good luck to those who do, this is an incredible amount so far! Xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Leonie I am so, so sorry to see this, I can really sympathise with you because the same thing happened to my granddaughter, she was so special for us and SANDS were there not only for my son and d-i-l but also for us grandparents and other family members. At the SANDS garden in Lichfield there is a path of pebbles and we have 2 there one for our little Amelia and another for 'peanut' who was only carried for 6 months. Oh talk about bringing it all back - there is nothing worse then seeing my son carry a little white coffin, this stays with us for the rest of our lives. We do now have an adopted granddaughter who is absolutely wonderful and brings us so much joy but we will never forget our little Amelia and Peanut.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to bid for your wonderful artwork at the moment but I'd just like to say, I remember that dreadful time when you lost little Jacob, my heart went out to you then as it does today. Luv & hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteI too know the feeling although it was my daughters first born he too would of been 9 this coming September, I felt guilty and at complete and utter lose as how to deal with this as a mum not being able to protect my daughter this was one time when a kiss and big hugs wouldn't put right and make things better we put our grief on hold until after his funeral so we could be with our daughter , this is brilliant charity and brilliant amount raised so far xx
ReplyDeleteHi Leonie you are doing a wonderful thing and can remember your sad news at the time. I dropped off a little cardigan and bunny slippers at Dawn's shop I do hope you received them. Good luck for a fab cause but I am unemployed at the moment and can not participate in you auction at the moment xxx
ReplyDeleteI was so shocked that I had not known about this before, but then I realised that 9 years ago we were struggling with a double family bereavement on the same day, and I was not watching tv or on my crafty forums for a while. I cannot imagine going through such a terrible time as you must have endured. Sadly I cannot afford to join in with the bidding. This is a wonderful auction for beautiful artwork. Ali xx
ReplyDeleteI was so shocked that I had not known about this before, but then I realised that 9 years ago we were struggling with a double family bereavement on the same day, and I was not watching tv or on my crafty forums for a while. I cannot imagine going through such a terrible time as you must have endured. Sadly I cannot afford to join in with the bidding. This is a wonderful auction for beautiful artwork. Ali xx
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the detail Leonie and am so very sorry to hear what happened. I bid £100.
ReplyDeleteLeonie, I'm unable to outbid the last comment but wanted you to know that we're thinking of you. I didn't know the details but think you're so incredible to have found the positives in such a tragic event. Your post moved my husband and me to tears and we wish you well with your fundraising. Love Jan x
ReplyDeleteHaving been out all day I feel saddened to read your message today and my thoughts are with you. It is wonderful though how everyone is rallying round to help SANDS. With best wishes Jackie x
ReplyDeleteHi Leonie l never really understood how people feel when losing a baby until my sons first born was born asleep at 20 weeks on the same day my daughter gave birth to a boy who is now 14. I was so torn that day wanting to be happy but was so distraught to. As you say I have more empathy for people who miscarry etc now. I'm thinking of you today xxc
ReplyDeleteI always think of you at this time of year, and remember when Dawn had to break the news to us on tv. It is a great way to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. I bid £105.
ReplyDeleteNicky x
Sands is such an amazing support.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us appear to remember the sad, sad time 9 years ago when we heard about little Jacob and it seems like no time at all. I had a nephew, Richard, who died at birth, he would have been a grown man now and we often wonder what he would have been like. What a tribute to you that so many of us are still with you and we wish you only the very best now and for the future. Sorry I can't bid on the card for this wonderful cause at this time.
ReplyDeleteBless you Leonie - sending hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteWishing you so much sucess Leonie
ReplyDeleteI make baby blankets for the memory boxes for Sands xxxxx
Oh Leonie I didn't know you had lost a little one. I am so sorry. I broke my heart reading your words. I remember the 'quiet, shy little girl' who appeared for the very first time on C&C with Steph Weightman.... look at you now Leonie, how far you have come and how far yet you've to go... Well done and I mean that truly Hochanda LOVE you
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today Leonie, such a wonderful thing to do raise money from your artwork. I hope you raise lots Xx
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's 9 years. Such a sad time for you you never get over it do you, just learn to live with the loss. We lost our daughter 3 years ago, she was 21. Not day goes by without thinking of her. So many on here have lost someone, it seems like crafting has helped us all get through the tough times. This s a lovely piece of art work but I have missed the bidding on it. I'll try a over day. Good luck with the fund raising. Big hugs! It's great to see you on Hochanda!Wxx
ReplyDeleteI have read this blog, some time ago you mentioned Jacob and I lit a candle for you. My mum had a baby boy born sleeping on my eldest sons first birthday, and I had given birth to my younger son 10 days before hand, this was 47 years ago but the memory is still there. I am too late to bid, but would like to suggest you set up a Just Giving page to which I would willingly donate. good night and God bless xxx
ReplyDeletehi leonie, i remember well you losing your little jacob i cant believe it was that long ago, he would be amazed that the shy young woman you were on the other channel when you first came to our screens is now a inspirational woman to so very many people thinking of you xxxx
ReplyDeleteP.S i too agree you should do a just giving page xxx
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