If you are local to the area, or anywhere in the chicagoland area for that matter, you may know about the accident on 47th street in La Grange 4 weeks back that took the life of this amazing young mother (for more information - www.cookfamilyfund.com). I am her husband, father of two young children, and my heart is just absolutely broken.
My wife was an active user on this site and I can see why, there's a ton of valuable information here and plenty of people willing to provide good advice. I plan to certainly continue to utilize it to its full potential. Granted my advice will be from the perspective of a dad, but I’m now the mom as well.
Because she is no longer here to voice her opinion, I need the voice of people like you. I am in no way looking for any sort of financial or material support. My intentions are just to create change. This particular topic might be a little off from the normal conversations in this forum so I apologize if anyone has an issue with this. Strength is hard to come by these days. My 2+ year old is testing her boundaries on a daily basis and my 5mth old is still 100% dependent on me for all his needs. I do have plenty of support but I now have a whole new set of responsibilities. I just need your voice. I have already met with a number of local residents, young families similar to yours, and the city had a special safety meeting a few weeks back to talk about concerns. You can find a lot about all this at the link above The site also talks about my wife but there’s a section specific to the effort and it also includes the names and numbers of people that can be contacted. The loudest person in the room usually gets what they want and I want us to have the loudest voice in our room. I know this problem reaches beyond the borders of La Grange but if we can just take one small step here, then we can take more small steps elsewhere. If we make change here then we can make change wherever you live using the same examples. If at all possible, I just don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I am going through today.
My story is sad and even as I write this there are tears in my eyes for the woman I lost and the mother my children will not be able to cherish. It is my goal, as well as the goal of many concerned residents, to prevent this senseless tragedy from affected another family. All I ask is that you spread the word and talk to your local leaders asking them to help do something, and to do something quickly. If you search the internet or check out the site I mentioned above, you'll be able to find plenty of information about the accident, who to contact, and what's hopefully being done to prevent this from happening again. There’s another town hall meeting on June 22nd in La Grange where this subject will also be discussed.
Of course I also am in need of a good support group; people dealing with similar situations. So if you happen to know of any I would definitely like to hear about them.
Sincerely,
M.
So sorry for your loss, M.. You have a big responsibility with two very young children. This site will give you a lot of support.
Hi M.,
I am very sorry about the loss of your wife. I don't know how much help I can be, but if you ever want to talk to someone about what it's like to be a child who has lost their mother at a young age, I am here. My mother passed away when I was an infant and I grew up with my wonderful father and my mother by marriage.
Hi M..
I am so sorry for your loss and for your children's loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your wife seemed like an amazing person and mother.
I wish I could help financially,husband is out of work.
I can include you and your family in my prayers.
Take care of yourself so you are able to take care of the children.
I feel bad for your loss.
J. m
Hello M., first off I would like to commend you for stepping up and having a voice for your wife in her absence. What a wonderful father your 2 children have. I would like to say I could not imagine the pain you are feeling right now. But, I have you know that even though I don't know you, my prayers and heart still goes out to you and your family at this much needed time. I hope you all accomplish what the support you are seeking.
Stay hopeful and prayed up!
M.,
I really wish I knew of a support group. Please know that my family and I have and will keep your family in our prayers. It is good to know that you are reaching out for help. And that is key to cooping with this. I can not imagine my life with out my husband, and I am sure he could not imagine his life with out me. Good luck in your search.
Sincerly,
M.
Places to check, The village, your church, the Hospital, LT HS, somone has to have a support group in the area. Your Doctors office might have something. Even the Funeral homes often have fliers on support groups.
Hello M.,
My heart goes out to you and your children. I'm a Christian and I truly believe God is in control, Psalm 139. God,knew exactly what was going to happen that day your wife was killed in the accident,whereas the devil meant it for bad God,meant it for you all good. Your children are Blessed to have a father available-imagine single mother's that died and the father is incarcerated. Children's were either placed in foster care or family arguing whom will care for them and they are in and out of court until a judge makes a final decision. Strange as it might seem God has a BLESSING in store for you and your children. You are a FATHER, take pride in being old fashioned,having values,playing fair,taking responsibility, and alway giving your best. I can tell from your letter that you are a GOOD DAD, have a Happy Father Day! Know that your wife memories can never die and that she is you all Guardian Angel and her babies also has her in their heart, be Blessed and find a Faith base church that rightly divide the word and you are going to be alright.
Sis. Donegan
I suppose there is a reason why I opened up my Mamasource e-blast this morning - I usually blow right past it. As a a mother of 3 young girls I have a hard time imagining what you are going through right now. It seems like you have a good handle on asking for help, and doing what needs to be done for your kids. This will be a great resource for you - so keep the notes coming and I'm sure we will all be eager to help with advice. And - I think you need to fight like hell to get some road rules changed over there -- everyone needs to slow down! Geez - did that extra minute the driver gained by racing through town really change things? What these drivers don't understand is how it CAN change things - for the person they hit or injur. I wish you all the best and try to embrace and be empowered by your friends and family. S., mother of 3 in North Park/Chicago
I am so very, very sorry about your loss. I remember hearing about this in the news and crying as I cannot imagine leaving my children so young behind and my husband. I am an early childhood educator and will be offering care inside my home. I cannot imagine all that you must do and think about, but if you ever need someone to care for your children while you work feel free to contact me at anytime, ###-###-####. Again, I am truly, truly sorry. Also, how is your son doing? I understand he broke his leg as a result of the accident?
All my prayers,
Robin
Hi M.,
I went onto your site. What a wonderful tribute to your wife. I hope there is progress made with your cause and you and your family are in my prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss & your children's loss of their mother so soon. I visited the site & think it's a lovely tribute.
Hi M.,
I did not know your wife, but I do remember numerous responses she has posted to give others advice on this site and she seemed a truly caring women. I can't pretend to know what you or your children will go through, but I wanted to say that I will keep your family in my prayers. Your children will be lucky to have an involved father such as you and also someone that wants to make change and keep the memory of their mother alive.
M.,
I will contact each of the officials listed on the website as many times as I have to until something changes. My heart goes out to you and your kids and I will keep you all in my prayers. I wish there was more that I could do.
I am a resident of Willow Springs, and heard of your tragic story. My heart goes out to you, your children, and your family. As I sit and write this to you, I too have tears in my eyes. You sound like an amazing husband and father, and your wife had to be an amazing mother. I can only imagine what you are going through right now, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like you have great family support, and I actually met your sister in law briefly at the La Grange Pet Parade. I really don't know how much more I can say or do to support you, but please know that you will find the strength needed to continue in your everyday life, and that you will continue to be the best father possible. Love and kiss those children everyday. If you ever need extra support with your children, you can feel free to email me.
Dear M.,
First let me say, I am so sorry for your loss. You are very welcome here and you are also welcome to send me a note through this site if you have a specific parenting question about children or newborns. I have two kids, 7 and 9, live in Oak Park and work in pediatric health care as a PT and a Child Development specialist. But mostly, I am just a mom, friend and partner in my family.
Here is a link to bereavement support groups in the Chicago area.
http://www.griefcounselor.org/grief-recovery-general-bere...
Perhaps the Northwestern one might work, or you can find a group closer to you in LaGrange. I don't personally have experience with any of these groups or any therapists listed. I would also suggest individual sessions. Most insurance plans have a mental health benefit which would cover individual sessions for you in addition to family sessions with your toddler daughter. Go onto your insurance's website, enter your zip and then click "Behavioral Health Specialist" or "Mental Health Specialist" to look for a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) or a psychologist in your area.
Keep in touch and healing wishes.
M.,
I am a La Grange Mom and your story has touched the lives of every Mom I know in the area. We will do what we can to support a safer 47th Ave. If you need help with meals or maybe dropping off some groceries. Please let me know.
A friend told me about this website. It was started by a husband who lost his wife the day after the birth of their daughter. Maybe there is some helpful resources.
http://thelizlogelinfoundation.org/
Your family is in my prayers.
S.
M.:
My heart goes out to you and your family. I did not know your wife, but as I drive to work everyday I pass by 47th and 8th Ave. I think of her and your children everyday. I plan on contacting the people in your website to ask for change to 47th ave including lowering the speed limit.
Thank you for sharing the information on the website of who to contact.
My heart went out to you and your young family. God will help you raise this beautiful young children. I know you will make it, your interest in continuing where your wife find support is a plus, may you continue to seek the best for your children. We certainly will be of good to you and your children. Keep up the good work and may God bless you. Have a blessed day. We will do our best to support you stop this senseless accident from our streets. We will contact all the contacts you asked us to, and keep God in your life and the life of your children, we live in an evil world.
M., I'm so very sorry for your loss...your wife seemed like an amazing person.I will be keeping you and your children in my prayers.
Dearest M., Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear wife and mother of your children...no words can express how sad I felt to read your words...I am deffinitely going to talk to the President of Lyons tonight about this tragic loss...they have to do something about the speed on some of the roads in our neighborhoods...I often travel that road and I can see how dangerous it can be...I'm a public service representative for the Secretary of State...I issue drivers licenses...I take people out on road test and I see how badly people drive...there is a support group that meets on the first Monday of every month...it is held at Adolf's Funeral Home, 2921 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn...the Facilitator is Karen R Shchultz...I met Karen at a Memorial Service that she gave at Adolf's Funeral Home in Willowbrook...just hearing her speak gave me a better understanding of what I was going through for the loss of my loved ones...the group meets at 7:00 and usually last an hour...this is the ####-###-#### for more information of this group...please know that you and your family are in my prayers...may God bless and comfort you at this sad time, J.
M. - so very sorry for your tragic loss. There is no other words I can say other than that you are a very strong father. I hope that the safety changes that you're asking for come to pass. Again, I am so very sorry.
