In a touching tribute to his late son, a father named Mark Thompson participated in the Sunshine Coast Marathon in Australia last month, pushing an empty stroller throughout the race. As he faced onlookers, one woman jokingly remarked, “Hey mate, you’ve lost your kid!” Mark responded, as he did many times that day, “Yes, that’s the point.” Tragically, Mark’s son, J.D., was stillborn a year and a half ago at 27 weeks gestation.
The Heartbreaking Journey
In January 2016, Mark and his wife Sarah went in for a routine ultrasound only to receive devastating news: their baby boy had no heartbeat. A few days later, Sarah delivered J.D. The couple held their son until dawn, cherishing those fleeting moments together.
Mark shared his experience on social media, noting that he was joined by friends, Jake and Sam, who stepped in to address questions from curious spectators when it became too overwhelming. “As the run went on, the comments were unrelenting,” he recounted. “On the second lap, I heard the loudspeaker announce, ‘Here comes Mark, and it looks like he lost his kid.’ Laughter erupted from the crowd.” Despite the pain of hearing that phrase repeatedly, Mark found solace in the acknowledgment of his loss. “Every time they mentioned it, they were recognizing that I lost my son. Parents who have experienced such a tragedy want their child’s name to be remembered,” he reflected. “They were acknowledging that J.D. was my boy.”
Living with Grief
Mark expressed the heart-wrenching reality of leaving the hospital without his son. “You prepare for a birth, knowing your child won’t come home. His clothes remain untouched, and the crib sits empty. We smiled through the sorrow because we had our first child, and we were a family,” he told Modern Family Blog.
The grief of losing a child, whether through miscarriage or stillbirth, is a heavy burden that many families bear. “My grief comes in waves,” Mark admitted. “You could be doing something perfectly normal when suddenly it hits you. You try to remember the last moments you held your son and wonder what milestones he would have reached.”
Channeling Grief into Action
Mark, a dedicated triathlete, channeled his grief into athletic pursuits, competing in various events, including the Ironman New Zealand and the World Age Group Championships within the year following J.D.’s passing. Sarah, on the other hand, keeps their son’s memory alive in small yet significant ways, such as placing a tiny giraffe at the dinner table during family gatherings.
To raise awareness and support for families affected by stillbirth, Mark and Sarah founded a charity called J.D.’s Legacy, symbolized by a logo featuring two giraffes—one large, one small—standing side by side. Mark’s aim in running the Sunshine Coast Marathon with an empty stroller was to spark conversation about stillbirth; he intentionally chose not to include any signs explaining his actions. “I didn’t realize how many questions would arise,” he admitted.
Welcoming a New Addition
In May, the couple welcomed J.D.’s little brother, Oliver. However, they stress that Oliver can never replace J.D. “It’s like saying, ‘Our child passed away at school, but it’s okay because another one is on the way.’ That doesn’t diminish how much we miss our firstborn,” Mark stated. “We will always remember J.D., for he is our son.”
Supporting J.D.’s Legacy
J.D.’s Legacy successfully raised approximately $6,000 last year and is working towards a goal of $5,000 for 2017, having already collected over $2,000. For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on infertility.
A Powerful Reminder
In summary, Mark Thompson’s marathon run with an empty stroller serves as a powerful reminder of loss and the importance of honoring our loved ones. Through his efforts, he not only raises awareness about stillbirth but also keeps the memory of his son alive, showing that love transcends even the most profound grief. For further insights on similar topics, visit Modern Family Blog and learn about home insemination kits here.