As I stood in line at CVS waiting for something, I thought to myself, “let me check my email.” I opened up an email from someone I wasn’t familiar with but the subject I knew. I decided to open it to read the rest to make sure it wasn’t a joke or something. As I continued to read it, I could not believe what I was reading. I read the email again and my hands were shaking. I literally buckled at my knees and just started to cry. I could not grasp what I was reading about.
At the age of 18 I was asked if I wanted a nanny job by my friend and college suitemate, Alicia. I said sure I’ll go and meet the family. The day of my “interview”, I immediately fell in love with this family. They were loving, lighthearted, heartwarming and down to earth. They had an adorable blonde haired, blue-eyed 9 month-old baby boy they needed a nanny for. When I left that day, I was it.
From when he was 9 months old to the age of 8 years old, I loved and cherished every moment I got to spend with him and his sister, Kyle. Teaching him how to go up and down the stairs when he was almost 1 years old, snuggling with him at nighttime, watching him learn how to talk and walk, silly bath time, reading stories before bed from his abundant amount of books, picking him up at preschool where he soared with his academics at the Montessori school on the East Side. Afternoon walks up to Thayer Street to have dinner at Johnny Rockets and browse the Brow Bookstore, and even taking him to spend some time with my family on Sundays. He also loved to play with his trains. I can still remember him with his little striped conductor hat. And lastly, one of my favorite treasures was taking the time to just relax and watch TV with him and his favorite stuffed animals.
There are so many more memories to name and I will cherish them forever. I had 8 wonderful years with a boy who was bubbly, smart, creative, energetic, lovable, bright, funny, always smiling, and destined for great things. Jack had talent in his blood. His father is a wonderful and talented man, a former well known artistic director for Trinity Repertory and his mother is a beautiful and smart woman. Both whom loved their son very much. They would travel during the summer and take him to many places and spend time with their families, since both being transplants to Rhode Island. And when he returned he couldn’t wait to tell me all the stories from his summer vacation.
Thanks to this wonderful and loving family, my eyes and heart grew more and more for children and my love for them.
The last time my heart broke with this family was when they were moving to New York City and it is now breaking again.
John “Jack” Eustis, I will always remember you as the sweet, adorable little boy I met back in 1997. You brought so much joy to my life and everyone you came in contact with.
May you forever rest in peace.
April 14, 1998- November 16, 2014
Oh, this really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing something so personal.
Thank you for reading it. It’s still a complete shock to me every day that I think of him.
Erica-
I just stumbled upon this through the magic of the internet and just doing some Jack remembering. This is Kyle, his sister. I remember you so well (and we still talk about you and Courtney) so much! You both were so funny, caring, and made a huge impact on both of us.
Reading this made me both so emotional but so grateful that we had you and just knew you cared for us. We all love you so much and thank you for this. Really, truly. Sending you (and the rest of your family) so much love.
Oh Kyle, the universe worked in mysterious ways yesterday. There have been so many times I have thought about sending it to you all, but wasn’t sure how to. My sister and I think about you and your family so often, it’s crazy. Your brother is on mind almost daily and I always pray for him, you and your mom and Oskar. Courtney and I would love to reconnect with you guys. I’m going to reach out to you via Instagram if that’s okay.
Sending you all love and hugs forever xoxo