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 The news of a death in the family never comes easy. Some of you may not know the name Jason Langston, but if you are a toy collector or a reader of Action Figure Insider then you do know his work. Jason does packaging design work for Mattel. Over the years he has worked on product for MattyCollector and the Mattel retail lines. His most recent work are the packages for the Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice toys that have just hit retail.
Jason is one of us. A geek dad that is living his dream and being able to use his talents in the toy industry. Jason is a great guy, widely respected in the industry and a friend. He and his wife have been eagerly expectinga baby boy, who was to be born next month. As a matter of fact, just this Wednesday he and I were just chatting about nerd stuff and our families. I was stunned and devastated to open Facebook on Friday night and learn that Jason and his wife were now experiencing every parents worst nightmare. After 34 weeks of hope, excitement, love, caring and planning, they lost their baby.
Jason posted the following message on his Facebook page and just a few hours ago reached out and asked if I would share his message of grief… and hope and love with the AFi audience. Jason’s message is an important reminder to not take anything for granted and I was honored to be asked to share the post, both for my friend but also #forCalvin.
After 34 weeks of boundless joy and nervous anticipation, our son Calvin Luke, was delivered via c-section January 8, 2016. He was stillborn, a victim of preeclampsia, a rare and dangerous condition. My wife’s health is progressing well.
We held Calvin in our arms, a few hours maybe. He was beautiful, angelic, perfect. I kept him warm. Then he was gone from this world. Forever. The grief has been unbearable. Truthfully I do not know if I can survive this.
Our friends and family have sent wonderful prayers and condolences, and offers of help. We will manage, survive, beaten but not broken.
I appreciate your kind words, but what I ask is this: show my son there is so much love in this world.
Hold your children tighter, kiss their sweet faces, take them to the playground, push them on the swings. Say “yes” to dessert, let them stay up just a little later. Watch cartoons, go to the zoo and teach them about animals, read them one more bedtime story and sing them a lullaby. Ask them to tell you a story about dinosaurs or unicorns. Put their artwork on the front door.
Laugh with them, sing with them. Fill the world with their joy and laughter.
Do this everyday for them. But for today, do this For Calvin. Show him a lifetime of love and beauty in the world in one day.
With love and respect,
Calvin’s dad.
#forCalvin
No matter which way your spiritual compass points I ask that you keep Jason and his family in your prayers, your thoughts, your vibes, your wishes. It’s an unimaginable tragedy that they are living. Please honor a grieving fathers wishes and spread some love around your corner of the world. For Calvin.
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