A Cupar mother whose young son died suddenly five years ago is looking forward to a very special Christmas after one of the most poignant moments of her life.
Donna Jennings, whose five-year-old son Sam collapsed during a family outing, has returned to the spot at Cairnie Fruit Farm where he died, to play Mary in the Fife nativity play with her longed-for new baby son Jacob in her arms as baby Jesus.
Jacob was born just eight weeks ago, bringing fresh happiness to Donna, her husband Tom and daughters Joy, 13, and Zoe, 3, who was born two years after Sam died.
But she says that Jacob is “his own wee man” and that Sam will always be in the family’s heart.
“About a year after Sam’s death I went to Cairnie and saw a little boy standing on the spot where he died,” Donna said.
“He was wearing a T-shirt with ‘Jacob’ on it, and I felt it was a promise from the Lord that I would eventually have another boy.
“My faith has been tested but it was the only thing I had to hold on to during those dark days.
“Since Zoe was born I’ve had two miscarriages,” Donna revealed.
“One was a little boy we called Michael, who was disabled, and that loss was very hard. We’ve been through some really tough times but having the other children has brought so much joy.
“I have a broken heart but I know Sam is always with me and Jacob’s birth shows that there is always hope.”
The Fife Nativity has been drawing the crowds to Cairnie over the weekend with the final performance taking place last night.
The nativity was also a family affair with Donna’s daughter Joy playing the innkeeper’s daughter.
A charity has been set up in Sam’s memory www.fortheloveofachild.org.uk.