Carolyn's sister, Suzanne, sent us this amazing letter to boost our spirits. We'll post a bunch of letters like these as they come in so more of you can get to know the many facets of Jack's life and how he connects with and impacts people in a positive way. Without further ado:
••••
Dear Jack--
First thing, I apologize for waiting so long to say what you mean to me. For years I have had the desire to write you, only to be overwhelmed by fear. Today, by God's grace, I am fearless.
I have so many fond memories of you, and look forward to many more. Being the only healthy male role model in my life, I have learned what appropriate male behavior includes.
Since I am better at listing, here is my list about situations, loving moments, etc. where you have impacted met:
1. You gave me my first baseball and glove when I was 5 yrs. old. It was in a plastic toy package, and I was so amazed that you thought of me. As I became older, baseball was a huge activity when I played with the boys.
2. You allowed me to visit everyone in Boston as frequently as I wanted.
3. You have shared your children with me.
4. I was in awe when I watched how you adored your little girl, Courtenay. Amazed by your affection and attention to her.
5. I remember you and Jonathan being late for dinner in France because the 2 of you were calculating the speed of light in metrics (Jonathan was 5 years old!)
6. In a brotherly manner, when I was 14, you hid behind a door and scared the shit out of me. Now I can look back and laugh.
7. I love how you laugh at my jokes. Your sense of humor adds to any conversation around the dinner table.
8. I have admired the fatherly relationship you have with your daughter.
9. You adore my sister.
10. You exalt the Lord with your humility, grace, and submission to His will. We have a blood relation, as siblings, in Christ.
11. Your example, by His grace, is a testimony to the mercy of our Lord and Savior!
12. You now have the opportunity to experience peace beyond all understanding in Christ, as I have had with my past health challenges.
13. You know how to share your massive amount of knowledge in a way that someone like me can understand.
14. In more ways than one, you are an awesome teacher.
15. Some of my fondest memories are from being with you on your family's farm. We fished; you taught me how to catch guppies as bait; I had my first wonderful taste of spring water from a cavern in the woods; I rode the tractor with you (and by myself, at which point you saved my life); I milked a cow; tasted homemade butter; slept under a tin roof and listened to the rain.
16. We have laughed.
17. You have trusted me with your children on various trips.
18. You have been kind and gracious to my family.
19. In spite of not wanting pets in your house, you allowed us to bring Elizabeth and Alex, and even enjoyed their unique personalities.
20. You love my parents.
21. I have never heard you say an unkind word.
22. You handle your concerns with Carolyn behind closed doors.
23. By the grace of God, you are rejoicing in your new found opportunity.
24. You helped work on my fort with John Drees and showed us how to make a lock out of wood for the door.
25. You played with me, at my level, when I was a child.
26. You have represented a life of structure and routine which I am wanting to incorporate in my life.
27. You have lived a humble life, free from self-promotion.
28. You never have said a harsh word to me.
29. I love your laughter.
30. You love your children and represent this love in a way that a father should.
31. You have shared your parents and siblings with me.
32. You have given me an example of so many traits I want in my husband.
33. You have not taken life for granted.
34. You respect my sister.
35. You have provided for your family.
36. In spite of all you have heard or know about me, I have never felt judged or condemned by you.
Jack, I rejoice in seeing, hearing, and knowing how the Lord is blessing you and your family during this opportune time. I am grateful for your example of perseverance, joy, and testimony of Him! What an amazing miracle the Lord is blessing you with in the midst of such a challenge.
You are in my prayers. No matter where your current travels may take you, I know the journey will be amazing and the destination will be glorious. Thank you for being such a substantial, loving influence in my life. Praise be to God for you!
I love you with my whole heart-- Suzanne
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
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