UPDATES July 6, 2008

UPDATES
July 6, 2008

I spoke with the nurse this morning and Jack remains the same as yesterday. He was breathing about 8 breaths/minute with 32 second pauses before his breathing resumed. We thought yesterday was Jack’s resurrection day but the Lord tarries. He is comfortable and is medicated to ease the labored breathing.

One of his former students visited him yesterday. He is Mohommad Hajaligol. We had posted on the blog last fall a letter he had written to Jack that described how Jack had impacted him personally and professionally. Also, our dear friends, the Howells, from our Bible study, faithfully visit him each day. We thank all of you for your undying support and comfort.

I spoke with William Karaba last evening. William was Jack’s night caregiver. He asked if we minded if he came and sat with him last evening. William helped one of the night nurses turn and bath him. William, as well as Annette, who keeps calling to check on him, were wonderful caregivers who truly became part of our family.

I am posting an email from my sister-in-law Vicki that expresses it all:

Caroloyn:

As I was reading your blog this morning - it reminded me that this was one of the verses that we used in Vacation Bible School. This really addresses where Jack is in his race to the ultimate prize, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also reminded me of a verse in II Timothy 4:5-8 - when Paul was speaking to his son Timothy as Paul was dying - “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” This is Jack - he has fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith - he will surely be in the presence of the Lord - how glorious is that!

I wish I had had the opportunity to be around him a lot more than I was. But the few years that I was around him have made an enormous impact on me. At times, very slow and others very fast and the last few months, his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted my own spiritual growth... Praise be to God! The message you guys presented, I believe, will make a huge impact on lots of people

I love you and am keeping you all in my prayers - that is for the Lord to keep you and comfort you through these days.
Love,
Vicki

p.s. David, Matthew Ryan, Caleb and Sydney send their love!


We will continue to keep you posted. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband, Roy left yesterday. His sister, Myra and her family leave today. We are grateful for the time they have had with Jack. They all said that they got to say all the things they wanted to say. Truly, the blessing of cancer is the opportunity to say everything you want to say.

Carolyn and family