Dear Jack:
I have just heard the news as both Sandra and I have been in Australia for the last month away from regular email contact. We are thinking of you and Carolyn at this difficult time -- you are in our prayers. The reason for the trip to Australia was to see my younger brother who is going through a similar experience. There is no question that you and my brother have the key ingredients for survival: an indomitable spirit, fearlessness in facing the unknown, first rate medical care, a loving family and above all a sense of humor.
When I next see you I have a present -- a sample of Victorian brown coal that I collected during a recent visit to Morwell. Now I know that you are one of the world's experts on coal and have probably seen more than enough lumps of coal but there are two reasons for the gift. The first is symbolic. Under pressure the wet soggy mess can be turned into a sparkling diamond, from adversity can come real rewards. The second reason is more pragmatic, the world needs your help in dealing with the energy/climate problem -- coal is going to be an integral part of the solution. Your research in the past is once again at the cutting edge. Jack, we need you to get well soon.
I will be returning to the U.S. from my sabbatical in Norway at the end of September and hope that I can come and visit. At the very least we both have important upcoming birthdays to celebrate on October 16. In the meantime you and your family are in our thoughts. Please do not hesitate to contact either me or Sandra if there is anything we can do to help out.
Your friends
Greg and Sandra
Monday, September 10, 2007
Letter from Karen Gleason
Dear Jack,
From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to offer you my sincere thanks to you for being an absolutely amazing mentor and role model to me at the start of my MIT faculty career. Despite all your success and all the competing demands on your time, you freely offered your advice, support, and humor and never made me feel that affirmative action was not the only reason the department hired me. The NSF grant for diamond synthesis that you wrote with Herb and myself was really a turning point in my career. I always admired how deeply you care about science, and not just its hype (exactly how many fullerene models do you have?) and how strongly you could articulate your point with few words and without contentiousness. Your legacy as a faculty member still insprires me even though we are no longer in the same suite. Over the past few years I have enjoyed commiserating with you on occasion about the trials and tribulations of being an entrepeneur. I will always remember that you told me that the easiest way to make a small forture with a materials company was to start with a large fortune. I am still looking for the second easiest way! If there is anything at all that I could do that would help with the challenge you currently face, please do not hesitate to ask.
With my highest regards,
Karen
From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to offer you my sincere thanks to you for being an absolutely amazing mentor and role model to me at the start of my MIT faculty career. Despite all your success and all the competing demands on your time, you freely offered your advice, support, and humor and never made me feel that affirmative action was not the only reason the department hired me. The NSF grant for diamond synthesis that you wrote with Herb and myself was really a turning point in my career. I always admired how deeply you care about science, and not just its hype (exactly how many fullerene models do you have?) and how strongly you could articulate your point with few words and without contentiousness. Your legacy as a faculty member still insprires me even though we are no longer in the same suite. Over the past few years I have enjoyed commiserating with you on occasion about the trials and tribulations of being an entrepeneur. I will always remember that you told me that the easiest way to make a small forture with a materials company was to start with a large fortune. I am still looking for the second easiest way! If there is anything at all that I could do that would help with the challenge you currently face, please do not hesitate to ask.
With my highest regards,
Karen
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Update
We are by God’s grace redesigning our schedules. This weekend has been more relaxing. Jack continues to walk several miles each day; on the order of 4-6 miles/day. He says he wants to do this as long as he is able, as do we.
We actually went out for pizza last evening at a local restaurant. Since his stitches were taken out on Friday - complete with the glue that was used to keep the incision closed - the shaved spot on his head is barely noticeable. Thankfully, his head was not shaved just the area near the incision. When the Dr. was removing the glue, I told Jack that I always knew he was glued together now I could actually see the glue!
Jack still has a lot of difficulty speaking as well as use of his left hand. The physical therapist gave him some hand exercises to do with a rubber band. He said it is not possible to describe how difficult that is. That part of his brain has been impaired by the biopsy so it is as though he wants to do something that he remembers how to do but can't yet physically do.
Our pastor, Gordon Hugenberger visited us yesterday. We had an enjoyable and blessed time spending part of the afternoon with him. Jack commented to him that from the moment he was told there was a mass in his brain, that he has only felt calm. He told our pastor that if someone 2 months ago told him that they had his diagnosis that he would have thought how horrible that would be. With his diagnosis, he has felt none of that horror. I am so thankful. It brings to mind a verse from Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As Jack said yesterday, this tumor is not about me, it is about HIM, our Lord. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
I read this many years ago and copied it. The author is unknown. “Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances. Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good.”
We are in the most suitable place by His grace for His glory and our good. May you have a wonderful week mindful of our mighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We actually went out for pizza last evening at a local restaurant. Since his stitches were taken out on Friday - complete with the glue that was used to keep the incision closed - the shaved spot on his head is barely noticeable. Thankfully, his head was not shaved just the area near the incision. When the Dr. was removing the glue, I told Jack that I always knew he was glued together now I could actually see the glue!
Jack still has a lot of difficulty speaking as well as use of his left hand. The physical therapist gave him some hand exercises to do with a rubber band. He said it is not possible to describe how difficult that is. That part of his brain has been impaired by the biopsy so it is as though he wants to do something that he remembers how to do but can't yet physically do.
Our pastor, Gordon Hugenberger visited us yesterday. We had an enjoyable and blessed time spending part of the afternoon with him. Jack commented to him that from the moment he was told there was a mass in his brain, that he has only felt calm. He told our pastor that if someone 2 months ago told him that they had his diagnosis that he would have thought how horrible that would be. With his diagnosis, he has felt none of that horror. I am so thankful. It brings to mind a verse from Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As Jack said yesterday, this tumor is not about me, it is about HIM, our Lord. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
I read this many years ago and copied it. The author is unknown. “Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances. Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good.”
We are in the most suitable place by His grace for His glory and our good. May you have a wonderful week mindful of our mighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Update
Today was a fabulous day. Jack and I discussed the pros and cons of experimental drugs. My how our conversations have changed. We made a list of questions. We made some phone calls to MGH and prepared to go to MIT medical dept to have his stitches removed.
We arrived and went to the office that was expecting us. While we were waiting, Dr. Ghaggon sat down. I said I know you from somewhere. He said, I am Dr. Ghaggon. I said, I am Carolyn Howard and you did some minor surgery on me 5 years ago. He immediately remembered. We had some light conversation and we saw the nurse. Don’t forget this event.
We explained to the nurse, who by the way used to rescue us in acute care when our children were babies, that we had some questions. ( MIT medical is such a gem. Courtenay is 34 and has had the same Dr. since she was 5 months old.) She immediately transferred us to see Jack’s primary care Dr. We discussed with him some of our questions and he immediately told us he was going to make some phone calls and that maybe we should consider another opinion. I will hear from him tomorrow. He gave us copies of the full pathology report.
We then went back to the nurse, who could not see the stitches in Jack’s incision. She said I am going to call a surgeon in; I hope someone is available. She reached Dr. Ghaggon who said, I know Carolyn and I will be right up. The Lord is ever providing for the most minute details of our lives. Mathematicians would call this incident probability. We call it divine providence. How blessed we are.
Jack walked to the MIT Coop; we went out to lunch; did another errand at MIT. So if any of you saw some dashing person complete with his Celtics cap, it was the one and only Jack Howard.
Jack walked 2.5 miles yesterday; walked 4 miles today. He has increased strength in his left arm and essentially no limp. He was hoisting steps at MIT, 2 at a time. I never thought I would see this again. His speech seems to be the slowest in returning to normal.
As we struggled with the experimental drug decision, as we prayed for an answer, an answer came clearly this afternoon. I had placed a phone call to his radiologist that we really liked after I found out the neuro-oncologist was out for the week in spite of the fact that he wanted a decision by 9/5. The head research nurse was also out. We felt relieved.
Dr. Shih, the radiologist, returned my call. I explained our concerns and dilemma. I asked her about the trial and what they had observed. She said they have seen no changes with patients that would indicate this drug has some effect. I asked her if she thought Jack should participate. She said she could not recommend it since the tumor has apparently begun to spread after a closer study of the MRIs. She said the experimental drugs impair what she can do and so the radiation effect would not be as good as she can do without it. There are very rigid rules around experimental treatments. She is optimistic that Jack will respond and she wants to have as much opportunity to adjust his treatment as she can. She said the only thing that has really worked on these tumors is radiation. We are now beginning to question using Chemotherapy at all. We will pray and seek advice in this area as well.
Our wonderful neuromuscular massage therapist, Tom Chacko, consulted with a neurologist friend of his. This neurologist suggested only radiation. This will be our next line of prayer and questions to be answered.
•••
Jonathan insert:
Our conversations with the neurologist, Dr. Plotkin, the radiation oncologist, Dr. Shih, and finally the paperwork provided to us describing dad’s treatment options all state categorically that they expect radiation and chemo to have little to no effect on this kind of tumor. This is consistent with every conversation I’ve had with friends who’ve had loved ones diagnosed with highly aggressive cancers. The only treatments that seem to consistently offer long term health benefits in these cases are holistic and deal largely with nutrition regimens designed to activate the body’s natural healing centers.
That my parents would be open and willing to consider these holistic treatments in addition to being open and willing to forego chemo – which is known to absolutely annihilate people, include the mother of one of my best friends, who developed diabetes as a result of it – is an answer to one of only two prayers I’ve had through this whole situation. You guys can all guess what the other prayer is : )
•••
Jack has decided to participate in a board meeting on Monday and a phone conference regarding his patent work. Life is taking on new meaning and more normalcy. I would not have thought this would be possible.
Our daughter said it best this evening at dinner. “ Mom and Dad, this cancer is a real testimony because it is drawing us closer to the Lord.” She said He has made me more peaceful and accepting of all of these changes. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
We continue to be surrounded by so much tender, loving, care – true outpourings of so many hearts. We are touched and comforted. We would not change anything. Thank you all for making this journey easy.
Some lighter thoughts. Jack has always had “white coat syndrome” when he visits doctors his blood pressure rises. Even when we were in the emergency room and observing his monitors, Jack commented that his blood pressure was within the normal limits of the white coat syndrome (Only Jack computing normal limits in the ER)! I commented that this trip (all of it) may cure him of this syndrome.
All of you know that talking is something that I am most proficient with. I began at age 6 months and have never shut up. I told Jack, this event may cure me of talking. Please forgive me if I don’t return your calls. At times I have a phone in each hand. The bottom line, Jack and I both may have some benefits from this experience that were not expected!
Have a wonderful weekend.
I will update this blog as changes occur.
Carolyn
We arrived and went to the office that was expecting us. While we were waiting, Dr. Ghaggon sat down. I said I know you from somewhere. He said, I am Dr. Ghaggon. I said, I am Carolyn Howard and you did some minor surgery on me 5 years ago. He immediately remembered. We had some light conversation and we saw the nurse. Don’t forget this event.
We explained to the nurse, who by the way used to rescue us in acute care when our children were babies, that we had some questions. ( MIT medical is such a gem. Courtenay is 34 and has had the same Dr. since she was 5 months old.) She immediately transferred us to see Jack’s primary care Dr. We discussed with him some of our questions and he immediately told us he was going to make some phone calls and that maybe we should consider another opinion. I will hear from him tomorrow. He gave us copies of the full pathology report.
We then went back to the nurse, who could not see the stitches in Jack’s incision. She said I am going to call a surgeon in; I hope someone is available. She reached Dr. Ghaggon who said, I know Carolyn and I will be right up. The Lord is ever providing for the most minute details of our lives. Mathematicians would call this incident probability. We call it divine providence. How blessed we are.
Jack walked to the MIT Coop; we went out to lunch; did another errand at MIT. So if any of you saw some dashing person complete with his Celtics cap, it was the one and only Jack Howard.
Jack walked 2.5 miles yesterday; walked 4 miles today. He has increased strength in his left arm and essentially no limp. He was hoisting steps at MIT, 2 at a time. I never thought I would see this again. His speech seems to be the slowest in returning to normal.
As we struggled with the experimental drug decision, as we prayed for an answer, an answer came clearly this afternoon. I had placed a phone call to his radiologist that we really liked after I found out the neuro-oncologist was out for the week in spite of the fact that he wanted a decision by 9/5. The head research nurse was also out. We felt relieved.
Dr. Shih, the radiologist, returned my call. I explained our concerns and dilemma. I asked her about the trial and what they had observed. She said they have seen no changes with patients that would indicate this drug has some effect. I asked her if she thought Jack should participate. She said she could not recommend it since the tumor has apparently begun to spread after a closer study of the MRIs. She said the experimental drugs impair what she can do and so the radiation effect would not be as good as she can do without it. There are very rigid rules around experimental treatments. She is optimistic that Jack will respond and she wants to have as much opportunity to adjust his treatment as she can. She said the only thing that has really worked on these tumors is radiation. We are now beginning to question using Chemotherapy at all. We will pray and seek advice in this area as well.
Our wonderful neuromuscular massage therapist, Tom Chacko, consulted with a neurologist friend of his. This neurologist suggested only radiation. This will be our next line of prayer and questions to be answered.
•••
Jonathan insert:
Our conversations with the neurologist, Dr. Plotkin, the radiation oncologist, Dr. Shih, and finally the paperwork provided to us describing dad’s treatment options all state categorically that they expect radiation and chemo to have little to no effect on this kind of tumor. This is consistent with every conversation I’ve had with friends who’ve had loved ones diagnosed with highly aggressive cancers. The only treatments that seem to consistently offer long term health benefits in these cases are holistic and deal largely with nutrition regimens designed to activate the body’s natural healing centers.
That my parents would be open and willing to consider these holistic treatments in addition to being open and willing to forego chemo – which is known to absolutely annihilate people, include the mother of one of my best friends, who developed diabetes as a result of it – is an answer to one of only two prayers I’ve had through this whole situation. You guys can all guess what the other prayer is : )
•••
Jack has decided to participate in a board meeting on Monday and a phone conference regarding his patent work. Life is taking on new meaning and more normalcy. I would not have thought this would be possible.
Our daughter said it best this evening at dinner. “ Mom and Dad, this cancer is a real testimony because it is drawing us closer to the Lord.” She said He has made me more peaceful and accepting of all of these changes. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
We continue to be surrounded by so much tender, loving, care – true outpourings of so many hearts. We are touched and comforted. We would not change anything. Thank you all for making this journey easy.
Some lighter thoughts. Jack has always had “white coat syndrome” when he visits doctors his blood pressure rises. Even when we were in the emergency room and observing his monitors, Jack commented that his blood pressure was within the normal limits of the white coat syndrome (Only Jack computing normal limits in the ER)! I commented that this trip (all of it) may cure him of this syndrome.
All of you know that talking is something that I am most proficient with. I began at age 6 months and have never shut up. I told Jack, this event may cure me of talking. Please forgive me if I don’t return your calls. At times I have a phone in each hand. The bottom line, Jack and I both may have some benefits from this experience that were not expected!
Have a wonderful weekend.
I will update this blog as changes occur.
Carolyn
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Update
Hello everyone:
As Jack and I were eating dinner last evening and enjoying the cool of late summer (44 degrees here this AM), Jack told me he ascended and descended our stairs several times today. As I mentioned earlier, he clocked his 40 laps around the house, measured to the 100th of a mile (of course). I am thankful he is staying active. He is also able to raise both arms at the same height and the same speed, an exercise that the neuromuscular massage therapist gave him to do.
We anticipate many challenges ahead but we also fully expect our Lord to uphold us and carry us through each step of the way. "Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things;" Psalm 98:1(first part).
Have a joyful and expectant day,
Carolyn
As Jack and I were eating dinner last evening and enjoying the cool of late summer (44 degrees here this AM), Jack told me he ascended and descended our stairs several times today. As I mentioned earlier, he clocked his 40 laps around the house, measured to the 100th of a mile (of course). I am thankful he is staying active. He is also able to raise both arms at the same height and the same speed, an exercise that the neuromuscular massage therapist gave him to do.
We anticipate many challenges ahead but we also fully expect our Lord to uphold us and carry us through each step of the way. "Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things;" Psalm 98:1(first part).
Have a joyful and expectant day,
Carolyn
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A Great Letter from Suzanne Butler
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
••••
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
Sunday, September 2, 2007
This Weekend
Hello everyone:
This weekend was wonderful. We were flanked by friends and family as everyone embraces us with their care. On Saturday, Jack's CEO, Victor Vejins and his lovely wife Libby, along with one of his board members visited us. We enjoyed a delicious blueberry pie that Victor and Libby brought. Along with being a beautiful day, we enjoyed the fun, food, and fellowship of dear people. Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself. Yesterday, a former student of Jack's Jim Bittner and his charming wife, Pam came along with MIT colleagues the Armstrongs and Hattons. Among the flowers and delicious food they brought, we spent another lovely afternoon with our professional family. It is most amazing to see the outpouring of tender, loving care which was also felt by me at church in the morning by our church friends and pastor.
Today, was a no visitor day. I took Jonathan and Megan to the airport around 5 AM only to return and sleep another 2 hours. We had a lovely, wonderful day talking, sharing, crying, laughing, and enjoying each moment in a different kind of way.
Some very good Jack acheivements are showering, dressing, descending and asending stairs on his own. He hasn't mastered breakfast yet but that will be the next step!!! Remember my breakfast story and his illusions! Today he clocked about 1 mile of walking (not his usual 3-5 miles) but a great beginning. We were out measuring the walkway and of course he was marking out the distance around our house. He hasn't done his calculations yet to determine how far he walked but I am sure we will know soon. Our massage therapist has him doing breathing exercises as well which he also did today. I came home yesterday to find him unloading the dishwasher. Things are looking much improved.
Megan and Jonathan have begun their hunt for apartments. I think they have decided Somerville and/or Medford could be good options for them. They have a lot on their plate in organizing a fairly hasty move to Boston to be with us and help support us and as Jonathan said, "spend as much time with his Dad as possible". We desire your prayers for living space and jobs for them. Our dear friends, the Browns (Bob Brown is now President of Boston University) will be receiving their resumes for possible job leads.
This evening we drove down to Nano-C, Jack's company, where Jack cleaned his desk a little, washed his coffee cup, picked up some more work (Victor will be happy with this one) and left some treats for the Nano-C family to enjoy this week.
I got to swim and work out today so my endomorphins are over-riding my new best friend, adrenaline.
We are slowly adjusting to our new lifestyle with the help of so many people.
We thank the Lord for all of you and look forward to much more interaction than we have had in recent times. So many of you have offered so much. You will hear from me, I am sure.
Have a blessed week.
Carolyn
This weekend was wonderful. We were flanked by friends and family as everyone embraces us with their care. On Saturday, Jack's CEO, Victor Vejins and his lovely wife Libby, along with one of his board members visited us. We enjoyed a delicious blueberry pie that Victor and Libby brought. Along with being a beautiful day, we enjoyed the fun, food, and fellowship of dear people. Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself. Yesterday, a former student of Jack's Jim Bittner and his charming wife, Pam came along with MIT colleagues the Armstrongs and Hattons. Among the flowers and delicious food they brought, we spent another lovely afternoon with our professional family. It is most amazing to see the outpouring of tender, loving care which was also felt by me at church in the morning by our church friends and pastor.
Today, was a no visitor day. I took Jonathan and Megan to the airport around 5 AM only to return and sleep another 2 hours. We had a lovely, wonderful day talking, sharing, crying, laughing, and enjoying each moment in a different kind of way.
Some very good Jack acheivements are showering, dressing, descending and asending stairs on his own. He hasn't mastered breakfast yet but that will be the next step!!! Remember my breakfast story and his illusions! Today he clocked about 1 mile of walking (not his usual 3-5 miles) but a great beginning. We were out measuring the walkway and of course he was marking out the distance around our house. He hasn't done his calculations yet to determine how far he walked but I am sure we will know soon. Our massage therapist has him doing breathing exercises as well which he also did today. I came home yesterday to find him unloading the dishwasher. Things are looking much improved.
Megan and Jonathan have begun their hunt for apartments. I think they have decided Somerville and/or Medford could be good options for them. They have a lot on their plate in organizing a fairly hasty move to Boston to be with us and help support us and as Jonathan said, "spend as much time with his Dad as possible". We desire your prayers for living space and jobs for them. Our dear friends, the Browns (Bob Brown is now President of Boston University) will be receiving their resumes for possible job leads.
This evening we drove down to Nano-C, Jack's company, where Jack cleaned his desk a little, washed his coffee cup, picked up some more work (Victor will be happy with this one) and left some treats for the Nano-C family to enjoy this week.
I got to swim and work out today so my endomorphins are over-riding my new best friend, adrenaline.
We are slowly adjusting to our new lifestyle with the help of so many people.
We thank the Lord for all of you and look forward to much more interaction than we have had in recent times. So many of you have offered so much. You will hear from me, I am sure.
Have a blessed week.
Carolyn
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