UPDATE
July 2, 2008
I spoke with the nurses when I got up this morning. Jack had a restful night and had wanted a glass of buttermilk, one of his favorite Southern drinks. He drank about ¾ of a cup. He stopped eating yesterday so per the doctor will likely not last long now.
His Dr. said he had never seen anything quite like this before. Last evening when Dr. Kettyle checked on him, Jack told him that he woke him up (Jack’s voice is barely audible now) but thanked him for checking on him. Jack told him he had no pain and that he was comfortable.
Yesterday, Myra, Jack’s sister, and I were talking to him as we stood by his bed. He looked up and feebly said, “Double Trouble” and then laughed.
He is comfortable. He has had many people visiting and bidding him goodbye. He is content – his and our cups runneth over thanks be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Carolyn and family
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
UPDATES July 1, 2008
UPDATES
July 1, 2008
Jack is continuing to decline. He took a significant downturn yesterday with a change in breathing and eating. He was not responsive at all yesterday morning but woke up briefly yesterday afternoon coupled with wanting something to eat last evening.
I fed him chicken noodle soup, some watermelon mashed up, and jello. He ate all of it but was very exhausted by the process. He can barely speak at this point. He is no longer on any of his medications. The breathing change is a result of the brain stem swelling per the Doctor.
Jack’s sister, Myra, arrived yesterday. My sister, Suzanne, arrives tomorrow. We continue to covet your prayers that the Lord will sustain us and grant Jack a peaceful death and into the arms of his beloved Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Our confidence is not in this flesh but in Christ, who alone is worthy to be praised.
For those of you who may be wondering, after Jack’s passing away, we will plan to have a memorial service in Boston about two weeks from his time of death to allow anyone that may want to attend to get here. We plan to have another service in KY the second weekend in September which coincides with Jack’s Mother’s family reunion. With many family members and friends in KY, we feel that it is important to share and celebrate what Jack has given all of us over the years. Jack will be buried in Skaggs Creek Cementery which is very near the farm he grew up on. Burial will be private.
Thank you and blessings to all of you who have traveled this journey with us. We are thankful for all of you.
Blessings,
Carolyn
July 1, 2008
Jack is continuing to decline. He took a significant downturn yesterday with a change in breathing and eating. He was not responsive at all yesterday morning but woke up briefly yesterday afternoon coupled with wanting something to eat last evening.
I fed him chicken noodle soup, some watermelon mashed up, and jello. He ate all of it but was very exhausted by the process. He can barely speak at this point. He is no longer on any of his medications. The breathing change is a result of the brain stem swelling per the Doctor.
Jack’s sister, Myra, arrived yesterday. My sister, Suzanne, arrives tomorrow. We continue to covet your prayers that the Lord will sustain us and grant Jack a peaceful death and into the arms of his beloved Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Our confidence is not in this flesh but in Christ, who alone is worthy to be praised.
For those of you who may be wondering, after Jack’s passing away, we will plan to have a memorial service in Boston about two weeks from his time of death to allow anyone that may want to attend to get here. We plan to have another service in KY the second weekend in September which coincides with Jack’s Mother’s family reunion. With many family members and friends in KY, we feel that it is important to share and celebrate what Jack has given all of us over the years. Jack will be buried in Skaggs Creek Cementery which is very near the farm he grew up on. Burial will be private.
Thank you and blessings to all of you who have traveled this journey with us. We are thankful for all of you.
Blessings,
Carolyn
Saturday, June 28, 2008
UPDATES June 28, 2008
UPDATES
June 28, 2008
Jack was moved on Wednesday to the MIT medical infirmary to a hospice setting. He has declined tremendously over the last week gradually losing his ability to walk or transfer. It became a dangerous situation for Jack, as well as the caregivers and myself. With his doctors, we decided that he needed much more care.
He sleeps a lot now but still recognizes each person that he sees and acknowledges them by name. He is very agitated and restless. They are giving him medication to make him more comfortable. His primary care physician told us yesterday that he likely has only about 2 weeks left. My hope and prayer is that the Lord will take him quickly since Jack is so uncomfortable now.
Jack was scheduled to give his testimony at church tomorrow. Since he is unable to do it, I will be doing it for him. I have included it as part of the blog.
We continue to desire your prayers and care.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
TESTIMONY
June 29, 2008
Over the years, we have been concerned that we were not effective in speaking of our love for the Lord as much as we should. At one point, I wrote a dear pastor who is a family friend with this concern. His reply has always been an encouragement to me. It was “Carolyn, if you are one of His, it will leak out somewhere.”
Last August 22, 2007, the Lord gave us a very special opportunity. Jack and I have been enormously touched by the Lord with the abundance of Himself as He drew us near to Him over our lives individually and together. All of the events of our lives have been divine gifts, even this one that I am about to describe to you.
As I stand before you this morning, Jack is in a much more weakened condition in the MIT medical infirmary. He had been so hopeful, with much planning, that he could be here to give our testimony. He truly wanted to share how the Lord has worked in his life even in his illness as well as our lives. To quote him from a recent comment, “the best part of getting weaker and weaker is that I am getting closer and closer to the Lord.” As he is listening on the radio with his brother, Keith by his side, I bring our feeble words of hope to all of you, especially to our children, Courtenay, Jonathan, and Megan.
Jack and I have been working for many years, enjoying our lives together and our children, Courtenay, Jonathan, and Megan (our daughter-in-law). Last summer after 2 major falls and some minor difficulty using his left hand, Jack consulted his doctor at MIT. He was sent immediately to MGH for tests. The results came back that they had found a mass the size of a racket ball in the right frontal lobe of his brain. They needed to do more scans and tests to determine what it was. The results came back that he had grade 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. They determined it was inoperable due to the location – surgery would likely create left side paralysis (the treatment did instead). On that first day, when the doctors first told us about the mass in Jack’s brain, I personally felt physically ill and numb. I felt a strong need to throw up. The sensation in my body was riveting. Over the weeks and months of this disease, I have experienced much emotional and physical pain. My heart felt like someone took it out, sliced it up and then jumped on it. I have developed a chronic problem with my hands that no one can figure out. My inability to sleep at times has been debilitating. Initially, I had tremendous difficulty even being in our home. I saw Jack everywhere in my mind. However, in spite of my physical response which has continued over the last 10 months to create several health issues for me as Jack’s wife, the Lord was and is so clearly with us as I am about to describe.
From the first day of the news, the Lord gave us a very special peace and strength. I Tim 1:12 came to mind – “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
At the first mention of the brain mass, we immediately responded by talking about no bad outcomes here – if Jack survives, we can continue our earthly walk with our Lord and each other. If Jack does not survive he will be with the Lord in glory worshipping Him forever, perfectly. Psalm 112:7 came to mind for us – “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look with triumph on his foes.”
As we discussed the events and the days ahead, we were blessed with the realization that the Lord had placed His special hand on us once again – first in drawing us to Himself and now an opportunity to proclaim Him. This experience truly was a ministry opportunity for us that as I said to my mother, we cannot blow. To quote Jack, "many people do not have the opportunity to see this much beauty and majesty in their lives. I feel very content, my cup runs over.”
This moment in time was our ministry moment. Our primary goals in this trial were and are as follows:
1. Exalt and bring honor to our Lord in each step of the journey.
2. Acknowledge Him to all people that we encounter along the way.
3. Trust the Lord for His care and provision for us.
4. Pray for submission to His will in our lives.
We thought of Paul in Romans 8:18
“For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
We can speak of our Lord in our lives but the world is truly watching during a trial such as this one. They begin to measure ones words with the action that they see. So as we have journeyed this course from the treatments, surgeries, recoveries, side effects of the treatments, and the disease itself, the Lord has carried us into the arms of caregivers who have prayed with us and for us, into the legions of prayers that have gone up all over the world from family to Jack’s former MIT students, colleagues, and friends that we have or have made in our life’s journey. We have received letters, cards, emails, and comments on our website from people that we have never heard of from all over this country. They are all marching with us during this last phase of Jack’s life. The Lord has made the experience breathtaking as we experience His hand on our lives. The Lord has truly supplied all of our needs; from caregivers from Haiti, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to the meals that have been given to us when I thought, “Oh me, what is going to be for dinner?” We have been touched by others who are also afflicted. We have experienced joy, sadness, laughter, tears, love, prayer, hugs, support and genuine outpourings from so many such as yourselves. From 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him…..And so we will be the Lord forever.”
Jack’s impact on his students and colleagues at MIT over the years has been amazing. Jack’s regret recently has been that he was not more vocal about His love for the Lord and the Lord’s love for him. I have tried to encourage Jack by telling him that some people walk with the Lord as evidenced by their lives. Others do the talking or the Lord gives a new opportunity to talk which He has done for us. There have many letters, cards, and emails that have encouraged Jack in this regard. A recent card from a MIT colleague commented that “one of the reasons she had stayed at MIT over the years brought to mind Jack – as the prototypical ‘force of all things good’ that lifts up everyone around them. To quote her – “Even though my research area did not overlap with Jack’s, he had a powerful influence on me during our years together in the Chemical Engineering Department. Yes, he set a high standard for brilliance and hard work, but most importantly, for collegiality and general wisdom about how to live life well, and how to treat others around you. I got to know Jack at a time when I was a bit lost in many aspects of life and his incredible devotion to family and God helped me find my way back to church and to Christ. In your blog, you bring faith in the Lord to life in the most amazing, inspirational manner, it is such a beautiful testament.” What an encouragement this card was to us at a time when it felt that we had been forgotten. We praise our Lord for each and every moment we can proclaim Him whether through our website (www.howardupdates.blogspot.com), through the friends, family, and colleagues who share this time with us.
Jack’s cancer is progressing now – the likely final phase in his journey is quickly approaching. In John 15:16, our Lord says: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit –fruit that will last.” Our prayer is that in this difficult journey that so many of you are sharing with us that the Lord produces the fruit that will last. “Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” We have asked for opportunity to exalt and praise our King and Lord and talk about His care for us throughout this time in our lives and particularly at this time. Our prayers have been and are continuing to be answered.
There are several verses that I want to close with that have provided sustenance and encouragement to us. They are as follows:
Rom 8:28-32 – “And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What shall we say in response to this? If God be for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all – how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
What then can we say?
Psalm 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 70:4-5 – But may all who seek you, rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted.” Yet I am poor and needy, come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer, O Lord, do not delay.”
And now to all of you who have been prayer warriors with us and for us I say as Paul spoke to the Phillipians in 4:4-9
“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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I want to close with Jack’s words to Courtenay on Thursday evening as she put her hand on him to tell him how much she loves him – he took her hand and looked at her, barely able to speak and quoted from Proverbs 3:5
“Honey, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
I want to add vs. 6
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
And lastly:
Eph 1:6
“To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved.”
AMEN!
June 28, 2008
Jack was moved on Wednesday to the MIT medical infirmary to a hospice setting. He has declined tremendously over the last week gradually losing his ability to walk or transfer. It became a dangerous situation for Jack, as well as the caregivers and myself. With his doctors, we decided that he needed much more care.
He sleeps a lot now but still recognizes each person that he sees and acknowledges them by name. He is very agitated and restless. They are giving him medication to make him more comfortable. His primary care physician told us yesterday that he likely has only about 2 weeks left. My hope and prayer is that the Lord will take him quickly since Jack is so uncomfortable now.
Jack was scheduled to give his testimony at church tomorrow. Since he is unable to do it, I will be doing it for him. I have included it as part of the blog.
We continue to desire your prayers and care.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
TESTIMONY
June 29, 2008
Over the years, we have been concerned that we were not effective in speaking of our love for the Lord as much as we should. At one point, I wrote a dear pastor who is a family friend with this concern. His reply has always been an encouragement to me. It was “Carolyn, if you are one of His, it will leak out somewhere.”
Last August 22, 2007, the Lord gave us a very special opportunity. Jack and I have been enormously touched by the Lord with the abundance of Himself as He drew us near to Him over our lives individually and together. All of the events of our lives have been divine gifts, even this one that I am about to describe to you.
As I stand before you this morning, Jack is in a much more weakened condition in the MIT medical infirmary. He had been so hopeful, with much planning, that he could be here to give our testimony. He truly wanted to share how the Lord has worked in his life even in his illness as well as our lives. To quote him from a recent comment, “the best part of getting weaker and weaker is that I am getting closer and closer to the Lord.” As he is listening on the radio with his brother, Keith by his side, I bring our feeble words of hope to all of you, especially to our children, Courtenay, Jonathan, and Megan.
Jack and I have been working for many years, enjoying our lives together and our children, Courtenay, Jonathan, and Megan (our daughter-in-law). Last summer after 2 major falls and some minor difficulty using his left hand, Jack consulted his doctor at MIT. He was sent immediately to MGH for tests. The results came back that they had found a mass the size of a racket ball in the right frontal lobe of his brain. They needed to do more scans and tests to determine what it was. The results came back that he had grade 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. They determined it was inoperable due to the location – surgery would likely create left side paralysis (the treatment did instead). On that first day, when the doctors first told us about the mass in Jack’s brain, I personally felt physically ill and numb. I felt a strong need to throw up. The sensation in my body was riveting. Over the weeks and months of this disease, I have experienced much emotional and physical pain. My heart felt like someone took it out, sliced it up and then jumped on it. I have developed a chronic problem with my hands that no one can figure out. My inability to sleep at times has been debilitating. Initially, I had tremendous difficulty even being in our home. I saw Jack everywhere in my mind. However, in spite of my physical response which has continued over the last 10 months to create several health issues for me as Jack’s wife, the Lord was and is so clearly with us as I am about to describe.
From the first day of the news, the Lord gave us a very special peace and strength. I Tim 1:12 came to mind – “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
At the first mention of the brain mass, we immediately responded by talking about no bad outcomes here – if Jack survives, we can continue our earthly walk with our Lord and each other. If Jack does not survive he will be with the Lord in glory worshipping Him forever, perfectly. Psalm 112:7 came to mind for us – “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look with triumph on his foes.”
As we discussed the events and the days ahead, we were blessed with the realization that the Lord had placed His special hand on us once again – first in drawing us to Himself and now an opportunity to proclaim Him. This experience truly was a ministry opportunity for us that as I said to my mother, we cannot blow. To quote Jack, "many people do not have the opportunity to see this much beauty and majesty in their lives. I feel very content, my cup runs over.”
This moment in time was our ministry moment. Our primary goals in this trial were and are as follows:
1. Exalt and bring honor to our Lord in each step of the journey.
2. Acknowledge Him to all people that we encounter along the way.
3. Trust the Lord for His care and provision for us.
4. Pray for submission to His will in our lives.
We thought of Paul in Romans 8:18
“For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
We can speak of our Lord in our lives but the world is truly watching during a trial such as this one. They begin to measure ones words with the action that they see. So as we have journeyed this course from the treatments, surgeries, recoveries, side effects of the treatments, and the disease itself, the Lord has carried us into the arms of caregivers who have prayed with us and for us, into the legions of prayers that have gone up all over the world from family to Jack’s former MIT students, colleagues, and friends that we have or have made in our life’s journey. We have received letters, cards, emails, and comments on our website from people that we have never heard of from all over this country. They are all marching with us during this last phase of Jack’s life. The Lord has made the experience breathtaking as we experience His hand on our lives. The Lord has truly supplied all of our needs; from caregivers from Haiti, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to the meals that have been given to us when I thought, “Oh me, what is going to be for dinner?” We have been touched by others who are also afflicted. We have experienced joy, sadness, laughter, tears, love, prayer, hugs, support and genuine outpourings from so many such as yourselves. From 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him…..And so we will be the Lord forever.”
Jack’s impact on his students and colleagues at MIT over the years has been amazing. Jack’s regret recently has been that he was not more vocal about His love for the Lord and the Lord’s love for him. I have tried to encourage Jack by telling him that some people walk with the Lord as evidenced by their lives. Others do the talking or the Lord gives a new opportunity to talk which He has done for us. There have many letters, cards, and emails that have encouraged Jack in this regard. A recent card from a MIT colleague commented that “one of the reasons she had stayed at MIT over the years brought to mind Jack – as the prototypical ‘force of all things good’ that lifts up everyone around them. To quote her – “Even though my research area did not overlap with Jack’s, he had a powerful influence on me during our years together in the Chemical Engineering Department. Yes, he set a high standard for brilliance and hard work, but most importantly, for collegiality and general wisdom about how to live life well, and how to treat others around you. I got to know Jack at a time when I was a bit lost in many aspects of life and his incredible devotion to family and God helped me find my way back to church and to Christ. In your blog, you bring faith in the Lord to life in the most amazing, inspirational manner, it is such a beautiful testament.” What an encouragement this card was to us at a time when it felt that we had been forgotten. We praise our Lord for each and every moment we can proclaim Him whether through our website (www.howardupdates.blogspot.com), through the friends, family, and colleagues who share this time with us.
Jack’s cancer is progressing now – the likely final phase in his journey is quickly approaching. In John 15:16, our Lord says: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit –fruit that will last.” Our prayer is that in this difficult journey that so many of you are sharing with us that the Lord produces the fruit that will last. “Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” We have asked for opportunity to exalt and praise our King and Lord and talk about His care for us throughout this time in our lives and particularly at this time. Our prayers have been and are continuing to be answered.
There are several verses that I want to close with that have provided sustenance and encouragement to us. They are as follows:
Rom 8:28-32 – “And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What shall we say in response to this? If God be for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all – how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
What then can we say?
Psalm 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 70:4-5 – But may all who seek you, rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted.” Yet I am poor and needy, come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer, O Lord, do not delay.”
And now to all of you who have been prayer warriors with us and for us I say as Paul spoke to the Phillipians in 4:4-9
“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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I want to close with Jack’s words to Courtenay on Thursday evening as she put her hand on him to tell him how much she loves him – he took her hand and looked at her, barely able to speak and quoted from Proverbs 3:5
“Honey, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
I want to add vs. 6
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
And lastly:
Eph 1:6
“To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved.”
AMEN!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
UPDATES June 11, 2008
UPDATES
June 9, 2008
Spring is in full bloom and if I didn’t realize where we are, I would think we were firmly planted back in the South based on the weather. We have been having Southern summer-like weather for a few days now. Most New Englanders think I am crazy but I love it. It brings me back to my roots.
We have been having some issues with Jack recently. About 2 weeks ago, after a particularly busy day, he became immobilized. He could not stand up or walk. After help from Jonathan, we were able to get him to the bathroom and to bed. The next day, Jack slept most of the day and was very confused. As I have mentioned in the past, breakfast is Jack’s most important meal, especially mentally. On that particular day, he called me at 5:00 PM to ask me why he was being given snack food instead of his usual breakfast. Why had I not told him there was a big change in the schedule. I told him that he was confused but that he could eat breakfast anytime he wanted. He got breakfast for the second time that day.
As a result of this event, I contacted his Dr. who ordered a MRI for last week instead of the end of June. The news came back that Jack’s cancer has spread to the other side of his brain. It has moved to the part of his brain that controls his ability to walk. He will likely lose his ability to walk over the next weeks. Jack and I were prepared for this information since we have observed him walking slower and having less energy. He told Jonathan yesterday that he is just so tired.
As Jack and I discussed the inevitable of this disease, he said he was so glad it was him instead of me because he feels that I can better handle the family better than him. I assured him that my abilities are only part of a team that we have been for 39 years. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Jack said last week that the best part of getting weaker and weaker is that he is getting closer and closer to the Lord. There is great comfort in this knowledge. We covet your prayers as the Lord closes out Jack’s earthly life and as he prepares for his eternal rest.
The caregivers have changed again. The law student did not work out. We began with another woman, Donna, who could not do the job. She lasted 2 days. Annette wanted to come back but only on days. She is willing to stay over if I need to be out of town. We are very happy to have her back. She is very competent. We work well together. After 5 children, nothing disturbs her.
She is willing and ready to provide us with excellent care and most importantly, trustworthy care. We are thankful for her return. She leaves at 7:00 PM. We can have a family dinner together. After dinner, I either read to Jack or we watch some television. I then help him get to bed. We have adjusted. Someone recently invited me to participate in a fitness center for a boot camp experience. I wrote back that I was already enrolled in boot camp. I am most grateful that I am able to do some of Jack’s care. We laugh, we cry, we enjoy each moment together.
We continue to enjoy the beautiful weather. I have had Jack either sitting on our screened porch or in his wheelchair outside while I dig in the dirt and work in our garden. There is nothing more healing for me than to dig in the dirt for hours on end. The work gives almost instant gratification. Anytime, you want to walk through the garden, please stop by and enjoy. It is really beautiful this time of year. It wraps around the house and is always a work in process. Let me know if you like to dig in the dirt, there is always a job to do.
As we prepare for the last phase of this illness, we continue to covet your prayers for us. It is difficult to imagine the next book in my life since Jack has been the main character in my life for two thirds of it. We are both submitted to the Lord in this challenge and will continue to trust Him for his care, love, and provision.
Jack and I have a favorite hymn that we grew up singing. The title is “It is Well with my Soul”.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll:
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
‘It is well, It is well with my soul.’
Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
Even so – it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Blessings,
Carolyn
June 9, 2008
Spring is in full bloom and if I didn’t realize where we are, I would think we were firmly planted back in the South based on the weather. We have been having Southern summer-like weather for a few days now. Most New Englanders think I am crazy but I love it. It brings me back to my roots.
We have been having some issues with Jack recently. About 2 weeks ago, after a particularly busy day, he became immobilized. He could not stand up or walk. After help from Jonathan, we were able to get him to the bathroom and to bed. The next day, Jack slept most of the day and was very confused. As I have mentioned in the past, breakfast is Jack’s most important meal, especially mentally. On that particular day, he called me at 5:00 PM to ask me why he was being given snack food instead of his usual breakfast. Why had I not told him there was a big change in the schedule. I told him that he was confused but that he could eat breakfast anytime he wanted. He got breakfast for the second time that day.
As a result of this event, I contacted his Dr. who ordered a MRI for last week instead of the end of June. The news came back that Jack’s cancer has spread to the other side of his brain. It has moved to the part of his brain that controls his ability to walk. He will likely lose his ability to walk over the next weeks. Jack and I were prepared for this information since we have observed him walking slower and having less energy. He told Jonathan yesterday that he is just so tired.
As Jack and I discussed the inevitable of this disease, he said he was so glad it was him instead of me because he feels that I can better handle the family better than him. I assured him that my abilities are only part of a team that we have been for 39 years. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Jack said last week that the best part of getting weaker and weaker is that he is getting closer and closer to the Lord. There is great comfort in this knowledge. We covet your prayers as the Lord closes out Jack’s earthly life and as he prepares for his eternal rest.
The caregivers have changed again. The law student did not work out. We began with another woman, Donna, who could not do the job. She lasted 2 days. Annette wanted to come back but only on days. She is willing to stay over if I need to be out of town. We are very happy to have her back. She is very competent. We work well together. After 5 children, nothing disturbs her.
She is willing and ready to provide us with excellent care and most importantly, trustworthy care. We are thankful for her return. She leaves at 7:00 PM. We can have a family dinner together. After dinner, I either read to Jack or we watch some television. I then help him get to bed. We have adjusted. Someone recently invited me to participate in a fitness center for a boot camp experience. I wrote back that I was already enrolled in boot camp. I am most grateful that I am able to do some of Jack’s care. We laugh, we cry, we enjoy each moment together.
We continue to enjoy the beautiful weather. I have had Jack either sitting on our screened porch or in his wheelchair outside while I dig in the dirt and work in our garden. There is nothing more healing for me than to dig in the dirt for hours on end. The work gives almost instant gratification. Anytime, you want to walk through the garden, please stop by and enjoy. It is really beautiful this time of year. It wraps around the house and is always a work in process. Let me know if you like to dig in the dirt, there is always a job to do.
As we prepare for the last phase of this illness, we continue to covet your prayers for us. It is difficult to imagine the next book in my life since Jack has been the main character in my life for two thirds of it. We are both submitted to the Lord in this challenge and will continue to trust Him for his care, love, and provision.
Jack and I have a favorite hymn that we grew up singing. The title is “It is Well with my Soul”.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll:
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
‘It is well, It is well with my soul.’
Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
Even so – it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Blessings,
Carolyn
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
UPDATE May 24-27, 2008
UPDATE
May 24, 2008
The good news is that Jack continues to remain stable as does Carolyn and family. We are always thankful for what now has become our routine. The Lord continues to supply our every need for which we can only give praise to Him, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
After my week off for “oxygen” in April, my trip to CA for business, and then to New Orleans for business and pleasure, I am most grateful to be safely home and back into the comforts of home.
New Orleans was a remarkable experience. Jack’s sister, Myra, and I survived the week together or should I better say that New Orleans survived the week with us together. Myra and I were roommates in college and certainly picked up where we left off some 42 or 43 years ago –sometime last century to be sure. Myra was very encouraged to see downtown New Orleans, including the French Quarters and the American district known as the Garden District looking like she remembered it when attending Tulane graduate school. Only about 30% of the population has returned to New Orleans. Slowly, businesses are recovering. The outlying regions are still tragically abandoned and desolate in many places. Beautiful neighborhoods have 2 out 3 houses abandoned. It will take years for full recovery, if ever. One of the most fascinating things we learned was that the American Indians told the French never to build within 4 miles of Lake Ponchatrain (2nd largest lake in the US). The flood waters stopped exactly at the 4 mile mark in the Katrina hurricane that the Indians had designated to the French centuries ago. Somehow, we just don’t listen well. The city is alive and recovering and is a wonderful vacation destination with delicious food and a remarkable history. One important fact we learned was that black women were the primary land owners (80%) in New Orleans. Also, the reason that the music evolved in New Orleans, the black people were only servants by day but were free to go home and live their lives at night – ie – play and sing their music. Women were voting there as early as the early 1800’s. That area went in reverse for many years after we purchased it from Spain who had bought it from the French.
Back to Jack – thanks to Jack’s brother, Keith, spending about 5 days with Jack while I was in New Orleans, Jack managed to surprise me with putting Spring in our garden with bringing out the bird baths, cleaning out the bubbling tiny pond, and keeping Jack busy with many activities. Jack took Keith to Peoplefit and to Nano-C. All of this activity made the time pass more quickly as well as more comfortable for Jack while I was away. Thank you Keith for all of your help and companionship. We have been so blessed with many family members, neighbors, and friends extending so much to us in the prayers, thoughts, and visits.
Jack continues to gain more stamina physically and mentally. He will likely begin going to Nano-C two days/week for a few hours each day. He stayed 3 hours recently and came home with a big smile on his face.
We have had some caregiver changes. Annette decided she wanted day hours instead of live-in hours. We made a change last week but we are back to the drawing board. This week we have had another Ugandan woman who is attending law school here. It is not a good fit for us as a live-in situation. I am interviewing another woman today. These issues are part of our normal life now. We were blessed to have Annette with us as long as possible. We wish her the best. William is still with us and to our knowledge will continue to be part of the caregiver team. Since I wrote this over the weekend, we have now hired Donna, a local Italian woman who has been caregiving for 12 years with much live-in experience. Hopefully, she will work out. One of the most difficult challenges of our situation is dealing with the all of these people in our home. They all have big hearts but they each bring their own personalities and challenges.
Jack was evaluated for this fancy new “blue tooth” electronic equipment that could act as his brain when it comes to walking. He will be fitted with the Bioness leg equipment in a week. He will wear a leg band that has a computer chip in it. When he walks, a little sensor that will be under his heel and attached to the side of his shoe will trigger his nerves and muscles to work in his leg. When Jack went for his evaluation, we saw a woman who had a paralyzed arm and leg similar to Jack who was walking almost normally with a little assistance from a regular cane. It was very impressive and encouraging. If you would like to more about it, you can log into www.bioness.com. The leg equipment is very light weight and can be worn all of his waking hours. The arm equipment can only be used about 3 hours/day for more specialized situations. One of the things we are doing now is stretching Jack’s calf muscles and achilles tendon. These areas have become somewhat rigid as a result of wearing the rigid foot drop brace. When we walk, our toes come up automatically when we put pressure on our heels. Jack’s toes drop causing him to trip and stumble which necessitates the brace or Bioness equipment to help him. We are very excited about it. Jack is in a special splint a few hours/day to help stretch and relax his left leg. Pray that Jack’s mobility may be enhanced with this modern technology.
Our hearts go out to the Kennedy family as they are beginning their journey into this challenging world of brain tumors. This disease is devastating in so many ways. It is very painful to watch our loved ones have so much physical struggle. The best part of the struggles we have is to know that these experiences are opportunities to be reminded of our dependence on our Lord. It is also His opportunity to remind us of His love and grace toward us. It brings to mind a special passage in Isaiah 41:9-10 – “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Vs. 13-14 – For I am the Lord, your God. Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Thanks be to God for His tender mercies in all matters of our lives. Continue to pray that the Lord will be honored regardless of what is ahead and that we will continue to rejoice and be glad in each day because it is a day that the Lord has made.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
May 24, 2008
The good news is that Jack continues to remain stable as does Carolyn and family. We are always thankful for what now has become our routine. The Lord continues to supply our every need for which we can only give praise to Him, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
After my week off for “oxygen” in April, my trip to CA for business, and then to New Orleans for business and pleasure, I am most grateful to be safely home and back into the comforts of home.
New Orleans was a remarkable experience. Jack’s sister, Myra, and I survived the week together or should I better say that New Orleans survived the week with us together. Myra and I were roommates in college and certainly picked up where we left off some 42 or 43 years ago –sometime last century to be sure. Myra was very encouraged to see downtown New Orleans, including the French Quarters and the American district known as the Garden District looking like she remembered it when attending Tulane graduate school. Only about 30% of the population has returned to New Orleans. Slowly, businesses are recovering. The outlying regions are still tragically abandoned and desolate in many places. Beautiful neighborhoods have 2 out 3 houses abandoned. It will take years for full recovery, if ever. One of the most fascinating things we learned was that the American Indians told the French never to build within 4 miles of Lake Ponchatrain (2nd largest lake in the US). The flood waters stopped exactly at the 4 mile mark in the Katrina hurricane that the Indians had designated to the French centuries ago. Somehow, we just don’t listen well. The city is alive and recovering and is a wonderful vacation destination with delicious food and a remarkable history. One important fact we learned was that black women were the primary land owners (80%) in New Orleans. Also, the reason that the music evolved in New Orleans, the black people were only servants by day but were free to go home and live their lives at night – ie – play and sing their music. Women were voting there as early as the early 1800’s. That area went in reverse for many years after we purchased it from Spain who had bought it from the French.
Back to Jack – thanks to Jack’s brother, Keith, spending about 5 days with Jack while I was in New Orleans, Jack managed to surprise me with putting Spring in our garden with bringing out the bird baths, cleaning out the bubbling tiny pond, and keeping Jack busy with many activities. Jack took Keith to Peoplefit and to Nano-C. All of this activity made the time pass more quickly as well as more comfortable for Jack while I was away. Thank you Keith for all of your help and companionship. We have been so blessed with many family members, neighbors, and friends extending so much to us in the prayers, thoughts, and visits.
Jack continues to gain more stamina physically and mentally. He will likely begin going to Nano-C two days/week for a few hours each day. He stayed 3 hours recently and came home with a big smile on his face.
We have had some caregiver changes. Annette decided she wanted day hours instead of live-in hours. We made a change last week but we are back to the drawing board. This week we have had another Ugandan woman who is attending law school here. It is not a good fit for us as a live-in situation. I am interviewing another woman today. These issues are part of our normal life now. We were blessed to have Annette with us as long as possible. We wish her the best. William is still with us and to our knowledge will continue to be part of the caregiver team. Since I wrote this over the weekend, we have now hired Donna, a local Italian woman who has been caregiving for 12 years with much live-in experience. Hopefully, she will work out. One of the most difficult challenges of our situation is dealing with the all of these people in our home. They all have big hearts but they each bring their own personalities and challenges.
Jack was evaluated for this fancy new “blue tooth” electronic equipment that could act as his brain when it comes to walking. He will be fitted with the Bioness leg equipment in a week. He will wear a leg band that has a computer chip in it. When he walks, a little sensor that will be under his heel and attached to the side of his shoe will trigger his nerves and muscles to work in his leg. When Jack went for his evaluation, we saw a woman who had a paralyzed arm and leg similar to Jack who was walking almost normally with a little assistance from a regular cane. It was very impressive and encouraging. If you would like to more about it, you can log into www.bioness.com. The leg equipment is very light weight and can be worn all of his waking hours. The arm equipment can only be used about 3 hours/day for more specialized situations. One of the things we are doing now is stretching Jack’s calf muscles and achilles tendon. These areas have become somewhat rigid as a result of wearing the rigid foot drop brace. When we walk, our toes come up automatically when we put pressure on our heels. Jack’s toes drop causing him to trip and stumble which necessitates the brace or Bioness equipment to help him. We are very excited about it. Jack is in a special splint a few hours/day to help stretch and relax his left leg. Pray that Jack’s mobility may be enhanced with this modern technology.
Our hearts go out to the Kennedy family as they are beginning their journey into this challenging world of brain tumors. This disease is devastating in so many ways. It is very painful to watch our loved ones have so much physical struggle. The best part of the struggles we have is to know that these experiences are opportunities to be reminded of our dependence on our Lord. It is also His opportunity to remind us of His love and grace toward us. It brings to mind a special passage in Isaiah 41:9-10 – “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Vs. 13-14 – For I am the Lord, your God. Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Thanks be to God for His tender mercies in all matters of our lives. Continue to pray that the Lord will be honored regardless of what is ahead and that we will continue to rejoice and be glad in each day because it is a day that the Lord has made.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
Friday, May 2, 2008
UPDATE May 2, 2008
UPDATE
May 2, 2008
The Lord continues to provide Jack with improving strength and healing. We have continued with a routine of activity for him and with him. His typical week is getting outside as much as possible in this glorious Spring we are having. He goes to People Fit two to three times/week as well as a weekly visit to Nano-C, the company that he founded a few years ago. What has been encouraging to all of us is that his stamina is slowly increasing. This week he was at Nano-C for a couple of hours instead of ½ hour.
Life continues to present challenges and struggles as well for Jack. As he has gained more strength from his physical training at People Fit, he has also gained more confidence in his ability to walk and go where he wants to be in the house more independently. As you might guess, he has taken some tumbles. What has been amazing is his ability to get himself upright with much less assistance. If he goes down, he usually ends up flat on the floor. He can now sit up without assistance. Once he sits up, he then needs an anchor to hold to as he pulls himself upright. Needless to say, I am not that physical anchor but my sister, Suzanne, who was here for about a month could do that as well as Annette, Jack’s caregiver. As we keep reminding him, the goal is to really be as careful as possible but sometimes that is not good enough. It is difficult to imagine but if any of you run out of things to do and want to understand better what Jack’s experience is, get flat on the floor and try to get up using only one side of your body. I cannot do it. Thankfully, all of those years on the farm growing up coupled with lots of walking, hiking, etc, Jack is very strong. I believe it adds to his mental determination as well. Keep praying that the Lord will continue to equip him and us with all that we need and ask for in Christ. When we are the Lord’s, he graciously teaches us submission even if He places us on the floor. He slowly brings us up to see Him. It reminds me of the verse in Psalm 37:23-25 that states: “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” Jack may physically stumble and fall but the Lord continues to uphold Jack and bring him back to his feet. We are most grateful for the smallest provisions. We never feel forsaken.
My trip away was very restful. My sister-in-law, Jan Butler, and I had a delightful time. My trip to California was very refreshing as well. I had a meeting to attend. I see old friends and new people. It was a great encouragement to me. I met a new person, Jim Potts.. When a friend and I were having dinner on Sunday evening, Jim came along. My friend, Karen Easterling, said she wanted to know all about how things were going and what my day was like at home. I explained to Jim our situation. He immediately said, do not believe anything the doctors tell you about his prognosis. He said 21 years ago, I was diagnosed with a lymph gland cancer. I was given 2 months to live. Here I am to tell about it after more than 2 decades. Others came to me and told me that they would be praying for us. I also had lunch with Megan’s parents. It is always such a pleasure to see them and catch up and share our children’s stories. Megan’s Dad is coming this weekend to visit with Jonathan and Megan.
I leave tomorrow for the last travel event that has been planned. I am attending a conference in New Orleans next week. This trip has been planned for a year. It is one that Jack and I had looked forward to attend. Since he is unable to go, Jack’s sister is going with me. I have found that it is best if I am with others that are part of our extended family. Myra, Jack’s sister, went to graduate school at Tulane so it should be fun for her as well. It will be most interesting to see New Orleans post Katrina. I will give you a full report upon my return. Jack says New Orleans will never be the same when Myra and I have been there!
I want to give a very special thank you to my sister, Suzanne, who was with us almost a month to help Jack while I was more out than in. It gave both of us much peace of mind knowing family was around. Suzanne really helped Jack get files organized. Jack’s organization was a huge asset of his until he became ill. It is one of his most difficult tasks now. Suzanne and Jack organize mentally in very similar ways, so Jack is very excited about this order of his papers. I also want to thank Jack’s brother, Keith, who is coming this weekend for several days while I am in New Orleans. Also, a big thank you to Paula, Keith’s wife, who is willing to share him right now. Keith and Paula are completing the building of a new home. I am sure that as the end approaches, life is very hectic for them.
Thank you to all of you who continue to hold us up in your prayers and thoughts. I thought I better update the blog since I am getting calls and emails from several people wondering what is going on. Please remember our parents. Jack’s Mom has been moved to a nursing home now near Jack’s two sisters in Lexington, KY. My Dad is experiencing more difficulty with his Parkinson’s coupled with congestive heart problems. Getting old is not for sissies!!!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of us who have been blessed to be called Mom.
May the Lord bless and keep you in the shadow of His wings for His glory and our good.
Carolyn and family
May 2, 2008
The Lord continues to provide Jack with improving strength and healing. We have continued with a routine of activity for him and with him. His typical week is getting outside as much as possible in this glorious Spring we are having. He goes to People Fit two to three times/week as well as a weekly visit to Nano-C, the company that he founded a few years ago. What has been encouraging to all of us is that his stamina is slowly increasing. This week he was at Nano-C for a couple of hours instead of ½ hour.
Life continues to present challenges and struggles as well for Jack. As he has gained more strength from his physical training at People Fit, he has also gained more confidence in his ability to walk and go where he wants to be in the house more independently. As you might guess, he has taken some tumbles. What has been amazing is his ability to get himself upright with much less assistance. If he goes down, he usually ends up flat on the floor. He can now sit up without assistance. Once he sits up, he then needs an anchor to hold to as he pulls himself upright. Needless to say, I am not that physical anchor but my sister, Suzanne, who was here for about a month could do that as well as Annette, Jack’s caregiver. As we keep reminding him, the goal is to really be as careful as possible but sometimes that is not good enough. It is difficult to imagine but if any of you run out of things to do and want to understand better what Jack’s experience is, get flat on the floor and try to get up using only one side of your body. I cannot do it. Thankfully, all of those years on the farm growing up coupled with lots of walking, hiking, etc, Jack is very strong. I believe it adds to his mental determination as well. Keep praying that the Lord will continue to equip him and us with all that we need and ask for in Christ. When we are the Lord’s, he graciously teaches us submission even if He places us on the floor. He slowly brings us up to see Him. It reminds me of the verse in Psalm 37:23-25 that states: “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” Jack may physically stumble and fall but the Lord continues to uphold Jack and bring him back to his feet. We are most grateful for the smallest provisions. We never feel forsaken.
My trip away was very restful. My sister-in-law, Jan Butler, and I had a delightful time. My trip to California was very refreshing as well. I had a meeting to attend. I see old friends and new people. It was a great encouragement to me. I met a new person, Jim Potts.. When a friend and I were having dinner on Sunday evening, Jim came along. My friend, Karen Easterling, said she wanted to know all about how things were going and what my day was like at home. I explained to Jim our situation. He immediately said, do not believe anything the doctors tell you about his prognosis. He said 21 years ago, I was diagnosed with a lymph gland cancer. I was given 2 months to live. Here I am to tell about it after more than 2 decades. Others came to me and told me that they would be praying for us. I also had lunch with Megan’s parents. It is always such a pleasure to see them and catch up and share our children’s stories. Megan’s Dad is coming this weekend to visit with Jonathan and Megan.
I leave tomorrow for the last travel event that has been planned. I am attending a conference in New Orleans next week. This trip has been planned for a year. It is one that Jack and I had looked forward to attend. Since he is unable to go, Jack’s sister is going with me. I have found that it is best if I am with others that are part of our extended family. Myra, Jack’s sister, went to graduate school at Tulane so it should be fun for her as well. It will be most interesting to see New Orleans post Katrina. I will give you a full report upon my return. Jack says New Orleans will never be the same when Myra and I have been there!
I want to give a very special thank you to my sister, Suzanne, who was with us almost a month to help Jack while I was more out than in. It gave both of us much peace of mind knowing family was around. Suzanne really helped Jack get files organized. Jack’s organization was a huge asset of his until he became ill. It is one of his most difficult tasks now. Suzanne and Jack organize mentally in very similar ways, so Jack is very excited about this order of his papers. I also want to thank Jack’s brother, Keith, who is coming this weekend for several days while I am in New Orleans. Also, a big thank you to Paula, Keith’s wife, who is willing to share him right now. Keith and Paula are completing the building of a new home. I am sure that as the end approaches, life is very hectic for them.
Thank you to all of you who continue to hold us up in your prayers and thoughts. I thought I better update the blog since I am getting calls and emails from several people wondering what is going on. Please remember our parents. Jack’s Mom has been moved to a nursing home now near Jack’s two sisters in Lexington, KY. My Dad is experiencing more difficulty with his Parkinson’s coupled with congestive heart problems. Getting old is not for sissies!!!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of us who have been blessed to be called Mom.
May the Lord bless and keep you in the shadow of His wings for His glory and our good.
Carolyn and family
Sunday, April 6, 2008
UPDATE April 6, 2008
UPDATE
April 6, 2008
We have been brought safely through another week. Since we have garnered the troops to start moving, Jack has enjoyed the new schedule. As we mentioned last week, we planned to go the movies for the first time since Jack became ill. We sat on the back row, just like high school days. Now that we have a handicapped person, we appreciate all of the efforts that people have created in buildings, towns, and cities to improve the ability to navigate for all of us who need those adaptations – another provision of the Lord. As Jack so wonderfully stated several weeks ago, without this experience we would have never had the opportunity to see this side of life.
Back to the movie “21”, it was most entertaining. However, mid-movie, Jack needed to go to the bathroom (a fear I had only pondered). I pushed him out to the common area, sought out a customer service person, and asked him where the handicap bathroom was for Jack. Of course, it was a space in the men’s room. I explained that I had to go in with him. This young man said let me check to see if anyone is in there; he did and reported that it was empty. I said what if someone comes in while we are in there. He said, I will spot the door. The coast was clear and in we went. All was executed very easily. Jack then said, in 39 years of marriage, this is a first. So we decided that he who goes to handicap bathrooms together, stays together!!! I feel a little like the Dr. Seuss book that describes “the places we go”! Jack and our family thoroughly enjoyed the movie and we decided that the adventure was very much worth the effort. Everyone thanked me for pulling this one off. Even our children were not sure about this one
Jack continues with the health club twice per week and is really enjoying the activity and the people. He also went to Nano-C briefly this week. I am most grateful for Annette who is willing and very able to take him to these places.
For those of you that are engineers out there, you will appreciate the following story. For those of you who are not, you will get a glimpse of what it is like to live with an engineer. If this story is a little too personal for some of you, I apologize but I think it worth telling.
You may remember early on with Jack’s first hospitalization, I made mention of the fact that he was urinating very frequently at which point he said that it was a mass transfer problem – the sum of the flows is zero. This story is in the same vain. One of the minor difficulties that we have experienced is Jack pants getting damp when he uses the urinal. This morning as I was helping him with the urinal, I had an idea to help prevent this problem. At this point, Jack begins explaining the damp pants problem - here goes –
“The problem with the pants getting damp is the urine climbs up the urinal wall via a hydraulic jump forming when the kinetic energy of the stream suddenly decreases while potential energy or the thickness of stream on the wall increases causing the urine to climb up the wall onto the pants.” All I could say was oh my – could you repeat that because I have to write it down for the blog!!!! The Lord supplies all of our needs including the laughter. When Jack had his last MRI, I observed many crevices all through the gray matter of his brain. I am certain there are many more than I could ever dream of having and I am certain that a few of them think about damp pants problems as well as mass transfer problems!!!!! I am telling you, urinating will never be the same. It only gets more complicated.
My sister, Suzanne, safely arrived on Friday to stay for a month. She had offered to come and stay with us while I take my needed rest and relaxation as well as some business trips. Suzanne has experienced some disabling health issues and has an appreciation of Jack’s situation probably better than I do. We are most grateful for her generosity as well as her husband, Rob. Courtenay, Megan, and Jonathan are very excited to have her around. Many years ago, Suzanne worked with children with muscular dystrophy. Her experiences will certainly enrich us. Suzanne is 15 years younger than me and our children think of her as a contemporary.
The Lord willing, I leave tomorrow morning for 7 days with another family member, my sister-in-law, Jan to rest, relax, and charge my batteries. I thought it would be best if I had another close family member with me to enjoy the time together. My prayer and hope is that the Lord will provide refreshment to my body and soul.
I also want to thank Roberta (don’t know anymore) who provided a comment in the last blog entry. Roberta, I would appreciate your email address for further correspondence. My email address is chowardcfp@comcast.net. Jack is a retired PhD MIT Chemical Engineering professor. I found it interesting that your husband is a PhD Chem E person.
Our prayer for you is that the Lord will sustain you in the difficult days ahead. A verse that has been most helpful is “In Christ that strengthens me, I can do all things” – Phil 4:13. Another important verse for us has been Phil 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 request to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will your guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
We also want to thank the James family for their delicious dinner that was dropped by last week. Words do not adequately express our heartfelt thanks to them and others who so graciously supply all of our needs.
Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Madeline Montel, a former Ky schoolmate of Jack’s. Thank you for your card and pictures of the celebration.
A verse that has provided us with great comfort is from Psalm 57:1-2 –
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Thinking about the shadow of our Lord’s wings and a finding a refuge there is such a great comfort at all times. But at all times, it is the only shelter to seek.
May the Lord bless all of you in the next days as I seek shelter under His wings.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
April 6, 2008
We have been brought safely through another week. Since we have garnered the troops to start moving, Jack has enjoyed the new schedule. As we mentioned last week, we planned to go the movies for the first time since Jack became ill. We sat on the back row, just like high school days. Now that we have a handicapped person, we appreciate all of the efforts that people have created in buildings, towns, and cities to improve the ability to navigate for all of us who need those adaptations – another provision of the Lord. As Jack so wonderfully stated several weeks ago, without this experience we would have never had the opportunity to see this side of life.
Back to the movie “21”, it was most entertaining. However, mid-movie, Jack needed to go to the bathroom (a fear I had only pondered). I pushed him out to the common area, sought out a customer service person, and asked him where the handicap bathroom was for Jack. Of course, it was a space in the men’s room. I explained that I had to go in with him. This young man said let me check to see if anyone is in there; he did and reported that it was empty. I said what if someone comes in while we are in there. He said, I will spot the door. The coast was clear and in we went. All was executed very easily. Jack then said, in 39 years of marriage, this is a first. So we decided that he who goes to handicap bathrooms together, stays together!!! I feel a little like the Dr. Seuss book that describes “the places we go”! Jack and our family thoroughly enjoyed the movie and we decided that the adventure was very much worth the effort. Everyone thanked me for pulling this one off. Even our children were not sure about this one
Jack continues with the health club twice per week and is really enjoying the activity and the people. He also went to Nano-C briefly this week. I am most grateful for Annette who is willing and very able to take him to these places.
For those of you that are engineers out there, you will appreciate the following story. For those of you who are not, you will get a glimpse of what it is like to live with an engineer. If this story is a little too personal for some of you, I apologize but I think it worth telling.
You may remember early on with Jack’s first hospitalization, I made mention of the fact that he was urinating very frequently at which point he said that it was a mass transfer problem – the sum of the flows is zero. This story is in the same vain. One of the minor difficulties that we have experienced is Jack pants getting damp when he uses the urinal. This morning as I was helping him with the urinal, I had an idea to help prevent this problem. At this point, Jack begins explaining the damp pants problem - here goes –
“The problem with the pants getting damp is the urine climbs up the urinal wall via a hydraulic jump forming when the kinetic energy of the stream suddenly decreases while potential energy or the thickness of stream on the wall increases causing the urine to climb up the wall onto the pants.” All I could say was oh my – could you repeat that because I have to write it down for the blog!!!! The Lord supplies all of our needs including the laughter. When Jack had his last MRI, I observed many crevices all through the gray matter of his brain. I am certain there are many more than I could ever dream of having and I am certain that a few of them think about damp pants problems as well as mass transfer problems!!!!! I am telling you, urinating will never be the same. It only gets more complicated.
My sister, Suzanne, safely arrived on Friday to stay for a month. She had offered to come and stay with us while I take my needed rest and relaxation as well as some business trips. Suzanne has experienced some disabling health issues and has an appreciation of Jack’s situation probably better than I do. We are most grateful for her generosity as well as her husband, Rob. Courtenay, Megan, and Jonathan are very excited to have her around. Many years ago, Suzanne worked with children with muscular dystrophy. Her experiences will certainly enrich us. Suzanne is 15 years younger than me and our children think of her as a contemporary.
The Lord willing, I leave tomorrow morning for 7 days with another family member, my sister-in-law, Jan to rest, relax, and charge my batteries. I thought it would be best if I had another close family member with me to enjoy the time together. My prayer and hope is that the Lord will provide refreshment to my body and soul.
I also want to thank Roberta (don’t know anymore) who provided a comment in the last blog entry. Roberta, I would appreciate your email address for further correspondence. My email address is chowardcfp@comcast.net. Jack is a retired PhD MIT Chemical Engineering professor. I found it interesting that your husband is a PhD Chem E person.
Our prayer for you is that the Lord will sustain you in the difficult days ahead. A verse that has been most helpful is “In Christ that strengthens me, I can do all things” – Phil 4:13. Another important verse for us has been Phil 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 request to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will your guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
We also want to thank the James family for their delicious dinner that was dropped by last week. Words do not adequately express our heartfelt thanks to them and others who so graciously supply all of our needs.
Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Madeline Montel, a former Ky schoolmate of Jack’s. Thank you for your card and pictures of the celebration.
A verse that has provided us with great comfort is from Psalm 57:1-2 –
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Thinking about the shadow of our Lord’s wings and a finding a refuge there is such a great comfort at all times. But at all times, it is the only shelter to seek.
May the Lord bless all of you in the next days as I seek shelter under His wings.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
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