UPDATE
November 18, 2007
Since I last updated the blog, Jack has continued to decline. He had become lethargic and lacked his usual robust appetite as of Tuesday and Wednesday. He also seemed somewhat more unbalanced when he walked. Stairs were becoming more and more difficult. On Wednesday as he was coming down the stairs with my assistance, he almost toppled over onto me. He also seemed to be more exhausted by each step. After giving him some orange juice, I had him come down the stairs on his bottom, one stair at a time. I became more concerned as I observed that he did not complete his breakfast. I stayed at home as long as possible until he decided he needed a rest. I left home to go to an appointment at work knowing that our daughter-in-law, Megan, and our homecare person would be coming in shortly.
When Megan arrived around noon, she found Jack on the floor struggling to get up. He told her that he wasn’t sure how he landed on the floor but that his body was shaking strongly. He said he thought this was the long awaited seizure. Megan called me and I had her call his doctor. His doctor decided that he needed to be admitted to Lahey Clinic, his new source of care. I must add that the entire Lahey Clinic experience has been amazing. The nurse advised that they wanted us to call an ambulance as soon as they had identified a room for him. They did not want him stranded in the emergency room. She called back in about 10 minutes with directions for the admittance process coupled with a room number. He was admitted around 1 PM on Wednesday.
After doing a CT scan on Jack, the doctor determined that he had significant brain swelling. They dramatically increased his steroids to reduce the swelling. Within a few hours, he was eating well again and seemed much more alert than he had for several days.
The MRI, to establish the first benchmark since his radiation ended, was still scheduled for Friday, as planned. I am copying the email onto this update that I sent to family and friends after that report.
Dear Family and beloved Friends:
Yesterday morning when I was meditating on the Psalms, I came across this verse from Psalm 112:7-8 which states:
"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 in triumph on his foes."
I took these verses to Jack at noon. I told him that these were verses to prepare us for the day. He was much more alert than he had been on Wednesday. We had some good together time in the afternoon. We both had naps! You know you are getting old when you would rather sleep than talk!
He had his MRI Friday AM. The news is not good. The reason for the major decline that I observed this week was due to severe brain swelling which they observed on the CT scan given on Wednesday evening. It appears that the tumor did not respond to the radiation and chemotherapy now coupled with tissue death and severe swelling from the treatment. The initial fear was that the tumor was inoperable since it could lead to permanent paralysis. Since Jack is now paralyzed on his left side (even his walking is almost impossible now), the Dr. suggested that surgery might be a consideration to debulk the tumor and dead tissue with the hope of restoring his walking. If surgery is done, we also have another option. Jack has a MIT colleague, Bob Langer, who is world renown for his drug delivery systems. One of the systems he has developed with success is a chemo wafer put into the tumor if surgery is done. It not only kills the tumor cells but it has no side effects like systemic chemotherapy. We discussed alternative treatments such as rain forest extracts for which we also have access. Dr. Cosgrove said he has no problem with anything we want to try. Another interesting development is an electromagnetic helmet that prevents tumor cells from dividing and multiplying. The electromagnetic waves polarize the cells, stopping their development.
Presently, the plan is as follows: Jack goes to New England Rehabilitation hospital this morning (Saturday). This facility is an acute rehab environment. He will be there until he plateaus or the team decides he is unable to continue. Jack is on 12 mg/day of steroids, (dexadrone). The Dr. wants to see how he responds to this level of treatment. He will not proceed with the chemotherapy (Temodar) originally planned since he did not respond on Round 1. On Wednesday, I will speak with Dr. Cosgrove about my observations of Jack on the increased steroids. The high doses of steroids cause an increase in blood sugar. They are monitoring that very closely and are now giving him doses of insulin, as needed.We covet your prayers and support during this most challenging and breathtaking experience.
Love and blessings,Carolyn
Jack was transported successfully to NE Rehab hospital. The staff began evaluating him and helping him upon his arrival. They are teaching him strategies for helping himself as well as safety precautions.
We had a most pleasant surprise last evening. Our dear friends, Jim and Sunny Nichols, from the Cape Cod area surprised us with a wonderful visit. They visited Jack. Jim and Jack shared Nano-C war stories and had some good laughs. Jim graciously served as the Nano-C interim CEO while the company was doing a CEO search. Jim and Sunny are native Georgians. The children and I had gone to a nearby bistro café for supper. I turned around as Megan was waving at this couple, none other than the Nichols. I told Jim that you know the difference in friends and Southern friends. Friends call and ask when they can visit. Southern friends just show up. We were so blessed by their spiritual and physical embrace. Jim and Sunny’s church sends weekly get well cards through a lady named, Gloria. Jim has also been responsible for churches all over the country, especially churches South and West of here, sending us regular get well cards. We treasure all of the outreach to us.
I visited Jack briefly this morning where he was receiving occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). I did not stay long since he was so busy. He has declared that his breakfast tasted like cardboard. He had a waffle and thick oatmeal – I may have to hire a personal chef for him. He must be better since he is complaining about the food.
I saw an encouraging sign while I was there. If the OT opened his left hand for him, he could partially close it. He has had no movement in his hand for weeks. Hopefully, as the swelling subsides, he will continue to see strength and activity in the left side. His spirit is strong We know that spiritual and physical strength is the strength our mighty Lord so mercifully supplies. We are so thankful for the multitude of blessings as we continue to revel in the marvelous mercy that is so richly provided to us.
The medical goal for Jack remains as follows: to provide him with the highest quality of life that he can have for as long as possible. The Dr. reassured us that based on the tumor location that Jack's cognitive abilities, personality, or the quality of his personhood would not be altered by this tumor. The tumor is located in the left side motor cortex of the right frontal lobe. The Psalmist David talks about that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are witnessing this amazing quote with Jack's experience.
As we are all preparing for our Thanksgiving feasts, let us all bow our heads with grateful praise to our God, who is the giver of all our abundance.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carolyn and family
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Letter from Mohammad Hajaligol, former student and colleague
October 10, 2007
Dear Jack,
Hope you, Carolyn, and other family members are fine and are strongly coping with the current very tiring situation. Reading the information in your blog shows me once again your response to this situation is so admirable; representative of a great values in life something that you have been the symbol of throughout your life. You continue to be a model for me in my life, for which I shall be forever grateful.
I don’t know where to start and how to express my feelings as sometimes words are not sufficient. Though I have known you almost for 30 years and have seen you time and again, I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to express myself. Maybe, like so often, we take important parts of our lives for granted. You are a loving, caring, and wonderful human-being. You’ve touched and affected many individuals’ lives. You have been the source of inspiration and aspiration for many who have had the good fortune -- or perhaps even the wisdom -- to work with and learn from you, to have been taught and mentored by you. In fact you are all of these and more; you are more than one could ever hope for in a friend, teacher and colleague. With no doubt in my mind I can say that you’ve had the greatest impact in my life in this country.
My experience with my first PhD thesis was a disaster. So, I started to look for another research and another professor. I had learned that I needed to look for a thesis supervisor that not only is scientifically well recognized but had a strong personality and above all a caring human being. With these and many more in my mind, you were the only one that could meet all these and more, so I made an appointment with you and discuss my interest in your research area in the very early part of year 1978. Unlike many others, you were so generous and accepted me as one of you PhD student without giving me any hard time.
One year passed with not much progress. I was about 25 years old student, full of energy but my mind was in so many directions. During the spring of 1979 and knowing what’s happening with me, one day you asked me, when do I want to become serious in doing my research work to finish my degree. I thought for a few moments and replied I would like to take a trip to my home country this summer, if I come back I will finish it; and if I don’t come back, well, then I am done. You smiled and very patiently said that is fine; you knew me and you let me to freely choose my way. I have never forgotten this moment in my life.
I came back to Cambridge that summer and finished my degree by late 1980. Though you offered that I could stay for a postdoc program, instead I decided to go back to my home country right after my thesis defense; I didn’t even stay for graduation ceremonies.
I stayed in Iran for over four years and it was early 1985. I was feeling very tired in my life both personally and professionally and was looking for a change. I sent you a letter, explained my situation, and asked for an invitation. You graciously helped me in coming back to MIT for a short sabbatical. With a lot you did for me, I could get a visa and come back again to MIT. Two months passed and I decided to stay longer but didn’t feel comfortable to come to you and ask again for your help, so without letting you know started looking for a job even if it was a postdoc job, 5 years after my graduation. A few places contacted you and that was how you found out about my intention. You didn’t get upset, and instead one day, you told me that you know I am looking for a job and suggested I can stay and work with your group; though the pay is not big, but MIT has a big name! So, you helped me again to hang on to a professional life, to grow, to have space to mature, and then, to move on.
A few years passed, I was still working at MIT and looking for a permanent job and I was getting so desperate that I was ready to leave everything behind once again and go back to Iran. It was in the fall of 1987 when with your recommendation a good school decided to seriously look at my job application. I will never forget the day in early December 1987 that for some reason I was late; when I arrived in my office, there was a message from you. You had also asked so many if they see me ask me to come to your office. When I finally met you in your office on the 4th floor of building 66 at around 11:00AM, you said this company that is called Philip Morris is looking for a scientist that matches your qualifications. I didn’t know what type of company Philip Morris is and you explained me that though you know my aspiration is for academia but industry is another experience. With your recommendation and Adel's, in a few days I had a job offer from Philip Morris. This was shocking and didn’t know how to explain this in my life. This was another critical point in my life, especially for staying in this country and becoming successful and prosperous.
My life changed again, forever, for the positive.
I have been successful and happy with my career at Philip Morris; and of course there are many challenges when one starts a new career. And, it took about 10 years for the company to finally assign me to a position that you had taught me during my PhD program. I started the combustion research program at Philip Morris in 1998 and you again became a major source of inspiration, energy, and scientific initiative for me and my group.
It is now many years later. I am so happily married to a wonderful woman. I have so many wonderful friends whom I treasure. I have exceeded my own expectations in my profession.
This does not happen to every body so simply, for me it is very simple; my life and my successes in this country would not have been possible without you. You are my mentor and my hero, and while it may sound selfish but pray and like you stay around very long.
With many prayers and kindest regards,
Mohammad
Dear Jack,
Hope you, Carolyn, and other family members are fine and are strongly coping with the current very tiring situation. Reading the information in your blog shows me once again your response to this situation is so admirable; representative of a great values in life something that you have been the symbol of throughout your life. You continue to be a model for me in my life, for which I shall be forever grateful.
I don’t know where to start and how to express my feelings as sometimes words are not sufficient. Though I have known you almost for 30 years and have seen you time and again, I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to express myself. Maybe, like so often, we take important parts of our lives for granted. You are a loving, caring, and wonderful human-being. You’ve touched and affected many individuals’ lives. You have been the source of inspiration and aspiration for many who have had the good fortune -- or perhaps even the wisdom -- to work with and learn from you, to have been taught and mentored by you. In fact you are all of these and more; you are more than one could ever hope for in a friend, teacher and colleague. With no doubt in my mind I can say that you’ve had the greatest impact in my life in this country.
My experience with my first PhD thesis was a disaster. So, I started to look for another research and another professor. I had learned that I needed to look for a thesis supervisor that not only is scientifically well recognized but had a strong personality and above all a caring human being. With these and many more in my mind, you were the only one that could meet all these and more, so I made an appointment with you and discuss my interest in your research area in the very early part of year 1978. Unlike many others, you were so generous and accepted me as one of you PhD student without giving me any hard time.
One year passed with not much progress. I was about 25 years old student, full of energy but my mind was in so many directions. During the spring of 1979 and knowing what’s happening with me, one day you asked me, when do I want to become serious in doing my research work to finish my degree. I thought for a few moments and replied I would like to take a trip to my home country this summer, if I come back I will finish it; and if I don’t come back, well, then I am done. You smiled and very patiently said that is fine; you knew me and you let me to freely choose my way. I have never forgotten this moment in my life.
I came back to Cambridge that summer and finished my degree by late 1980. Though you offered that I could stay for a postdoc program, instead I decided to go back to my home country right after my thesis defense; I didn’t even stay for graduation ceremonies.
I stayed in Iran for over four years and it was early 1985. I was feeling very tired in my life both personally and professionally and was looking for a change. I sent you a letter, explained my situation, and asked for an invitation. You graciously helped me in coming back to MIT for a short sabbatical. With a lot you did for me, I could get a visa and come back again to MIT. Two months passed and I decided to stay longer but didn’t feel comfortable to come to you and ask again for your help, so without letting you know started looking for a job even if it was a postdoc job, 5 years after my graduation. A few places contacted you and that was how you found out about my intention. You didn’t get upset, and instead one day, you told me that you know I am looking for a job and suggested I can stay and work with your group; though the pay is not big, but MIT has a big name! So, you helped me again to hang on to a professional life, to grow, to have space to mature, and then, to move on.
A few years passed, I was still working at MIT and looking for a permanent job and I was getting so desperate that I was ready to leave everything behind once again and go back to Iran. It was in the fall of 1987 when with your recommendation a good school decided to seriously look at my job application. I will never forget the day in early December 1987 that for some reason I was late; when I arrived in my office, there was a message from you. You had also asked so many if they see me ask me to come to your office. When I finally met you in your office on the 4th floor of building 66 at around 11:00AM, you said this company that is called Philip Morris is looking for a scientist that matches your qualifications. I didn’t know what type of company Philip Morris is and you explained me that though you know my aspiration is for academia but industry is another experience. With your recommendation and Adel's, in a few days I had a job offer from Philip Morris. This was shocking and didn’t know how to explain this in my life. This was another critical point in my life, especially for staying in this country and becoming successful and prosperous.
My life changed again, forever, for the positive.
I have been successful and happy with my career at Philip Morris; and of course there are many challenges when one starts a new career. And, it took about 10 years for the company to finally assign me to a position that you had taught me during my PhD program. I started the combustion research program at Philip Morris in 1998 and you again became a major source of inspiration, energy, and scientific initiative for me and my group.
It is now many years later. I am so happily married to a wonderful woman. I have so many wonderful friends whom I treasure. I have exceeded my own expectations in my profession.
This does not happen to every body so simply, for me it is very simple; my life and my successes in this country would not have been possible without you. You are my mentor and my hero, and while it may sound selfish but pray and like you stay around very long.
With many prayers and kindest regards,
Mohammad
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
UPDATES
November 7, 2007
It is official. Jack has successfully graduated from 30 days of radiation and 42 days of chemotherapy. October 30 was his last day of treatment for which we are both most thankful. The radiation therapist cheered us on. He can accurately say that the whole city was excited. The Red Sox even had a grand parade to celebrate this momentous day. Some people actually think it was to celebrate something the Red Sox did but not us!
Jack tolerated treatment very well. The fallout from the treatment will continue to affect him for several months we were told. If treatment was successful, we could likely begin seeing some improvements in his paralysis in about 2-3 months. The doctors seem optimistic that he will regain the entire use of his arm, hand, leg, and foot. He may not regain his finger dexterity. His spirits are good. He keeps himself occupied by napping. I keep telling him that he is just catching up on years of sleep deprivation. When he is not napping, he is reading, doing Bible study, or writing. This week, I called home and asked Jennifer, his new homecare person, what he was doing and she said – “oh, he is writing his book.” Jack has copious journals on his work which is now focused on brain tumors and assorted other things. Thankfully, he is right handed since it is the left side that is so impaired.
The best part of our trips to the hospital each day was the sharing time that we had. We quickly developed a morning routine. I must confess that I am not missing the rigor of it. However, if anyone wants to know any back road to MGH from Winchester or the surrounding area, please call. We know them all including time differences during various hours to arrive from portal to portal. Jack has probably plotted them somewhere.
Megan and Jonathan have moved into their empty condo still anxious to get their furniture. Their furniture still has not arrived. It is 1.5 weeks overdue and now is not expected until next week. As Megan says, there must be a good reason for this event. If nothing else, their things will be most welcomed when they do arrive. We have some very good news on the job front for Jonathan. He has had multiple interviews and begins some freelance editing work for Boston Productions on Monday. He has been wanting to do freelance work, so here is his opportunity. Thank you Lord.
We had a very good visit from Ingo Wersborg on Sunday. Ingo has spent some time with us as his American family while he attended MIT one year ago. Ingo is the youngest son of our dear friends the Wersborgs that came from Germany for Jack’s birthday a few weeks ago. He surprised Jack with a CD of a beautiful opera and a fabulous Bose stereo system to play it on. Thank you Wersborgs for such a special gift from such special friends.
We continue to enjoy the vista of the Lord’s hand in our lives. My office bookkeeper, Maria Corso, had offered us a special recliner that had belonged to a family member. I told her we were interested in it. It turns out that after her family member had used it, that a dear friend of hers had borrowed it for the summer for his Mother who was visiting. The sister of this friend used to be Jack’s secretary at MIT. On an occasion, Jack had gone to the airport to pick up his secretary’s brother, this friend of Maria. The chair that Jack will receive is being delivered from its current home (Jack’s former secretary and her brother) to our home. It is so amazing to observe the beauty of such a small world. It makes me think of the verse in Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” We are truly blessed with such amazing loving-kindness.
The joy of the experience is the surprise around every corner. Even the shocking and difficult surprises have been surrounded by even more beautiful and unexpected surprises. Just when I think, I can go no more, someone appears, a call comes from someone with a pot of soup (like this evening from my beloved office manager, Karen Brown – no less than home grown by her Dad and made with love by her and her Mom, escarole soup), a gift arrives, an email of concern and care. It fills us with awe! These uplifting moments bring to mind Habakkuk 3:19 – “The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer to enable me to go to the heights.” This verse is so uplifting since a disease like this one has great potential to bring us down to the depths but by the grace of our Lord we are being lifted to the heights. All of this experience is truly beyond our strength, so we leave it all at the feet of our Lord.
Jack is still thinking about combustion for all of you who may be concerned. This morning there was a front page article in the Boston Globe about hospital fires in operating rooms. Jack reminded me that he had done some consulting work for WR Grace on this problem many years ago. This article discussed putting rubbing alcohol on a patient’s abdomen to cauterize a mole after gallbladder surgery. Apparently, the abdomen ignited from the cautery tool and alcohol. The flame was described as blue. Jack immediately asked me if I knew why it was blue. Before I could respond, he said because it does not have soot in it. Oh, Jack’s beloved soot. When Courtenay and Jonathan were tiny, he would put a cutlery knife in a candle flame to collect soot and talk to them about it. Needless to say, I have never gotten as excited about flames or soot as Jack. Jack’s tumor may impair his motor function but it is not slowing much else down that is going on in the rest of his brain.
There are many things to learn from these events in our lives. I am sure this list will continue to grow with time. I will share the ones that I have penned thus far:
1. The only thing we have on earth, humanly speaking, is time.
2. The time we can spend with family is most valuable.
3. Considering each other more than our self is extremely important.
4. Communicating freely and openly prevents misunderstandings.
5. Participating in family gatherings even when it is the last thing one wants to do. It may be the last opportunity to see each other.
6. Focusing on each other’s needs more than personal fears.
7. Loving each other as Christ has loved us, unconditionally.
8. Trusting the Lord in all things and not lean on our own understanding.
9. Embracing the experience as an opportunity for growth in the knowledge of our Lord and love for each other.
10.Caring for others more than ourself.
Many heartfelt thanks to all of you who call, email, care, and walk with us during this journey.
I will update next time after the November 16th medical appointment at Lahey Clinic.
Have a wonderful Veteran’s Day weekend.
Carolyn
November 7, 2007
It is official. Jack has successfully graduated from 30 days of radiation and 42 days of chemotherapy. October 30 was his last day of treatment for which we are both most thankful. The radiation therapist cheered us on. He can accurately say that the whole city was excited. The Red Sox even had a grand parade to celebrate this momentous day. Some people actually think it was to celebrate something the Red Sox did but not us!
Jack tolerated treatment very well. The fallout from the treatment will continue to affect him for several months we were told. If treatment was successful, we could likely begin seeing some improvements in his paralysis in about 2-3 months. The doctors seem optimistic that he will regain the entire use of his arm, hand, leg, and foot. He may not regain his finger dexterity. His spirits are good. He keeps himself occupied by napping. I keep telling him that he is just catching up on years of sleep deprivation. When he is not napping, he is reading, doing Bible study, or writing. This week, I called home and asked Jennifer, his new homecare person, what he was doing and she said – “oh, he is writing his book.” Jack has copious journals on his work which is now focused on brain tumors and assorted other things. Thankfully, he is right handed since it is the left side that is so impaired.
The best part of our trips to the hospital each day was the sharing time that we had. We quickly developed a morning routine. I must confess that I am not missing the rigor of it. However, if anyone wants to know any back road to MGH from Winchester or the surrounding area, please call. We know them all including time differences during various hours to arrive from portal to portal. Jack has probably plotted them somewhere.
Megan and Jonathan have moved into their empty condo still anxious to get their furniture. Their furniture still has not arrived. It is 1.5 weeks overdue and now is not expected until next week. As Megan says, there must be a good reason for this event. If nothing else, their things will be most welcomed when they do arrive. We have some very good news on the job front for Jonathan. He has had multiple interviews and begins some freelance editing work for Boston Productions on Monday. He has been wanting to do freelance work, so here is his opportunity. Thank you Lord.
We had a very good visit from Ingo Wersborg on Sunday. Ingo has spent some time with us as his American family while he attended MIT one year ago. Ingo is the youngest son of our dear friends the Wersborgs that came from Germany for Jack’s birthday a few weeks ago. He surprised Jack with a CD of a beautiful opera and a fabulous Bose stereo system to play it on. Thank you Wersborgs for such a special gift from such special friends.
We continue to enjoy the vista of the Lord’s hand in our lives. My office bookkeeper, Maria Corso, had offered us a special recliner that had belonged to a family member. I told her we were interested in it. It turns out that after her family member had used it, that a dear friend of hers had borrowed it for the summer for his Mother who was visiting. The sister of this friend used to be Jack’s secretary at MIT. On an occasion, Jack had gone to the airport to pick up his secretary’s brother, this friend of Maria. The chair that Jack will receive is being delivered from its current home (Jack’s former secretary and her brother) to our home. It is so amazing to observe the beauty of such a small world. It makes me think of the verse in Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” We are truly blessed with such amazing loving-kindness.
The joy of the experience is the surprise around every corner. Even the shocking and difficult surprises have been surrounded by even more beautiful and unexpected surprises. Just when I think, I can go no more, someone appears, a call comes from someone with a pot of soup (like this evening from my beloved office manager, Karen Brown – no less than home grown by her Dad and made with love by her and her Mom, escarole soup), a gift arrives, an email of concern and care. It fills us with awe! These uplifting moments bring to mind Habakkuk 3:19 – “The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer to enable me to go to the heights.” This verse is so uplifting since a disease like this one has great potential to bring us down to the depths but by the grace of our Lord we are being lifted to the heights. All of this experience is truly beyond our strength, so we leave it all at the feet of our Lord.
Jack is still thinking about combustion for all of you who may be concerned. This morning there was a front page article in the Boston Globe about hospital fires in operating rooms. Jack reminded me that he had done some consulting work for WR Grace on this problem many years ago. This article discussed putting rubbing alcohol on a patient’s abdomen to cauterize a mole after gallbladder surgery. Apparently, the abdomen ignited from the cautery tool and alcohol. The flame was described as blue. Jack immediately asked me if I knew why it was blue. Before I could respond, he said because it does not have soot in it. Oh, Jack’s beloved soot. When Courtenay and Jonathan were tiny, he would put a cutlery knife in a candle flame to collect soot and talk to them about it. Needless to say, I have never gotten as excited about flames or soot as Jack. Jack’s tumor may impair his motor function but it is not slowing much else down that is going on in the rest of his brain.
There are many things to learn from these events in our lives. I am sure this list will continue to grow with time. I will share the ones that I have penned thus far:
1. The only thing we have on earth, humanly speaking, is time.
2. The time we can spend with family is most valuable.
3. Considering each other more than our self is extremely important.
4. Communicating freely and openly prevents misunderstandings.
5. Participating in family gatherings even when it is the last thing one wants to do. It may be the last opportunity to see each other.
6. Focusing on each other’s needs more than personal fears.
7. Loving each other as Christ has loved us, unconditionally.
8. Trusting the Lord in all things and not lean on our own understanding.
9. Embracing the experience as an opportunity for growth in the knowledge of our Lord and love for each other.
10.Caring for others more than ourself.
Many heartfelt thanks to all of you who call, email, care, and walk with us during this journey.
I will update next time after the November 16th medical appointment at Lahey Clinic.
Have a wonderful Veteran’s Day weekend.
Carolyn
Monday, November 5, 2007
Lois Hottel Wood (daughter of Hoyt Hottel - Jack's MIT mentor)
This letter is from Professor Hottel's daughter. Prof. Hottel mentored and worked with Jack for many years. They co-authored a book together named New Energy Technology. It is a "go to" book in solving our current energy problems. Jack held the Hoyt Hottel Chair in the Chemical Engineering Department for several years prior to his MIT retirement.
The Letter:
Dear Jack and Carolyn,The world of MIT has not heard much from me since my dad's death in 1998 -- almost 10 years ago. But -- you are all still and forever in my hearts. I grew up in Dept 10, first in Bldg 2 (!) and then Bldg 12 – and the memories are legion. I got to the age where I ogled the grad students and even the young faculty – shameless wench – and Hoyt’s daughter to boot! I made huge numbers of good friends, some of whom I still contact. I think just about everyone at my wedding was from that world – I loved you all well, and have nothing but precious memories of my life at Tech. I visited a lot in the wondrous new Bldg 66 -- Daddy was SO proud of the way they wedged that in! -- but by that time I was ensconced in my own busy life. Four children and ten grandchildren – keeps me busy
!And the carpools! Living where the Hottels did – last stop! -- anyone in the family riding to MIT had quite an experience with the carpool crowd. Who else ever knew that route through all those back corners of Medford and Somerville and Cambridge? – none of which is even recognizable today! I was very very young -- a teen -- when I had my first job at Tech, and I so well remember those mornings in the car with you and Fritz and I can't remember who else -- cars weren't so big then, so maybe there were only four of us.
For 20 years, I worked as the director of communications (fancy title for editor) at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering. I looked down my nose when I was first there -- MIT snob -- who ever heard of Thayer School? -- and left a long time later with a huge respect for that tiny school which did a good job of educating young engineers and some impressive research as well -- at a college I had also disdained, but now admire. John Kemeny, the mathematician from Princeton who became Dartmouth's president around 1970 turned the school around, and its academic standards are now high. Daddy never accepted that -- he had his opinion of Dartmouth and that was that! He grudgingly allowed that maybe I did a good job, but just barely -- and he was sure he could have done it better! What a great dad I had!
Just as I was retiring in 2004, a new dean arrived at Thayer School -- and it was Joe Helble! Needless to say, it didn't take long for us to get together -- Adel kept the secret from me, so I had no idea that Joe had any direct connection to any part of my life, but of course, he did. And, sadly, it was he who told me last week about your illness.Jack, I am so sorry. What a nightmare for you all.
I lost my husband, Myric, to cancer in June 2006, after 45 wonderful years in family medicine here in Lebanon, NH -- and I know how hard it is, not only for you but for Carolyn. Both of your lives are suddenly turned around, and the challenges are huge. For you, to suddenly have to focus on yourself and your physical well-being when I'm sure they were of little concern to you during your very busy life in teaching and research -- it must be awful.
I'm so sad to think of you being so ill – I hope the treatments are tolerable and have the best possible measure of success. I have such good memories of you and Carolyn at 27 Cambridge Street – my daughter Sarah lives in Arlington now, so I go by our old house frequently. And if you still live on Everett Avenue (is that an accurate memory? at 76, many are not!!), I guess I go by your house as well!My heart and prayers are with you both – and I wish you both the best that can come to you ---With my love
,Lois Hottel Wood
The Letter:
Dear Jack and Carolyn,The world of MIT has not heard much from me since my dad's death in 1998 -- almost 10 years ago. But -- you are all still and forever in my hearts. I grew up in Dept 10, first in Bldg 2 (!) and then Bldg 12 – and the memories are legion. I got to the age where I ogled the grad students and even the young faculty – shameless wench – and Hoyt’s daughter to boot! I made huge numbers of good friends, some of whom I still contact. I think just about everyone at my wedding was from that world – I loved you all well, and have nothing but precious memories of my life at Tech. I visited a lot in the wondrous new Bldg 66 -- Daddy was SO proud of the way they wedged that in! -- but by that time I was ensconced in my own busy life. Four children and ten grandchildren – keeps me busy
!And the carpools! Living where the Hottels did – last stop! -- anyone in the family riding to MIT had quite an experience with the carpool crowd. Who else ever knew that route through all those back corners of Medford and Somerville and Cambridge? – none of which is even recognizable today! I was very very young -- a teen -- when I had my first job at Tech, and I so well remember those mornings in the car with you and Fritz and I can't remember who else -- cars weren't so big then, so maybe there were only four of us.
For 20 years, I worked as the director of communications (fancy title for editor) at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering. I looked down my nose when I was first there -- MIT snob -- who ever heard of Thayer School? -- and left a long time later with a huge respect for that tiny school which did a good job of educating young engineers and some impressive research as well -- at a college I had also disdained, but now admire. John Kemeny, the mathematician from Princeton who became Dartmouth's president around 1970 turned the school around, and its academic standards are now high. Daddy never accepted that -- he had his opinion of Dartmouth and that was that! He grudgingly allowed that maybe I did a good job, but just barely -- and he was sure he could have done it better! What a great dad I had!
Just as I was retiring in 2004, a new dean arrived at Thayer School -- and it was Joe Helble! Needless to say, it didn't take long for us to get together -- Adel kept the secret from me, so I had no idea that Joe had any direct connection to any part of my life, but of course, he did. And, sadly, it was he who told me last week about your illness.Jack, I am so sorry. What a nightmare for you all.
I lost my husband, Myric, to cancer in June 2006, after 45 wonderful years in family medicine here in Lebanon, NH -- and I know how hard it is, not only for you but for Carolyn. Both of your lives are suddenly turned around, and the challenges are huge. For you, to suddenly have to focus on yourself and your physical well-being when I'm sure they were of little concern to you during your very busy life in teaching and research -- it must be awful.
I'm so sad to think of you being so ill – I hope the treatments are tolerable and have the best possible measure of success. I have such good memories of you and Carolyn at 27 Cambridge Street – my daughter Sarah lives in Arlington now, so I go by our old house frequently. And if you still live on Everett Avenue (is that an accurate memory? at 76, many are not!!), I guess I go by your house as well!My heart and prayers are with you both – and I wish you both the best that can come to you ---With my love
,Lois Hottel Wood
Professor Bill Green comments
Dear Jack,
Amanda and I have been following your progress on your blog; we are inspired by your resilience and are cherishing you in our thoughts and prayers.
I feel extremely lucky, both to have caught your eye when I first applied to work at MIT,and then to have had you as a mentor and collaborator as I started out as an assistant professor. After a long week dealing with the stresses that come with that job, it was such a relief to spend a few minutes in unhurried conversation with you, to feel your calm and thoughtful influence. And it was very reassuring to see in front of me someone who had dealt with the same stresses I was facing, both at work and at home, and had found a way to maintain a balance and a focus on what was really important. So I am very grateful for the moments I have been able to spend with you and for the example you set me.
I hope that, as you did for me, I may some day be able to help some new asst. prof. find his bearings.
If I may, I would like to stop by to visit. When would be a good time?
Peace and Love,
Bill
Prof. William H. Green
MIT Dept. of Chemical Engineering
(617)253-4580 Room 66-270
Amanda and I have been following your progress on your blog; we are inspired by your resilience and are cherishing you in our thoughts and prayers.
I feel extremely lucky, both to have caught your eye when I first applied to work at MIT,and then to have had you as a mentor and collaborator as I started out as an assistant professor. After a long week dealing with the stresses that come with that job, it was such a relief to spend a few minutes in unhurried conversation with you, to feel your calm and thoughtful influence. And it was very reassuring to see in front of me someone who had dealt with the same stresses I was facing, both at work and at home, and had found a way to maintain a balance and a focus on what was really important. So I am very grateful for the moments I have been able to spend with you and for the example you set me.
I hope that, as you did for me, I may some day be able to help some new asst. prof. find his bearings.
If I may, I would like to stop by to visit. When would be a good time?
Peace and Love,
Bill
Prof. William H. Green
MIT Dept. of Chemical Engineering
(617)253-4580 Room 66-270
A poem from a friend
There is a brokenness
Out of which comes the unbroken
a shatteredness
Out of which blooms the unshatterable.
There is sorrow beyond all grief which leads to joy
and a fragility out of whose depth emerges strength.
There is a hollow space too vast for words
Through which we pass with each loss,
out of whose darkness we are sanctioned into being.
There is a cry deeper than all sound
Whose serrated edges cut the heart as we break open to the place inside
Which is unbreakable and whole,
while learning to sing.
A friend of mine sent me this beautiful poem. My thougths while reading this poem was to dwell on how our Lord heals the broken, becomes the light in our lives, and supplies all of our needs. Thanks be to Him, who alone is worthy to be praised. Let us all sing our praises to our Lord and our God.
Out of which comes the unbroken
a shatteredness
Out of which blooms the unshatterable.
There is sorrow beyond all grief which leads to joy
and a fragility out of whose depth emerges strength.
There is a hollow space too vast for words
Through which we pass with each loss,
out of whose darkness we are sanctioned into being.
There is a cry deeper than all sound
Whose serrated edges cut the heart as we break open to the place inside
Which is unbreakable and whole,
while learning to sing.
A friend of mine sent me this beautiful poem. My thougths while reading this poem was to dwell on how our Lord heals the broken, becomes the light in our lives, and supplies all of our needs. Thanks be to Him, who alone is worthy to be praised. Let us all sing our praises to our Lord and our God.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Hello from Serakorn Gerjarusak, PhD 1993
Dear Professor Howard and Carolyn,
First, a big thank you to Phillip Westmoreland for informing me (and other former students) of Professor Howard's illness.
Since I left MIT in 1993, I have not been in touch with Jack Howard and Bill Peters, my thesis advisors. I returned to Bangkok, Thailand, with the intention to join Esso's refinery (known as Exxon in USA). However, I was recruited by a course X alumnus, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, whose family was a big shareholder of Bangkok Bank (he is currently the bank's President). I worked at Bangkok Bank for a year as a foreign exchange trader. I then decided to put engineering on hold and took a plunge into investment banking. I travelled to Hong Kong in the summer of 1994 and have lived here ever since. I worked for Merrill Lynch, Barclays, Lehman Brothers, and HSBC. I am currently with Goldman Sachs, working as Managing Director and head of macro structuring for non-Japan Asia.
In case you are wondering what exactly is my job, I will try to explain it the best I can. I work for the largest securities firm in the world. Goldman Sachs is kinda like MIT of investment banking! Everyone in an investment bank aspire to be a manging director. About 6% of the employee at Goldman Sachs are managing directors (although there are different levels of seniority, Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Golmand Sach is also a Managing Director, but at least 10 levels above me). I am in charge of coming up with trade ideas in foreign exchange and interest rate, working with salespeople and traders to execute the idea with our cleints. It is nothing like the movie "Wall Street." I get to use some algebra and basic calculus plus some basic probability and statistics. I try to dress like a true banker, i.e. dark suits and tie, now that I am really one!
I have been married to Tiaranad for six years, we have two beautiful children Tara (5, girl) and Trin (3.5, boy). We all live in Hong Kong.
Like Dr. Peters, you rescued me from self imposed confusion. Like Dr Peters, I was at Yale before MIT. I absolutely disliked New Haven and wanted to move north to Boston. Although many said it could not be true, I was recruited to MIT because of my interest in combustion. Lucky me!! Supposedly there was a shortage of students in the field of combustion in the late 80's. After the first semester, I took the doctoral qualifying exam. I also registered for the Practice School as an insurance. If I didn't want to continue, I could graduate with a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering Practice and go straight to work. I passed the qualifier and you were so kind in assuring me that I really passed and that you really wanted me to work on coal combustion.
And I never looked back. My years at the Ralph Landau (Cheese Cake) Building were some of the best years of my life. I probably said it many times before, but I can't say it enough. Thank you, Professor Howard, for being there for me. My experience at MIT kicked started my career in, ahem, banking, and my banking friends and colleagues are still fascinated by the fact that I have a Ph.D. from MIT.
I am returning to Boston in 2 weeks for college recruiting. The secret is out, and investment banks are recruiting science and engineering students, especially Ph.D.'s. I hope that I can visit you at your home and please reply to my email if you think it is OK.
I have also been touched by the poem posted by Carolyn in the blog. Because of you, Dr. Peters, and many friends from MIT, my cup is over flowing. Let's be cheerful and keep drinking from the saucer.
Happy belated 70th birthday and get well soon.
Sarakorn Gerjarusak, Ph.D. '93 (Plasticity Kinetics of Different coal Types)Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLCFixed Income, Currency & Commodity Division(O) +852 2978 2977 (M) +852 9155 0555bobby.gerjarusak@gs.com
First, a big thank you to Phillip Westmoreland for informing me (and other former students) of Professor Howard's illness.
Since I left MIT in 1993, I have not been in touch with Jack Howard and Bill Peters, my thesis advisors. I returned to Bangkok, Thailand, with the intention to join Esso's refinery (known as Exxon in USA). However, I was recruited by a course X alumnus, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, whose family was a big shareholder of Bangkok Bank (he is currently the bank's President). I worked at Bangkok Bank for a year as a foreign exchange trader. I then decided to put engineering on hold and took a plunge into investment banking. I travelled to Hong Kong in the summer of 1994 and have lived here ever since. I worked for Merrill Lynch, Barclays, Lehman Brothers, and HSBC. I am currently with Goldman Sachs, working as Managing Director and head of macro structuring for non-Japan Asia.
In case you are wondering what exactly is my job, I will try to explain it the best I can. I work for the largest securities firm in the world. Goldman Sachs is kinda like MIT of investment banking! Everyone in an investment bank aspire to be a manging director. About 6% of the employee at Goldman Sachs are managing directors (although there are different levels of seniority, Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Golmand Sach is also a Managing Director, but at least 10 levels above me). I am in charge of coming up with trade ideas in foreign exchange and interest rate, working with salespeople and traders to execute the idea with our cleints. It is nothing like the movie "Wall Street." I get to use some algebra and basic calculus plus some basic probability and statistics. I try to dress like a true banker, i.e. dark suits and tie, now that I am really one!
I have been married to Tiaranad for six years, we have two beautiful children Tara (5, girl) and Trin (3.5, boy). We all live in Hong Kong.
Like Dr. Peters, you rescued me from self imposed confusion. Like Dr Peters, I was at Yale before MIT. I absolutely disliked New Haven and wanted to move north to Boston. Although many said it could not be true, I was recruited to MIT because of my interest in combustion. Lucky me!! Supposedly there was a shortage of students in the field of combustion in the late 80's. After the first semester, I took the doctoral qualifying exam. I also registered for the Practice School as an insurance. If I didn't want to continue, I could graduate with a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering Practice and go straight to work. I passed the qualifier and you were so kind in assuring me that I really passed and that you really wanted me to work on coal combustion.
And I never looked back. My years at the Ralph Landau (Cheese Cake) Building were some of the best years of my life. I probably said it many times before, but I can't say it enough. Thank you, Professor Howard, for being there for me. My experience at MIT kicked started my career in, ahem, banking, and my banking friends and colleagues are still fascinated by the fact that I have a Ph.D. from MIT.
I am returning to Boston in 2 weeks for college recruiting. The secret is out, and investment banks are recruiting science and engineering students, especially Ph.D.'s. I hope that I can visit you at your home and please reply to my email if you think it is OK.
I have also been touched by the poem posted by Carolyn in the blog. Because of you, Dr. Peters, and many friends from MIT, my cup is over flowing. Let's be cheerful and keep drinking from the saucer.
Happy belated 70th birthday and get well soon.
Sarakorn Gerjarusak, Ph.D. '93 (Plasticity Kinetics of Different coal Types)Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLCFixed Income, Currency & Commodity Division(O) +852 2978 2977 (M) +852 9155 0555bobby.gerjarusak@gs.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)