UPDATES
July 7, 2008
Jack is still with us. He appears to be in a deeper sleep than he has been. His breathing was more sporadic yesterday and last evening so I decided to spend the night at the infirmary. These gracious people provided me a room next to his. I was very grateful.
William came from midnight to 3:00 AM. I missed him since I apparently slept. Jack coughed several times in the night to clear his throat. The nurses said his cough was very strong.
This morning when I got up, his breathing rate had increased from 3-4 breaths every 37-40 seconds to 5 breaths every 30 seconds. His color is rosy; his hands and feet are warm. He is very peaceful as are we.
I came home this morning to eat breakfast and get ready to go back for the day. Jack’s heart and lungs are strong and were ready per Jonathan for another 25 years. Our Lord planned differently. We continue to wait on our Lord as he carries us through this amazing experience. We continue to praise our Lord for His tender mercy and grace. His timing is perfect.
We thank all of you for your care and prayers.
Love,
Carolyn and family
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
UPDATES July 6, 2008
UPDATES
July 6, 2008
I spoke with the nurse this morning and Jack remains the same as yesterday. He was breathing about 8 breaths/minute with 32 second pauses before his breathing resumed. We thought yesterday was Jack’s resurrection day but the Lord tarries. He is comfortable and is medicated to ease the labored breathing.
One of his former students visited him yesterday. He is Mohommad Hajaligol. We had posted on the blog last fall a letter he had written to Jack that described how Jack had impacted him personally and professionally. Also, our dear friends, the Howells, from our Bible study, faithfully visit him each day. We thank all of you for your undying support and comfort.
I spoke with William Karaba last evening. William was Jack’s night caregiver. He asked if we minded if he came and sat with him last evening. William helped one of the night nurses turn and bath him. William, as well as Annette, who keeps calling to check on him, were wonderful caregivers who truly became part of our family.
I am posting an email from my sister-in-law Vicki that expresses it all:
Caroloyn:
As I was reading your blog this morning - it reminded me that this was one of the verses that we used in Vacation Bible School. This really addresses where Jack is in his race to the ultimate prize, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also reminded me of a verse in II Timothy 4:5-8 - when Paul was speaking to his son Timothy as Paul was dying - “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” This is Jack - he has fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith - he will surely be in the presence of the Lord - how glorious is that!
I wish I had had the opportunity to be around him a lot more than I was. But the few years that I was around him have made an enormous impact on me. At times, very slow and others very fast and the last few months, his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted my own spiritual growth... Praise be to God! The message you guys presented, I believe, will make a huge impact on lots of people
I love you and am keeping you all in my prayers - that is for the Lord to keep you and comfort you through these days.
Love,
Vicki
p.s. David, Matthew Ryan, Caleb and Sydney send their love!
We will continue to keep you posted. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband, Roy left yesterday. His sister, Myra and her family leave today. We are grateful for the time they have had with Jack. They all said that they got to say all the things they wanted to say. Truly, the blessing of cancer is the opportunity to say everything you want to say.
Carolyn and family
July 6, 2008
I spoke with the nurse this morning and Jack remains the same as yesterday. He was breathing about 8 breaths/minute with 32 second pauses before his breathing resumed. We thought yesterday was Jack’s resurrection day but the Lord tarries. He is comfortable and is medicated to ease the labored breathing.
One of his former students visited him yesterday. He is Mohommad Hajaligol. We had posted on the blog last fall a letter he had written to Jack that described how Jack had impacted him personally and professionally. Also, our dear friends, the Howells, from our Bible study, faithfully visit him each day. We thank all of you for your undying support and comfort.
I spoke with William Karaba last evening. William was Jack’s night caregiver. He asked if we minded if he came and sat with him last evening. William helped one of the night nurses turn and bath him. William, as well as Annette, who keeps calling to check on him, were wonderful caregivers who truly became part of our family.
I am posting an email from my sister-in-law Vicki that expresses it all:
Caroloyn:
As I was reading your blog this morning - it reminded me that this was one of the verses that we used in Vacation Bible School. This really addresses where Jack is in his race to the ultimate prize, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also reminded me of a verse in II Timothy 4:5-8 - when Paul was speaking to his son Timothy as Paul was dying - “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” This is Jack - he has fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith - he will surely be in the presence of the Lord - how glorious is that!
I wish I had had the opportunity to be around him a lot more than I was. But the few years that I was around him have made an enormous impact on me. At times, very slow and others very fast and the last few months, his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted my own spiritual growth... Praise be to God! The message you guys presented, I believe, will make a huge impact on lots of people
I love you and am keeping you all in my prayers - that is for the Lord to keep you and comfort you through these days.
Love,
Vicki
p.s. David, Matthew Ryan, Caleb and Sydney send their love!
We will continue to keep you posted. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband, Roy left yesterday. His sister, Myra and her family leave today. We are grateful for the time they have had with Jack. They all said that they got to say all the things they wanted to say. Truly, the blessing of cancer is the opportunity to say everything you want to say.
Carolyn and family
Saturday, July 5, 2008
UPDATES July 5, 2008
UPDATES
July 5, 2008
Jack continues to weaken. I spoke with the nurse this morning and her words were, “I think we are closer”. Jack was less responsive last evening. His breathing is slower and he is showing signs of edema on his back that is another sign. She also said that he was looking a little blue around his mouth meaning that his oxygen intake is lower.
Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrived last evening and were able to spend some time with him. His niece and great nephew, Michele and Jared, arrived yesterday morning and were also able to spend some time with him.
We continue to be upheld by the power of our Savior, thankfully. It makes me think of Phil. 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Jack will soon be in the arms of his beloved, Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
July 5, 2008
Jack continues to weaken. I spoke with the nurse this morning and her words were, “I think we are closer”. Jack was less responsive last evening. His breathing is slower and he is showing signs of edema on his back that is another sign. She also said that he was looking a little blue around his mouth meaning that his oxygen intake is lower.
Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrived last evening and were able to spend some time with him. His niece and great nephew, Michele and Jared, arrived yesterday morning and were also able to spend some time with him.
We continue to be upheld by the power of our Savior, thankfully. It makes me think of Phil. 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Jack will soon be in the arms of his beloved, Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
Friday, July 4, 2008
UPDATES July 4, 2008
UPDATES
July 4, 2008
Happy July 4th.
Jack had a comfortable night last night per the nurses. They go in and turn him regularly. He communicated with them each time but went back to sleep. He became cool this morning and took a towel under his head and put around his shoulders. The nurse went in and asked him if he was cool and he indicated he was by blinking with his eyes after being asked if he was cool. Since speaking is so difficult for him, we have told him if the answer is yes to blink with his eyes which he does very easily. He is still so present. It makes for an easier time for him and us.
Jack had been on steroids since last fall to reduce brain swelling. Steroids cause a lot of fluid retention, a “moon” shaped face and abdomen swelling. These characteristics had somewhat altered his appearance making him look like he had put on a lot of weight which he really had not. After a picture that was made at Easter of himself that he saw, he asked who it was when he saw it. The medical team took him off of the steroids on Tuesday, so he is now releasing all of the fluid from this retention. You may remember back in the fall on the blog I told about a conversation with Jack about the amount he was urinating. He commented that it was a mass transfer issue and that the sum of the flows was zero. Well, the sum of the flows is negative now since there is no intake, just output. One of the striking things about Jack’s appearance yesterday is that he had lost a considerable amount of the “moon” look in is face. Based on the output last evening, I expect that he will have lost even more of that look now. Since steroids also cause agitation and irritability, coming off of them has helped with his peacefulness for which we are very thankful.
He sleeps more now. Yesterday when a now retired MIT and Nano-C colleague, Tony Modestino, came in to visit him, he not only acknowledged him but told him “that it was very good, as always, to see him. He also thanked him for coming”. Amazing is all I can say.
Jack’s niece, Michele, and her son Jared arrive this morning. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrive this evening. Boston is insane today with major roads closed and about one million people coming into the city for the famous July 4th celebration on the Charles River Esplanade. Many of you may be able to see it on TV this evening. The infirmary is across the street from the Cambridge side of the river. We will likely not stay around for the fireworks since we would then spend 2 hours driving about 8 miles in going home.
We continue to “wait for the Lord, my (our) soul doth wait, and in His word do I (we) hope.
Psalm 130:5
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
July 4, 2008
Happy July 4th.
Jack had a comfortable night last night per the nurses. They go in and turn him regularly. He communicated with them each time but went back to sleep. He became cool this morning and took a towel under his head and put around his shoulders. The nurse went in and asked him if he was cool and he indicated he was by blinking with his eyes after being asked if he was cool. Since speaking is so difficult for him, we have told him if the answer is yes to blink with his eyes which he does very easily. He is still so present. It makes for an easier time for him and us.
Jack had been on steroids since last fall to reduce brain swelling. Steroids cause a lot of fluid retention, a “moon” shaped face and abdomen swelling. These characteristics had somewhat altered his appearance making him look like he had put on a lot of weight which he really had not. After a picture that was made at Easter of himself that he saw, he asked who it was when he saw it. The medical team took him off of the steroids on Tuesday, so he is now releasing all of the fluid from this retention. You may remember back in the fall on the blog I told about a conversation with Jack about the amount he was urinating. He commented that it was a mass transfer issue and that the sum of the flows was zero. Well, the sum of the flows is negative now since there is no intake, just output. One of the striking things about Jack’s appearance yesterday is that he had lost a considerable amount of the “moon” look in is face. Based on the output last evening, I expect that he will have lost even more of that look now. Since steroids also cause agitation and irritability, coming off of them has helped with his peacefulness for which we are very thankful.
He sleeps more now. Yesterday when a now retired MIT and Nano-C colleague, Tony Modestino, came in to visit him, he not only acknowledged him but told him “that it was very good, as always, to see him. He also thanked him for coming”. Amazing is all I can say.
Jack’s niece, Michele, and her son Jared arrive this morning. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrive this evening. Boston is insane today with major roads closed and about one million people coming into the city for the famous July 4th celebration on the Charles River Esplanade. Many of you may be able to see it on TV this evening. The infirmary is across the street from the Cambridge side of the river. We will likely not stay around for the fireworks since we would then spend 2 hours driving about 8 miles in going home.
We continue to “wait for the Lord, my (our) soul doth wait, and in His word do I (we) hope.
Psalm 130:5
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Email from a Howard family friend
Danny Carter grew up with Jack and was in our wedding. He sent this message this week.
CAROLYN AND KEITH AND HOWARD FAMILY.
YOURS HAS BEEN AND IS A TRULY REMARKABLE JOURNEY. I TALKED TO MY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS SUNDAY MORN JUNE 29 ABOUT JACKS THOUGHTS ABOUT NOT WITNESSING FOR THE LORD AS MUCH AS HE THOUGHT HE SHOULD HAVE. THE CONSENSUS FROM THIS GROUP OF ELDERLY BAPTISTS WAS THAT HE WAS CONTINUING TO WITNESS EVEN AS HE LAYS DYING .HAVE APEACEFUL JOURNEY JACK MY HEARTFELT THANKS FOR GROWING UP WITH YOU AND KNOWING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DANNY CARTER
CAROLYN AND KEITH AND HOWARD FAMILY.
YOURS HAS BEEN AND IS A TRULY REMARKABLE JOURNEY. I TALKED TO MY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS SUNDAY MORN JUNE 29 ABOUT JACKS THOUGHTS ABOUT NOT WITNESSING FOR THE LORD AS MUCH AS HE THOUGHT HE SHOULD HAVE. THE CONSENSUS FROM THIS GROUP OF ELDERLY BAPTISTS WAS THAT HE WAS CONTINUING TO WITNESS EVEN AS HE LAYS DYING .HAVE APEACEFUL JOURNEY JACK MY HEARTFELT THANKS FOR GROWING UP WITH YOU AND KNOWING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DANNY CARTER
Bob Cohen visit, Chemical Engineering Colleague
Dear Carolyn-
Bob went to see Jack yesterday and Jack was as gracious as possible. He is truly amazing.
You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
I wish I had something worth reading to say.
I just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you all at this time.
With much love-
Jane
Bob went to see Jack yesterday and Jack was as gracious as possible. He is truly amazing.
You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
I wish I had something worth reading to say.
I just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you all at this time.
With much love-
Jane
Linda Griffith email after her visit
Linda is a colleague of Jack's and was with Jack in an office suite at MIT for several years. She grew up in Georgia and is growing Magnolia Grandiflora in Cambridge, MA, a miracle in and of itself.
Her email yesterday after visiting Jack.
Dear Carolyn,
I have been following the blog - its beautiful - and visited Jack this morning briefly and he seemed to recognize me and said hello. The nurses were awesome in helping us interact in the best way possible.
My southern magnolia miraculously started blooming this week, so I cut the bloom this morning and took it in for you as a little piece of the South up here in New England. This flower was the 3rd of the summer and each one is a little miracle (to me) as it reminds me of God's beauty. It will probably have more blooms over the rest of the week/weekend and I can bring one in to Jack every day it blooms, if that would be at all meaningful to you (there are about 6-8 more buds on the little tree I have in my yard).
With love, Linda
Linda G. GriffithS.E.T.I. Professor of Biological and Mechanical EngineeringDirector, Biotech/Pharma Engineering CenterMIT 16-42977 Massachusetts Ave.Cambridge, MA 02139617-253-0013fax 617-253-2400http://web.mit.edu/lgglab/index.html
Her email yesterday after visiting Jack.
Dear Carolyn,
I have been following the blog - its beautiful - and visited Jack this morning briefly and he seemed to recognize me and said hello. The nurses were awesome in helping us interact in the best way possible.
My southern magnolia miraculously started blooming this week, so I cut the bloom this morning and took it in for you as a little piece of the South up here in New England. This flower was the 3rd of the summer and each one is a little miracle (to me) as it reminds me of God's beauty. It will probably have more blooms over the rest of the week/weekend and I can bring one in to Jack every day it blooms, if that would be at all meaningful to you (there are about 6-8 more buds on the little tree I have in my yard).
With love, Linda
Linda G. GriffithS.E.T.I. Professor of Biological and Mechanical EngineeringDirector, Biotech/Pharma Engineering CenterMIT 16-42977 Massachusetts Ave.Cambridge, MA 02139617-253-0013fax 617-253-2400http://web.mit.edu/lgglab/index.html
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