Saturday, October 30, 2010

SURPRISED and SO SAD

This day began as any tree day does, running behind, two houses finished and one more to knock out today.. this was also the day Jack was moving to the new JUST REHAB center.  Micah had been so great to take off and get Pop settled. I had no idea what time the move would be but was getting ready to change clothes and walk out the door when the doorbell rang.  I ask who it was and no one said anything, ran and got a robe and opened the door.  There was Jack and Micah. One of those moments in life that I will never forget. A special moment to say the least.  Jack was home for the first time in four weeks.  He had just told Micah he wanted to go home for a few minutes before going to the new rehab center.  What a sweet sight that was. He is walking great and walked in with no limp and very steady, sat down in his recliner and said “wow it is so good to be home”!  Tomorrow will be a month since our life changed.  I had to leave and meet the elves and Jack and Micah had some coffee, he took Jack to get a massage and then to eat..and finally to his home away from home for the next three weeks.  There were days in the last month that I thought he might never walk through those doors.  If you prayed, thank you. 
I went to work and worked all day, decking some halls, walked in around 5, planning to take a shower and go check out Jacks new place.  The phone rang and the caller ID was a relative in Magnolia Ark. where Jack's Dad lives.  He had just been here on Tuesday to see Jack and it was Jack’s favorite part of the week. 
I don’t think I have ever told you Jack’s story, but he was a ward of the county for most of his childhood.  When he was in Junior High, his football coach stopped him one day and ask if he would like to come home with him and be a part of their family.  Rip Powell was a Junior High Coach with a young family that adopted a boy that had no home.  So at age 13, Jack had a family. The hard to explain part became that Jack’s new Dad was only 11 years older than him.  He was legally adopted and now had a name to be proud of.  He was Rip Powell's son. Anyone that lives in Arkansas knows Rip. He was the head football coach at what I always knew as Southern State but is now Southern Arkansas University, for many years.

Jack became a coach because he wanted to be just like his Dad.  And so many times in our lives I have seen him pour into kids lives and I knew he was thinking of all his Dad had done for him.  Tonight the call came that his Dad had fallen and had a large bleed on the brain. We are really not sure what happened, but his sweet granddaughter said they were life flighting him to the trauma hospital in our town and had told them he might not survive the flight. Memories of a month ago were happening again.  Amanda, Greg and I went straight to the hospital as it would take the family a couple of hours to get here.  As we walked in the doctor walked out and said he had coded on the flight, they had gotten a pulse back but he was brain dead. They would try to keep him alive until the family arrived to say their goodbyes. We said ours and knew we needed to go and tell Jack..How would we? How could we? Again, our doctor friend, who was now in Hawaii and had also played for Rip, talked us through what to say to Jack. He thought we should tell him tonight.  Again he was right... 
Jack was a month out from a stroke and now we had to tell him the man that had changed his life, the man he so loved and was so grateful to, was dead.
 We have just returned from telling Jack, all having a good cry but all so thankful that our lives were touched by  Raymond Rip Powell.  He was/is a legend in the football community. As I am typing this the respiratory people are removing all the life support machines.  There is absolutely no sign of any brain activity and Rip would never have wanted to be left on machines. The next few days will be very hard and very sad.  Jack is adamant that he must attend the funeral. He even wants to speak. As we left tonight he said "I have always known that someday I would speak at Dad's funeral and tell what he did for me."
If he can't I think Greg can speak for him.
As this holiday season begins we have never been more aware that life can change in a moment, never more aware that life is a gift, never more thankful for each day and never more aware of what REALLY MATTERS
Our new theme song is LEAN ON Me
       
Thank you Amanda, Greg, Micah, Dana, Roger, Terri, Marcy, Sheila, Pam, and so many more for being that shoulder to me this past month. 

45 comments:

BARBIE said...

So thrilled at the progress Jack is making. But I am sorry to hear about his father. I will be praying for the entire family!

Carol said...

I am so happy that Jack is making progress and you all are going to have him back home soon. I know it had to be devestating to get the news about his Dad. Sometimes we get thrown a lot in life. Are you feeling the prayers of others holding you up? I know I certainly do/have. I will be praying for your family. when you think you've come to the end of your rope....tie a knot and hang on!

Love always...

Carol-the gardener

Anonymous said...

I offer my deepest sorrow at the loss of Jack's dad. My prayers will be with all of you during this time.

I am thankful for the improvement Jack has made and Praise the Lord for answered prayers.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Theresa ~ What wonderful news about Jack. Pretty soon he'll be back home for good.

I am so sorry to hear about his Dad, and what a wonderful story about Jack's adoption and the love of the man and family who took him in.

Continued love, hugs and prayers,
FlowerLady

Theresa said...

Wow, what a wonderful moment when Jack walked thru that door! Determined to do it, AND HE DID!

I am so sad for his Dad, what a great Man to take Jack in and give him a home! He made a difference in Jack's life and I know that he knew it! God bless you all as you attend the services!

Love and prayers!

Kelli said...

I am behind on blogs but I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for Jack and I'm so sorry for what you've all been through. My heart and prayers go out to you all again as you celebrate the life of Rip Powell, who was without a doubt a great and wonderful man. God bless you and your family.

Sally said...

God bless you all; so good about your husband yet sad about his dad. My heart goes out to all of you.

twinkle said...

What a testimony Jack has. Praying for all of you during this season of God reliance.

He is God Enough. His Arms are Daddy Arms, big...wide...and strong. And His Shoulder is there for the needy. He wants to be needed by His children.

Love you and thankful for answered prayers.

Bacardi Mama said...

Oh Teresa, what you have been through in one short month. To have such happiness and then sadness all in the same day. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vicki said...

I am so thrilled at Jack's progress. I'm glad that he has been granted a recovery that enabled him to process the sad news about his dad. I'll be praying that he is able to speak at his dad's funeral. Thank you so much for sharing Jack's story. I cried when I read that Jack was standing at your front door. Then I cried again to read about the man who chose to be Jack's father. You (all) remain in my prayers.

ShirleyC said...

Teresa,
I really have no words to help you except to say I pray for you all every day. I keep praying for Jack's recovery and for you to have strength to handle everything you have to do.
I'm sure you've found out that you are a much stronger person that you ever thought you would be. Life deals us many obstacles, and the way we handle them makes us the people we are.
Much love and many hugs to you and your family.

Joyce said...

What an emotional blog... I cried happiness of him sitting in his chair... and sadness at the death of his dad.
My husband had 3 heart attacks in one month July 2007 and is now fine (Praise God) so I understand how life can change so fast. You are going along without a care on top of the mountain.. and then bam... somehow you end up in the valley. I don't know how anyone gets through it without the Lord! I will continue to pray for Jack and your family! Joyce from Washington State.

Courtney said...

Oh my goodness, your family has been through so much this past month. I will keep you in my prayers.

Doris said...

I'm so happy that Jack was able to come home at least for a little while.

Your journey is bringing back memories for me. I remember during a family meeting at rehab with my daughter and she sadly said 'I just want to go home....it's been so long!' She was away for 8 long weeks.

So sad, the passing of Jack's Dad. I will pray that he can be at the service.

I continue to pray....

Doris

Kristens Creations said...

Oh my goodness Teresa!! I'm so sorry to hear about Jack's dad. What a great story about him...he sounds like a wonderful man. Your family has really been through alot lately. I will keep you all in my prayers. Great news about Jack though...glad he is doing better. I'm sure it was a blessing to see him walk through those doors. Take care and don't work yourself to death! Your family needs you right now...Kristen

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh honey, you have been through so very much that my heart just aches for you and your family.

I'm thrilled that Jack is doin' so very well. God has truly come through the prayers of others for ya'll and will continue to do so.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Jack's dad sounds like a most amazing man who will be truly missed but he'll continue on through all the many lives he has touched. My prayers are with you and Rip's family.

Take care, I'm so happy you have a great support system there for you.

God bless and please let me know if I can do anything sweetie!!!

Beth Herring said...

Teresa - i am reading with tears just puddled in my eyes. Oh, I am praying that God will just minister so deeply to Jack during this time and that he will cling to those precious memories of his dad.

So thrilled that Jack is making such good progress! God is so good!!

Unknown said...

I was so thrilled to hear that Jack had the joy of being home again. It truly gives him something tangible to reach for. His progress is a miracle - amazing!!!

I'm so very sorry about Jack's dad. If there is any way that Jack can be there to speak, he needs to be there. He has probably thought this through so many times in his life. This would be a loving tribute to his dad.

Michelle said...

Hi Teresa,

My heart is so saddened for you.
I have no words, please know I'm praying.

billypandnikkysmom said...

Wow, I was so happy to hear that Jack surprised you with a visit! What a feeling it must have been for the two of you! I am sorry to hear about Jack's dad, it sounds like he was a very special person, he gave Jack the love & shelter he needed ~ prayers for all of you...

Debby said...

What a beautiful moment to open the door and see your hubby. What a miracle. I prayed for you and will continue.
So sorry about his father. What a sad but wonderful story. I hope that Jack will be able to attend and speak. ((((HUGS))))

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

tears right along with you as I read these words, and if we know anything at this point, we know it can happen to any one of us at any time. I pray for strength for the funeral day and that Jack will be lifted up as he reflects on this life changing man and what an impact he had. It was always part of God's plan for Jack to be Rip's boy, age had nothing to do with it.

What a beautiful lesson of the impact a life can have!

Praying for you all.

Sonja

ShanaM said...

So sorry to hear about Jack's father!

Tanya said...

What all your family has gone through in the past month is hard to imagine and believe. You are obviously one of the most strong and tight knit families. What you have endured is hard to wrap my mind around. God bless all of you. So very happy for your Jack and my heart was touched and tears came to my eyes hearing about him coming "home". May God give all of you strength as you walk through this next sadness in your life. Prayers for all of you.

Pam said...

Bless your heart! What a roller coaster. So glad Jack is improving and got to visit home for a little bit. But so sad about his dad. So so sad. Praying as you go through the coming days.

Faythe said...

So sorry that with the happiness of Jack's progress comes sadness. I continue to keep you all in my prayers and send tons of positive thoughts your ways as well.
Healing hugs for who ever needs them...
Faythe @GMT~

West Side of Straight said...

So glad Jack's recovery is coming along. What an awesome story about he and his Dad. He needs to write a book. You can feel in your writing this blog how much he loved his father. Blessings to you all, jo

Beth E. said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Jack's dad. What a month your family has been through! With that being said, what wonderful victories Jack has had!

His dad sounds like he was a wonderful man. His legacy lives on in Jack.

Praying for your precious family...

Debbie said...

I am so sorry for what you have been going through. I'm so glad to hear Jack is doing so good, but so sorry for your loss. As I read this post I just broke down for compassion for you and your family and thinking just what you said, things can change in a second. Life is so precious, as you are very aware of. I will continue to pray for your family and be thankful for every precious moment with mine too. Blessings, Debbie

Debbie said...

I am so sorry for what you have been going through. I'm so glad to hear Jack is doing so good, but so sorry for your loss. As I read this post I just broke down for compassion for you and your family and thinking just what you said, things can change in a second. Life is so precious, as you are very aware of. I will continue to pray for your family and be thankful for every precious moment with mine too. Blessings, Debbie

gayle said...

I am so glad that Jack is doing so well!! So very sad to hear about his father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

gayle said...

I am so glad that Jack is doing so well!! So very sad to hear about his father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

nomo wino daph said...

Oh Teresa, I am in tears! First tears of joy now tears of sorrow. I am so sorry for y'alls loss. God Bless & be with you all & give you the comfort that only can come from him!

(((HUGS))) and many many prayers-
Daphne

Carole Burant said...

I can just imagine how surprised you were to see Jack standing there at the door...I'm so happy that he's doing so well!! The power of prayer is a wonderful thing! Very sad about his dad, though. Having just come back from my nephew's funeral (he died due to head trauma in a logging accident and was only 45 years old), I know how shocking it is to get such news. My prayers continue for all of you. xoxo

elizabeth said...

Oh Teresa - there really are no words. There are so many of us praying for your family right now and I hope you can feel it.

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

So happy that Jack is making steady progress but my heart hurts for you all at your loss.

Terra said...

Dear Teresa, this post made me tear up. The beauty of Jack being adopted by that wonderful man who became his dad. Wow. I am happy Jack is doing well, and send you hugs and prayers for your family as you deal with the death of Rip.

BConky said...

What a lovely person your father in law was. Loss is never easy. This has been a rough year for our family also. My daughter sufferered from necrotizing fasciitis- flesh eating bacteria after a C-section. It was a rough road but she pulled thru. Then my father was in a serious car accident (an 84 year old still practicing small animal Vet) and he broke both hips and some ribs. It was awful seeing him so helpless when he had always been so active. He had to come live with us for three months till he regained some mobility and is now home and very happy to be there. It was hard for him to lose his abilty to work and drive but he's adjusting. Life isn't always easy but it's so important to remember your blessings during these trails. It takes time to get over big trama's in your life. I've never been nervous or suffered from anxity in my life until my daughter Megan was so gravely ill. It's been 6 months since she's been out of the hospital and she has a beautiful healthy 9 month old girl but I still find myself worried she'll get sick again. So glad your husband is doing so well. I'm sure he'll be home and almost good as new soon. Try to enjoy the holiday season even under such trying times. Your grandkids are adorable and don't they help us get thru the hard times.

debi said...

Teresa,
I love your blog so much. I am glad I have become a follower in time to say praise God for Jack doing so well. You have a beautiful family and are indeed blessed.
Looking forward to your future posts!

Hugs!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort to Jack and all of your family during this time of loss of a special loved one. And looking forward with you all continued progress with Jack's rehabilitation and for the time when Jack is able to be home.

Blessings & Aloha!

Jean said...

I learned of your husband's stroke through Beachkat and have stopped in to read of his progress from time to time and prayed for him. I was so delighted to read of his stop at home, then was deeply touched by the story of Jack's dad. I pray Jack will be able to be at the service and speak from his heart.

My husband and I took in many foster teenagers over the years, four of whom have become permanant members of our family. I am only 15 years older than our adopted daughter. We used to have a lot of fun with that.

You and your family are definitely surrounded by much love and many prayers.

Theresa said...

Hi Teresa, I was just thinking about you and Jack and wanted to stop in and say HI! Hope you are getting lots done and that Jack is doing better each day!

Love you all!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Dear Teresa,
I am so sorry for what has happened to Jack's father. What a wonderful man to take him in as his son. I am praying for Jack and all of you. So much has happened in the last month and you have been given beautiful blessings from God where Jack is concerned.
I am so glad that he stopped home for a visit. Sounds like he will be home very soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Hugs, Debby

Erin W said...

So happy to hear that jock is doing so well. Sometimes is the visit home that makes them heal faster!

I hate to hear about the passing of his daddy. What a terrible thing to have happen but what a great guy. True inspiration for us all. He has left a great legacy. Praying that Jack will be able to speak at his funeral and that the entire family will have peace.

Sheryl said...

sooooo wrapped up in my own life, sorry that i have neglected you. i sit here with tears streaming down my face. no wonder jack is such a wonderful man...oh to know he was chosen by his dad!! i am sorry for the loss, thank you for sharing his story with the rest of us.

thanks for continuing to send me cards. it just blows my mind every time i see another one.

praying for you NOW.

love you
s