Saturday, November 6, 2010

OUR WEEK

I have planned to post for the last three days.  You have been so faithful to pray for Jack and I so wanted to give you an update.  Every time I have tried to type, I could not put my heart in words.  More of an emotional block than writer’s block.  These are not easy days. 
Wednesday morning we were able to check Jack out of rehab.  Micah picked him up and had him home and getting dressed before 9AM. We then drove two hours to say goodbye to his Dad.  We took two cars, so we could take a wheelchair if we needed it. (We didn't) Our doctor friend flew in and rode with us.  Not because we needed a doctor but because he had played for and loved Jack’s Dad. It did make me feel better to have a doctor on board.  Roger, you keep walking this road with us.  Thank you. 
We arrived at a full to overflowing church full of coaches, players and friends of a man that was loved by so many.  There were enough Rip Powell stories to fill a book.  As we arrived and moved into a little room, one man after another, many of Jack’s oldest friends in coaching and in life, made their way in to hug him.  So before we ever walked into the church, we were all a mess.  Right before we walked down that church aisle, Jack told me he was not sure if he could speak, he would just decide when it was his time.  My stomach was in the biggest knot ever.  I knew how much he wanted to.  I knew how hard it was going to be.  He had told me over and over this was a speech he had been writing for 50 years.  That’s a long time to prepare.  Greg was ready to speak for him, but I knew how much he wanted to do it himself.  When the pastor called on him, he stood up, walked up the steps, no wheelchair, no walker, no cane, just pre-stroke mode and as Greg walked behind him, I knew he was going to be able to say THANKS to the man that gave a young boy a home, a name and a life.  As he began to speak his voice got stronger and stronger, Greg stepped back, and he shared his heart as well as I have ever seen it done.  I am almost positive there was not one dry eye in the church. These were the kids FB posts that night…
Greg…To My Father...as a son, I had the great privilege of watching my dad pay tribute to his idol and role model, his Dad.  I have never been more proud to be Jack Powell's son. He told me a few days ago that he has known since he was a teenager the he would speak at his Dad's funeral. He was wonderful!!!
Amanda Happy birthday to my sweet daddy! I am so blessed to have him here today! I can't even put into words how proud I am am to be his daughter. Yesterday was probably one of the hardest days of his life and he handled it like a champ. I know Rip was looking down from heaven smiling.
Something happened when he finished.  People clapped.  Strange for a funeral but so right for this occasion.  He had honored a man than had made many boys into men.  But this boy he had given a new life, a place to call home, a name to be proud of. 
Jack had a supernatural strength the entire day,  He was able to walk with no help,  go to the burial, visit with friends, even go out to eat on the way home.  This was his first time to be out of the hospital in almost five weeks. 
Terri and I had reworked our schedule early last week and it left me with three days off the first of this week.  That had to be God.  This is a year that I have known I could not get behind.  In years past if I did, we just worked longer days.  I know that I don’t have the physical energy to do that this year.
Yesterday was Jack’s birthday.  A birthday a month ago we were not sure he would see.  I sent out an email a week or so ago and ask former players, coaches, family and friends to send an email to him that would encourage him.  Then Rip died and I was really not even thinking about the emails.  In three days I think over 60 cards came in the mail and almost 100 emails.  WOW….if you sent one, you will never know how much it meant. A friend put them all in a binder for me and I wrapped it, knowing it was going to be a very emotional but wonderful gift.  It was.  We had a small family surprise birthday party for Jack at the rehab.  It was almost too much for one week. 
The first card he read was and I can hardly type this,  a beautifully hand written, heart felt card…filling up both sides of the card, from the lady doctor we had at Baylor.  The one that became family to our family in a day where that does not happen often.  Dr. Elizabeth Rice-De, you make your profession look good, but more than that you say to your patients that they matter. I know that Jack could hardly wait for us to leave last night so he could read each letter and card slowly and then read them again.
Much more has happened this week, but I will save it.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the week
Amanda and Dad
  A GIRL AND HER DAD
100_3758
 Jack’s biggest cheerleaders100_37594 LITTLE’S THAT NEED THEIR POP 100_3756 A BOY, A DAD, and HIS GIRL100_3762 PARKER, JACK and WOODY100_3760Austin and Grayson
Be sure and stop by A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING tomorrow.  I am posting tree pictures and there will be a GIVEAWAY.  Blogging has had to take a back seat for right now, but I hope to be back soon sharing lots of Christmas pictures.  We start our “don’t look up” schedule on Sunday, where there is no day off for a long time.  There is a good chance that when I post again, Jack will be home where he belongs.  

26 comments:

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Dear Teresa..Thank you for sharing these special, amazing moments with us and wonderful family photos. What a a blessing Jack's father was to so many...and so it continues through Jack and all those around him...Continued strength, peace and love to each of you.

Blessings & Aloha!
Happy Birthday to Jack!

billypandnikkysmom said...

Thank you for sharing that special post with us! I am so glad that Jack is doing so well. Not an east day but a day that the Lord knew would be a day that JAck needed some extra strength! YOur pictures are beautiful & I am glad to see that Woody was able to stop by & see Pop! Continued prayers & hugs!!

Love Being A Nonny said...

I could hardly take in all the emotion in this post. I don't know HOW you LIVED it! AMAZING. How blessed you are. You will look back one day, you won't remember all the details because I am sure some days you are just going through the motions, but you will be amazed at your strength and how God gave you exactly what you needed to make it through. Praying for you this holiday season. Much love.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

From Dianne

Teresa,

You know I am not a computer person. I get online usually once a day to check your post. I am sorry I did not get this email in time to send a Happy Birthday message. I pray for Jack, you & your family faithfully. I have been praying for Jack all week that he would have the strength he needed for his dad’s funeral. It sounds like another answered prayer – God is so good!!! I can’t even imagine how difficult this week has been for your family. I was so pleased that you were able to do my tree on the 28th and not on Jack’s Birthday!!!! You & Jack needed those few days you had off – obviously not a relaxing few days, but much needed for your family. You do not need to respond to this, just wanted to say I am sorry. Hang in there & if I can do anything for you just ask – but text or call me – Ha!Ha! Love you my friend!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
twinkle said...

Touching words. Brings tears to my eyes. I am so very proud of your husband and the courage and strength he had to pay tribute to the best dad a boy could ever have. It reminds me so much of the story of Boaz in the Bible. Daddy Grace is needed in this cold world and your husband hit the jackpot...
My sympathy to you all for the great loss of this SuperStar Dad. And a very BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your Grandman. May God continue to heal him and bring him through this process.
Hang in there, Teresa! Take power naps when you can and remember to plug into Jesus for your husband-needs right now. He works miracles.
:)

Theresa said...

I am riding to my granddaughter's bday party and wanted to say hi! I am so proud of Jack for doing what he needed to do. I also spoke at my Dad's funeral and it was so hard but felt so good! I know that Jack's dad would have been so proud of what he did. Your doctor friend is truly an angel and your children are awesome. Keep on keeping on and tell Jack happy birthday from me. Love you bunches.

Tammie Powell said...

Teresa,Losing Pops is one of the hardest things we have ever gone through. He was loved so much and will be missed so very much...
Jack did such a great job, I know how hard it had to be for him. Me and everyone there admired him..and I know Pops was smiling down from heaven when Jack spoke. It was great to see you and your family even though the circustances were not..Hang in there. You are a very strong woman and family and God is with you..Love and Hugs to you, Jack and the family

debi said...

I don't often weep but I can tell you I did as I read your beautifully written words. I believe people did leave changed, I find myself wishing I knew your Jack and his Dad.
I will continue to pray for Jack's continued improvement and that you all continue to make every day count :-)
Hugs!

Lisa Howard said...

Beautiful blog, beautiful story, beautiful family. So glad I read this today! Blessings,
Lisa

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

The words you share shows the love for this wonderful man. I see funerals a little different than most. ( Heck, I see allot of things differently) I always look at a funeral as a celebration of someones life and what you described was just that.

I'm so happy your had Dr. Friend there for support and help if it was necessary.

Please take care and know when the days are hard and your feelin' alone that my prayers are right there with you. Let me know if there is ever anything I can do.

God bless and have a beautiful weekend my friend!

Bacardi Mama said...

Oh Teresa, how proud you must be of Jack and your kids. God has certainly taken you under his wing and I am so happy for you. I'm sure Jack's dad was looking down with such love and pride for his boy. Tell Jack I said Happy Birthday and keep on working to get better and better. ((HUGS))

Unknown said...

What a blessing to read this! It put a smile on my face. I am thrilled that Jack was able to pay such a special tribute to his dad.

The littles have to have been the greatest stars at his birthday celebration.

You have such a beautiful family and together, your strength and love is healing your Jack. I can't wait to hear that he's finally home.

Justabeachkat said...

Hi sweet friend. I'm so sorry I missed Jack's Birthday. I really wanted to send him a "real" card, an email card and an email. Through you, I know what a special man he is and I wanted to make his birthday special. Our family tragedy kept me out of town, out of touch and almost "out of my mind". I'm so glad he was able to make the trip and to honor his Dad. I prayed for that. Our God answered our prayers. I'm keeping you both in my prayers.

Hugs,
Kat

Debby said...

Wow, I am shedding tears just reading about your remarkable husband and the father that raised him. I am sure his father was beaming from ear to ear that day. I think that your Jack being able to walk and talk like that after a near death experience is nothing short of a miracle. Such beautiful family pictures. I so hope that you are able to bring your Hubby home soon. Do take care of yourself. (((((HUGS))))

Sally said...

God is so amazing isn't He? I'm so glad He was there for your Jack on the day of the funeral.

Continued prayers for you & your beautiful family.

Linda said...

So sorry to hear about Jack's dad. I know that was quite a shock for all of you...especially considering all you have been through.

What a wonderful man Rip was to adopt Jack and fill his life so full of love. The world needs more people like him. In fact I think your Jack has patterned his life after Rip, and that he will carry on his legacy.

Sounds like your Jack is a very fine man and so loved by so many!

I was excited to read that he got to surprise you by stopping home for a while. I pray he will be there again for good!

Your friend,
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

gayle said...

So very glad to hear this wonderful report!!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

From Jean


So thankful for everything that has transpired with Jack and in your family. I want to cook something for Jack and go see him, I need you to let me know what he may like or can have and how I can get this to him. I walk so closely with the Powell family in their roller coaster ride in life. Everything that I read I cry through. It was 33 years ago in this season that we were on this same path and everyday I was amazed at how much strength God could give us in our deepest valley. You may not hear from me very often, but my prayers are with your family daily. I know you are consumed with things to do but you still have to eat and rest, if you can finds time noon or evening I would love to take you out to eat.

God is your strength and refuge.

Jean

Michelle said...

You and yours continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
(((HUGS)))

Faythe said...

Hugs & Blessings my friend! I truly do not know how you find the words and mindfulness (if that is a word?) to put this beautiful story down. What a loving tribute to Rip and to Jack as well. May he continue to gain strength in God's care. I do worry about you, my sweet. You take care of yourself as well. No blog or Even your Beautiful A Baby Changes Everything is more important than your own health. Jack needs you to be well, too! If you can not find someone to fill in on a day you need time off, just take time off! God will provide. The world will not end , your family & your health should be #1 right now, and no one should or would think less of you if you just sit still for 5 minutes!
sending positive encouraging thoughts, prayers and healing hugs!
~Faythe @GMT~

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

From Mandy

Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss and all the heartaches and struggles you have been through!!! My goodness you've had to deal with so much lately! I want to tell you how precious the ornament package is. I can't believe you took the time to send that giveaway stuff in the midst of all you've got on your plate right now. It is absolutely adorable - all of it packaged so cute!!! Thank you so much.
I know the holidays will be so hard for all of you this year. I'm praying for God to give you an extra big helping of peace, comfort, and rest. I will be thinking about you... know that I am praying.
love,
Mandy

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

From Tammy

Dear Teresa,

I have noticed you haven’t blogged in a while (I check daily for updates on Jack). I’m sure your week has been especially hard. I have been praying for you all. I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. What an awesome story of how Jack came to have such an incredible father. I hope Jack is doing better and got to speak at the funeral. I wish our husbands could meet. The love of sports, coaching, dedication to family, determination to recuperate for his family as much as himself… they have so much in common.

I was so touched to see that he got to come home for a while. I know what you mean about that first time through the door. I had chill bumps reading that. I remember that day well. There was not a dry eye in our house that day!

Selfishly, I look forward to the days when your blogs are more regular. I love your stories, your pictures, the similarities in our families, our love of football (although Dan Marino is my man J), your knowledge of decorating. But mostly I will be glad because then your life will have calmed down and you will have some kind of “normal” – whatever that is.

Although we have never met, I feel like we are kindred spirits because of circumstances that God deemed we were strong enough to handle. I have shed a tear or two for you and keep you, Jack, Greg, Amanda, the in laws, and the littles in my prayers. God bless you and I pray that your Jack will be home soon!



Matthew 1:28 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

Tammy Brammer

Family Ministry Assistant

Lakeside Baptist Church

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a beautiful post. I am so happy that Jack had such a strong day and was able to attend the service. I love the way God works in our lives. I believe that one reason Jack is hear today is because God knew that he needed to be at his Father's funeral. I got chills when you said that everyone clapped.

Kathleen said...

There's something about a photo of "a girl and her Dad" that says it all!

May the days to come be filled with health & contentedness.

Kathleen

Melissa Miller said...

My prayers have been with you all Teresa. I've been thinking of you.