Closing Thoughts

Jack's Journey...a blog to depict a cancer journey. A journey we didn't want to be on, but one we nonetheless were forced to embark on almost 17 months ago. With stage 4 cancer, we knew how it would end, but oh how we hoped and prayed for a miracle for my Dad. Although my Dad's journey here on earth has ended, I did not want the last entry in the blog to be the listing of the funeral arrangements. The blog was so much more than that, and so on behalf of my family, I wanted to share a few thoughts.

We started this blog so that the many, many family members and friends who had been touched by my Dad through all walks of his life could stay informed and join us in our fervent prayers for his healing and peace. And join us you did! I will admit, there were times when I struggled with "should we update the blog again ~ are people tired of hearing from us, would my Dad mind that we mentioned particular details, have we become too self absorbed with our trials, are we asking too much..." But every time we were thrown a new curve and we put the information out on the blog, we were immediately flooded with acts of kindness; notes, emails, calls or a visit, prayers or a meal, even simply a shoulder to rest a weary head on, all of these things and more spoke volumes of the love for my Dad and his family. We were blessed. And so, we thank you for allowing us to share our burdens with you. We couldn't have made it on this journey without all of you. We are forever grateful for the way modern technology allowed you to draw near us, soothe us, comfort us, re-fuel us, and help us press on to the end. We can't express our appreciation enough.

As my Dad would say "we are hanging in there". In the past month, we have been working hard to sort out a lot of the matters that come with the passing of a loved one. We have been busy making plans for the future of our family custom cabinet shop, and we have worked hard to get my parent's home on the market as my mom will continue on with plans to move near Jacquie.
And of course, we grieve. In this early part of the grieving process, it has pleased and helped us to hear from so many people who have shared with us stories of the ways that my Dad impacted them. Some stories we knew, others we are hearing for the first time. He was such an awesome man who was deeply loved.

While this particular phase of the journey has ended, my Dad will live on in our hearts, and through the legacy of wisdom and love he gave us.

With much love and gratitude,
Karen, Jacquie, Tami, Sandi, Jon and families