Just Jack: The Introduction

Every time I look down at my ringing phone and see his number blinking on the screen, I catch my breath, in the reality and dread that this could THE call. The call that informs me of his passing. I have spent much of the past four years thinking about this call. How will I react? How many days will I cry for? How will I continue on after he passes? How will I be able to look down at him in his casket? I literally tear up at the mere thought of this! He has not just touched my life, he has propelled it.

Jack will be 89 years old this year! What an accomplishment! His own father lived to be 100, so I think Jack has many years ahead. Married to the same loving Grace for over 60 years. Retired airplane mechanic. A simple man. A lighthearted, sacrificial, caring man who has the uncanny ability to make every person he encounters smile or laugh. A lifetime spanned over much of the twentieth century. Jack. My main man Jack! He came into my life over 4 years ago and has changed me for good! Who would I be without this man? I’m scared to think about that!

I was hired to take care of him, those 4 short years ago, but it is obvious that I am the one being cared for! Yes, I drive him to doctors appointments, to the bank, to the grocery store. And yes he takes me out to eat and fills my ears with priceless material (which will soon be posted here for all to see). But the less apparent side of the story is his influence on me. I may be helping him with the necessary day-to-day chores, but he is molding my personality, my perception of the world and my future. The ability to be continually happy and chipper in the face of constant pain and a wheel-chair ridden existence. To make jokes and comments of thanksgiving regularly and effortlessly, when there are so many things that he could complain about and be cynical for. Wow. Sometimes I wonder why I am even getting paid! He regularly grabs my hand and gushes about how much he loves me and appreciates all that I do for him, and I just get tongue tied. Are you really thanking me, when I am the one on the receiving end of all that is good?? He wasn’t able to have children, so in many ways I am his daughter. I love him. Plain and simple.

I could go on and on about this dear friend of mine, but I will save it for later posts. ‘Just Jack’ will be a regular segment of this blog that will contain pieces of priceless ‘Jackisms.’ In these posts I will attempt to incarnate this dear man and show the world his extraordinary example of everyday heroism, love, patience and above all; humor. Are you ready? Because I can guarantee you that you will be knocked out of your socks, with moments of laughter, shocking brilliance, and simplistic life lessons that Jack has to offer. And on my end, I will cherish every time my phone rings and his voice is on the other line saying ‘Hi, it’s me. What are you up to?’