Grandad's Muse

Please allow me to muse a little this evening. As is obvious I have not chosen to blog these past couple of weeks as Clare's parents have done a masterful job of keeping us each apprised of every little bit of progress in Clarita's life http://fourjacksons.blogspot.com/

Each day brings new challenges and so much progress. We have no idea what the future holds for Clare yet we have great faith and hope that it is brilliant. I, on the other hand, have learned so much these past 5 1/2 weeks.

Firstly: I am a witness to the immediate and sacrificial love of good parents. I am thrilled with Clare's Mom and Dad and impressed that they have been selected to bring such sweet spirits into this life as they have. Anna, Cooper and Clare are so fortunate to have the kind, patient and sweet parents that they do.

Jadi has set up a 24/7 watch at the hospital. Last night, the eve of their 10th anniversary, she arranged that Aunt Carly watch Clare while she and her sweetheart took time out to go for dinner. The other day we spirited her away for an hour and had a bite to eat close to the "Children's". Otherwise, Spencer brings her clean clothes, she speaks with Anna and Cooper on the phone every day, patiently listening to their stories and noises. Anna will speak with Jadi for 2o minutes at a time and Jadi waits until her little girl exhausts every aspect of her day and then coaches her on what she might do to help Grandma, Auntie and Cooper.

Last Saturday night things were grim. There had been many sleepless nights. Spencer had been late at the hospital on Friday night and then headed up there very, very early Saturday morning to spell off Jadi. They were finding that Clare slept better if they rocked her almost all the time. Saturday evening Spencer went to the hospital and held Clare until 5:00 on Sunday morning, returned home for a few hours sleep and then back to their bedside.

Only a couple of days ago, after asking permission to bring in a more comfortable chair, did the hospital staff indicate that they could find a lounge chair for them. Every bit of progress is being recognized, documented and celebrated. Clare's success at drinking has us all enthused.

Second: People really care!! It has been such a wonderful experience to feel the concern that friends and strangers have had for the welfare of Clare. People of all faiths have lifted up their hearts in prayer, pleading with a kind Father in Heaven that miracles will continue to bless this princess. I have been stopped by strangers who have asked for an update on her progress.

The numbers of people who read the Jackson's Blog is amazing. The sweet, sweet comments that are left, uplift and support this fragile family at a tough time. Buddies, tough old hockey playing, downhill racing, fast driving guys have wept with Spencer and prayed for Jadi.

Obviously Spencer's new business has taken a hit but I would like to thank State Farm and his associates for stepping up to the plate. I will take a minute to throw a plug in, as he needs a break and could use your support. Take the time to get them to give you a quote. There are many of you who have already supported him. thanks!! http://spencerjackson.ca/

Third: The medical personnel really care. The staff at the Foothills Hospital were absolutely unbelievable in their delivery of first rate help and their support of the family. We witnessed them take hours to describe Clare's condition and answer multitudes of questions. They continue to receive awesome support at the Alberta Children's Hospital. You know, many times we take medical care for granted. We complain about long waits and shortages but we've received the very best.

Fourth: Family is fantastic. You know, almost the first person to comment on the new blogs is Jen Richards. It is a thrill to me that Jadi can call her Mom out in Okotoks at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning and have a Mother's knowledgeable advice instantly there. The other day, after a very difficult night, knowing that her husband had only had a couple of hours sleep, Jadi turned to her Dad and invited him to the hospital to pronounce Priesthood blessings. Our Carly came home for a visit with family. Her first time home since her marriage last August. She has, delightedly cared for Anna and Cooper almost the whole time. Brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins; you are amazing. If I leave anyone out, please excuse me. I am so grateful to you all.

Fifth: A few years ago, one of our Church leaders spoke on the Tender Mercies of the Lord. He recommended that we count our blessings each and every day, that, if we take the time to do so, we will see the Lord's hand in our lives in countless ways all the time. We believe in miracles and have poured our hearts out to Heaven. Miracles have happened almost routinely. The Miracle of the Cooling Blanket is one of amazing proportion. Clare's progress is steady and sure. It will be months and maybe years before we understand her full, physical and mental potential but the fact that she is here and so beautiful, is a testament to your prayers being answered. Please continue to pray for ongoing heavenly outpourings.

Now I apologize for the length of the post, but I am overwhelmed. I do believe that Heaven is aware of Clare's needs, I understand that not all God's children will be blessed with all faculties in this life but hold out great hope for Clare's future. She has the best parents. They have proven their love.

Thank you, each of you, from a grateful grandad....

She's Our Valentine!!

Today marks 22 years since that cold winter day in Edmonton. It has always been special to have our own little valentine. Happy Birthday darlin'.

True Grit

Today, I spent the afternoon with 2 of my favorite women, who manifest "true grit" in the real John Wayne fashion. Now let me characterize true grit as it is defined by these 2 ladies.

I was fortunate enough to get tagged to drive today. Driving means that you get to go up to the hospital, go through the security of the unit clerk, hang your stuff in a weeny little locker, then wash your hands thoroughly up to the elbows. After doing the preliminaries and assuming that you make it into the ICU without scaring too many nursing mothers, whose primary concerns are not their modesty, it is cool time.

The first true grit candidate is only 23 days old. How is it that she can even qualify for John Wayne status, you ask? Just by being here!! Numerous medical personnel have told us of the valiant struggle that Clare went through to live the first few days. The first 3 days of her life were indeed full of miracles. The correct decisions on urgent care were made over and over again. Her outlook is unknown; time will be the proof of her abilities. Today, as I held her in my arms, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with her strength. She has fought through a potentially disabling stroke, has almost lost her little arm to ugly, festering sores. The arm alone is obviously painful and her recovery from that is ongoing but promising. Every once in a while today, her little eyes would open and she would quietly let out a whimper. She has manifest great determination. We hope for much, much more.

We want little Clare to continue to amaze. We pray for her recovery. We are all grateful that she is here. I am reminded that it is so important to pray that our children will safely arrive.

My other special lady shared the miracle of birth with this, our 10th grandchild. Jadi is a magnificent example of persistent, loving motherhood. She has sacrificed her recovery from major surgery to be at Clare's side for many, many hours each and every day. Each night, when she comes home from the hospital, she is totally spent. Her emotions and physical strength long departed. She has suffered serious infection from the surgery, yet is pushing herself to nurse her little one and provide time with Anna and Cooper.

My head bows in gratitude for Jadi. I am so thankful that Clare has come to their home, she has the best Mom and the best Dad. My advice to to my dear daughter-in-law is that she needs to take some time to heal. We need her at her best.

One of my heroes of the week is son, Spencer. He is even tempered and kind to his other very needy children. We know they are both exhausted. Anna and Cooper are proving to be very understanding and easy to hang out with.

Thank you to all who are lifting their loads. May God bless this family.

Many Thanks and My Goof!!

Grandma J. and Clare cuddling.

I always hesitate to say too much because Spencer and Jadi are saying it so well on their blog. http://fourjacksons.blogspot.com/ Nevertheless, I want to make a few observations about the experience we are having.

Jadi and Spencer are such great parents. Already, their immense love for little Clare is so apparent. Last night Spencer, with tear-filled eyes and charged emotion, spoke of the pain they are feeling for their little sweetheart. Though difficult to understand, some children are tested and simply by looking aroung the Neo-Natal ICU it is apparent that many little ones have their challenges.

We watch these two young parents agonize with each new test and grasp onto all the good news (and there has been much). The most difficult part of this process is that Clare's prognosis is totally unknown and it may be months and/or years until we know how much recovery she will attain. Of course, we are all aware that miracles have happened already and have no reason to expect them not to continue.

At dinner tonight, Jadi was recounting the kindnesses of so many people. It is evident that most people, of all beliefs and backgrounds, have a sense that God is present and that we can call upon His healing hands. They also, invariably, express their intention to offer up prayers for little Clare's recovery. People have overwhelmed us with meals, they line up to offer baby-sitting and rides to the hospital. Spencer's associates are, not only keeping his insurance doors open, but are writing policies for his office. (Consider him for your insurance needs, he can use the help.)

The other day, some of Spencer's pals got together and bought a rather expensive piece of equipment to make Jadi's life simpler. I get calls from crusty, old people from as far away as Utah and New Brunswick, wanting updates.

Thank you to you all.

Now, Kristy will want me to tell this story on myself.

Today, Gerry was at the hospital with Jadi and Clare. We are being buried by a snow storm and I thought it prudent at noon to clear the driveway, in a preventative maintenance kind of way. While outside, I decided that I wanted a burger, (yes, Bernsteins is lurking close by) and went to Chiles at the mall. The burger was great, the Caesar Salad not so and I let my server know that it was old and sour. I had a couple of refills on my pop (2 1/2 to be exact) and declined a dessert. When the young lady brought my bill, I reached in my pocket only to find that I did not have my wallet.

Hmm, should I dine and dash, might they want me to wash dishes. Not sure what to do, I decided that the only option was to talk to the manager. I asked the server if I could speak with the manager and shortly he appeared, very apologetic for the bad Caesar Salad. I assured him that this was not my reason to ask to see him and invited him to sit down. Simply put, I told him that I had forgotten my wallet and wondered if I could call him with my credit card when I got home. He took mercy on me and insisted that he buy my meal, in spite of my protestations that I would return or could call him with my credit card info. Guess where we went for supper tonight, so that I could thank him again and, at least, give him $5.00 for the server. Nice guy, I recommend Chile's at South Center, although recommend you take your wallet.

thanks for YOUR thoughts and prayers; they are still needed.