Looks like I feel pretty shitty

Dear Family and Friends,

Just wanted to send out an update and let you know how we are all doing here in the 'house that Jack built'.

Jack has been doing okay.  He is increasingly tired and weaker.   He has moments of anxiousness - being stuck in the house for days and wanting to go out, moments of frustration - not being able to come up with the words he wants or expressing himself adequately, plus not being able to do the things he used to or walking around the house or to the bathroom alone, moments of confusion - wondering why people are coming to visit him (is someone sick?), why does he have to take so many drugs - what are we giving him, etc.  Still, at times Jack comes up with what I think are the most brilliant and prefect words that sum up a situation.  Sunday morning he was eating breakfast and said "it looks like I feel pretty shitty."  Well, you can't argue with that - as he takes a handful of drugs.

He is beautiful.

Sean had been here all weekend helping with some overnight as well as daytime duties.  Saturday night was a rough one for Jack.  He was up all night (he would only lie in bed from around 2-4:45) I had to wake Sean up at 6 am to take over for me since I could not stay awake with him anymore.  I went to sleep on the couch and woke up to them going outside on the deck around 8.  Jack was wide awake until around 9:30 when we finally convinced him to lay down and close his eyes for a bit.  Some days/nights are like this.  

The love we feel "in the house that Jack built" has been nothing short of amazing.

Some visitors he has he engages with and laughs, some he seems distracted and disinterested in... this is not a reflection of the visitors, but of his mental state at the time and how his night goes.  Please understand.  And please understand, his moods can change rapidly.  The tumor in his brain is affecting some of this, the drugs also play their part. 

As most of you know, Jack has loves music.  As his son Sean said "When I was younger, there was always one unbreakable rule in our house - do NOT disturb dad while he was playing guitar. It was his time..."  

He has always found solace in music.  These past couple weeks we have been so blessed with other musicians (who perhaps know this is where he finds his peace) have come over to play for him.  For Jack this has been a true gift.  Sunday a week ago we had Cecil Gurganus, Charles Welch and John Kirby come over and play for Jack.  Then the following Monday our good friend Hank Orr came by and played for Jack.  During these times, you will catch Jack watching their hands find the chords, tapping his foot to the beat or strumming his fingers.  A couple times he even tried to play along.  Here is Jack playing along with Hank Orr for a moment.

He's a rock star always!

This past Sunday our friends The Tillers came by.  The Tillers played at our wedding and our one of our favorite bands.   They played Saturday night at the park for the TCPO summer music series and then came over to our house before noon (which is early for musicians!) and played a set for us!  It was remarkable!  After they left Jack said "Now that was really cool!"

Jack with The Tillers - Mike Oberst, Sean and Aaron Geil

Jack is right - that was pretty amazing and cool!

We have also had some family coming in to wither help at the store or here at home or to just visit with Jack.  Our daughter in-law Paige has been amazing!  She has her parents watching the kids so she can be here and help with Jack.  Jack feels quite comfortable with her so she is able to help in every capacity... which helps me out more than I can say.  My sister MC had come for a few days to help with the store, and now Jacks oldest and youngest sisters are here.  'Reen and Peggy.  Pretty amazing since 'Reen just had surgery and stopped her chemo treatment to come down to see Jack.  She has been battling colorectal cancer since last year.  Jack's ex-wife Lori and her husband Lanny are here also.  They created a date night for Jack and I last week that was amazing!  We had one of Jack's favorite meals - lobster rolls.  Tonight they making another delicious meal for us that already smells mouth watering!  

Lori and Lanny gave us a date night that was spectacular!  

It's a true testament to Jack all the love and support we feel here in this home.  He is a visionary and a touch stone to so many people, including me.  

I will try and write more sooner rather than later, but it is hard to find time to sit and get my thoughts collected enough to put them down.  

Thank you all for your continued love, support, prayers and positive thoughts, it strengthens us for our challenges for our path that still lies ahead.

Peace love and courage to see us through

Helen


“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” 
― Lao Tzu

"Love you, love you

And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make"

~ The Beatles