Jack has popped into the office here and there throughout the week. Of course, we here in Atlanta are lucky we get to see his face and have a hug. Here's a virtual hug, in the form of an update, from the man himself:
These past weeks have had their measure of challenges and victories.
Since Hospice withdrew the various pain medications I was on, and placed me on Methadone only, the pain has been basically under control. I’m on a massive dosage and my ability to stay awake has been hampered, but most of the time I’m able to function rather well. In meetings, if someone will sit by me and keep me awake, I am able to give pretty sound input into the discussion! Of course, I’m pretty well bruised from Anita and Grace poking me!
I’m not sleeping as soundly as I would like at night, and for the first time in several weeks, I have to take an occasional medication for break-through pain. At times I wonder if I’m slipping to another level in my battle with cancer, but the Hospice nurse tells me that my vitals are strong and she thinks I am not in the final stage yet.
One major adjustment that I’ve had to make is not driving. I can now understand why old folk have such a hard time when their driving privileges are taken from them. It is a mark of the loss of independence. But with the large dosages of pain killers I’m taking, I would be a danger on the road—to self and others.
I’m enjoying visiting with family and friends, although it is taxing. My brother and sister and their spouses were here for the weekend. Anita’s family has also dropped by for a visit. Today, I have friends from Singapore, Thailand, and New York who are stopping by for brief visits. I’ve been reminded again how much family and friends mean to me!
- Jack
Read Jack's latest Along the Journey, posted today. Click here or go to http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com/.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Update from Jack
Monday, July 16, 2007
It’s been awhile since I gave you my personal update. Thanks to Cindy for keeping you updated during this time.
God has been good to me over the past few weeks. It was four weeks ago that I was admitted to the Hospice in-patient facility, terribly ill with pain and nausea. The Hospice doctor told Anita that in her opinion I had a week -a-half to two weeks of life left. She said that Anita should call the children. She did and Stephanie immediately caught a flight to Atlanta.
But I surprised them all. I had set as a goal attending the General Assembly in Washington and then getting away for a family vacation. Hospice was very supportive in helping me realize these goals, although I don’t think they thought they were realistic!
You know the rest of the story. With the help of numerous people, the use of a “scooter” to get from building to building, I participated in the commissioning service and several other meetings, and was able to greet hundreds of dear friends. Stephanie served as chief guard and nurse and I was able to participate rather fully in the Assembly.
And then, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend from Hendricks Avenue Baptist, we were flown in a private jet to Hilton Head Island where we enjoyed a family vacation in this family’s beach house. Stephanie and Charley were able to be with us during several days of our time there. What a joy!
Throughout this time, I was able to keep the pain under control and to find joy in each day. I am taking a massive dose of Methadone to control the pain. The result is that though the pain is being managed, my alertness level is severely limited. I’m able to stay awake only a few minutes, and then I fall asleep! But those who know me know that it’s not personal!
Each passing day is a reminder that my time is limited. I have always given thanks for each new day, but now that word of thanksgiving is wrought with greater significance. I invite you to join me in thanking God for each new day of existence.
It’s been awhile since I gave you my personal update. Thanks to Cindy for keeping you updated during this time.
God has been good to me over the past few weeks. It was four weeks ago that I was admitted to the Hospice in-patient facility, terribly ill with pain and nausea. The Hospice doctor told Anita that in her opinion I had a week -a-half to two weeks of life left. She said that Anita should call the children. She did and Stephanie immediately caught a flight to Atlanta.
But I surprised them all. I had set as a goal attending the General Assembly in Washington and then getting away for a family vacation. Hospice was very supportive in helping me realize these goals, although I don’t think they thought they were realistic!
You know the rest of the story. With the help of numerous people, the use of a “scooter” to get from building to building, I participated in the commissioning service and several other meetings, and was able to greet hundreds of dear friends. Stephanie served as chief guard and nurse and I was able to participate rather fully in the Assembly.
And then, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend from Hendricks Avenue Baptist, we were flown in a private jet to Hilton Head Island where we enjoyed a family vacation in this family’s beach house. Stephanie and Charley were able to be with us during several days of our time there. What a joy!
Throughout this time, I was able to keep the pain under control and to find joy in each day. I am taking a massive dose of Methadone to control the pain. The result is that though the pain is being managed, my alertness level is severely limited. I’m able to stay awake only a few minutes, and then I fall asleep! But those who know me know that it’s not personal!
Each passing day is a reminder that my time is limited. I have always given thanks for each new day, but now that word of thanksgiving is wrought with greater significance. I invite you to join me in thanking God for each new day of existence.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Just a quick update - the family did make it to the beach, and are continuing to enjoy it.
Jack sounded good when I talked to him. He had been up a couple mornings to see the sunrise, is sleeping well, and is looking forward to the kids coming back in the next couple of days to join him and Anita at the beach.
Jack sounded good when I talked to him. He had been up a couple mornings to see the sunrise, is sleeping well, and is looking forward to the kids coming back in the next couple of days to join him and Anita at the beach.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Jack Is Back!
Jack and family made is safely back last weekend from Washington and the General Assembly he described as "everything I had hoped for."
He was able to go to meetings that were, as he said, beneficial for him as well as ones he hoped his presence would add value to for others. Those of you who were there saw him on the big screens, on the big stage, offering beautiful words and prayer for the newest batch of missions personnel during the commissioning ceremony. I'm sure you were as moved as I was, as he and Grace Powell Freeman led us all in a litany of prayer to send them on their mission.
No casualties resulted from his scooter-driving. It was greatly appreciated, as it allowed him to save his strength for things that were more important. His daughter Stephanie was by his side as an "excellent nurse and caretaker" to make sure he did not overdo it and that he had all he needed.
He got to see people he had hoped and longed to see, and was delighted by touching base with others he had not counted on seeing. That communion of saints was no doubt encouraging and hopeful for him, as he says, he had a "great experience" and is grateful for all the people who helped make it possible for him to make it there.
One of the precious memories that the Snells have is the family “beach week” vacation taken every year while the children were growing up. Thanks to the generosity of a dear family at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville (the same family, by the way, that enabled Stephanie and Charley to spend Christmas in Singapore each year while their parents were stationed there), they are planning on spending a few days at Hilton Head Island. They will be staying in the beach house of this gracious family. Join me in praying that Jack’s strength continues so that he’s able to enjoy this family tradition.
Please feel free to share your own prayers below, and words to Anita and Jack. As soon as I have any pictures of his from General Assembly, I'll either post them or provide a link to them on the CBF site.
- Cindy
He was able to go to meetings that were, as he said, beneficial for him as well as ones he hoped his presence would add value to for others. Those of you who were there saw him on the big screens, on the big stage, offering beautiful words and prayer for the newest batch of missions personnel during the commissioning ceremony. I'm sure you were as moved as I was, as he and Grace Powell Freeman led us all in a litany of prayer to send them on their mission.
No casualties resulted from his scooter-driving. It was greatly appreciated, as it allowed him to save his strength for things that were more important. His daughter Stephanie was by his side as an "excellent nurse and caretaker" to make sure he did not overdo it and that he had all he needed.
He got to see people he had hoped and longed to see, and was delighted by touching base with others he had not counted on seeing. That communion of saints was no doubt encouraging and hopeful for him, as he says, he had a "great experience" and is grateful for all the people who helped make it possible for him to make it there.
One of the precious memories that the Snells have is the family “beach week” vacation taken every year while the children were growing up. Thanks to the generosity of a dear family at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville (the same family, by the way, that enabled Stephanie and Charley to spend Christmas in Singapore each year while their parents were stationed there), they are planning on spending a few days at Hilton Head Island. They will be staying in the beach house of this gracious family. Join me in praying that Jack’s strength continues so that he’s able to enjoy this family tradition.
Please feel free to share your own prayers below, and words to Anita and Jack. As soon as I have any pictures of his from General Assembly, I'll either post them or provide a link to them on the CBF site.
- Cindy
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