Friday, July 27, 2007

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/.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jack - as an Episcopalian,(I've heard it called "Religion in it's mildest form") I'm not quite as likely to quote a bunch of scripture to you. That's just not my thing. I'll leave that to better people than me.Suffice it to say that I pray for your ease and comfort daily.

This dying, apparently, is not for sissies. I've never seen anyone approach it quite like you have. Again, I'll tell you, I appreciate your attitude and your telling the story of this, your latest adventure.

You are a class act - always have been - always will be. Go out with your head held high and remember how good life can be.

Give hugs and kisses to Anita.

Love, Sunshine Miller

Anonymous said...

As ever, love you like the Rock of Ages!!!

Julie and Bill Mason (and Mr. Paddy Whack)

Anonymous said...

One of the most joys of our lives is having the Snell family as friends. "Thank you" seems so weak an expression for all the good times we have had together but right now I can not think of anything better to say. For the 20 years we had you as our pastor, fellow staff member and brother in Christ we are truly grateful. Keep on keeping on. We love you all,

Carole and Herman

Anonymous said...

So thankful that you are still able to participate in life. I know that means alot to those around you, too! We were sorry to miss you when we were vacationing in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago--although happy that you were able to spend an extended time enjoying the beach and your family. Guess we'll just have to send hugs this way.

We love you, Jack, and continue to pray for you and your family in these tough days.

Sending lots of Hugs and prayers for good (and painfree) days.

Lori, Ron and Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Dr. Jack,
You have been such an integral part of my life for 25 years now and have always inspired, especially now. You are never far from my thoughts and I have to admit, prayer has not been my strong point lately but when I do pray, you and your family are always included. I honestly don't know what my life would have been like without you in it. From my first marriage to the birth of my son and his dedication, through my divorce and subsequent wedding, you have been there for me. I thank God so much for the time we have shared over the years and will continue to pray your pain is minimal and your time filled with love and laughter.

love and peace to you and your family,
Bryan Whitley

Anonymous said...

Dr. Jack,
You continue to be such a strength to so many! Bless you daily in this new walk of life. We love you so much and remember so many happy times together. Love to you and Anita.
Chuck & Sheryl

Anonymous said...

Jack
My words seem so inadequate as you continue to bless us all with being the man that God made you to be. I thank God for placing the Snell family in our lives. As Anita has said, thank God for tba. It was good to talk to Charley a couple of weeks ago, and to Stephanie and Henry last Sunday. You are constantly in my prayers. We love you guys.
Mark

Unknown said...

I am told that as I move on to new churches in my life that I'm supposed to become integrated into that church and make it my home. Well...after five years of trying to make a new home and a couple of new pastors at HAB, I find that it's hard for me to really latch on to anyone like I did to you. Now, you had the unfair advantage of meeting me when I was a baby...therefore cheating your way into my heart. Nevertheless...there you are.

I'm sorry I never got to see you while I was still in Atlanta. I wanted to many times, but I didn't know how to do it without wearing you out. Now I see I shoulda just shown up. You would have made do. :)

You are a wonderful man. You and your family have meant so much to me over the years and I'm quite certain there will never be another like you. Keep running and remember you don't know where the end of the race is. Which is way cool.
Love you lots!!
Elise

Anonymous said...

Dr. Snell,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have made such a difference in my life. I could never thank you enough. I know that without you and your leadership through my youth, I would not be where I am today. Peace be with you!

Brad and Melanie Wilson

Smith Family ~ "Party of Six" said...

Dear Dr. Snell & Ms. Anita,
Mark and I are thinking of you and we are and have been praying with you and your family. We appreciate you so much for the impact that you have had on both of our lives and on our ministry. Grace to you and peace in Christ,
Mark & Jennifer Smith.

Anonymous said...

Jack, my brother~
Reda & I made the difficult decision this past weekend to register me with hospice. As a 10-yr. cancer survivor, now dealing w/spinal mets and marrow damage & insufficient blood, I will see you soon in God's presence. I trust that your faith, like mine, is paying off during these last days and that we will see Him not as a stranger but as our own familiar friend.
Bill Stroup

Anonymous said...

Dear Jack:

Your courage to live a life brings such a strong impact to other with the love of our Lord. I pray that you have many good and quality time with your love one.

your brother in Asia

Stephen Tam
ABGTS

Anonymous said...

Jack,
I wish I could see you again, but your stoic presence at Steph's wedding will have to be my last memory of you--and a wonderful one it is. I wish you all the best and may your cup runneth over with methadone! I love like my own dad.
--Andrew (and Carolyn ...and Albert sends a growl.)

Anonymous said...

Dear Jack and Anita,

Mom just sent me the link to your blog, and I've read through most of it! I'm so glad you've been able to see so many people to bring joy to your tough situation.

Know that I've been thinking and praying for you, and I was so glad to see you both in Atlanta during Antiphony, it was such a nice surprise!

Love,

Erik Smith