The Jeff Series 3/5: Bob/Dad

(The Jeff Series 3/5: Bob/Dad)

"When Jeff was born in 1979, I was devastated; I felt like part of my life was over. All I could see was his diagnosis, not his potential to touch the deepest parts of his dad. He has taught me so much about love, patience, perseverance and the things in life that really matter. Jeff is an indispensable member of our family. He has a great sense of humor with unbelievable compassion, empathy and insight. In our family’s worst moments, he is always at his best—saying just the right thing to comfort and heal.

One example of Jeff’s empathy, compassion and insight occurred on a Mediterranean cruise we took with two friends, Marion and Gregg, and two of their adult triplets, Laura and Brendon. About two-thirds of the way through the cruise in the early morning hours, Brendon died suddenly in a freak accident. As soon as we arrived in port a few hours later, Gregg had to go ashore to speak with the local authorities and make arrangements to get Brendon’s body back to the United States. Marion stayed in our stateroom awash in shock and grief. Jeff sat next to her on the couch and held her hand for the next 4-5 hours. Although he spoke sparingly to her during that time, Marion says that every so often he would whisper words of encouragement to her including 'God loves you,' 'You’re going to be OK,' and 'It’s going to take time.' At the Munich airport the next day, Gregg remembers Jeff telling him 'You know Gregg. When my dad’s sister died a few years ago, he was very sad. But look at him now; he’s happy. You’re going to be happy again too.'

Years ago I came across a quote in an Our Daily Bread devotional. It read: 'Sometimes God sends his love letters in black-rimmed envelopes.' That could not be more true of Jeff—probably the greatest love letter I’ve ever received. I can’t imagine my life without him."

#TheLuckyFew #ThisIsDownSyndrome