2003 was a busy yet a very productive year. I was working toward opening my own business and going back to school. I was living the American dream, being a single parent, owned my own home. My son Jacob had gone to Okinawa, Japan. I would pray every day for his safety as he was on call at any moment to go to Iraq. My oldest son, Adam, was busy raising his family (my two grandchildren, A.J. and Breanna). Joe was busy being a teenager his senior year in high school. I was busy asking all the questions: Where you going? Who you going to be with? When you gonna be home? Joe and I were working on colleges for him.
In December things seemed to change. I fell down a set of stairs and broke my right leg. It was touch and go as to whether Jake was going to get leave after a year and a half overseas. Airline tickets were obtained and then changed. My wits were at an end and then.....Joe comes in, eyes wide in horror and says, "Mom, I think I just saw them towing "little Joe's" van away from an accident". Sure enough our dear tennant/friend ended up in the hospital with a broken neck. Joe was totally upset. He wanted to bring him home and help care for him. I said, "What are you talking about, Joe, your taking care of me!" I was having a terrible time getting around in my cast. I hate crutches, so Joe got me a wheel chair from the local drug store. Joe was directing a student movie as a project for school and the whole house was full of kids and Joe was crazy because no one was listening to him. It was his project, after all. It was utter chaos around here!
It's now December 22, Jake has had over an 18 hour flight and finally was on the way with Adam, his wife and kids and dad. Jake calls and says, "We're in a huge traffic delay because of a shooting on I-94, which later we found out was one of Joe's friend's relative. Indiana State Police Officer Patrick had been shot and killed. Jake's flight from San Francisco was another unbelievable incident. Jake said as they were taking off and he was feeling the pressure as the plane approached takeoff speed it suddenly began to shake violently just before they left the ground. They lifted off okay and moments later the pilot reported they had narrowly escaped an earthquake. At this point I'm thinking, "This is getting too bizarre!"
Finally we get Jake home at 8:00 PM for a family and friend feast. Jake and Joe are thrilled to see each other. As Jake walks in Joe is now inches taller than his older brother. They are both deciding who'se in better shape. What a moment. This will be a picture in my mind the rest of my life.
To be continued..........