Wednesday, October 5, 2016

One Day at a Time


Dear friends -

I had thought that I would merrily roll on into October with a new blog post, ready to dive back into quilting and pattern-writing.  Somewhere in September, though, life went terrible bad for me.  On September 20, I got a phone call from the skilled nursing facility we had placed him in:  my beautiful soul-mate had died in the early morning hours as he slept.  Most of the world never knew what a hero he was, saving the Apollo 11 first landing from a disastrous abort.  But anyone who knew Jack knew he never talked about it because his view was that he was "just part of the team."  Below is a copy of the New York Times article on his early contribution.  Who do you know that gets their obit in the NY Times?  Jack does, that's who.  But for me, his biggest contribution was as a husband, father and friend.  As the president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake said during Jack's celebration of life this past Sunday, "Jack and Sue were truly 'one' - like Romeo and Juliet, there was Jack and Sue.  Like Tracy and Hepburn, there was Jack and Sue...." and so on.  He was right.  We loved each other so very much.  Others shared his contribution to building the groundwork for the International Space Station, his great friendship and ability to make you feel like YOU were his best friend, though he only had about a million such best friends (but you were his best!), his mentoring and teaching, his generous contributions to community and university organizations, and his tremendous ability to help me grow two of the finest young daughters and their four children.  They brought us years of unbridled joy.

On a note that is perhaps sadder to those who know me and not Jack, I received bad news about my lung cancer.  It is progressing rapidly.  My chemo is not working for the second month in a row so my oncologist is changing me to a third chemo in the hope that it works.  For those who think I may be a candidate for immune therapy, think again.  Immune therapy currently only works in 10-15 percent of cancers.  With the particular chromosome defect that I have, it works in only half of those 10-15 percent.  So I am diving into an older chemo that promises to be incredibly intolerable.  I could get angry, but instead, I am just reminded that 1) I have lived a blessed life full of enormous joy, and 2) I really don't want to wake up or go to bed angry because I drew the random black bead that will now make my life quite short (hopefully not, but I'm also a pretty realistic person who does not fear the future, thankfully).  I will keep in touch.... and perhaps next month you will see more quilts.  It's my goal!

Here's the article on the love of my life.

Hugs to all -
Sue

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/us/jack-garman-whose-judgment-call-saved-moon-landing-dies-at-72.html?_r=0

38 comments:

  1. What can I say after reading this heart rinching post. I read the New York Times article. What a life your Jack lived and what precious memories. I've continued to pray for you. May God give you and your family strength during this time. I will see you in the future.

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  2. I didn't realize this man was your husband and never connected the Garman name as I just started to read your blog a year or two ago - sorry that he suffered from cancer as you do - I hope your treatment will do you some good and add some time on your life - you are a creative talented person

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  3. So sorry to hear this news. My God hold you in the palm of his hand as you mourn his loss and start your next chemo treatment.

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  4. So sorry for your loss. What an amazing man. Thank you for sharing his obituary. Best of luck with your new treatment. Thoughts and prayers to you!

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  5. I'm so sorry for you loss Sue, words cannot express.

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  6. I'm so sorry... My deep condolences.
    And huge hugs...

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  7. Thank you for sharing his obituary. What an incredible man! Sending prayers of strength and love to you at this time.

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  8. My deepest sympathies to you Sue and to your daughters and grandchildren. What a legacy!

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  9. "Jack was convinced, in a split second, that if the computer wasn’t getting to certain computations, such algorithms were not essential..." Oh my goodness! I think computer programming was a little different then. What a call to make! And what a legacy.

    I am so sorry, Sue. Please know that we are all sending you our profound good wishes for peace and ease in your next round of treatment. Be well!

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  10. Sue there are no words for the sadness in your life these days. My thoughts are with you.

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  11. Sue,

    My Deepest condolences. May you know that much love and friendship is extended to you and your family. May God bless and comfort you at this time and may the doctors be guided in their efforts on your behalf. Sincerely, Avon

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  13. My condolences on your loss and prayers for you in your next round of treatments.

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  14. Sending you comforting hugs and prayers!
    I am so sorry for your loss and pray you are surrounded with love, hope and peace during this very difficult time.

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  15. Sending hugs and condolences for your loss. xoxoxo

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  16. I'm so sad to hear of your loss and the discouraging news of your cancer treatment. I hope the memory of your beautiful marriage brings you comfort--sending cyber hugs.

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  17. I cried as I read this. But more, I made sure I went and hugged the love of my life and let him know how much he meant to me. Thank you for letting us know of Jacks's wonderful accomplishments. I will be praying for you in your journey. Thank you for being such an inspiration on so many levels!

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  18. My heart goes out to you, Sue. You and Jack are in my prayers.

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  19. So sorry for your loss Sue. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  20. Dear Sue- Your and your family have had so many hurdles in the recent past and your blog reflects that you continue to carry on with such courage and dignity. May that same courage stay with you and continue to support you and your girls as you make your way onward. Hope that you can feel all the love that comes your way from so very many friends, many of whom you have not met, but still hold you dear.

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  21. Dear Sue, my heart breaks for you and your family. There is only so much that can be said; he was a great man. I am still honored that I had the privilege of quilting the quilt that the TQS family made for him.
    God bless you and keep you. I don't think you're done here yet. Hugs!!

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  22. So sorry about the loss of your husband. I never knew much about him, except he was really sick. he is now out of pain and suffering. What a privilege it was to be in his orbit, for you and your daughters and family!! He sounds like a wonderful man & will be missed. What a legacy to leave. I pray that you will continue to live in peace, and hope you get the most out of life.

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  23. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and love. Thank you for sharing a little of him with us. I'm also saddened to hear of your chemo treatment. I think of you often as I work on my quilts, grateful to have been a recipient of your creative talents. Your monthly blog has been a pure joy and something I've looked forward to. Many hugs to you and your family. You are all in my prayers.

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  24. No words, just sending hugs through my tears.

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  25. There is nothing that one can say to ease your loss, but I am sending prayers your way. Please know how much inspiration and happiness you have given to me with your blog and patterns. You, too, have made a difference in many lives. Your contributions to the quilt world have touched many lives. These small kindnesses are a gift to us all.

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  26. I am so sorry to read of your heartbreaking news. Your husband was a talented and humble person. You are a tremendous resource to all quilters - wonderfully creative and technically perfect - and generous beyond all reason. Thank you. Prayers and hugs from Mich. Ruth

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  27. Such a beautiful obit, what an amazing man, it must be so hard to lose such an incredible soulmate. My prayers are with you for peace and strength.

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  28. Sue, there truly are no words...my prayers continue for you and your family in dealing with the loss of your amazing Jack...and my thoughts and prayers for you as you deal with the new chemo regimen. Hugs. Nancy

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  29. Prayers for you and your daughters during this doubly difficult time. May God give you strength and peace.

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  30. Dear Sue, I am very sorry to hear about your husband's death. The article was a wonderful tribute to him. Thank you fo sharing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your new treatments are tolerable. You are in my thoughts and prayers often
    Mary

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  31. Dear Sue
    My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband..I too lost the love of my life and I can only say that I'm sure his spirit is with you every day
    Prayers for you and your family
    And especially for you as you persevere with those awful chemo treatments
    Sue

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  32. I am so very sorry for your loss, and I am holding you in my heart as you go through your cancer treatments.

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  33. No words can express the joy & beauty I have found while enjoying your blog. I am so sad at your loss. I keep you in my thoughts as you journey on.

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  34. Thank you for sharing the NYT Obituary. I was on the edge of my seat reading it, his calm confidence changed history. Your life together was extraordinary. Thank you for your contributions to the world of quilting. Your quilts, patterns, teaching, and encouragement have changed our history. It was a highlight of my life to get to meet you and show you my interpretation of Ladies of the Sea. My prayers are with as you face this challenge.

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  35. Been reading this site for awhile now, always has really good posts and topics please keep it up! loads of blogs are going under lately from lack of new posts etc
    NonSurgical Facelift

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