Wishing Gabe, Brooke and Ezra a happy and healthy New Year!
Subject:
Last year at this time we were looking forward to a number of landmark events in our family that would take place in 2009. Peter’s 30th birthday; the birth of our second grandchild, Ezra; our 40th anniversary; Ann’s 60th birthday; Mike’s retirement; Jason’s 40th birthday. It was going to be a year to celebrate! We weren’t prepared for the event late on the night of November 8. That is when Gabe was shot during a robbery. He suffered massive internal injuries and spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegic paralysis. As we look back on that terrible night, just forty-eight days before Christmas, we realize that despite that horrible event, we have been receiving gifts and blessings immediately and continuously. We wish to use this forum to thank people: those who helped Gabe, from near-death that night to now being at home with his wife and son; those who supported us and helped us to support Gabe and his family; those who are continuing to reach out and uplift us all as this new chapter of life unfolds.
To those at Wishard WE THANK: the EMTs who stabilized and transported Gabe to Wishard Trauma Center; the Trauma Team who repaired and removed damaged organs and tissue and who attended to Gabe throughout his eighteen days at Wishard; the Neuro Team who diagnosed and explained Gabe’s spinal cord injury to us all; the ICU team of doctors; the Thoracic Surgery Team who repaired damage to Gabe’s pericardium (the sack around his heart); the occupational therapists and physical therapists; the chaplains; the dear ladies who monitor the ICU waiting room; the CEO of Wishard; every nurse and tech in ICU, PIC and on the fifth floor who treated Gabe (and his family) with the utmost of care, concern, and dignity no matter what task they were performing.
As Ann and I, and Brooke and her brother Jeff, and Jason and Peter waited for news during the early morning of November 9 we felt so scared and alone. But as news of Gabe’s plight became known through our calls to family and friends, and the media coverage, those “gifts and blessings” began to appear and arrive. Relatives and friends. Workmates – present and past. Customers and bosses. Late that morning a friend of Ann came to see her. She said “I am so sorry. I’m just not good with words in situations like this” But, she sat with Ann and held her hand. We were so clearly reminded that each person’s outreach, delivered in their own personal way, means so much when a family is dealing with a tragedy such as this. As the day went on, more and more people came to the hospital to comfort us all. None of them could see Gabe in ICU, but they were there to support him, and us. Late that day I was asked to talk with reporters from the local television stations. I want to thank the reporters and videographers from Channels 6, 8, 13, and 59 for the caring and dignified manner they all displayed in the time they spent with me, and the airing of Gabe’s story.
On November 10, Peter created this website and launched it. This site has allowed us (basically Peter) to keep you all informed of Gabe’s progress and it has allowed so many people to communicate with Gabe and us. The site has been linked to a number of media outlets and businesses in the Indianapolis area. We received notes of support from friends, Gabe’s classmates from grade school, high school, and three colleges; high school teachers, Sunday school teachers, choir directors, prayer groups from across the country, perfect strangers, neighbors, relatives, people Gabe had served at various work venues. A local attorney reached out and set up The Gabriel Jordan Trust Fund at no cost. Thanks to each of you who has contributed to that fund and to other fund-raising events. People brought food to the house for Brooke and Ezra; they brought food to the hospital for those of us keeping round-the-clock vigil with Gabe. A group of “guardian angels” left a gift (homemade cookies, lunch certificates, inspirational messages, etc.) on Ann’s desk each day for a couple of weeks. People stepped up to take care of chores around Gabe and Brooke’s home. Ezra’s daycare provider is “like family” and became a day and night care provider at times. THANK YOU.
On November 25 Gabe was transferred to Hook Rehabilitation Center. We were able to have a family Thanksgiving dinner with him the next day. But on Friday the real work began. Gabe had participated in some therapy at Wishard, but at Hook it became a full-time job. To those at Hook, WE THANK: the physical, occupational, and recreational therapists; the medical staff; the counselor; Gabe’s mentor; all the caring nurses and techs.
The Jordan-Downen family is small and widely spread. But the forces gathered quickly. Some left their jobs for days and/or weeks. They were here “to do whatever we can.” And they did some amazing things! They affected some truly significant changes that will help Gabe and Brooke and Ezra as they go forward in a new and different life with less outside concerns and demands and a lifestyle that is manageable. They helped (and still are) keep Ann and I grounded through this traumatic time for parents. They were (and still are) sounding boards for all of us. Although we don’t see our family often, we are truly there for each other. It must be due to our “middle America upbringing” that has built our home on a firm foundation.
Thanks to the large group of Gabe’s friends and supporters who are continuing to help with everyday chores, providing food for Ezra, and Gabe and Brooke, providing transportation, working on their house. This is a journey and we thank you for staying the course.
We have intentionally not mentioned specific names, fearing that we would forget someone. However, a special heartfelt, never-ending thank you goes to Ashley and Bill. Your phone call to 911, and your instinctive care for Gabe as he lay wounded in the street awaiting the EMT’s arrival kept him with us. THANK YOU
This holiday season is one we will never forget. We have experienced deep despair over the injuries and life-changing events Gabe has incurred. And yet, we are so grateful and humbled by the outpouring of blessings and care we have received and continue to receive from all of you. Tonight we are carrying on a Jordan family tradition. We are delivering home-baked cookies for Christmas. But this year we are going to Wishard and Hook to thank as many people as we can for saving our son’s life.
We wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday season. Thanks to you all.
Mike and Ann Jordan
Sorry it has been so long since a new posting has gone up. Gabe (and Brooke and an army of caring helpers) have been scurrying around almost as busy as Santa’s elves.
Last Thursday was packing day at G&B’s house and All My Sons was hired to do the vast majority of the packing. Friday afternoon Tony Stuart Moving sent a crew and moving van to the house to load, move and then unload at G&B’s new apartment all their basic household items. Mr. Stuart provided this service at no cost.
Saturday found more of Santa’s elves loading non-basic items (don’t we all accumulate way more than we use on a regular basis?) into trucks and trailers and delivering them to storage sites in Indy, Raccoon Lake and the Fort Wayne area. As all this was going on, Brooke began unpacking at the apartment. Anyone who has ever moved knows what a seemingly never-ending task that can be.
As all these moving chores were in the works Gabe continued a rigorous therapy schedule at Hook. He also has been fitted for his chair and it should be constructed and to him within ninety days or so. Gabe also selected equipment needed to assist him at home as he starts this next chapter in his life.
Yesterday–”free at last, free at last” — Gabe was released from the rehab center and headed to his new home. He stopped by Goose the Market to say hello and thank you to his co-workers, and while in the neighborhood went next door for a long awaited hair cut at Salon Orange Moon.
Gabe is looking foward to seeing a lot of his friends tonite at the Night of Rock and Roll Benefit. He will be getting into Recess on a more regular basis as it approaches opening day.
We thank each and every one of you who has helped Gabe and his family through this first part of the journey. Your prayers and thoughts and energy have carried and uplifed us all. Your gifts of time, and hugs, and well-wishes, and your shoulders that have caught our tears have been invaluable. Your contributions to the Gabe Jordan Trust Fund will help allow Gabe to move on into the next phase of his life and recovery.
“There is a sacredness to tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.” Washington Irving
Our thanks, love and best wishes for the upcoming holidays to you all.
Mom and Dad
Hello everyone. It feels strange to have my first post be about our move, but I want to be certain that everyone involved has all the necessary info. I’m working on a real post to address the events of the last month, and I’ll put it up soon. At any rate, Brooke, Ezra, and I are moving into an apartment temporarily, until we can find a house that is more suitable to my new physical constraints. The incredibly kind people at Stuart Moving and Storage are moving the bulk of our things to the apartment on Friday. There is additional moving, to a few different locations for storage, on Saturday. Moving always brings to light the sheer amount of material junk we accumulate over the years. Brooke, Katie, Megan, Dana, and Kathy have done a great job of sorting through a lot of that detritus, and figuring out what to do with it. Less is more, right? I digress. The chairperson for our moving committee is Mollie Eley, and she has done a tremendous job. If you would like to help this weekend, and/or need information, please contact Mollie at molliegoose[at]hotmail[dot]com. Thank you all for your help this weekend, and more importantly for your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes. You have no idea how powerful they are in the process of my recovery. More to come soon…
love,
g
OK, So I know it’s about time that I personally provide the update. What has been taking me so long? Well, I just have so much to say that this task seems overwhelming, to say the least. Forgive the rambling…here goes nothing…
First, thank you, thank you, thank you! I am brought to tears daily by the selfless outreach from family and friends. We are truly surrounded (both physically and spiritually) by wonderful people, some of whom we have never even met. All of the prayers, well wishes, and otherwise positive energy you have sent Gabe’s direction has worked wonders. He is consistently surpassing all expectations.
Secondly, there is still plenty of curiosity about what injuries Gabe had sustained the evening of November 8th. The bullet entered his back, through his spine at the T10 level (approximately half way down his back). The bullet went through his spinal column, severing the spinal cord in a manner that the neurosurgical team is calling “complete”. As it exited the front of the spine, the bullet missed Gabe’s aorta by no more than a millimeter. It went through-and-through his pancreas, spleen then stomach. His spleen was damaged irreparably and a splenectomy was done to remove it. Due to the injuries the pancreas sustained, the tail of his pancreas was removed. Fortunately, Gabe has not had any sugar management problems which can sometimes be a side effect of removing parts of the pancreas. On its way out of Gabe’s body, the bullet went up through his diaphragm and into his pleural (lung) space. It then penetrated his pericardium (the sack surrounding the heart), followed alongside the heart apparently bruising it a little bit, then exited the pericardium. Even the slightest nick of his heart could have taken Gabe away from us. The bullet, having finally done enough damage, exited the front of Gabe just below his nipple. To recount the path of the evil bullet, I get emotional considering the other potential outcomes. We are fortunate to still have his company.
I am blown away daily by the magnificence of this man. Gabe has always been an amazing person but now on top of that, he is mind-blowing. Truly a man to be admired, and someone Ezra will certainly look up to. He is an inspiration to me.
Now that Gabe is in intense therapy at Hook Rehab, his days are much more structured than they were back at the Wishard “Spa”. His morning and afternoon consist of around 3 hours of occupational and physical therapy. Meals are scheduled and visitation is more limited. Monday through Saturday the best times to visit Gabe fall between 6 and 8pm. Sunday is pretty much a free day for him. Regardless of the day, it’s probably best to call ahead if you want to see him: (317) 370-3401. I want to thank you all again for all of your thoughts, prayers, calls, food, contributions, etc. You have inspired Gabe, as well as the rest of us, with your generosity and caring. Stay tuned for more updates.
Love,
Brooke
We are very thankful you all have been patient and perseverant awaiting our posting of help wanted/needed opportunities. Listed below are leaders of task help groups assigned by Brooke, with their contact phone number(s) and email addresses. If you can help in any of these areas, please contact the leader to volunteer and get further assignment information. We are attempting to help manage some of these tasks without further involvement from Brooke or Gabe.
Meals: Eli & Nicole Anderson – 331-3598 – eliandnicole [at] mac [dot] com
Refrigerator and freezer space is limited and Gabe is eating very small portions at this time. Please keep these factors in mind as you prepare meals for them. Please contact Eli or Nicole if you are able to help with meals, or have questions.
Transportation: Kathy Holom – 525-3912 – katholom [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
May include – Gabe to and from outpatient rehab and/or work
Ezra to and from Bailey’s (daycare)
Please contact Kathy if you are able to help with transportation.
Moving: Mollie Eley – 430-3929 – molliegoose [at] hotmail [dot] com
From current home to transitional housing — current estimated date is Saturday December 12, finishing Sunday December 13?
Please contact Mollie with truck and trailer sizes. Strong backs are a plus.
Household Maintenence: Susan Kissel – 457-0894 – susan.kissel [at] gmail [dot] com
Including, but not limited to your choice of: vacuuming, dusting, bathroom cleaning, litterbox cleaning, recycling, etc.
Contact Susan if you can help with any of these tasks.
Home Maintenance & Construction: Mike Jordan – 714-0296 – ann-jordan [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
Everything from building ramps to gutter cleaning. Contact Mike with your talent and energy level.
Fund Raisers/Benefits/Events: Mollie Eley – 430-3929 – molliegoose [at] hotmail [dot] com
If you are planning, or want to plan, fund raising events to assist Gabe and Brooke please contact Mollie.
Ask Mollie about events currently planned if you wish to help and/or attend.
Sorting and Eliminating: Katie Fese – 809-6312 – allenkate [at] aol [dot] com
Can you help Katie figure out what to do with some of this stuff? EBay? Consign? Donate? Dumpster?
Contact Katie if you have expertise in this area.
Thanks!
Michelle Walkey-Thornburg, a local artist in Indy and friend of Brooke and Gabe, showed her work ‘Indiana Art’ at the Harrison Arts Center tonight, dedicating the piece to Gabe.
Some pictures from the show:
Thanks Michelle!
Yesterday Gabe went via van to meet his partner, Greg Hardesty, at Recess. Greg showed Gabe all the progress and all that still needs to be done prior to opening. “It’s amazing how different it looks in such a short time” according to Gabe.
I thinks it’s amazing how well Gabe is acclimating to getting around in a chair. He noted a couple of slight changes to improve access at the front door, and Greg assured him they were already in the plan. The architect is changing the height of the front sales counter so it is more usable.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY. We were able to gather as a family at Hook Rehab Center to celebrate Thanksgiving. It truly is a day of thanks. Thanks that Gabe is still with us. Thanks to all the doctors and nurses at Wishard Hospital for saving and caring for Gabe. Thanks to all family, friends and people unknown to us who have prayed and sent good thoughts over the last two and a half weeks.
As Gabe enters the next phase of his recovery through occupational, physical and recreational therapies, we ask that you continue with your support and correspondence. Gabe enjoys reading the comments you make on the web site as well as e-mails.
We are going to press ourselves to get the job board and calendar up and going by Monday. Please continue to check here for further updates. Thank you all again for your caring and support for Gabe and his entire family.
Gabe was taken to Hook Rehab Center today, and is settled in there watching some basketball and dozing off. He got to see Ezra earlier this afternoon. Tomorrow we are all going over there and sneaking in the back way for a quick Thanksgiving dinner.
