Happy (Late) Thanksgiving
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.
We love the pictures from Thanksgiving. They make us smile so much. Gabe, we can’t wait for the daily updates, as though reading and seeing the pix makes us send good thoughts your way. much love.
Olivia missed little dude today but is glad he got to spend time with the family. I think we all are looking around now and realizing just how much we have to be thankful for (besides you). You are already using this to help and inspire those around you.
So happy that all of you could be together on Thanksgiving… the pictures are so precious!! We continue to pray and think of Gabe and his family as this journey progresses. Many blessings being wished your way. Aaron, Angie and Isabella Smith
Hey Gabe,
Glad to see you & the family are enjoyed Thanksgiving, and were able to hold that sweet baby of yours. I don’t know you, but when I saw a post on facebook about you, I remember hearing about the senseless shooting on the news a few days prior to that. It could have been any of us in your shoes and the guys that did it will probably never know the true impact of their crime(s). I’ve been checking your blog for updates. So even though you may not know us or hear from us, please know there are lots of us cheering you on and wishing you the happiest of holidays, me included.
Hey Gabe:
We’ve been checking your site nearly every day. We’re the family with the four brown-haired boys that come into Goose (about every other day) for gelato. I wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers. Our second oldest son, Eli, has asked his class at the Oaks to pray for you every day, too. My boys ask a lot about you and we are hoping that you have a smooth recovery. I know it won’t be easy or quick, but we will certainly pray that you can have the energy and will to keep fighting.
We’re really thankful for the person who is keeping this site so we can know how you are doing. Your family is courageous and beautiful.
With love,
Lynn House (for Noah, 12, Eli, 11, Asher, 8 and Jaden, 7)
I look forward to the updates very much. I am alerted whenever there’s a new one! Great pictures of your Thanksgiving, Gabe. This year I was especially thankful for life itself. I am thankful you are alive, thankful you are healing, and thankful that Ezra has a father in his life as he grows up. I think about you every day. Our B-Dorm set up a facebook group…you have helped gather us together once again, and I hope you can join us soon.
Love,
Donelle
hey Gabe..this is to test your memory. You and Josh worked for me at Bec’s in Normal many moons ago. Dave Merritt and Leen have kept me posted on your recovery. I finally figured out how to send a comment! Hey, I am good at cooking, bad on the techno stuff.
I will continue to watch as you get back to complete wellness. Looks like you have a lovely family. Hang in there and work hard!. You have been an inspiration to me. I may be facing some serious surgery soon. I was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago and looks like we will be removing a lung. Prognosis is good if it is contained there, but I guess the recovery is a bitch. I am sure I will have my own little “BOB” to help me with the breathing . Take care and I will be sending lots of prayers ! Bec
Thanks so much for your update, Grandpa Mike, and the pictures made our month. The seventh picture with Ezra in Brooke’s arms giving Daddy a high five was the ultimate Thanksgiving gift. Go Jordans! Love and hugs from Aunty Terri, Jeff and Josh
Gabe -
I’ve known you since you were a little kid growing up on Mercer Ave. in Bloomington, IL. I ran around with your brother, Jason, and grew up with your family.
I just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you back in Central Illinois, and cheering for your progress. You’ve got a great family to lean on for support, and lots of friends & family behind you.
Keep a positive attitude, focus on your family, and hold your chin up high. Life will get better and good things will come to you.
Best wishes,
Ben, Katie and Lauren (2) Hart
Wow…looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving spread.
Have thought about you every day and said many prayers.
You seem to be progressing as well or better than anyone could
hope. Keep fighting even when it gets physically and mentally
difficult…..seeing those beautiful smiling faces on Ezra and
Brooke make it much easier, I’m sure.
More later.
I am so glad that you were able to share Thankgiving with your family! I am especially happy that you were able to spend it with Ezra! Still praying…
I have to say that Ezra is looking super cute these days! Of course, you look GREAT too Gabe, but just sayin’ . . .
Gabe,
I check the site twice a day (OCD, I think…..) and am always thrilled that each post holds positive news.
I’m thankful this Thanksgiving weekend that you are going to be discovering how to do some things differently and that your determination will get you through some exciting rehab!
Mike
Gabe,
I don’t know if you remember me from Bloomington High School. I remember our great times on the yearbook staff and the eloquent essays you wrote in my English class. And I always loved reading your journal. You entertained the whole class with your dry wit, and it sounds as if you’re still entertaining your friends and family in Indiana. Even though I’m so sorry for these circumstances, I love seeing the pictures of you, of your beautiful wife and son, and of Jason. (You’re all beautiful – not just your wife and son.)
I’ll pray for you everyday as you enter therapy. You’re strong and positive, and I know you will do well in recovery and beyond.
Love and best wishes to you and your family,
Linda Lienhart
As we take time to reflect this Thanksgiving season, seeing Ezra in your arms is an extraordinary reason for which we are thankful. The joy in both of your faces says more than any words can describe. Thank you and your wonderful family for sharing with all of us. I check the Website daily so we can keep abreast of your amazing and inspiring progress. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.
With all best wishes,
Anne and Rod
Gabe,
Like many others, I check your site often and continue to think of you every day…only the Jordans could pull off that fine looking feast to go! It must be fantastic to hold Ezra in your arms again, and to be freed of all the tubes and monitors. While I know you have a long road ahead, it is truly a testament to your own spirit as well as the power of the family, friends and community you have gathered around you how much you have already overcome in just three weeks.
Peace be with you
jenny
Hey Gabe! I’m glad Greg got to come visit and I hope I can come say hello soon. However, as it is…I wanted to let you know I went to hang out with Anna & her husband over thanksgiving and her entire extended family remembers you very fondly from her wedding. They all wish you well. <3
What a good lookin’ HAPPY bunch…it is nice to see everyone together with smiles.
And i have to say i think Mylee could give Ezra a run for his money. No need for therapy just pass the two “healthy” babies back and forth and you will be back in shape in no time.
Gobble Gobble to your entire family! What a wonderful gift you gave all of us by sharing these awesome pictures of your Thanksgiving celebration. I especially love the one of Gabe, Ezra and Grandpa…if that is not trouble I don’t know what is
Keep up the good work, stay strong and focused – “eye of the tiger”.
All our love, prayers, and inappropriate humor is coming your way to help you continue to move forward in your recovery.
Cindy Parker Arbuckle
So glad you all got to see each other on thanksgiving. I am sure it felt good to be together as a family. Can’t wait to see the calendar get updated with things you migh tneed help with… I have a list of names a mile long of people wanting to help!
Your son is being an absolute angel today! He takes after his Aunt Kathy more and more everyday. Aunty Kathy loves you!
Gabe, Brooke & Ezra,
How wonderful to see the beautiful pictures of you with your wife, son and family! What a gorgeous family! The reunion pictures are so great! Shawn was so happy to see you over the weekend! I’ve been praying for you & keeping up on the blog. You have such a wonderful support system of family and friends! Its no wonder because you’re one amazing person:)
Keep up the great work!! We think of you everyday!
Lots of love, Carrie, Shawn, & Meadow
Gabe – I still have that Mike McGill deck you gave me when we were in 6th grade. My sons will one day skate it.
You also introduced me to Fugazi and Ian Macaye and basically helped to shape my entire musical (and visual (remember the wall your parents let you decorate with sharpies) and literary) aesthetic. I remember defining in my own mind what was cool by whether or not Gabe would think it was cool. Back then, you were so far ahead of the curve – a truly indepedent spirit. I just wanted to say thanks for the influence at such a crucial time. Your dad was also an awesome den leader.
I admire your strength. The pictures of your family are beautiful.
it’s great to see your family together gabe. you have so much to be proud of. i’ll be by to visit soon and we can do some yoga, meditation, massage and shruti box (maybe brooke told you about the magic we can make with that thang.)
much love and prayers still headed your way, every day. namaste, lisa daugherty
Well Gabe, you’re in for it now. I’ve got four Presbyterian Churches praying for you, and I’m working on getting the Synod Office in Indy involved also which means you’ll have the prayers of all of the Presbyterians in Indiana and Illinois praying for you. Let your Mom and Dad know the UMs don’t get to do all of the work. As for you, our spirits have been lifted by the daily information we are reading from this blog. While I’m not a doctor, nor have I ever played one on TV, I know your move to the rehab center is an extremely positive sign that you are are getting better.
Please know in the days ahead, you will remain in the hands of hundreds of prayer warriors and under the care of the Holy Spirit. Oh yeah, and you’ll have a doctor and nurse or two along by your side.
Grace and Peace to you, Gabe. And even though we’ve not seen you for years, you’ll still be the little boy in choir (sorry, you’ll just have to deal with that
. We love you, buddy! Get strong!
Mike and Helen Claver
It’s been many years since we’ve talked in person, but I can still picture you as the young boy I met when you visited Des Moines. I’ve kept up with your doings over the years, primarily via your Aunt Nancy. I have always remembered you well and fondly and admit that I was shocked and saddened to hear what violence had befallen you and surely rocked the lives of your loved ones. I’m so glad that your progress has been positive and steady. It is good to see pictures of you and to read how you’re doing.
Wishing you all the succor you might need and more. Love to all of you.
Great seeing you out of bed! Thanks for sharing this with all of us who love you.
Hey–that looks like progress–the little dude in tow AND vino on the table! Congratulations on getting to the rehab place; what wonders await. No seriously, that’s really good news. We continue to send love and good wishes your way. Keep plugging away.
Shonagh
St. Louis
Hi,
I sure would like an update, Pat
Hi Gabe! Love all the pictures and so happy that you were reunited with Ezra. He’s gorgeous like his parents! I’ve had rotten head cold and so have been unable to visit but am hoping this thing clears up soon. Gabby has made something for you and is anxious for you to have it. I went to a special service at church this week and the priest spoke about forgiveness, truth and joy. He told the story of a young girl he met who had been struck with a sudden illness that left her paralyzed and breathing and speaking through a tube. She told this priest that while she was not happy that this tragedy had happened to her, she understood that she would never had realized her full potential in life had it not. Wow. That’s pretty amazing. I have no idea how you are facing this, but I will remember this young woman when I think of you (which is daily) and know that there really is a special purpose for you, Gabe. You were amazing before this travesty, you are amazing in your recovery and you will continue to be amazing in everything you do. The kids and I send our love and hope to see you soon, Kristine PS…Love to Brooke and Ezra also!
Gabe – Just wanted to send you a quick message and wish you well. I’m guessing this week has been pretty challenging. Getting your first glimpse at what’s involved at rehab has to be arduous. You’re (and Brooke and Ezra of course!) still very much in our thoughts. Not everyone would have the constitution to embrace a challenge of this sort, but I know you can and will. All our love. Ben & Jen
Hi Gabe!!
I am so glad to have found your site! I think of you often and you and your family are definately in my thoughts and prayers – you have a BEAUTIFUL family. I will check in often to hear about your progess and wish you patience and strength.
Maggie