A Note From Brooke
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
Brooke, Gabe, and Ezra,
It’s so nice to hear your voice Brooke! I think about you guys everyday and am so happy at how well Gabe is recovering. Your family is amazing and strong and I feel like I have been living better and stronger through your examples. I can’t wait to be able to come and help too. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you.
Love,
Rebecca
Once again your family amazes me! Wish I knew you better being as we are neighbors! Maybe when everything settles down and things are fairly normal(whatever normal is) we can do something more than wave and say Hi! My prayers continue daily for your beautiful family!
Brooke, thanks for the update, in a time when you have more than your fair share of things going on, you take the time out to update. I’m sure everyone, as well as myself, that is keeping up with this appreciates your time. I send lots of good thoughts and Love to you and Gabe as well as that little man Ezra! You and Gabe are amazing and seeing your support, strength, and love for eachother is infectious! I will be sure to get with Katie to see if I can be of any help.
Thank you for this update Brooke! Gabe’s life is a true miracle! My prayers are with your family daily!
Brooke, first of all, “Aunty Kathy loves you!” Secondly, “thank you” does not come close to communicating how appreciative I am for your detailed narrative regarding Gabe’s injuries. It will be the hardest story you will ever write, and you did it with your usual thoughtfulness and gracefulness. Ezra is a lucky little boy to have you both as parents.
Brooke – Thank you for taking the time to write this post. It is great to hear from you and to see your spirit and energy come through even just as words on the screen! When I first heard about Gabe’s injury I told Jen that his love of life would pull him through this experience, but reading your note it’s obvious that he also has a lot of love, support and shared zeal for life from you. Thanks for sharing and all our best to the three of you! Ben & Jenny Shobert
Thanks Brooke. I know this was hard to do. Know you are all three in my thoughts every day. Much love and support!
We know and always have known that you are AMAZING, Gabe! What’s equally amazing is hearing Brooke describe her “wonderful” husband. A few days after the incident, I asked Brooke to retell how you guys met and fell in love. She spoke with such description and recalled every romantic detail. You are truly soul mates. The Jordan family love has inspired so many of us recently and has made us count our blessings every day. Life is good.
Brooke,
I just got all choked up reading this as I am sure you do every time you share it. I know those first long hours of waiting that you went through must have been excruciatingly painful. You are so strong and amazing, and Gabe is as lucky to have you by his side as you are to have him. You two make a great team. I am so thankful that Gabe is still around and that there are many good memories to be made. I can’t wait to get the little guys together again. Ezra can fight back next time!
Love you guys,
Julie
I am humbled by your letter: thanks.
Rod (also for Thulani and Nathanael)
thanks for the update brooke. its so nice to hear the daily progress gabe is making. we have people praying for him all around the world, myself included
Brookie,
So good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing…I know that was hard. You, too, are truly amazing and an inspiration. We love you!
Kristine, Gabby, Jack and Gus
Brooke,
I don’t know you but feel like I do after reading your touching note. Gabe is obviously meant to be here with you and Ezra and the rest of his family and friends, THANKS BE TO GOD! I’m proud of you for writing this update, this took alot of courage and you didn’t HAVE TO but you did! I can not imagine the challenges you face being this journey with Gabe. Not the same as Gabe’s journey but I know you are certainly going through it with him. Continued prayers and all of our love is being sent your way.
Brooke, the day I heard of Gabe’s injuries I remember saying to my husband ‘Luckily, he is married to Brooke, who is one of the most illuminating people I’ve ever met. She has transformed Gabe into his best possible self, and together they will make their life together continue to be amazing’. You truly brought out the best of Gabe from the very beginning–which was a blessing before last month, but has now proven absolutely vital to his survival. It is hard to imagine the challenge presented for you to even write this post, much less relive that events of that night; he truly is lucky to be alive. You, Gabe and Ezra are in my thoughts still each and every day.
jenny
Dear Brooke,
I’m a friend of Gabe’s cousin, Rene Tomlinson, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. As I read your comments I’m amazed at the strength and love you and Gabe have for each other. Your son is one lucky little boy to have such devoted parents. Please know all of you are in my daily prayers.
Lisa
You are simply awesome, Brooke. In reading your first post and from talking to you the other day, I can see that Miss Coconut Head is showing her determination and strength again. Gabe’s a lucky man in more than one way my dear niece. Love, Tess
Brooke:
I just recently heard about your family’s tragedy. My jaw dropped to the ground. My thoughts and well wishes are with your husband, son and you. May life provide you with the best for now on. You deserve it. . .
Chad