Gifts and Blessings

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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 30^th birthday; the birth of our second grandchild, Ezra; our 40^th anniversary; Ann’s 60^th birthday; Mike’s retirement; Jason’s 40^th 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