A message from Jason
Here is a short update for every one. Dante is beginning to make a recovery . There is still a lot of work ahead for him so keep up the prayers and good thoughts. Noah has received surgery on his spine and is struggling with pain. His surgery appears successful but the bruising to his spinal chord which has left him unable to feel below the waist is still healing. According to the doctors it could go either way for him so prayers and good thoughts are still needed. Amada is recovering heroically and will probably be released from the hospital tomorrow. Needless to say all the kids are very sad about Cassandra and are processing it differently.
I wanted to take a few moments this thanksgiving morning and express my sincere thankfulness to our friends and relatives who have shown such amazing support. There are few moments in ones life where we are able to see the sum of support that surrounds us. It has been an affirmation of the life that Cassandra and I have tried to live. Thank you so much.
A year ago we planned to have thanksgiving with Cassandra’s Gramma in Cousins NM.(understandably the concept of thanksgiving is a delicate one in Indian Country) Gramma lives deep in the southern portion of the Navajo Reservation. She speaks no English and lives a simple life. The family had organized the dinner and we were to bring a side dish. As we prepared to leave late wed. evening in a blizzard we received a call and due to the weather several family members were unable to make it. Unfortunately they were responsible for the turkey and other key components of the meal. Cas and I were ready to pick up the slack but found that everything in Gallup was closed for the holidays(even Wal Mart). The only store open at 9:00 p.m. was a mustang gas station which also carried a few staples(only in Navajo land can you buy 20 lb. bags of potatoes and 50lb. sacks of flour at a convenience store.) So armed with every edible option we could find we drove through the storm and down the precarious dirt roads to grammas house. We proceeded to have one of the best thanksgiving meals ever. Spam and potatoes, frybread, eggs and bacon and pancakes.
I will miss my beautiful wife and her spirit of determination so much. Love, respect and thankfulness to all of you.
You can see more pictures by clicking “Continue Reading”
Megan Krischke said:
Hello Jason,
What a fabulous Thanksgiving it sounds like you had last year. A memory to cherish. Our prayers are with you and hoping that there is space for both joy and mourning and memories and thankfulness today.
Much love to you,
Megan
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, he saves those with a crushed spirit” Psalm 34:18
jamie reilly said:
thinking of you guys today for sure. I loved the story. take care buddy.
j
Uncle Ed Wright said:
Jason
A diverse group of people coming together to supply and to help meet each other’s needs both materially and spiritually…that’s what Thanksgiving should mean (despite historical biases and omissions). That’s what is happening for you today.
Love to you and yours,
Uncle Ed in St. Louis
Elouise said:
Hi Jason and family,
What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing! Continued prayers for you and your famil my dear friend. Much love and hugs to you all.
Catherine Gustavson said:
Dearest family, I am so happy to hear of forward progress in everyone’s condition!!!!! God is great and He will continue to carry you all in His loving hands. Please keep the updates coming. Can you please send a family picture with all of you that you wouldn’t mind everyone seeing. I would really appreciate it. I love you guys. Please give Amada, Noah, Dante and David the biggest hug they can stand and tell them that they are in our every thought and prayer. Love Dan, Catherine, Daniel, Cole, Suanna and Stanton
Miche Jackson said:
Jason,
The pictures are beautiful!!!! Thank-you for allowing us to see a glympse of your life with Cassandra. Our prayers are with you and the children.
Miche and Family
Pat Kowalchick said:
Jason,
Allof you are in my thoughts and prayers. My late husband Ed and I have been good friends of your mom’s for several years, and although I have never met you in person, through Carol, I have traveled with you for many years. Please know, in the quiet hours of the night, that I am sending you strong thoughts and strength of spirit, and even from a distance, I admire your determination to remain standing during this unexplainable battle.
Much love and peaceful wishes,
Pat
Joan Lonnemann said:
Dear Jason,
We are grateful this thanksgiving fo your strength and the depth of your love, as you keep your spirit alive and obviously so many around you.
I will sing our special John Denver song “sunshine in your eyes will make you cry…’ and I see the twinkle that stole my heart over 35 years ago!
Our love and many hugs,
Aunt Joan
Renee, Russ, Lynn & Mary Lou Patten said:
Jason- It is so good to hear some words from you- thank you for posting. We are glad to share this beautiful thanksgiving memory with you.
We love you so much and continue to pray for healing there.
Renee and Russ
Trish Murley said:
Jason~ Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory. My heart is full of love for you and your family! Healing wishes to you all!
Bobby Abshire said:
Jason,
I want to say thank you for expressing your heart and allowing us all to be moved by the spirit when we read your words I am humbled more now than even my own accident did for me.
My heart and my prayers n Quanah’s to are with you n the Babies. We love You n the Babies You and the children are Gods Angels just like Sister. My faith has been tested many times but your strength and your courage and your Faith has been a inspiration to me and has enabled me to replant my faith and now I have stronger roots in All Mighty God than Ever and I have more Love in my heart than I ever thought possible. Thank You for Sharing your heart and touching ours ……. Blessings and Love
Bobby ,Quanah n Lil Eva Abshire
Rose Daniel said:
Cassandra always had less to give and jet she gave her all. I miss you my friend. Your children will be just fine. The Creator’s blessings are upon you, My thoughts go out to you all.
Cecelia Ross said:
Jason
Thank you for sharing your memories. It is memories like this that will help you through. What a wonderful person Cassandra was and you were blessed to have her with you for a short while. Your strength and courage have touched many people.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. I have a blog and I would like to post a family picture or you all so that friends that have been praying for you will have a face to put with the names.
I’m glad Amada is home and that Dante is doing better. I will continue to pray for Noah please give him a hug from me.
God Bless you all ~ Cecelia
Kendrena said:
I miss my cousin sister so muc. i just wish she was still here to have thanksgiving with her. But the memoiries of her her still flow thrugh my heart. i shed tears deep down aswell Love you cass and jason:’)