March 6, 2012

In about 9 hours it will have been exactly a year ago that I received that fateful call. I remember it vividly, in that I was dressed to go to work (it was the first day of a new position) and I was feeling really good. I was standing in my kitchen and Linda was down in the garage with the day care kids who had just arrived (the garage was converted to a large play area for the kids). The phone rang and I answered in my happy voice, feeling like everything was going in the right direction, finally; then the caller said, "Is this the parent of Sgt. Jason Ross?" I immediately didn't like what I was hearing and slightly hesitated and said, "Yes, I'm his father." When he told me that Jason had been significantly injured my knees almost buckled. I quickly went out to the garage and got Linda's attention. Fortunately there were only two kids at this point so it was relatively easy for the two of us to sit down, at the table and listen to the call, on speaker. The Gunny began to tell us about some of Jason's injuries, and let us know that they were working to get him stable and that they would be in contact with us with updates, once they had them. We were to receive calls at least three times a day, and we did. It was probably the worst two days of our lives, not knowing what was going on, other than what they were telling us over the phone.

Fast forward to today and Jason is now doing so much better, though he is still far from being recovered. There is now another group of medical folks who are working to figure out what it is they need to do, to give him back some quality in his life. I provided them with some requested information today and they will be meeting on Friday to see if there is more they should be doing, or can do. We will hear the result next week, and we'll know more about some of the "next" steps Jason will be able to take on this journey we are on.

Today ended on a positive note, with a visit from Katie, of Marine Moms, out of Bethesda. She came out to visit with her sons, one of whom is headed off to Afghanistan, and got in contact with me. She asked if she could come over and visit with us, as she would really like to see Jason. Of course I said it would be great to have her come over, and then she took us out to dinner. The girls enjoyed her visit (especially since she brought them gifts... ;-))and this allowed Katie to see just how big the girls have grown, since she saw them in Bethesda. About the only thing that wasn't aligned was that Linda wasn't here, and Katie and Linda did seem to hit it off really well when they were in Bethesda. Anyway, the visit was nice and I did get a few pictures (I'll post tomorrow), so any of the rest of you, who might happen to come out this way, please let me know, we'd be happy to see you too.

Thank you all, for all the continued support and prayers for Jason and the family. We have been challenged, big time, yet we have also been able to see some blessing out of all this, and will continue to work to make Jason's life a happy and strong one.

Comments

  1. I remember the day well, we got the call from you, George, my husband told me what had happened and we were stunned. We knew there was a chance that something like this could happen but didn't dream it really would. Rob stayed in his office all day with the door closed. I stayed in our room all day and meditated to ask what happened and began to receive answers and then everything that happened tonight one year ago made sense. It was one of the most impactful spiritual experiences of my life.

    Wow, what a year. I will continue to pray for Jason and the Ross Family and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to walk with you on your journey of healing and growth.

    If you need anything you can count on us!!

    Keep on keepin on like you do,
    All our best,
    Karen & Rob
    Livermore Friends
    We love you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Know it has to be so hard knowing it's been a whole year. Know that I'm here praying!!!
    Psalms 63:1-2 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a miracle to have survived (or revived?) after such a trauma. Jason is truly amazing and an inspiration to us all.

    I'm so glad to have met him and that he is around to be the rock for his little girls.

    God Bless and prayers for continued improvement for all of you !

    ReplyDelete
  4. I remember rushing to your house after we got your call a year ago. Jason was more seriously injured than we had been told. And yet, one year later, he has a more positive attitude and any of us could have imagined. Friends and strangers have gone above and beyond, Jason has had extraordinary medical care, prayers have been answered, and Jason’s faith and spirit have remained intact. It has been an amazing year, and I look forward to Jason’s future.

    (Aunt) Joyce

    ReplyDelete

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January 2017

January 2017
Jason gets a visit from Gen. Jon Monett

January 2017

January 2017
With Gary at the GSF Office

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