went shopping for groceries and got some perspective

If you have kids and have ANY sense at all you know that taking them grocery shopping is just about the worst idea on the planet.  Well, guess what?  On Sunday, Beth and I were running around with all 3 kids (10 and under) trying to finish errands and so we HAD to go to our local Kroger store.  (Quick digression that Kroger also happens to be a big supporter of CNFWJ)!  Anyway, there we were on a rainy Sunday at Kroger.  The kids were hanging on the cart or fighting to hang onto the cart or just fighting.  This shopping excursion took about 1 hour real time but felt like a week!

As we were meandering along the aisles each child would consistently ask for something that:

A. We never buy.

B. Never WOULD buy

C. Items with 100% sugar plus 100% corn syrup plus 100% fat.  Yeah, I know it adds up to 300%. Just go with me.  

As we collected our groceries, refereed fights, settled arguments, we made our way to the check out. We had a cart full of sustenance.  As we began to unload at the checkout belt the woman in front kindly mentioned she wasn’t finished unloading.  I said, “I am sorry I think I’m just trying to get out of here as quickly as possible!” She smiled and continued to check out.   Beth went back to grab “one last thing” and we waited.

My back, now turned away from the woman while I was talking to Luke, got a slight tap.  It was the woman.  She asked, “Is that Jack?”  I said “yes” somewhat hesitantly.  “CureNFwithJack!”, she said enthusiastically.  Jack, said yes that’s me..with a hint of a smile.  She turned and said, “You’re his Dad, Jake.  I follow Jack’s Journey! I was going to message you on Facebook this Tuesday”.  I said “Oh cool, why?  

And before she answered I knew.  In a split-second I knew.  Not the details, but I knew.  As she started to well up with emotion, I knew.  I knew I was talking to an NF MOM.  She continued to say that she too has a son with NF and like Jack he has a plexiform neurofibroma in his orbital area.  Apparently that has been the only way NF had manifested itself with HER son…until recently.

We listened and unloaded as she explained that her son was recently diagnosed with a tumor in his abdomen and that he was going to have surgery on Tuesday.  Beth and I were holding back tears as she explained all the known and the greater unknown that was coming.  She was so courageous to share her story.  As she was leaving, she said she would be in touch and that she lives close by. We asked her to share any updates.  

She thanked us for CureNFwithJack and all that we are doing.  I wanted to share this with all of you…look what you’re doing!  Through your support of Jack and CureNFwithJack we are making a difference.  We are offering hope, guidance, and comfort where it is needed most.  So yeah, maybe you golf with us or buy shirts or like our Facebook page or retweet a tweet.  All of it matters.  You matter.  Because all of what you do made this interaction happen.

I was so proud of Jack and Luke that day.  They listened to this Mom intently and learned about another family and their battle.  Later, Jack told me that he felt bad for THAT boy and we need to do more!  I said I know Jack.  And then he said, “I’m kinda famous” with that smile as he joked.  I said, yes you are.  

Please join me in hoping that this boy and all the people impacted by NF will see a cure or an effective treatment soon.  CNFWJ is now a 501c(3) official charity and your donations are tax deductible.  Your money goes to research.  Your money goes to action.  Your money will lead to a cure.  Thanks as always. You can click here to easily donate.

Don’t forget!!!  Click on the word Golf to learn more about our tournament that be sure to sell out! 

Tomorrow there is HOPE and you are among the reasons why.  Don’t ever forget that fact. EVER

Jake, Beth, Jack, Luke and Grace