Ok, so I've been thinking about my last post all day. If I had to sit down and list (I love lists you know!) of the concerns (or "cons" you might say) I have about NOT pushing forward with the sperm donor.
1. Absolutely my biggest concern is feeling like I'm not trusting God to fulfill the desires of my heart. God alone knows how deeply I want to be a Mommy. And the Bible tells us what is true. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:3-5 Perhaps I'm not delighting myself enough or leaning on God ALONE to fulfill my dreams and give me the desires of my heart. Maybe I'm trying too hard on my own, in my own strength, to make my dreams come true??? As a Christian, a Believer in Christ, isn't His Love all that I need anyway? Why do I continue to feel this strong, strong maternal pull towards motherhood? Is it just because I'm a girl? I don't think so. Is it just because my clock is ticking and I'm reaching my "prime?" I don't think it's entirely this point because for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a wife and a Mom. But yes, in the past several years, my anxiety level has definitely heightened over the reality of my "advancing age" and limited number of eggs remaining. Infertility is everywhere--not just in "older" people, but even the younger ones too! I've missed the best years of conceiving a healthy child, but realize that I still have at least a small window of time left---I hope! But truthfully, I don't have forever.
Is it not trusting God if I pursue a sperm donor to allow me to be a Mommy? The truth is that there are many successful single-parent families in our world today and back in the Bible days. But is that the best plan, more importantly, God's plan? What about the little babies and children that are orphaned following a horrible accident and tragedy? Wouldn't God want those sweet children to have two parents too? Sometimes the widowed parent remarries, sometimes they don't.
2. Am I being just selfish? What about the baby's point-of-view? I've already decided that if I pursue the donor route, I would choose a man with an "Open Donor" status. This means that if/when the child turns 18, the child would have the option to contact the sperm bank and receive the donor/father's name. This is not a guarantee that they'll be able to officially "contact" the biological father, but at least it's a start. I would want my baby to know from the beginning, that their father was a noble person who willingly donated themselves to produce their sweet little life! However, I feel a bit selfish denying my potential baby of even the option (at least initially--who knows if I may meet someone down the road) of having a "father." What about a family tree? I'm so interested in my own geneology. I would be ashamed (I think) to start a family tree for my child and have one-half of it filled in so completely and the father and that whole side "blank" or Father: Donor #223553, etc... Ok, yes, I'm trying to consider all scenarios....I'm a planner, much to my own dismay. But I do want to consider and PRAY about all possibilities, if I can.
3. What about my current relationship with G? He knows how desperately I want to be married and to have children, but he hasn't felt God's peace upon us moving forward....and it's been more years than I can to disclose. I absolutely love him--no doubt, but I feel as though I'm potentially losing my fertility while I wait for some Godly wisdom to befall us. G has always told me to follow God and where I feel He's leading me. I love his faith, it's one of the qualities that originally attracted me to him; and one of the most important qualities to me in a future husband/father. Although I'm not 100% convinced or convicted that "this" is the route (sperm donor) God wants me to choose, I do feel God's hand upon my heart and in this journey--without question. G has supported me over and over in living my life the way I feel God is leading me. He knows how seriously I'm considering this option. I told him I felt certain he'd completely dismiss himself from our relationship if I choose this plan/route. But he told me, through tears, that he wasn't sure what he'd do exactly, but that he'd follow God's will whatever He wanted him to do. G is confident that we are exactly where God wants us to be in our "loosely-defined" relationship.
4. Some have suggested that perhaps G and I should part ways and I should allow myself time to heal, mourn and grow in my trust and faith in God apart from G....and see where He leads me next. But to continue where we are will just continue to prevent both of us from possibly meeting the person God has chosen for each of us. And, maybe, just maybe, in time it'll turn out to be G and I afterall? But maybe not....I just want to do the right thing, God's will whatever that may be! It's so hard and heartbreaking to think about letting go of all you've known for many, many years. But life is short and we have to live each day to the fullest.
These are my concerns....my fears. I feel so "conflicted" over what to do with my life. I don't want to live my life regretting what "might have been." There are just no guarantees in this earthly life. But I do know one thing for sure, I have a loving Father in heaven who loves me so much He gave his only begotten Son to die just for me, for ALL of us! And that LOVE can never be replaced by anyone, not even a baby!
please feel free to comment.....
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
To have or not to have....seeking Christian counsel, advice and wisdom
to have....a baby? Ok, so what's a girl to do who just turned 38, has never been married and her "clock" is alarming? This is something that I've struggled with now for at least the last five years--seriously. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a wife and Mom. It's not that I haven't had any serious, long-term relationships, two to speak of, but so far neither has resulted in a lifetime commitment. And yet, my alarm clock is sounding.
I've prayed about this topic so many times and haven't ever really felt a definite "go for it" or "what are you thinking? Are you crazy?" response from my Heavenly Father. I feel as though He's allowed me several different scenarios to consider, not the least of which is how absolutely difficult (at best) being a single Mom (by choice) would be! We're talking experiencing pregnancy all alone (well, without a husband to share the good and bad times), and who will rush me to the hospital on the blessed day of the baby's arrival? Would I be able to drive myself--alone? Would my Mom or sisters already be here to drive me? How about all the newborn demands of midnight feedings, diaper changes, and then getting up for the day and again being to sole provider for this precious being? It seems very overwhelming when you consider all of the demands with little to no "relief." But oh the joys of a newborn and the opportunities that come with being a Mommy! Sure there will be sleepless nights and restless days, but I still believe the good times will far outweigh the demanding, exhausting times. Right? What about having to go back to work? There'd be absolutely no option of being a "stay-at-home Mom" if I became a single Mom--alone. I'd have no choice but to have to work. Ok, so I'm in healthcare...how about daycare for my weekend shifts? How easy or manageable will that be? I'm sure I could find someone to watch my baby one weekend a month, but would I have to "settle" for anyone I can find who would be available? Oh, trust me, I definitely wouldn't be leaving my baby with just anyone! What kind of mother would? I don't have any family locally, so no chance for grandparents or aunts and uncles to take over one weekend a month. Ok, so you might say these are just details....everyone faces them and somehow God just seems to work it all out--for the good of all....remember Romans 8:28. I truly believe it is God's will for me to be a wife and a Mommy. I've felt this conviction since I was probably about 11 years old.
I've been to a fertility doctor for advice and wisdom on this topic too. I hesitated to even go, thinking I was trying too hard, or taking matters into my own hands, and not trusting God in His infinite wisdom to fulfill the desires of my heart in His time....and in His way. But a trusting friend encouraged me saying that "Knowledge is power. Go!" My first appointment was in late September 2007. The Friday before my appointment, I was at the Women of Faith Conference with one of my best friends in Denver, CO. The fertility clinic called me on my cell phone to remind me of my appointment first thing Monday am. I considered cancelling the appointment when they called to remind me of my scheduled appointment, but something told me not to cancel--at least go and get information. I wanted to know what my options were at that point. I was still 36 then. The doctors were so friendly, and non-judgemental. I kept apologizing for being there a single, never-been-married person seeking fertility options. But they quickly reassured me that there was no judgement there and that I was just as "entitled" to receive information and to know my options as anyone else. I wanted to know things like, really, how scary is it that I'm only getting older, and my "eggs are mutating by the minute," what's involved with a sperm donor, costs, profiles, and what about freezing some of my eggs for use later? At that time, my doctor felt sure that I probably wouldn't have any trouble conceiving a child since I was still "relatively" young, and my Mom and my sister (with children) didn't have any trouble conceiving or carrying to term their babies. But she did suggest we do an ultrasound to see just where we stood regarding my eggs.....Heaven only knew you could do such a thing! I was so nervous, and yet, so excited to hopefully get some reassurance that I didn't have anything to worry about. That I still had "plenty of time."
Ultrasound. Ok, so as soon as the doctor begins the ultrasound, she says, "Oh my." Well, I knew enough to know THAT wasn't a good sign--or any kind of reassurance. She continued. "You have a large cyst on your left ovary. Have you been cramping? Do you pee a lot?" Well, of course I cramp--don't most women around that time of the month? And as far as peeing a lot, isn't that relative? But yes, for the record, I seem to go pretty frequently. I know, way more than you probably wanted to read or know, sorry. I'm just trying to keep it real. I want some honest advice and encouragement and I truly believe that you need the whole story to understand where I'm coming from. So, then she begins taking measurements and proceeds to tell me that there are a couple of egg follicles that she can see within the cyst on my left ovary, but believes that the cyst is encompassing my entire left ovary, so she can't be sure of the exact number of follicles present. Thankfully the right ovary was perfect! She saw several follicles there, and said that's a great sign! However, back to the "cyst." She said the fertility discussions were going to have to go on the backburner until we take care of this "cyst." Well, by now I'm a ball of nerves and have begun to cry--sob is more appropriate. Of course I'm totally alone at this appointment and I felt so scared and....alone. Next she begins discussing my referral to a Gynecologic/Oncologist and gets me scheduled with him for the following week. She said this "needed to be addressed immediately." What was most concerning is that I had gone to my annual check-up just six weeks prior to the appointment at the fertility clinic and there was no "sign" of this "large cyst" at that time. When she discovered it, it was 6 cm x 9 cm. My clothes weren't fitting me properly and I kept buying new pants, but before I could even cut the tags off, they would be snug to zip or button. I knew something wasn't right about that! Plus, my stomach seemed to be bulging out (much more than normal). I just figured I'd been eating too much. (My boyfriend noticed I'd been eating a lot more during that time.)
Gynecologic/Oncologist. Ok, my boyfriend joined me for this appointment--thank you Honey! I definitely didn't want to go there alone. The doctor did his exam and confirmed that definitely there was a "tumor" inside me, most likely consuming my entire left ovary.....and that I needed surgery to remove it. He suspected it was a mucocystadenoma, which is fast-growing and is sometimes cancerous---but they wouldn't know until they got the final pathology report back following surgery.
Skip ahead....ok, so three weeks later, 10/22/07, I had my left ovary and left Fallopian tube removed. Thank you Jesus---it was benign!!! Hallelujah! So "Thorn" as I named her, weighed a little over 1 pound, and as the doctor expected it did encompass my entire left ovary. My doctor assures me that I can just as easily get pregnant with just my right ovary as if I had both ovaries. But I'll never forget what he told my boyfriend and I at that appointment. "You need to wait 3 months after your surgery before trying to get pregnant. But I wouldn't wait much longer." Ok, that was alarming! We had probably 30 questions to go over with this doctor about the surgery, complications, outcomes, hospital admission vs. outpatient...yeah, right, I was there for 3.5 days!, prognosis, etc. He was ever so kind, and patient with every single question/answer. His statement replays in my mind, over and over...I'll never forget what he said to us about not waiting much longer than the initial three months post-operatively. I needed clarification on his statement. So at my six week post-op appointment, my boyfriend and I went together and I asked what he meant by his statement prior to my surgery. What is "not to wait much longer" because the tumor may come back to the right ovary, or was is because I'm "getting old." He said because of my age. He said it is highly unlikely that the tumor would return. Thank you again, Jesus!!
So fast-forward, it's now been 18 months since my surgery and I'm still not engaged, still not married, and still childless.....oh, and now I'm 38! My boyfriend thinks I'm obsessed with the "idea" of being a wife and Mom and that this dream has become my god. I beg to differ, and think it's more of a concern to me, because as we all know, girls only have so many eggs, and so long to procreate, unlike men. Plus I have half of my "parts" now, so that gives me added concern.
I met a friend from work who is a single Mom--via a sperm donor. I felt immediately empowered to meet someone who has already walked this path. She gave me so much helpful information too! (By the way, she's now the proud Momma of a little boy!) And, she's even found someone to babysit him on weekends when she has to work. She also doesn't have any family in town to help her. I've asked several friends and family for advice on this topic...what to do? Am I just being overly paranoid about losing my "opportunity," or should I move forward and try to fulfill my dreams on my own via a sperm donor? That's certainly not my "ideal" way of becoming a parent, but if I have to do that or risk not ever being able to be pregnant and bear a child, then I'm ready to sign-up STAT!
What about the judgements people would make against me to be a single, sperm-donor Mom? I guess people are going to talk about you regardless of your circumstances, and if this feels "right" in my heart to pursue, I guess I should rest in knowing that I'm in God's will if this is where He's leading me. Right?
I've even discussed this with my pastor who was a little taken aback by the topic, but was honest in his answers and actually advised me to talk to another church member who knew of an aquaintance who'd conceived by a sperm donor. I actually met with that person who also used a sperm donor and she was absolutely happy with her outcome and advised me to follow my heart. She said that people who know and love me, know how much I want to be a Mommy, and those people (the ones who 'count' to me) would love me and support me (and the new baby).
I've discussed my interest in the sperm donor path with my family too. I have absolutely 100% support from all of my family and most of my friends too. I think they're probably feeling a bit nervous about my quickly-closing window of opportunity too.
I've considered adoption and went to a church meeeting to learn more about it. However, I was very disappointed to hear that as a "single" person, it'd be very difficult for me to adopt a white, healthy child, but that if I wanted to pursue an adoption, I'd probably find a baby from overseas much faster than an American one. I felt so sad and defeated. I wanted to say, "It's not MY fault I'm not married so I could even try to conceive naturally!" Well, maybe it is my fault?? I guess that could be another blog topic?
I know this post is all over the place, but after reading about the pain, judgement and alienation that my sweet blog friend, "B" has endured throughout her Christian, single pregnancy and the upcoming events she's facing....I wanted to share some of my concerns from a different angle on Christian singles seeking to be a Mommy.
In His Grip,
Dawna
I've prayed about this topic so many times and haven't ever really felt a definite "go for it" or "what are you thinking? Are you crazy?" response from my Heavenly Father. I feel as though He's allowed me several different scenarios to consider, not the least of which is how absolutely difficult (at best) being a single Mom (by choice) would be! We're talking experiencing pregnancy all alone (well, without a husband to share the good and bad times), and who will rush me to the hospital on the blessed day of the baby's arrival? Would I be able to drive myself--alone? Would my Mom or sisters already be here to drive me? How about all the newborn demands of midnight feedings, diaper changes, and then getting up for the day and again being to sole provider for this precious being? It seems very overwhelming when you consider all of the demands with little to no "relief." But oh the joys of a newborn and the opportunities that come with being a Mommy! Sure there will be sleepless nights and restless days, but I still believe the good times will far outweigh the demanding, exhausting times. Right? What about having to go back to work? There'd be absolutely no option of being a "stay-at-home Mom" if I became a single Mom--alone. I'd have no choice but to have to work. Ok, so I'm in healthcare...how about daycare for my weekend shifts? How easy or manageable will that be? I'm sure I could find someone to watch my baby one weekend a month, but would I have to "settle" for anyone I can find who would be available? Oh, trust me, I definitely wouldn't be leaving my baby with just anyone! What kind of mother would? I don't have any family locally, so no chance for grandparents or aunts and uncles to take over one weekend a month. Ok, so you might say these are just details....everyone faces them and somehow God just seems to work it all out--for the good of all....remember Romans 8:28. I truly believe it is God's will for me to be a wife and a Mommy. I've felt this conviction since I was probably about 11 years old.
I've been to a fertility doctor for advice and wisdom on this topic too. I hesitated to even go, thinking I was trying too hard, or taking matters into my own hands, and not trusting God in His infinite wisdom to fulfill the desires of my heart in His time....and in His way. But a trusting friend encouraged me saying that "Knowledge is power. Go!" My first appointment was in late September 2007. The Friday before my appointment, I was at the Women of Faith Conference with one of my best friends in Denver, CO. The fertility clinic called me on my cell phone to remind me of my appointment first thing Monday am. I considered cancelling the appointment when they called to remind me of my scheduled appointment, but something told me not to cancel--at least go and get information. I wanted to know what my options were at that point. I was still 36 then. The doctors were so friendly, and non-judgemental. I kept apologizing for being there a single, never-been-married person seeking fertility options. But they quickly reassured me that there was no judgement there and that I was just as "entitled" to receive information and to know my options as anyone else. I wanted to know things like, really, how scary is it that I'm only getting older, and my "eggs are mutating by the minute," what's involved with a sperm donor, costs, profiles, and what about freezing some of my eggs for use later? At that time, my doctor felt sure that I probably wouldn't have any trouble conceiving a child since I was still "relatively" young, and my Mom and my sister (with children) didn't have any trouble conceiving or carrying to term their babies. But she did suggest we do an ultrasound to see just where we stood regarding my eggs.....Heaven only knew you could do such a thing! I was so nervous, and yet, so excited to hopefully get some reassurance that I didn't have anything to worry about. That I still had "plenty of time."
Ultrasound. Ok, so as soon as the doctor begins the ultrasound, she says, "Oh my." Well, I knew enough to know THAT wasn't a good sign--or any kind of reassurance. She continued. "You have a large cyst on your left ovary. Have you been cramping? Do you pee a lot?" Well, of course I cramp--don't most women around that time of the month? And as far as peeing a lot, isn't that relative? But yes, for the record, I seem to go pretty frequently. I know, way more than you probably wanted to read or know, sorry. I'm just trying to keep it real. I want some honest advice and encouragement and I truly believe that you need the whole story to understand where I'm coming from. So, then she begins taking measurements and proceeds to tell me that there are a couple of egg follicles that she can see within the cyst on my left ovary, but believes that the cyst is encompassing my entire left ovary, so she can't be sure of the exact number of follicles present. Thankfully the right ovary was perfect! She saw several follicles there, and said that's a great sign! However, back to the "cyst." She said the fertility discussions were going to have to go on the backburner until we take care of this "cyst." Well, by now I'm a ball of nerves and have begun to cry--sob is more appropriate. Of course I'm totally alone at this appointment and I felt so scared and....alone. Next she begins discussing my referral to a Gynecologic/Oncologist and gets me scheduled with him for the following week. She said this "needed to be addressed immediately." What was most concerning is that I had gone to my annual check-up just six weeks prior to the appointment at the fertility clinic and there was no "sign" of this "large cyst" at that time. When she discovered it, it was 6 cm x 9 cm. My clothes weren't fitting me properly and I kept buying new pants, but before I could even cut the tags off, they would be snug to zip or button. I knew something wasn't right about that! Plus, my stomach seemed to be bulging out (much more than normal). I just figured I'd been eating too much. (My boyfriend noticed I'd been eating a lot more during that time.)
Gynecologic/Oncologist. Ok, my boyfriend joined me for this appointment--thank you Honey! I definitely didn't want to go there alone. The doctor did his exam and confirmed that definitely there was a "tumor" inside me, most likely consuming my entire left ovary.....and that I needed surgery to remove it. He suspected it was a mucocystadenoma, which is fast-growing and is sometimes cancerous---but they wouldn't know until they got the final pathology report back following surgery.
Skip ahead....ok, so three weeks later, 10/22/07, I had my left ovary and left Fallopian tube removed. Thank you Jesus---it was benign!!! Hallelujah! So "Thorn" as I named her, weighed a little over 1 pound, and as the doctor expected it did encompass my entire left ovary. My doctor assures me that I can just as easily get pregnant with just my right ovary as if I had both ovaries. But I'll never forget what he told my boyfriend and I at that appointment. "You need to wait 3 months after your surgery before trying to get pregnant. But I wouldn't wait much longer." Ok, that was alarming! We had probably 30 questions to go over with this doctor about the surgery, complications, outcomes, hospital admission vs. outpatient...yeah, right, I was there for 3.5 days!, prognosis, etc. He was ever so kind, and patient with every single question/answer. His statement replays in my mind, over and over...I'll never forget what he said to us about not waiting much longer than the initial three months post-operatively. I needed clarification on his statement. So at my six week post-op appointment, my boyfriend and I went together and I asked what he meant by his statement prior to my surgery. What is "not to wait much longer" because the tumor may come back to the right ovary, or was is because I'm "getting old." He said because of my age. He said it is highly unlikely that the tumor would return. Thank you again, Jesus!!
So fast-forward, it's now been 18 months since my surgery and I'm still not engaged, still not married, and still childless.....oh, and now I'm 38! My boyfriend thinks I'm obsessed with the "idea" of being a wife and Mom and that this dream has become my god. I beg to differ, and think it's more of a concern to me, because as we all know, girls only have so many eggs, and so long to procreate, unlike men. Plus I have half of my "parts" now, so that gives me added concern.
I met a friend from work who is a single Mom--via a sperm donor. I felt immediately empowered to meet someone who has already walked this path. She gave me so much helpful information too! (By the way, she's now the proud Momma of a little boy!) And, she's even found someone to babysit him on weekends when she has to work. She also doesn't have any family in town to help her. I've asked several friends and family for advice on this topic...what to do? Am I just being overly paranoid about losing my "opportunity," or should I move forward and try to fulfill my dreams on my own via a sperm donor? That's certainly not my "ideal" way of becoming a parent, but if I have to do that or risk not ever being able to be pregnant and bear a child, then I'm ready to sign-up STAT!
What about the judgements people would make against me to be a single, sperm-donor Mom? I guess people are going to talk about you regardless of your circumstances, and if this feels "right" in my heart to pursue, I guess I should rest in knowing that I'm in God's will if this is where He's leading me. Right?
I've even discussed this with my pastor who was a little taken aback by the topic, but was honest in his answers and actually advised me to talk to another church member who knew of an aquaintance who'd conceived by a sperm donor. I actually met with that person who also used a sperm donor and she was absolutely happy with her outcome and advised me to follow my heart. She said that people who know and love me, know how much I want to be a Mommy, and those people (the ones who 'count' to me) would love me and support me (and the new baby).
I've discussed my interest in the sperm donor path with my family too. I have absolutely 100% support from all of my family and most of my friends too. I think they're probably feeling a bit nervous about my quickly-closing window of opportunity too.
I've considered adoption and went to a church meeeting to learn more about it. However, I was very disappointed to hear that as a "single" person, it'd be very difficult for me to adopt a white, healthy child, but that if I wanted to pursue an adoption, I'd probably find a baby from overseas much faster than an American one. I felt so sad and defeated. I wanted to say, "It's not MY fault I'm not married so I could even try to conceive naturally!" Well, maybe it is my fault?? I guess that could be another blog topic?
I know this post is all over the place, but after reading about the pain, judgement and alienation that my sweet blog friend, "B" has endured throughout her Christian, single pregnancy and the upcoming events she's facing....I wanted to share some of my concerns from a different angle on Christian singles seeking to be a Mommy.
In His Grip,
Dawna
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Treasured Life; the life of John "Doc" Jacobs
The life of an amazing man began on Wednesday, October 14, 1903. His earthly life ended on Friday, March 6, 2009. This is the life of my wonderful Great Grandpa, John Theodore "Doc" Jacobs. It's hard for me to speak of him in the past tense, so I'm sure my verb tense will shift back and forth between the present and the past. Mr. Coleman, my high school Honors English teacher, please forgive me. I have so many fond memories from a great childhood that include many, many summer vacations to Tarentum, PA where my Grandma and Grandpa Walters, and Gram and Doc live(d). I grew up on the MS Gulf Coast and since both sets of grandparents lived in PA, my family would go nearly every summer for about two weeks to PA (some years my sister, Kim and I, (Bec and Meg weren't born yet) were able to stay longer). We would share the time between both sets of grandparents. My Mom's family lives/lived in Venango, PA and my Dad's family in Tarentum, PA. Our grandparents would travel about an hour each to meet in Grove City for the "meeting point" to swap my sister and I back and forth. It was always so much fun! At the time, there was only a gas station at the exit. Now there's an entire outlet mall! Wow, how times change. We would've wanted to have a day in Grove City for shopping if the outlet mall had been there back then! Luckily for all, it was just a gas station.
Spending time at Grama Lou and Grandpa Walters' home meant also spending valuable time at our great grandparents home--Gram and Doc's. They lived in the country, on top of a beautiful hill, up a long, long winding driveway. It's such a beautiful place even to this day. One of the highlights of going to Gram and Doc's was swimming in their huge built-in pool! Oh the memories there! I remember one particular 4th of July celebration we shared there at Gram and Doc's. I remember several of Uncle Rich's family also being there on this visit. We had fireworks and so much fun, laughter and fellowship. I remember sitting outside on the patio with all the "older" family members and just talking, laughing and reminiscing together. Of course we, the kids, would rock on the infamous "rocking rock" on the patio while all the "big people" talked. It was so much fun. We'd also play croquet, some kind of golfing-like game. We'd also sit in front of the Mother Mary statue that was in their front yard, complete with a bench and all---and sit and wonder at its significance. Later I learned the extreme importance of the Mother Mary and her importance in the Catholic Church. As a deeply faithful Catholic family, it was only fitting that Gram and Doc have a statue of Mary in their yard. I've always respected their faith and their traditions. My Grama Lou was the one who taught me the Lord's Prayer when I was just a little girl. I remember her telling me everynight in Aunt Jan's old room on 1st Avenue. She also taught me Hail Mary, about novenas, about the rosary, and about other Catholic traditions like not eating meat on Fridays during Lent.
Doc's life was so influential on every single person in our family. He was truly the patriarch of our family. He taught all of us not just through his words, but especially by his actions. He lived a noble, faithful, loving and admirable life. He loved our Lord Jesus and lived his life reflecting his faithfulness and reverence to Him alone. My dear, sweet great-grandpa, Doc, will be dearly missed by all.
Here is his obiturary that was posted in the "Valley News Dispatch," the local newspaper in Tarentum, PA.
John T. Jacobs
Fawn Township
John T. "Doc" Jacobs, 105, of Fawn Township, died Friday, March 6, 2009, at his home. He was born Oct. 14, 1903, in Brackenridge, a son of the late Peter Jacobs and Clara (Schnieder) Jacobs. He lived most of his life in Fawn Township. He was a general superintendent in the shipping department of the Du Plate division at PPG Industries, Creighton, for 30 years. He was also a licensed chiropractor and had an office at his home. He was the oldest member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. He was formerly a fireman at Fawn Township No. 1 and a longtime member of the MORA Club. He graduated from Tarentum High School in 1923 and was the last surviving member of his graduating class. He graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa. He enjoyed wood working, yard work, was an avid reader and traveled extensively. Mr. Jacobs remarried at the age of 93, on his birthday. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Nora L. (Waterman) Smith Jacobs; a daughter, Louise (C.D.) Walters, of Fawn Township; son, Lt. Col. retired Richard K. (Lorelle) Jacobs, of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; stepsons, Brook David (Nancy) Smith, of London, Ky., and Blake Herrick (Lorrie) Smith, of Traverse City, Mich.; and two stepgrandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude T. "Trudy" (Keller) Jacobs, in 1987. Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., Tenth Avenue at Corbet Street, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. Burial will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. The MORA Club will meet at 4 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Fawn Township
John T. "Doc" Jacobs, 105, of Fawn Township, died Friday, March 6, 2009, at his home. He was born Oct. 14, 1903, in Brackenridge, a son of the late Peter Jacobs and Clara (Schnieder) Jacobs. He lived most of his life in Fawn Township. He was a general superintendent in the shipping department of the Du Plate division at PPG Industries, Creighton, for 30 years. He was also a licensed chiropractor and had an office at his home. He was the oldest member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. He was formerly a fireman at Fawn Township No. 1 and a longtime member of the MORA Club. He graduated from Tarentum High School in 1923 and was the last surviving member of his graduating class. He graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa. He enjoyed wood working, yard work, was an avid reader and traveled extensively. Mr. Jacobs remarried at the age of 93, on his birthday. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Nora L. (Waterman) Smith Jacobs; a daughter, Louise (C.D.) Walters, of Fawn Township; son, Lt. Col. retired Richard K. (Lorelle) Jacobs, of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; stepsons, Brook David (Nancy) Smith, of London, Ky., and Blake Herrick (Lorrie) Smith, of Traverse City, Mich.; and two stepgrandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude T. "Trudy" (Keller) Jacobs, in 1987. Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., Tenth Avenue at Corbet Street, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. Burial will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. The MORA Club will meet at 4 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Goodbye for now my sweet Doc, I can't wait to join you in heaven and live eternity together in the Presence of Jesus!
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