Review #11 on Amazon.com From Long-time Friend

Two differently abled boys grew up together,...one with scoliosis and one with Down syndrome. Jeff's friend wrote about "Journey With Jeff" in the Amazon.com review: "This is an inspirational story about a family that I knew when I was growing up in New York state. Jeff was a friend of mine and was full of love and joy. He was one of the most happy people I have ever met even though he was born with severe challenges. This book chronicles my friend's life, his parents' struggles and joys, and the family's incredibly strong faith as they journeyed with Jeff through his special life. The book is written specifically for inspiration for caregivers of people with special needs, but the story is inspirational for all people. This is one of those books that you keep after you've finished reading and turn to it when life throws you a curve."~~~I was delighted to discover this eleventh review on the Amazon.com page! I invite everyone who has read "Journey With Jeff" to write a review to help others know this encouragement. Thank you!!

Grace and Peace from My Beloved Bishop

Upstate NY's Bishop Marie Jerge has shared a book recommendation in our Synod's e-mail Newsletter which goes to every congregation in upstate NY, as well as speaking of "Journey With Jeff" in a special occasion sermon last Sunday, AND in a sermon at Pacific Lutheran Seminary!!!
This is what she wrote about recommending Journey With Jeff: "There are many things about this book which I love-- but two stand out. Almost every chapter begins with a verse of Scripture. It isn't just the Scripture texts themselves, but the way they are used make it obvious that the Bible is central in the author's life. The Word of God somehow measures the rhythm of her days and weeks and months and years. It is part of her. Words of faith flow easily and naturally -- because they are so familiar not in a rigid, beat you over the head way -- but as her life blood -- sustaining and nourishing her -- flowing through her. It is also a wonderful book of prayer. The prayers tend to be short and simple. They touch the heart. And I was amazed and awed by her ability to give thanks -- no matter how bad things were. ~~~ Journey With Jeff is written by Sybil Reisch, a member of Concordia, Kendall. She can be reached and the book can be purchased by contacting rsreisch@frontiernet.net.

(Photo is of Bishop Marie Jerge on the right with two of my friends at a Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America convention.)

October 12,1988--October 12,2008

It is 20 years to the day since Jeff went Home to be with the Lord! Those 20 years have gone quickly! Jeff has left a sweet, loving, happy legacy in "Journey With Jeff," our family's God-story. We are blessed by the people who say that they couldn't put the book down, or that they are using it as a devotional book, or that it has helped them accept the diagnosis of their own child with special needs. As the last line in "Journey" says, "Jeff's unconditional love and influence continue on." (Photo is Jeff fighting leukemia in the hospital, visiting with our Pastor, Don Miller.)

Chemotherapy and "Journey With Jeff"

Donna writes from Kentucky: "A short while ago, I received a phone call from the man who is the chaplain at the hospital. Remember, I told you I had loaned him your book? He was amazed at the honesty and emotion of the book. Not just the stories in there, but that you were able to convey them with such a fine balance of professionalism, personal expression, humility and intestinal fortitude. Seasoned authors often are unable to pull that off. Your faith shone through the pages. The chaplain's name is Kerry, and he needs prayer. He has been diagnosed with and is being treated for colon cancer. That's when he finally was able to read your book --during chemotherapy! This precious child of God enjoys the interaction involved in what he was chosen to do. He still "tends his sheep" about five days a week, and whenever he can be there when he's needed. Kerry requires one day a week for recovery from the chemo sessions. He knows that whatever happens will be part of God's plan and to His glory. He gratefully and humbly accepts the love shown by any and all prayers offered on his behalf, knowing that prayer changes things. If you can get this kind man on a prayer chain, please do so. God bless you and yours."

Praying With Lior - A Documentary by Ilana Trachtman

This is a photo of Jeff and Jennifer with their rocking, singing grandmother (my mom!) It illustrates the feeling of family that was obvious in the film, "Praying With Lior." I've been waiting to see this documentary since someone recommended it to me in February. It tells the story of Lior, a Jewish boy who is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. Lior's mother was a rabbi, and when he was little, she rocked, and sang the prayers in the Psalms to him with much delight and enthusiasm. He grew up loving the beat of the music, and began making the prayers lively for the worshiping community. ~~~ An Excerpt from "Journey With Jeff"~~ "And all your children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54:13 (Jewish Bible.) "Meanwhile, Jeff continually surprised us with his understanding of God's love and presence in our lives. One evening we were singing around the table after supper and were astounded when he seemed to know all the words of the first verse of 'Beautiful Savior.' How we praised him and cheered him on!! An Easter service on TV caught Jeff's ear. 'Church!' he exclaimed. There was a wide grin on his face when he recognized the 'Hallelujah Chorus.' At our own Sunday worship, he often sat with a friend and his family, whose mom said Jeff was a good, quiet exmple for her own children. Wow! Thank You, Lord!! Jeff learned the motions to 'Jesus Loves Me' at Sunday School and combined them with his record at home. He clapped at the word yes in 'Jesus Loves Me' to convince me to start singing it with him from the beginning. He also enjoyed the music and motions for 'Climb, Climb Up Sunshine Mountain,' and 'Two Little Eyes.' We were glad to see this really meant something when Jeff was sick with a cold and couldn't breathe. He'd implore me to, 'Talk to God, Mom!' The Amen at the end of our prayer was emphasized by his quiet, 'Yeah!'" The page's closing prayer was, "All praise to You, O God, for the faith You have given Jeff! Amen!" ~~~ Imagine...Jeff and Lior being good friends, and making happy Jewish music together!