Remembering Jack

Jack taught us so many things in very subtle ways. He taught us how simple things can multiply in value when you add love, sincerity and family. He taught us by example-- for instance, Knobby Knoll was a priority for Jack every summer since he graduated from Notre Dame in 1947. Knobby Knoll is simple, rustic, difficult at times (well-water, no phones, limited sleeping arrangements, etc), nothing fancy. While it is a beautiful and peaceful place, it was not the lake or cottages that he loved so much about the Knoll, but that it was a central place for all family to gather, and gather we did, because of his example to keep that time for family a priority. Jack and Emmy spent every summer at the knoll, with Jack's first cousins Mary Clare and Beth (all over 80 years old), who would religiously come up to the White Cottage for a "visit" at 10:00 pm every night, just to talk about the day's happenings. Although their cottage was small, everyone was always welcome for dinner, a night, or a week at Emmy and Jack's. Food and beds would magically appear to accomodate everyone because hospitality was a priority in their lives. And no matter the time of your arrival, Jack would always greet you with his knee socks, a hot pizza in the oven and his signature offer: "Hey, wanna frosty?"


Jack loved babies! I remember the day we told him and emmy we were pregnant with Sean Brendan. They were both on the phone and could tell i had something important to say. Oh the joy when I told them of their second great grandchild! This summer Jack reminisced with me about newborn/postpartum days in their house. When I asked how they ever managed seven children he just simply responded, "well, they don't come all at once!" The quiet and sometimes hidden depth of his love for his babies was somewhat exposed this summer as he remembered to me the miscarriage they experienced over fifty years ago. He still remembered the day clearly, sat still and stared off out the window as he told me about the baby they lost. Knowing that it had been one year since we lost our first baby, I think he knew that conversation was therapeutic for both of us.


I LOVE this picture! It reflects 56 years of partnership, hardwork and laughter between Emmy and Jack. Not to mention their first-born right next to them who has been with them through 55 of those years! Look at the joy between the two of them, even as they both knew they were nearing the end of Jack's illness.

Ever the Irish fan (and sometimes mascot!), here Jack and Emmy are, proud as Peacocks to be with their youngest son and two of their grandsons on a special tour of the Notre Dame Lockerroom last fall. Being a Notre Dame graduate was one of Jack's proudest accomplishments, but leaving a love for Notre Dame as a legacy with his children and grandchildren I think made him even prouder. He loved seeing us on campus enjoying our lives at N.D. or just enjoying a weekend visit. And it all started with Jack's journey from Watertown, NY to South Bend in the fall of 1943. Amazing.