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Lawrence's avatar

Once again thank you for your conection reminding me of lifes priorities. Yes you are an outstanding writter as to the worksand people of local sports however this is the writting that seperates you from the pack. It will be a privilaged to send a Lego set to Jack's mom.

Keep up doing what you do my friend.

Lawrence

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Dale Scott's avatar

I woke up today, had several emails about our house remodel that weren't what I wanted to hear, got pissy and in a foul mood, then read your column.

Now I feel like a jackass, as this has shown me once again what really is important in life.

Thank you John for bitch slapping me into the real world.

And thank you Jack for showing all of us what really counts in this obstacle course called life. ❤️

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David Frei's avatar

My dogs and I have been visiting cancer patients for the last 20+ years at the Ronald McDonald House and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, several other places, and these days at the VA Hospital here in Seattle. We have seen a lot of kids, veterans and their families fighting courageous battles that often have tough endings.

They are all warriors. As I watch them and visit with them, I am inspired by a great passage from the ESPN sportscaster, Stuart Scott, as he came down to the end of his own battle.

“You don't have to let cancer beat you,” he said. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” Thanks, Stuart, for leaving me with that.

And God bless you, Jack, and God bless you, Tammi, for keeping him alive in our hearts and minds, where he will never die.

Great story, once again, John … thank you.

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Kathy Witkowski's avatar

Another amazing column, far more important than actual sports scores and statistics. Jack and his family have given us information about making life matter. I hope we all learn from it and make our marks in whatever way possible.

Gratitude to the Schumacher family for showing us what integrity, kindness, and heartbreak look like, and to you, John, for periodically sharing their story to give us a reminder of what's really meaningful.

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Jim Burns's avatar

Thanks John for this touching reminder. My heart goes out to Tammi and Jack's siblings. It's something you never "get over". Next week will be the 13th "anniversary" of my own daughters death, so I know all too well what Tammi feels every day. There is no greater grief in the world than losing a child. Those of us in the club support each other whenever and however we can. What you do each year John, for Tammy, has more impact than you'll ever know. Just the fact someone out there remembers Jack was here helps her go on. Your knowledge and expertise in sports writing is incredible, but its your empathy and compassion for fellow human beings that really deserves the accolades.

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Jim Roakd's avatar

John, you just keep hitting the home runs. Small children leaving before they have had a chance at living is extremely sad. This article should inspire readers to take a look around and give thanks for their blessings

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Volman777's avatar

Thank you for this reminder John.

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Dan Porth's avatar

John, I ordered 10 Lego kits. I'd like to challenge other readers to do the same...as many as you are able. Many kits are less than $10 so it doesn't have to cost a lot and I'm sure every one will mean a lot to the recipients.

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Kent Crawford's avatar

Please don't EVER quit telling us this story about Jack, his courageous battle with cancer, and the dignity that his family continues to live/exhibit!! Tearing up as I type this but appreciate being reminded about people like the Shumacher Family versus the Tennesse QB who was unhappy with $2.5 million and wanted $4 million.

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Steve Setera's avatar

A remarkable kid showing adults and others how to live.

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Dave Johnson (coachj)'s avatar

Thanks for another article on life and Jack! Many of us need his inspiration! Love watching my young grandkids use legos and now will add to Jacks donation!

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Rob Nelson's avatar

Jack is the definition of a legit Big League Kid. What a hero! Thanks for this reminder, John. It is amazing that a 14-year-old could teach us all to get busy living. His short life reminds me of the words of another Jack, Mr. Jack Roosevelt Robinson:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jack’s life was important. He not only made an impact, he still is.

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Mike A.'s avatar

Great column today, Thanks

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Donald von Weller's avatar

Thank you so much John for this reminder about the amazing 14 year old Jack

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Judy Johnson's avatar

Outstanding 👍❤️👍

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Jill Carter's avatar

Jack is a hero! ORGAN DONATION is an incredible gift as is his Lego donation. "When there is a donor, life springs from death, sorrow turns to hope, and a terrible loss becomes a gift." I know because my husband was given that gift of life by a 15 year old about 9 years ago. Life is precious as are Jack and his amazing mom, Julie. This story is wonderfully told by you John, and is a wonderful reminder that we can help one another even in heartbreaking times.

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