My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jack's family. Elaine, his devoted and loving wife; each of his 5 daughters (his precious girls); his son in laws, whom he loved equally as his own; and his wonderful 13 grandchildren and a great-grandson who all remained his most ever present source of conversation, joy and pride. As you know he loved you all, wished for your continual successes and happiness in life, with every breath he took.
I was - as Jack sometimes called me - his partner in crime. Maybe you were too. I was often asked to complete or sometimes even start one of his tasks. So I am sure this is one he would have me do, A.S.A.P., and probably more than once, if I could get to it.
Jack would want me to try and let you know exactly how much you meant to him. If you met him once; if you grew up with him; if you worked with him in business; if you were his neighbor; if you prayed with him at temple; if you had conversations over the years, on any topic; if you spent time with him at the pool; if you discussed sports, loved the Yankee's (or not); if you played tennis with him; if you planned events with him; if you worked together on projects; if you took a walk or sat with him;
if you knew his name - Jack was your very dear friend.
And you, I am sure, were his. You know that, because it was part of that special relationship that you shared. He would want to thank you all now for giving him all he ever wanted from life - your friendship, your love, your story. It was the source of his strength. I think it was his reason for always staying active and remaining involved with everything that he did. He knew he could be the kind of friend that was just what you needed. He did understand.
Girls, there is no need to wonder how the world will ever be the same without him. You have already have begun the task to answer this; a continuation of who Jack really was; an extension of the friendship he gave to us all. By creating this place where we can all be for awhile, just a little bit longer. Maybe just one more time. A place that is just what we needed. You understand too. Thank you. I hope it can provide you warmth in return.
Elaine, I can never thank you enough for the many hours, days and years that you were kind enough to share your Jack, with me. I am eternally grateful.
Thanks Jack.