Windows and Pencil Sharpeners

Jack William Ward was born in 1938 with debilitating learning disabilities. Never officially diagnosed or treated, Jack used a combination of sheer determination and personally developed coping strategies to succeed when others predicted only failure. In addition to his disabilities, his story is also one of recurrent illness, subsequent spiritual awakening, and his indomitable attitude as he bravely fought a series of cancers for twelve years. He never despaired, maintaining his humour and sense of fun throughout it all. During those years, even as he faced the challenges of his last days in the hospital palliative care ward, Jack served as a beacon of light to uplift the spirits of those around him. In tribute to that spirit, and in accordance with his requests, his loving wife has penned this tale of Jack's struggle, his rebirth, and his ultimate triumph.