MOMENTS IN A LIFE
Ken was married in 1958 to Ann Jacobson. He had 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. If life wasn't already full enough raising their family, Ann approached Ken about hosting an exchange student from Spain. Gotzon Gomez came to the US in 1982 and quickly became part of the Jacobson family. This was the beginning of a powerful connection between the Jacobson and the Gomez families. Gotzon's younger brother Kerman came next, and then his sister Leire. Over the years, both families have visited each other in their native countries, attended family weddings and still keep in touch up until today.
Ken's youngest son Scott joined the Peace Corps right out of college. Ann missed him desperately. She told Ken that she needed to go visit him in Africa so she could help with his transition when he came back to the US. Trisha joined them. This once in a lifetime trip was a life changing experience for all of them ... and the contrast between the US and Tanzania, East Africa will never be forgotten.
Ann passed in September, 2017 after some health challenges that made her passing a sort of relief. Although Ken missed her, for the first time in over 60 years, he embraced his single life. Without anyone telling him what to do, he passed his time playing golf, reading, , teaching community members how to play golf, and writing letters to family, friends and political figures who simply had to know how to fix what he thought was broken. There were some health challenges in between but his determination to get back on the golf course always won.
In a country that is going crazy with its deportation process, Ken has a unique perspective, having had several immigrants helping him through his health challenges. Ana came to the US on asylum from Venezuela. Adriana came on asylum from Colombia after spending some time in captivity of a drug cartel. Ana and Adriana have gone above and beyond for Ken ... and he has gone above and beyond for them. He has used his business expertise and helped them and their husbands sort our business, legal, and financial issues over the years while they have helped him take care of his activities of daily living. Now friends for life, always and forever, no matter what.
Ken was never a cat guy. Yes, there always seemed to be a family cat hanging around, but Ken never paid much attention ... nor did any of the cats. Until Luna. Luna was Trisha's cat who came to Florida at a time when Ken needed a bit of support. Ken was a bit skeptical about having cats in his home as he didn't much care for them, but if Trisha was coming down, Luna and Sundae would be coming too. Literally, overnight, Luna adopted Ken. She got to know his routine and when he finally settled into his recliner, she would take her place on his lap. If he was reading a book, she would settle in on the arm of his chair. If he was doing a puzzle, she would plop herself down in the middle of it, asking to be pet. In the morning, she would sit outside his bedroom door waiting for him to come out for the day. It is amazing how a cat can bring a human so much unexpected joy.
