The Story of Two Loving Parents

This story of these awesome parents cannot be forgotten

My best friend and his brother were the siblings of two loving parents who lived in Lake Oswego. My best friend goes by the name of Byron Jahn and his older brother is Taylor. Byron was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and he had to endure tremendous mental disabilities throughout his life, including through school. When Byron was about to have his open heart surgery to repair two valves in his heart, his family was by his bedside to comfort him once he was out of surgery. Before the surgery, I wanted to take his mind off from preparing for the procedure by taking him out to his favorite Starbucks shop and having lunch. I wanted to chat with him about other topics instead of his open heart surgery. During one Sunday afternoon, I put it upon myself to visit him at Randall’s Children Hospital near Emanual Hospital in Northeast Portland. I didn’t really know that he was going to survive the surgery, but God told him to get back on the horse’s saddle. I talked to his mom (Carolyn) as I was visiting Byron and said that I’m glad that he survived the surgery. He has a passion for horseback riding, golfing, playing with his dogs, watching professional/college sports with myself and/or his parents and going on long walks around his neighborhood. I can’t really think of any other parents that has such tremendous love, compassion and just dive their entire lives to take care of someone that has a mental disability.

Memories come and go, but the memories of Byron’s parents will never fade from me. When I came back from my awesome trip in Europe with my parents, I remember chatting with Byron’s mom (Carolyn) about the artwork/architecture and tremendous history that Europe has offered. I told her that I used to do ceramics in high school and she asked me why I stopped studying and playing with ceramics, however I will pickup that piece of art once COVID is over. I have always enjoyed having conversations with Carolyn about any topic whenever I’m hanging out with Byron. Whenever I ring the door bell to Byron’s house, his dog Siri would rush from a certain place in the house, bark and whine with excitement all the way to the door to greet me. I have always enjoyed playing fetch with her favorite balls around the house or in the backyard. I also remember learning about Byron’s dad’s (Randy) business in their back patio and Byron was with us during that one night. I shared some information about my dad’s wholesale food distribution company. My parents, myself, Byron and his family were able to meet each other for the first time during a dinner one night. They were able to learn about Byron’s parents, Randy’s business, etc. I also remember watching Timbers and Blazer’s games in downtown with Byron’s parents whether they were at the Multnomah Athletic Club or at Moda Center. I was able to shoot hoops with Byron at the MAC club since he is an acting member before Timbers games. Spending time at Byron’s house with these awesome and loving parents is like my second home in Lake Oswego. If I’m over watching a sports game with Byron at his house, Carolyn would ask me if I want to stay for dinner and I would say “Ok I’m down”. Byron’s enthusiasm would rise as he would be getting nervous and grasp his two arms behind the back of his head while watching a very intense game. He would clench his teeth and his head would be sweaty as the game is becoming more intense depending on the type of sports. His parents would be cheering and booing if our team scores a point or if a certain play pisses everyone off in the TV room. I also remember watching some content on their TV for Byron’s brother with his parents.

During this heartbreaking and year of grief from the dangers of this deadly coronavirus, I learned from the Jahn’s Meal Plan volunteer program when Randy Jahn was suffering from some major health issues. Byron told me that he was suffering from Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, loss of appetite, fatigue and early signs of dementia. He lost 50 lbs and his appetite was diminishing. I didn’t know what to say, but I told Byron that I would be here for him if he wants to chat or any assistance. I called Carolyn a few weeks ago to check up on her and also Randy’s condition. She also informed me that she was experiencing some symptoms of COVID, i.e. fatigue. When I learned that she passed away from COVID and other health issues, I was at work and I was just speechless. I didn’t know what to do or say, but I knew she was joining Jesus Christ in heaven. Randy and Carolyn Jahn will both be remembered as the best parents for both Byron and Taylor. I would cherish all of those great memories I have experienced with these two fantastic parents. May they rest peacefully in heaven and I’m sure I would see them one day.