There is no doubting the significance of the family in human existence. The family is the most fundamental social unit in all countries and provides both emotional and material support. For children, a family has the biggest influence on their growth.
A family can be formed in a variety of ways, and the idea of a family has evolved over time. It isn’t necessary for there to be two biological parents and their kids. Any group of people you grow up with that provide you the love and support that everyone needs might be considered your family.
What then happens to kids who, for whatever reason, don’t have parents to raise them or whose parents don’t give them a secure home? Well, maybe they will have family members who can assist in giving them the shelter and care they require, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles.
However, this is not always the case, and some kids are essentially left alone. In the US, there is no longer a typical orphanage; instead, foster care is provided for these kids. Until they can be reunited with their families or until they are old enough to live on their own, they either reside in a group home or with foster parents.
Now, a man named Jack Mook has been a detective for the Pittsburgh Police Department for more than 20 years, and because of his job, he had to cultivate a tough exterior to deal with the situations he witnessed on the job. The Army veteran who served in the Gulf War, a straight-talking officer, and a committed bachelor was known to easily intimidate people, and had little to no plans whatsoever of starting a family; however, when something life-changing encounter erupts.
Mook mostly focused on his work and daily life. He participated in his free time at Steel City Boxing, a community gym run by a non-profit group to support the mentoring of disadvantaged kids from challenging circumstances. During his time as a trainer at Steel City Boxing, Mook met several underprivileged children. Two of these were Brothers Joshua, 15, and Jessee, 11.
And as soon as the pair didn’t arrive for their usual boxing session, Jack’s gut told him he had to go check on the boys. It was clear to Jack that they had suffered from a trauma of some sort.
Although he knew that many of the kids that attended the gym came from disadvantaged or difficult backgrounds, this story was hard for him to hear. When Mook discovered more about the situation the brothers were living in, he was deeply saddened. The boys’ parents abandoned them as children, and they grew up in abject poverty. After being in foster care, they were placed with relatives who mistreated and abused them.
“He looked horrible. His hair was really stringy, blotches were missing. He had bags under his eyes. He looked like a 40-year-old man who just lost his job,” Mook recalled.
The boys then revealed something to Jack that left him in tears, Jack said, “He says, ‘Coach, we have to sleep on the floor and there’s nothing but dog feces on the floor. I’m trying to sleep my life away. I go to sleep as early as possible so I can sleep until I have to go back to school.” The brothers had no clean clothes, no beds, and were sleeping on the floor, which would explain their downcast and exhausted appearance.
The boys had grown up in extreme poverty. At the time they were still living with their parents, but the house was dilapidated and filled with roaches and rats. The house was so run down that it was later condemned.
He then decided to take matters into his own hands. Because of his status and rank, he was able to secure a few favors and provide the two boys with a new home—his own.
“He goes, ‘You’re coming home with me now. That was one of the greatest moments in my life so far that I could think of,” said Joshua.
Jack transitioned fast and unexpectedly from a committed bachelor to a foster father of two. But the story doesn’t end there.
The two brothers saw an entirely different side of their coach Jack after being raised by him, and their affection for one another continued to grow.
By 2014, things were clear in Jack’s mind. He wanted to make these boys his own, forever. He began filing the paperwork to adopt Josh and Jessee.
“He gave us a childhood. I know we’re going to grow up to be good now. He’s still Coach, but we know he’s Dad, too. Most of all, he’s a savior. He’s my role model,” Joshua said.
His niece, however, Christie Kaelin claims that her uncle helped her grow up and become an independent woman. Surprisingly that this isn’t the first time Jack Mook has taken in a child.
“He’s a hero, not just in the boys’ eyes but mine, my family’s, his friends. How many people would change their lives like that and turn everything upside down on a dime and just take on a new life,” she said.
“I just wanted to let you know you are the best father in the world,” said Jessee. Claiming that, they see Jack as everything they have ever desired in a father.
Sources: Taphaps, ABC News, Today