Jernigans show dedication, compassion and receive it in return
Bob and Jackie Jernigan have a love story many dream about. The couple has been married 53 years, and even now as Jackie faces significant health issues, Bob never leaves her side.
Jackie has spent four months of the year in the hospital, including the couple’s anniversary. “It’s a continuous thing,” Bob says. “We just went home for a visit, and then we came right back.”
Despite the difficulties, the Memorial Satilla Health staff has gone above and beyond to show the Jernigans care and compassion. On their anniversary, Jackie’s nursing team and the dietary staff organized a special meal with balloons to mark the occasion.
“I can’t tell you how good they’ve treated us,” Bob says, his voice breaking. “They’ve treated us like gold and I couldn’t ask for more.”
As their hospital stay extended, the nursing team moved Jackie to a room with a more comfortable couch for Bob to sleep on. When she was admitted to critical care, the staff found “the best recliner in the recliner in the unit” for him, ensuring he could stay close by.
“In my career, I’ve seen death and people dying, but this is the most compassion I’ve ever seen a group of people give someone who is suffering,” he says.
The team has also allowed Bob to actively participate in Jackie’s care, something he deeply values. “They’ve let me be a part of her care, and that means so much,” he says. “The care we’ve received here has made all the difference in the world. I love these nurses.”
From the door to the floor, the Jernigans have noticed consistent dedication in patient care. Jackie was admitted through the emergency room at the start of her most recent stay. “They treated her like a person. How do they do it? With so many patients, how are we more than just a number?” Bob said with amazement.
For Bob, who has spent his career handling high-stress situations with the Department of Justice, federal law enforcement and the military, making decisions about Jackie’s care has been the hardest challenge of his life.
“I’ve walked away from a hostage situation and had a sandwich. I’ve sat in a silo waiting for the nuclear trigger order, but making these decisions for Jackie is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Bob admits. “I know what she wants and I have to make sure what she wants happens. Her last days are not going to be alone in a bed, surrounded by strangers.”
Bob stays at Jackie’s side around the clock, waiting for moments of clarity to connect and share updates. “That’s why I’m here. I have to be there for the moments when she’s awake,” he says.
The long hours together give Bob time to reflect on their journey. He vividly remembers the night they met. “Every girl I asked to dance that night turned me down,” Bob recalls with a laugh. I saw a table full of pretty girls and told my buddy, ‘If I get cut down one more time tonight, it’s going to be by the prettiest girl in the place.’
“I walked over and she danced with me, and we’ve danced for 53 years,” Bob says.
That one dance turned into a lifetime of memories. Together, Bob and Jackie raised three children, welcomed eight grandchildren, and celebrated three great-grandchildren. Their home is in Patterson, but their hearts remain together wherever they go.
