tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73445890131631333742024-02-19T07:07:45.404-08:00GET WELL JACOBYAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-17147690241123163622016-09-12T11:05:00.001-07:002016-09-12T11:05:45.062-07:00Here's Why We Love Her So...<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47267">
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47236">"This world has nothing for me, this life is not my own. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>
<br />
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47305">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47304">I know you go before me, and I am not alone.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47307">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47306">This mountain rises higher, the way seems so unclear.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47309">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47308">But I know that You go with me, so I will never fear...</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47310">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47311">I will trust in You."<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Sidewalk Prophets-We Won't Be Shaken)</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47312">
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<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47313">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47314">This song has been an absolute "rock" to Jacoby and our family from the very beginning.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I remember it playing on the radio during some of the darkest moments of our lives.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Somehow, the song only becomes more dear, more relevant, more comforting as each year passes.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby's senior year was no different. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47315">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47317">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47316">We blinked. High<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>school graduation gowns and tassels were tucked away for safe keeping in memory boxes...for a long winter's nap. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47318">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Jacoby, WE DID IT!<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47319">
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<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47321">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47320">Another life chapter has been closed.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thankfully, a brand new one is right at it's heels. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47323">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47322">Just
like so many of you, this past year has been poked full of " a little
bit of everything". Heartbreaking, breath-taking and pain-staking
moments.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>But looking at the "big picture", we couldn't have asked for a better senior year for Jacoby.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47324">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47326">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47325">If I'm being honest, her senior year was the one I was most concerned about.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I had many " Momma Concerns".<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Such as:<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Would Jacoby get sick and not get to finish her Senior year?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Would Jacoby get asked to Senior prom?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47328">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47327">Would she go, even if she wasn't asked?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Would her teachers ever understand how much she adored them?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47330">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47329">Or how hard she worked to complete everything on her own? <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47332">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47331">Would Jacoby have a sense of completion and peace at Graduation?... Would I?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47333">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">God works in strange and mysterious ways.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>You see, He didn't just give Jacoby what she needed, He gave her what she wanted, too.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">God is good ALL the time; all the time...God is good.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">(Glad I am typing this.... because speaking while crying is hard to do.)<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47334">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47336">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47335">Here are some of the most precious highlights of Jacoby's Senior year: <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47337">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">PROM</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">How could we forget Senior Prom?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby wanted to have the "perfect" dress (doesn't every girl), so she had it custom made so all measurements would be correct.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Those of you who are wheelchair bound, know how hard it is to find dresses long enough.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sitting requires different measurements.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>But Jacoby was "on it", so we didn't worry. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Being the "Miles" parents we are, we waited until the very last minute to try the dress on.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>We figured it was custom made....what's the worry? Relax, Jacoby. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47339">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47338">Well... Long story short, the dress didn't fit ANYWHERE.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now, it's time to panic!</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We literally were making desperate calls the day before prom to get the dress altered.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were able to get an appointment the morning OF Prom. Yes... I was tempted to have a large glass of wine <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><span class="yiv9704527280s2">at 9:00am</span></a>. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Poor Jason! He had to deal with Jacoby AND her mother. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">But, once the dress was altered, hair and make up were done...it was truly magical.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>She had an AMAZING date and was able to share the experience with a group of friends, which included her twin brother, Kaleb. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">FYI, Mothers tuck these kind of precious moments away in their hearts forever...<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">END OF THE YEAR SENIOR AWARDS</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We had absolutely NO CLUE how amazing that night would be for not only Jacoby, but Kaleb as well.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47341">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47340">Kaleb had been out hiking all day, and came in 15 min before the awards ceremony was to start.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was covered in dirt, but said he would just go brush through his hair.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>After
all, he and Jacoby would just be receiving a piece of paper saying, "
Great Job with your grades, right?" (This is where children need their
mother to encourage bathing.) Which I did.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>He thanked me later. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47343">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47342">That night I saw Jacoby and Kaleb as adults for the first time.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>They
were receiving awards for much more than just keeping a certain GPA;
they were receiving awards for their character, integrity and work
ethic. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Jason and I were SO happy for them... SO proud of them.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>We had always taught the kids that hard work and dedication pays off in the end.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>It payed off sooner than we had expected and we were thrilled to be a part of watching it happen. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We decided that night, we hadn't COMPLETELY ruined them, like we believed so many times we had.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47344">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">GRADUATION DAY</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Now this was a day we will never forget. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Rain was in the forecast...like 100% chance of rain.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Their graduation was being held outside at the fairgrounds. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Mmm..Rain and quadriplegics<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>don't mix well.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>It's
one thing to accidentally find yourself in wet weather, but to place
yourself in the rain...sitting in one spot was a different story. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">As all the graduates walked in to Pompous Circumstance, all time seemed to stand still.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every parent and family member was searching for their beloved graduate.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>It chokes me up even now to write about it. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Kaleb and Jacoby came in and sat together. I knew Kaleb would be there to help her with anything she needed. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">About this time, the rain started to pour.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ponchos were being handed out to all the graduates.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>My heart was sick.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>She just couldn't stay sitting in the rain for an hour. She would get chilled and not be able to enjoy the rest of her day.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I watched as Kaleb put her poncho on and then took part of his own for her feet. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">This...this right here...is what I was going to miss.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>These two children had been so good to Jason and I.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had been so good to each other. My heart ached that they would soon be apart. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">As the rain continued to fall, "Momma Panic" set in.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was praying and I knew many others in the crowd were praying for her too. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Jacoby was drenched and was going<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>to freeze.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>My
brother handed me a rain blanket they had brought and I raced down to
hand it to the gentleman standing at the front of the graduates. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">But...as you
all probably guessed, Jacoby saw me standing with the blanket. Her
poncho was wet against her face , but she just smiled and shook her head
no. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47346">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47345">I knew that look.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I knew that face.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was no use to argue.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was the same determination that she used on a daily basis to rise above her struggles. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47348">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47347">Tears poured down my face as I turned to walk back up to my warm, covered seating.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was proud of that girl...so incredibly proud. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47350">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47349">If you're wondering if the rain stopped, of course it did. Just in time for pictures with family and friends.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Murphy's Law every time. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47352">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47351">But, it was a beautiful day.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not because of the weather, but because these two graduates were beautiful people...inside and out.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>As were their friends sitting around them. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47354">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47353">A beautiful journey... A beautiful struggle...beautiful lives.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47355">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">POST GRADUATION ....</span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47357">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47356">Crying is what I do best these days.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Especially, when I talk about children growing up.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>So many of you are going through the same thing, or have before.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I know I'm in good company. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We started this blog almost 4 years ago ....on the night of November 16, 2012. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Never in my wildest dreams did we imagine so much good could come from so much pain. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">There truly are no words that even come close to expressing everything we've seen, felt and learned. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We would never wish this experience on anyone, or want to re-live it, but we would never take it back. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We have come too far..we have changed too much. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">We had always told Jacoby that after she graduated from high school, she<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>would need to decide if she wanted to keep up the blog or just refer people to her social media.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Hello... She's 18...it's lookin like social media wins again.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>Surprise..surprise.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p2">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Jacoby would love to have you follow her on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>She is amazing at keeping everyone up to date on what's going on in her life.<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is not a goodbye, just a change in communication. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9704527280p1">
<span class="yiv9704527280s1">Thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you... Thank you!</span></div>
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47358">We love you all MORE THAN WORDS<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span>COULD EVER EXPRESS and look forward to sharing the years ahead together with you. <span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1">What would we have done without all of you in this journey? What would any of us do without the support of other human beings?<span class="yiv9704527280Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47371">"
NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK
OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US." EPHESIAN <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><span class="yiv9704527280s2">3:21</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="yiv9704527280s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473647085660_47369">Ps. Jacoby is a "Falcon" now.. HERE WE COME, SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-77253790002265553402016-01-30T11:56:00.001-08:002016-01-30T11:56:55.025-08:00Gratefulness and Heartache Collide<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Rita Ora's soundtrack "Grateful" is a perfect description of what seems to be Jacoby's thoughts and feelings right now. Honestly, I'm sure many of you can completely relate with the chorus of this song. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">CHORUS:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm grateful for the storm, made me appreciate the sun...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm grateful for the wrong ones, made me appreciate the right ones.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm grateful for the pain... everything that made me brake,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm thankful for all my scars... cause they only made my heart...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Grateful, grateful, grateful!"</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For those of you who told me that her senior year would be a vapor, that is a gross understatement. We are now on the final stretch and college is no longer a foreign word that only old people use. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our last journey together was right before Jacoby's 3rd Annual Run. I had asked you to show up to lend your legs for a good cause, and show up you did! The Pacific Northwest was true to its reputation; we all ran the entire race in the rain. ( Not to mention that my ENTIRE extended family spent at least 1 t 2 hours in the hot tub just to "unthaw" after the race!). There's no way to really describe how much it meant to Jacoby and our family to see everyone out in the "not so fun" elements. But it gets better. We were also able to recognize Logan Lewis, an extremely brave 14 year old boy, fighting Neuroblastoma. Both Jacoby and Logan stood out that day as the heroes they truly are. Life-changing impact is always made when people surround one another in love and support. That day was wet and cold, but absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No sooner had we tucked the race madness away for another year, that Christmas came flying around the corner. And we were READY to celebrate! Knowing this was Kaleb and Jacoby's senior year, I wanted everything perfect. I desperately wanted their gifts from us to reflect our hearts; pretty sure now that's quite impossible, but we tried. Nights were spent playing the addictive game of Mexican Train, light saber wars, and ingesting pounds upon pounds of sugar, but hey... no calories count at Christmas, right?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">5...4...3...2...1....HAPPY NEW YEAR... BRING ON 2016! And just like that, Jacoby was starting a new semester and talking about the beginning of gymnastics season. Some people live for the opening of elk, deer, or duck season, but not Jacoby...it's gymnastic competition season! She loves getting hyped through the younger girls she helps coach at Roach Gymnastics and her older teammates getting ready at practice. One VERY special treat she had this season was watching her best friend, Mary Jacobson, compete for Oregon State. This precious child who used to jump on the trampoline with Jacoby, compete with their pigtails flying, was now competing on TV for a D1 university. (Honestly, we always knew somehow she would...You go, girl!). </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jacoby still finds so much joy being part of her youth group and helping at AWANAS . The kids love her AND her cool wheelchair! (Ignorance is bliss, my friends!). And who could forget choir at school. She and Alex are both in different choirs and without fail, they make their mom cry EVERY single concert... music rocks! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And now for the heartaches. I left them for last, hoping that you'll remember to send up a prayer for Jacoby. As we all know, part of the excitement of being a senior is getting to relish in the fact that you will soon be leaving for a whole new world of freedom: such as college, a job, whatever it may be. As Jacoby is definitely planning on going to college, it won't be what she had dreamed of and it won't look like her twin brother's experience. As her mother, I have done what moms do, by reassuring her it will still be wonderful and full of opportunities for her. But, I know what she REALLY means. It literally breaks my heart that I can't give her what she truly wants; I know any parent would understand this grief. We are not alone, many of you have experienced life situations which were anything BUT what you wanted, but had to find the positive side of what was laid before you. Also, one of her exercise therapists , Ashan, is leaving Vertical Therapy for a dream job opportunity. She is so happy for him, but devastated over the loss of a great trainer and a great friend. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So if you have a moment, send up a prayer for her; this momma would appreciate it more than you will ever know. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">With all this being said, it made me think about a conversation in "Lord of the Rings" between Gandalf and Frodo. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me; I wish none of this had ever happened. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what you are going to DO with the time that is given to you. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Heading into a busy spring, Jacoby's mindset remains the same; to trust God fully with his plan for her life even with the difficult and new transitions on the horizon. After all, how we RESPOND to life's challenges is truly all we have control over anyway, right? So... BRING IT ON!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">" My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness."-- </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 Corinthians 12:9</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-32906854623367002202015-11-12T13:05:00.000-08:002015-11-12T13:05:01.469-08:00Beautiful Life<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."</i> -- Edward Everett Hale</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please join us this Saturday for the "3rd Annual Run for Miles" 5K and Half Marathon and #LoganStrong Raffle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Race info: <a href="http://www.getwelljacoby.com/">www.getwelljacoby.com</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Support Logan Lewis in his fight against Neuroblastoma:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.loganstrong.com/">www.loganstrong.com</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a little slideshow Jacoby put together: <a href="http://youtu.be/dvtHcuiO53A" target="_blank">Beautiful Life</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, it IS a beautiful life... </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-257955771650745842015-10-16T22:52:00.000-07:002015-10-16T22:52:02.769-07:00Did you say... "Senior"?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Gimli
says it best in Lord of the Rings, <br />
<br />
"Certainty of death, small chance of success... WHAT ARE WE WAITING
FOR?" <br />
<br />
That, my friends, is the Miles Family motto we choose to live by each and every
day. (Is our craziness starting to make sense now?) So with a motto like
that... you can probably guess that coming up on our 3 year "marker"
since Jacoby's accident, we STILL have hope, we STILL find purpose in the midst
of the pain, and we STILL BELIEVE! <br />
<br />
Let's just go ahead and do the "mature thing" here and get "the
update" out in the open. As most of you know, JACOBY IS A SENIOR THIS
YEAR... and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. (Gulp) And to
make matters worse... so is her twin brother, Kaleb. (Chocolate, please!) The
school was ever so faithful to send home the dreaded "graduation
packet" one month after school started. Do they have zero idea how much we
as mothers suffer already? For Pete's sake, they could have waited for at least
two months. But no, we are forced to look at their cap and gown orders, their
senior rings and graduation announcements now! By the way, did I mention I'm
having a hard time with this?<br />
<br />
Long story short, Jacoby has been a delightful child to raise. For the past 18
years, she has been the oldest child of 6, so you know what that means.
She plays by the rules, is extremely bossy and is the epitome of
responsible. So you can only imagine how the collage searching/choosing
is "going down". She has been researching college deadlines,
requirements and scholarships for quite some time now. (I know what you're
thinking, I didn't either!) This is what Type A people do, my friends. She
knows the official date of "early bird registration"... whatever that
means, and she intends to take advantage of the benefits. Someday I'll
understand... maybe.<br />
<br />
Unless plans change, SPU (Seattle Pacific University) is where Jacoby is headed
in less than a year. Oddly enough, she learned how to walk on SPU
grounds, she learned how to talk on SPU grounds and she watched her very young
parents graduate from college on SPU grounds. Her roots run deep there
and I get emotional every time I think about it. Many people have asked
if she will be staying on campus or living with us at home and commuting to
the city. My answer to this question is... we don't know yet. We
have left the decision completely up to her. In all honesty, this
decision scares all of us to death. It’s hard enough when the time comes
to drive away when you know they can make their way around campus, but the
thought of not knowing if she is getting fed, teeth brushed, hair washed and
properly cared for leaves an even deeper twinge in this momma's heart.
Even with all the uncertainties floating through our heads, we do know one
thing for certain... The Lord will show her EXACTLY what He wants her to do and
He'll give us the strength to support her in that decision. <br />
<br />
PHYSICAL HEALTH--<br />
Still to this day, Jacoby has not been hospitalized once since her injury, (which
was almost 3 years ago) and has not experienced even one AD episode (otherwise known
as "Autonomic Dysreflexia": a dangerous medical condition well
understood by individuals who struggle with spinal cord injuries.) We couldn't
be more thankful to NOT know the emergency room's staff by name.
Unfortunately, Jacoby does experience extreme nerve pain on a pretty regular
basis, but we have found it can be helped immensely with a steady
"diet" of good rest and exercise. (Sounds like the rest of us.)
Jacoby tries to get in 8 hours as much as she can manage. (This is where it
doesn't pay to be a "Type A") Jacoby likes "A's" in school,
and will give up sleep to get them. I know many of you reading this have
children just like this so.....you "get it". <br />
<br />
THERAPY--<br />
Honest to goodness, Jacoby couldn't ask for better exercise therapy than what
she receives from Vertical Therapy. They come to our home 3 days a week and
provide fantastic service. VT (Vertical Therapy) has been part of Jacoby's
journey since the very beginning and now just blend in as part of the
family. They have seen her at her lowest points (and ours for that
matter) and have been a part of each new mountain climbed. Chris and
Ashan are more than trainers to her; they are her friends. <br />
Jacoby has been able to maintain her amazing flexibility through therapy, and
has improved her balance and triceps strength. This is huge because she
really had no triceps movement at all when she started. Long story short,
improvements are always happening here in the "Miles Training Room."<br />
<br />
MENTAL, EMOTIONAL and SPIRITUAL HEALTH<br />
<br />
Fortunately, Jacoby's mental, emotional and spiritual health are all
intricately connected and she is growing stronger by "leaps and
bounds" in these categories every year. I know this seems confusing
but maybe the verse she lives by will help explain: <br />
<br />
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and
with all your mind."--Matthew 22:37<br />
<br />
Jacoby's faith in God IS her rock, her peace and her reason for living,
PERIOD. Since the accident, she has always believed God will use her pain
for good. That there is a reason for everything... and she will trust in His
"reasons" no matter what! Some days, the tears flow and it's hard... really
hard. But her conviction remains that not one tear is wasted or
overlooked, it all matters and has purpose. Now THAT'S beautiful...<br />
<br />
Last, but most certainly not least, is Jacoby's annual run! In just under a
month, on November 14, we will be standing (frozen) at the starting line for
the 3rd annual "Run for Miles" 5K and Half-Marathon! (And
yes... for those of you already worried about the weather, it will be ARTIC
temps so make sure you run fast!) We have chosen to hold this inspiring event
during the time she was injured because it adds meaning to the race and to our
family. Because after all, even in the harshest of circumstances, beauty
finds its way and WINS... if you look for it. Our vision for this race started
with the face of our daughter, Jacoby, but will end with many. <br />
Please come and lend your legs to those who can't... it will be worth EVERY
minute!<br />
<br />
P.S. Thank you... thank you... thank you our precious friends and family for
EVERYTHING; we could not go through this crazy thing called "life"
without you. The angel, Clarence, in "It's a Wonderful Life"
says it best, <br />
<br />
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." <br />
<br />
Let's continue to DO THIS THING... together!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://getwelljacoby.com/" target="_blank">GetWellJacoby</a> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.databarevents.com/runformiles" target="_blank">RunForMiles</a> </span></span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-34098340556846141772015-07-15T17:43:00.002-07:002015-07-16T12:30:34.334-07:00"HAPPILY MELTING"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’m guessing the Good Lord grew weary of hearing us complain about the Great
Northwest's lack of sun and sent in "melting" temperatures.
Yes, the high temps have been with us for the last several weeks now and
even though we are dripping... we are melting and happy. <br />
It's crazy; Jacoby and hot weather have a "love/hate"
relationship. Due to her injury, she spends most of her days feeling like
she's a character in "FROZEN"; therefore, just like Olaf... she
dreams of HEAT. She visualizes herself... sitting with the warm sun
hitting her face ... and tells me this amazing place she is visualizing is
Hawaii; now, isn't she clever? <br />
Trust me, she knows how to "work it" with this ol momma of
hers. Someday, right? <br />
<br />
OK, back to reality!<br />
<br />
Basically, hot days make her extremely happy... almost ecstatic... BUT, ONLY
for a couple of hours, only to leave her absolutely frantic to cool down her
core body temperature. Of course, the key is to MODERATE the amount of time in
the sun, but we have never been really familiar with the term of
"moderation" in this family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
isn't easy teaching an old dog new tricks you know, but hey... we're going
to keep doing our best! Overall, Jacoby is LOVIN’ the Cali temps... KEEP
IT COMIN', LORD! <br />
<br />
As always, some things never change. Jacoby finished her last day of
being a "junior" making her mother cry. I opened her binder
only to find personal letters written to EACH one of her teachers: letters that
expressed her appreciation for their unique characteristics, teaching style and
memories they had left in her heart forever from this past year. <br />
Seriously? She wrote letters to her teachers? <br />
Somehow this moment made me realize just how different her experience,
perspective and maturity differed from my own at the age of 17. What a
hardship and yet what a blessing to think beyond yourself at such a young
age. <br />
Teachers names started racing through my head I had never thanked...never
acknowledged... never relayed that, because of their dedication, my horizons
were broadened... my heart forever changed. <br />
But she won’t suffer these regrets; she is alert and her senses are always
"in tune" with her surroundings and with those who change the
world. It poses the question... just who is in the better situation?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many would disagree with me, but my soul
tells me her. Compromised physically... yes, but mentally... stronger
than the iron that supports the Pentagon or the Empire State Building.
Her God is her Healer, her Provider and the Author of her Faith; He is the
Anchor of her soul. She isn't afraid to trust Him because she KNOWS
Him. Faith and Hope are her constant companions; sounds like a place most
of us would like to "set up camp" mentally, emotionally, and
spiritually. Something to think about. <br />
<br />
Our first family road trip of the summer was to "Regional Soccer
Headquarters USA"...aka...Boise, Idaho. Yes, we were "melting"
there too, but when you're surrounded by family, food, and fabulous soccer...WHO
CARES!<br />
Morgan’s team made it to Regionals, and so we figured we couldn't go wrong; it
would be soccer or socializing with family and friends, “win-win” either
way! <br />
If we weren't at soccer games, we were taking over the waters and boat launches
of Boise with the masses of children we bring together when our extended
families meet. <br />
Jacoby was much more daring this summer and didn't hesitate to go out on Uncle
Victor's boat for rides. I haven't figured out if she truly loves the
boat rides or just the opportunity to get away from all the young cousins that
swarm around her asking for rides on her chair. Probably a little of both. <br />
I must admit, listening to Jacoby's responses to the swarm of our darling
nieces and nephews always makes my day. They say things such as:<br />
"I wish I could ride around in a cool chair all day long like you!"<br />
Jacoby: "yup"!<br />
But here is my favorite: <br />
"Jacoby, don't you get tired of sitting all day? When are you going to
start walking again?" <br />
Jacoby: “I don't know...whenever God wants me to..." <br />
Kids: “Well, I still think you should just get up and start walking."<br />
<br />
Once again, why do YOU think she goes on the boat rides? Lol<br />
<br />
Thank God for these children... for humor...for summer! <br />
<br />
Ps. Jacoby has decided where she wants to go for college... SEATTLE PACIFIC
UNIVERSITY, baby! (AKA... SPU!) Old stomping grounds of her papa and
mama... couldn't be happier! GO FALCONS!!!<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-53816841774653349152015-05-29T22:41:00.002-07:002015-05-29T22:41:31.593-07:00"Back of the Pack"<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Runners.....TAKE YOUR MARK.....Ready......Set.........GO!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thousands of anxious runners began their 8K race through the streets of University Village just a few short weeks ago. "Beat the Bridge" is a well established race which funds research on Juvenile Diabetes. It was our privilege to run the race this year for many reasons. Mer Udovich, one of the young girls on Morgan's soccer team, who is also precious to our family, was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes. Nothing like adding purpose to a race by knowing someone personally that it will benefit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have run this race many, many times, but this year it was different; it was better. This was Jacoby's first OFFICIAL race, besides her own. She knew it would be challenging because it was cold, but she was so excited to be there for Mere and to show her support for people who live with diabetes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As Jacoby and I waited to start, until there was space for the wheelchair to "edge in", I surveyed the runners. The scene was all too familiar to me...runners frantically checking to see if heart rate monitors were ready to go, music being set, watches being re-checked and runners darting in and out of one another to find an open spot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby and I were some of the last ones to step over the starting line; no point in fighting the crowd. As her chair rolled over the starting tracker, that "competitive gymnast" resurfaced. SHE WAS IN A COMPETITION; we were going to DO THE THING! Emotions ran high, but I decided right away I could either run or cry, but I didn't have enough air to do both. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby was readily looking for divots in the road and wheeling toward the smoothest areas. BLESSED CHILD! In all the years I had ran this race, NEVER did I have to pay attention to the condition of the roads and sidewalks. But, we were having a MARVELOUS time, just she and I. Running as fast as we could ....when we could, and slowing down when the pavement demanded it. We had to get to the bridge before it went up, and it was in our blood to BEAT THIS BRIDGE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we ran together, I had a whole new experience; the "Back of the Pack" Experience. No longer did I pass people and try not to breathe hard....because the people we were running beside were breathing JUST AS HARD as we were, maybe harder. Frankly, it was awesome! We were all giving each other the "I got your back" glance and nods; we had become a family in the back. We obviously all had our unique "hang ups" , but it created an atmosphere of "realness" I had never experienced in a race. We were at Mile 3 and we had not even glanced at a watch once! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We smiled at the people taking the time to cheer us on. We noticed a precious little girl who had opened her window and was wavering at the runners that morning; we saw her little hand and waved back wildly at her. She was absolutely thrilled we had seen her and reciprocated an equally "wild wave" and smile. Tears burned my eyes as I realized we would have NEVER appreciated that precious little child had we not been in the circumstances we are in now. Our "problem" was turning into an opportunity to see life from a different angle. Perhaps we all need to view our problems differently.....a challenge to overcome....an opportunity to succeed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">p.s. We DID beat the bridge.....BARELY!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-33848096924206665062015-04-21T09:26:00.001-07:002015-04-21T09:26:31.539-07:00NEW MOVEMENT!Our Dearest Blog Friends!<br />
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I have been dreaming of writing this entry for 2 years!!! I have cried for it, yearned for it and prayed God would bless Jacoby with it. <br />
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YOU GUESSED IT! JACOBY HAS NEW MOVEMENT!!! After 2 years of waiting, Jacoby made the discovery in the living room. <br />
"Hey Mom and Dad... I'm not sure if it's a muscle spasm or not, but I'm able to lift my right wrist; I think it's moving!"<br />
Let's just say time stopped. She had our IMMEDIATE attention, which is a hard commodity to attain in the Miles home. Jason and I both watched in disbelief and amazement as her once lifeless wrist started to lift weakly. Could it really be... movement?<br />
Jason said,<br />
"Lift your wrist again, Jacoby!" Her wrist began to lift... slowly, but definitely lifting! <br />
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Once again, we found ourselves standing in a moment where common words seemed completely inadequate to express what our hearts where aching to release. Such complete nonsense to someone else, could be "a Parting of the Red Sea" moment for another person. You see, when that brain signal found a pathway down Jacoby's arm, new hope found a pathway back into our hearts. <br />
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Jacoby sharing her "good news" with her gym sisters!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-72214768606304304432014-12-31T12:04:00.000-08:002014-12-31T12:04:27.604-08:00Miracle Countdown Finale!<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 19th--Miracle 19</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They were happening each and every day.....hour by hour...day by day....moment by moment. We had seen the drywalling and the truckload of supplies delivered at the exact moment needed, but it didn't end here. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A willing plumber from the gymnastics community had volunteered to install ALL the plumbing; he worked a full time job throughout the day, and worked throughout the night to finish our home.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not to mention the carpet "angel" who just HAPPENED to come by the house the DAY they needed the carpet torn out. Yes, the volunteers here at the house could have figured it out, but to have someone who knew exactly what they were doing would trump all efforts! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We heard he "stole the show"! He ripped out the carpet and laid new carpet in half a day...any questions?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Finally, who could forget the man who "just followed the light"! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was late into the night; the men were working around the clock to get this home finished. Sleep would come in a week. Bright lights had been set up around the building sight so the men could see and keep working. A man walked up to the house and asked the men working if he could help. He told them he had been out walking and had seen the light; he needed to follow the light. As you could only guess, the builders had just come to a point where they needed another man to help lift an extremely heavy beam, but who would be able to help in the middle of the night? The man needing to follow the light, of course! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know these stories and STILL ...I cry EVERY time!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Lord, for the miracle of willing workers who listen to the "still small voice" to go and help...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for the man who followed the light....</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 20th -- 25th "The Miracle of All Miracles".......</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was Christmas Eve and I was shaking inside uncontrollably. The feeling I had could not be compared to anything I had ever experienced before. We had finally been given clearance to check out of Children's Hospital; we would be walking out the hospital doors and driving toward our hometown of Puyallup by 3:00pm. Glory! Glory! Glory! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It had come at last...the day we had all dreamed of since the accident; WE WERE GOING HOME! It didn't matter what Jacoby could or couldn't do anymore, because there were principles that whispered something much deeper to our hearts. No matter what...we were going to be ok....we were going to live our lives to the fullest...we STILL had joy and we would keep the faith. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My only regret was not taking a picture of Jacoby's face the moment we pulled out of the hospital drive. She had a smile from ear to ear....the "commander" was heading back to her "commanding post"! My administrative assistant had been gone and we ALL missed her. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we merged onto I5, I glanced back at her. Jacoby's not a girl of many words, but the look she gave Jason and I shouted a THOUSAND words at that moment! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Here came the tears, my ever-present, faithful companions. ) I wanted to open the window and shout at the top of my lungs.....just shout to the world we were going home; come hell or high waters, we were going home!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is something amazing and beautiful about the human spirit. God made us to WANT to fight and pull through an obstacle; he made us WANT to pull through adversity. I knew the challenge would be....NOT to grow weary if He chose a different path for Jacoby than we would chose. I silently prayed He would help me to keep His perspective on this journey. Jacoby was His child, I could trust Him with this precious treasure. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we pulled into our hometown of Puyallup, my heart automatically started racing again. I felt as if it was going to explode right through my jacket! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had not seen our home since they started the new addition; they were finished and eagerly waiting for us. Tears began to roll down my cheeks again.....my heart was overflowing with gratefulness and love toward ALL the people who had given to our family...given through their time, encouragement and resources since the accident. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How could we ever repay this community....these people.....these friends for what they had done for Jacoby? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How could we ever thank them enough for the sacrifices made on our behalf? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I couldn't help but to look over my shoulder at the last month of miracles God had displayed right in front of our eyes. We would never be the same people again; there was no going back. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There it was.....like the star of Bethlehem....our road....our neighborhood. The lump in my throat was growing and my eyes were hot with tears. O how I loved this road...O how I loved the neighborhood kiddos that ring my doorbell 50 times a day!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then my heart felt as if it quit beating. There in front of my eyes was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All I could see were people everywhere; precious people we knew and shared life with and precious people we didnt recognize. They lined the streets like a breathtaking Christmas garland. They were clapping and cheering as we pulled up to the front of the house. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Instantly, I thought of all the times we had watched Extreme Home Makeover together as a family. Each week, we would gather in the living room on Sunday evenings and cry (Jason included) over the amazing stories of peoples lives being changed because of others generosity and care. In fact, we always wanted to be a part of a team that helped with a home renovation for someone that desperately needed it. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Through my tears, I said, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Jason, we ARE living out what we always wanted to do...we're just the ones in desperate need." </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Both of us were bursting with emotion and thankfulness; life is never the way you think it will be. Somehow, it's better.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, as we unhooked Jacoby out of the van, the smiling faces of the angels that showed up that day will forever be imprinted in my mind. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They lead us in to the most beautiful "act of love" we had ever seen. A home with a foundation built on miracles, prayers and sacrificial giving. A home with hallways as wide as the Texas skies, a home where Jacoby could start a new chapter.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That day...that moment....was one of those memories that will never be able to be replicated in our hearts. We had just witnessed a month of MIRACLES....a month of service and sacrifice...a month of pure, uncontrollable LOVE!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I close up this year with our "Countdown of Miracles" the human language, once again, falls short of the words I want to say, but have no way of expressing. They are "words of the heart"....expressed through miracles we personally breathe and live out each and every day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord....for ALL the amazing people you worked through to create miracle, after miracle, after miracle. Thank you for giving us the biggest miracle of all...JESUS....who gives us the hope to know this tragic accident was a gift; Jacoby WILL walk again!!!</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-34846118355075211662014-12-18T23:00:00.000-08:002014-12-19T10:40:34.324-08:00Miracles #17 and #18<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 17th--Miracle #17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Back at the home front, they needed someone to drywall. The pace was neck-breaking speed; getting a volunteer who not only knew HOW to drywall, but to drywall QUICKLY was going to prove to be the challenge. No one helping knew of anyone available, they were up against a wall...projects had to keep moving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was a knock at the front door. Two young construction workers were waiting on the front porch. They explained to the other volunteers they had just been laid off THAT MORNING and had heard of Jacoby's story; they wanted to come help with whatever needed done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now for the big question...could they drywall? Drywalling just happened to be a task they could do with their eyes closed and one hand tied behind their backs. The young construction workers didn't leave until the entire job had been completed; they had done beautiful work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The other volunteers could not believe what they had just witnessed. In the EXACT time of need...God had sent the equipped helpers, not a moment before! The building crew said they will never forget that day........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Lord for the miracle of bringing the EXACT help that was needed at the EXACT time it was needed........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 18th--Miracle #18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They were running low on supplies; the "first push" to get the frame up had left the supply shelf almost bare. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a fairy tale story, I would elaborate and describe in words the most beautiful picture of a big white hardware truck pulling up to our home...LOADED with all the supplies the builders needed and more...much, much more. These supplies would be a a gift of love, donated to make a young girl's Christmas wish come true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For those of you who don't believe in fairy tales anymore, time to start! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The "fairy tale" I just wrote about happened in real life. They HAD ran out of supplies and someone must have known they would be needing them. The big, white truck loaded with supplies came to our house in December 2012...and delivered supplies AND hope! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes events like these seem too good to be true...made up...fabricated to give others a false sense of hope. My wish is that you will never choose to think that way again after reading these miracles: my hope is that you will keep believing there is ALWAYS good..there is ALWAYS hope!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for the miracles that seem to good to be true......</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-74019754865063509962014-12-16T21:34:00.002-08:002014-12-16T21:34:43.854-08:00Miracle #16<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 16th--Miracle #16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His name was Ashraf. I was literally on the verge of tears getting on the plane tonight...trying to figure out what just happened? What just compelled this young Middle Eastern man to go out of his way to get us on our flight home. It just didn't make sense.....my mind was racing to somehow connect the dots....what did he see....UNLESS...it was a miracle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just a few moments earlier, Jason and I raced into the JFK International Airport knowing we would be cutting it close...too close for any comfort whatsoever. We had left our hotel with plenty of time to get to the airport, but quickly started to change our song when we saw how long it took us to simply exit off the Midtown Tunnel in New York. WE WERE CRAWLING....this would certainly clear up, right?! WRONG!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"O God, please help us make this flight," I prayed. The kids...Mom and Aunt Mollie, but especially Jacoby NEEDED us back. She was hanging on, but it was time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were 50 minutes out from the departure time when we tried to check in. The computer wouldn't even let us check into our flight. It kept flashing times for tomorrow morning flights instead. I quickly told Jason to try it again. I wanted to tell that machine I had 6 children waiting at home, and one who had special needs; she was counting down the hours. I could see their faces; not making this flight was NOT going to be an option....please...please...please. Jason continued to try and check in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By this point, a Delta assistant had come over and asked if she could help. She must have seen the looks I was giving that poor old machine. I was temped to tell her everything I had just told that machine in my mind, but I surprisingly held myself together and started praying. The woman was very kind and helpful, but told us it was probably too late. And then she called over a young man named Ashraf. We told him the machine wasn't even letting us check in. We didn't need our bags, we didn't need our things, we just wanted to get home. I'll never forget how this man took action. It was like an angel tapped him on the shoulder and said, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Hey, you need to help this crazy couple....they have a daughter who really needs them home tonight...Boss's orders!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He said, ' Follow me!" He walked us to the front of the check in line....and told them this couple needed to check in right away. And he stood RIGHT by our side until we checked in. I kept telling him thank you.....I couldn't stop...it felt like my dad had showed up at the JFK airport on special assignment" from heaven. I turned around and thanked those standing in the line, my eyes were filled with desperation, so Im sure some of them could understand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He quickly led us to security where long lines had already formed. He led us straight to priority check in...walking straight past all the lines to a separate check point. By this point, I could have adopted him as my own child and I just kept saying,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"thank you, thank you, thank you." But that wasn't where it ended. He began to grab the baskets you put your shoes and bags in at security and told us,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Here...move up to the front...I need your shoes, your jackets!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ashraf LITERALLY walked us through security and was gone, but not before this ol mom could grab his arm and ask his name. He could have told me he was Apostle Paul and I would have believed him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I couldn't stop praising God as we put our things back on.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"You are too good to us, just WAY to good to us!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Through my tears I chuckled to think how busy we must keep God...always having to send angels and miracles our way. The most amazing and beautiful part about this whole story is that He is sending angels and doing miracles all the time...for ALL of us....we just need to open our eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Lord....for the miracle of Ashraf "the angel" tonight.........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-62542968349728124562014-12-15T23:37:00.005-08:002014-12-15T23:37:50.769-08:00Miracles #14 and #15<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 14th--Miracle #14</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was December 14th, 1996, on a beautiful winter night. The Christmas tree was perfectly decorated and hundreds of lights....tucked away in the branches....were dancing on the walls of the candle-lit church I grew up in as a girl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That night, 18 years ago, I promised a young, handsome man....my high school sweetheart...that I would love and respect him for better or for worse, sickness or in health....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">18 years later.....we've been through some "better" years, and we've been through some years that could have destroyed us. Jacoby's accident was one of those hardships that could have ended our marriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My heart goes out to the couples who face these types of struggles OR WORSE..with no support; it's hard enough when you DO have family, friends and resources to help carry the load. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today, I am TRUELY thankful for the miracle of #18 FULL years spent together with the man I love.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 15th--Miracle #15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you remember the movie, "Its's a Wonderful Life?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you remember how your heart was going to literally burst open with joy when the whole town of Bedford Falls came one by one to George Bailey's aide? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">George had lost all hope in living because of a problem he couldn't fix alone. George was truly ready to end it all by jumping off the bridge. Meanwhile, when his friends and community found out the crisis George was in..they came together and helped in whatever way they personally could...working together that day, they brought hope back into the life of George Bailey and his family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Each and every one of you WERE and ARE Bedford Falls to Jacoby and our family. We were desperate to know we weren't alone; you carried our pain with us then....as you still do today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One specific miracle that still leaves us in awe was the building of our home. A completely random group of men and women (all volunteers) came together, headed up by Tim Baublit, and poured the foundation, framed and presented a home to us 10 days after they broke ground. There is something about this gift....this offering...this sacrifice....that chokes me up every time I think or talk about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That crew of workers worked around the clock, many times only sleeping for 2 hours, before they started back up again. They gave time up with their families, and most gave their own health...just to give Jacoby the gift of an accessible home for Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know for certian The Lord had angels working on those grounds day and night, keeping those men and women AWAKE and SAFE....so they could finish the task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As Jason and I were walking through the White House Visitor Center today, we came across a quote that one of America's presidents said....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"The White House is the only home that is not owned by the family who resides in it...it is owned by the people." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were completely humbled to realize our home was built much the same way....by the people....for the people.. All of you who sacrificially gave of yourselves for our precious daughter's benefit and for ours.... Our home will ALWAYS belong to all of you forever......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for the miracle of determined people willing to give everything they have to give someone else hope......thank you for the miracle of our home....thank you for being our Bedford Falls..... </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-8304922626976311602014-12-13T21:02:00.004-08:002014-12-13T21:03:35.747-08:00Miracles #12 and #13<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 12--Miracle #12</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was an accident in the right lane; we were now down a lane. Today was not the day for "drama" on the highways....I needed to be at the hospital in 30 minutes for Jacoby's discharge meeting. I had drove home the night before to stay with the kids (especially Vincie) and planned to be back early to make the meeting. This meeting would determine whether Jacoby would be released on Christmas Eve; Christmas Eve was 4 days away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Traffic was beginning to build up by the minute; I could tell from experience this wasn't gong to be a small inconvenience...I was going to miss the meeting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Dang it...dang it...dang it!" Chalk another one up for Murphy's Law. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Back at the hospital the meeting had started. Jason and Jacoby had situated themselves at the table and anticipated the fact this would probably be the last one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby's head doctors began voicing their concern for Jacoby's discharge from Children's Hospital. They told Jason there had never been a patient with that level of injury released before 2 1/2 to 3 months; we were at 1 month. They didn't think we had experienced enough "situations" to discharge yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Mmmmm.....it was all becoming very clear why God had not allowed "Momma Bear" to make the meeting that morning; this Momma might have brought down a few doctors that morning. God is too smart; He knew Jason would handle the "road block" calmly...which he did.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason explained that from the very first week at Children's Hospital, we asked them what we needed to do to get Jacoby home...that's all she wanted. They told us we needed to step in and perform Jacoby's care procedures which included cathing, bowel, showering, dressing and blood </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">thinning shots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">BRING IT ON....had become our anthem; we would do whatever we needed to do to get Jacoby home....WHATEVER we needed to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason and I started the responsibilities of Jacoby's care the 2nd week of Children's Hospital and never looked back. They had given us a checklist; we had successfully completed every single task. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason calmly told the doctors and therapists we had completed the list for discharge and explained leaving her in the hospital didn't necessarily mean she would run into dangerous" situations. He said they should have clarified that expectation from the beginning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The doctors were silent and said they would talk and get back with us on their decision. We were visited later that day by Dr. McNalley giving us permission to take Jacoby home on Christmas Eve. Tears.....tears....and more tears......we were going home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We brought Jacoby home on Christmas Eve 2012; just over one month from her accident. Jacoby was the first patient they had ever had with that level of injury, to be released one month after admission; that was a miracle...........</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 13th--Miracle #13</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This miracle is small and could be easily overlooked, but I just CANT let that happen...so here goes..... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On the 8th day...GOD CREATED STARBUCKS!!! THANK YOU, JEE- SUS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">OK....this may seem like a silly miracle to some of you out there, but to have a Starbucks coffee shop on the bottom floor of your hospital ...that opened early every morning and closed late every night brought tears of joy to my face each and every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Honestly, we were averaging 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night. In addition, Jason and I were sharing a coach to sleep on in Jacoby's room; I bet you can guess how "comfy" that was for a month AND romantic for that matter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Long story short, there were mornings, when our alarm clocks went off, we would stand up UNABLE to open our eyelids! Thanks to my friend, the siren, several times a day....WE MADE IT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you Lord, for the small miracles in life like Starbucks! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-71306464165332853592014-12-11T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-12T01:35:52.707-08:00Miracles 10 and 11...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 10th and 11th--Miracle #10 and #11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">( I included both in one entry due to the length!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>It was strictly procedure.</i> Jacoby was doing AMAZING with her therapy regimen and passing all her "psychologist" appointments with flying colors; however, we knew she still had one requirement to fulfill. Before Jacoby could be discharged from Children's Hospital, she had to go on an "outing"... an outing of any kind. Jacoby's physical therapists and team of doctors wanted to see patients challenge themselves and go out on an outing with their new circumstances. Basically, they wanted Jacoby to leave the hospital in her wheelchair. It could be as simple as ride in a car and look at Christmas lights, go to a drive-in movie, go through a drive through...simple, right?! Jacoby said she would think about what she wanted to do; we would go tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Brian, Jacoby's therapist pulled us out into the hallway and said,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">" Its only fair to let you know that this "outing" can and probably will set Jacoby in a state of depression for awhile. Most of our patients see the outside world for the first time after the accident during this outing; they want their old life back. Jacoby may be embarrassed of her wheelchair, embarrassed of her body, embarrassed of EVERYTHING!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Up until this point, Jacoby had blown everyone (including Jason and I) away with her faith. She absolutely hated being paralyzed, but she also seemed completely at peace with where God had her for the moment. There were no signs of depression...YET! But now they had to go and ruin it for all of us...easy for him to say, I have to take her home. I could definantly feel myself going into the "crazy mom" cycle and realized it was MY turn to show a little faith. Afterall, how bad could it be? We would probably just be looking at Christmas lights from inside the van, she will be fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next morning, Brian stopped by the room to remind us that we had the outing and he would see us in front of the hospital at 6pm; she could tell him the destination once we loaded up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Had I known what was about to take place, I don't know if I would have had the strength (or guts) to go. But isn't that ALWAYS how God works? He knows how we think...He knows we operate better not knowing details in advance..He knew that night wasn't about Jacoby, it was about us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone was on pins and needles, as it was her first time out. Jacoby doesn't like to be out of control so I could already tell this drive was going to leave us feeling like we'd run the Boston Marathon. We made "small talk" for about 2 minutes, and then he asked Jacoby what she wanted to do. No one was prepared for what came out of her mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Is there a RAM restaurant around here? I would really love to go eat at the RAM for dinner."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Confusion seemed to be the single word to describe the emotion floating around in our poor hospital van. Wasn't she supposed to be embarrassed? I mean, the RAM at 6pm at night is "prime time" dinner hour. Wasn't she aware I would have to feed her every single bite? What if her chair didn't fit? Depression...she certainly didn't seem to be settling into a depressed state!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We all seemed to stammer through our shock. As Brian unbuckled her chair and got out the ramp, Jason squeezed my hand and our eyes met. We were both holding back tears for Jacoby's sake, but I knew the dam would break at some point that night...of this, I was absolutely certain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dinner was as hard as I could have imagined. The stares came from every corner of the restaurant, chairs were tight; people were having to adjust their tables to make a path for her wheelchair. Some people didn't move and were annoyed at our request. Jacoby ordered her absolute favorite... a RAM cheeseburger; she enjoyed every bite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was getting hard to swallow...the lump in my throat was there to stay. I was praying God would just get me though dinner. If Brian saw me break down, he might not let us take her home if they thought we couldn't handle the pressure. How could she be so strong? How? Lord, whats wrong with me? Why are we the ones slipping into the "depressed state?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our world had changed, her world had changed; we needed to move on. Everything inside of us wanted to stay in the past, wanted to stay in the familiar. All circumstances around us seemed to be a disaster... shear chaos..as if all hope was lost. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">BUT THEN....in the center of the storm, HE WAS THERE...mighty to save! As we began to thank Him for what we couldn't understand at the time, His peace completely took over and guarded our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today, Jason and I had the privilege of visiting the 911 Memorial Museum in New York; three beautiful and emotional hours changed our lives forever. Finally, we were able to see firsthand, all the details of that tragic day sewn together into something precious and sacred. Their names and stories were honored. We were watching one of the short documentary films, when it hit us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After the dust and debris settled on that tragic day, the sight was almost more than you could bear; there were no words for the loss of so many precious lives. Complete devastation and hopelessness filled the smoke-filled air...UNTIL the American flag was hoisted up into the center of the ruins. It's very presence filled the air with strength and hope! Everyone present was reminded they were part of something much bigger and greater than themselves...hope was NOT lost; they would press forward, they would keep fighting...they would NEVER give up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just like the American flag reminded Americans that hope was in their midst despite the tragic circumstances all around them, the Lord reminds us that He is "the hope" in our midst when life falls down around us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for the miracle of a trusting heart, even at the age of 15....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He is Our Anchor.....and the Anchor holds....</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-50097706567379043762014-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-10T21:59:44.953-08:00Miracle #9<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 9th Miracle #9</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The lights had been turned off; we had made it yet another day. All we knew was we were one day closer to going home...HALLELUJAH, PRAISE JESUS!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As busy as her physical therapy regimen was during the week, there was still a loneliness that invaded our hearts and thoughts each day. Jacoby NEEDED people to boss around, our other children needed their Mom and Dad back, we desperately wanted our family back together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However, it made me realize this miracle I almost missed....we faced this challenge TOGETHER each and EVERY day. How many times had I walked down the hospital floor to see room after room with only a child in it...parents or loved ones no where to be found. These children were in good hands with the wonderful nurses, but some people didn't have the luxury or overwhelming support that we had to be with their child all day and night. How hard that must have been for them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason had a boss and co workers that insisted he stayed with Jacoby at the hospital; they wanted him to be with us. We will be indebted to each one of you forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Long story short, even with a full time job and 5 other children with extremely busy sport schedules, (I know you parents GET this) Jacoby never had to be alone. , not even for one day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Lord for that miracle of getting to be present.........</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-23537179686292068452014-12-08T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-10T21:01:54.153-08:00Miracle #8<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 8th Miracle #8</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had read of events like these, watched them on T. V. , even dreamed of them, but NEVER had I been a part of one personally; December 19, 2012 changed that forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a freezing winter night, the kind that would keep most sane people bundled up inside for the evening; but not this night. This night there were hundreds of people with only one thing on their mind...and it wasn't their warmth. It was a precious young girl who's life had changed forever with one dismount. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">People were desperate at this point to help in any way they could. While, Jacoby laid in bed at Children's Hospital with a raging fever...family, friends, and hundreds of people we didn't even know, were sitting in a theatre ready to give of themselves by their presence, their smiles, hugs, tears and finances at the"Gift for Jacoby" Benefit Auction. As if the sheer amount of support wasn't enough, somehow they had been able to secure the event at the beautiful Temple Theatre on the Tacoma waterfront. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As Jason and I were pulling up to the theatre, we just stopped and stared for a moment. This amazing sight was worthy of a moment of silence. Then, almost instantly, I went into complete panic mode. I wondered if I had made the right decision to come. What kind of mother was I to leave my daughter with her Grandma when she was so sick? What if I cried the entire auction? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No...I KNEW these people deserved to see us, even to just feel close to Jacoby through us. Yes, yes...we needed them and they needed us. I opened the car door and stood up only to feel like I was going to fall over...I was instantly weak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"O God, please help me...please........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just like "Footprints in the Sand"....somehow, someway....God carried me into the theatre that night, and O what my eyes saw. I saw one of the most inspiring, breathtakingly beautiful miracles I had ever seen. In just under 3 weeks of time, God had worked through so many willing people to make an event take place that takes at LEAST 6 months to a year to plan! Olympians who I had watched as a child win medals and come through great adversity, were sitting right across the table from me. Im talking 4 feet away, folks! I saw gymnasts Jacoby's books were filled with and athletes such as Hope Solo come over and offer her sympathy and a hug. The theatre was filled with hundreds of people; many we knew, many we didn't... but one thing they all had in common.....a love and concern for a young, precious girl named Jacoby Miles. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The auction brought in $150,000 that night...150,000 dollars!!! We knew a large portion of this would go to stem cell therapy in Mexico and much needed therapy and supplies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Looking back, that night flew by like a dreamy haze, yet an imprint of love through those people will never be forgotten...it truly was a miracle.......</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-48938989390913470542014-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-09T05:00:53.003-08:00Miracle #7<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 7th Miracle #7</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was early evening and the day was finally coming to a close. Someone had knocked on our door and the nurse popped her head in and said, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Someone is here to see you, Jacoby. He said his name is Steve Penny. " </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason and I looked at each other and then at Jacoby; this was the President of USA gymnastics. What?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We all had about 5 seconds to panic about the fact that we looked like individuals who had crawled out from underneath a rock! However, Steve walked in and put us to ease right away. He was so kind as he talked to Jacoby and then mentioned he wanted to make a call; there was someone that wanted to talk to her. He dialed a number and then told us he would be connecting us to Nastia Luiken. He had been told she was Jacoby's favorite gymnast...which was very much the truth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stood back and just watched Jacoby talk to Nastia for a few minutes. It was a pretty AMAZING way to end a day...don't you think?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-74373001306684473192014-12-06T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-07T19:28:03.594-08:00Miracle #6!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">December 6th Miracle #6</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With house plans on the table and people ready to build, we knew the home addition was a "GO". However, we were immediately faced with a major roadblock; we needed the building permits FIRST.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For those of you who don't understand what this is or even means....just understand these can take MONTHS to get approved...months! Melanie had wanted the ENTIRE home addition done in UNDER a month. Everything had come to a screeching halt; the building couldn't even START without this precious little detail.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I wish I could say that I responded in an "admirable"way...like "hello" God can open ANY door! Instead, I remember thinking all plans of moving Jacoby home before Christmas Eve had just flown out her hospital window. We went from such a "high" to such a "low"...all because of one silly step in my mind.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The VERY next day, Jason and I were standing in Jacoby's room at Children's hospital. Jason's cell phone rang; it was Melanie. She HAD IT...she had the building permits; we had the "green light" to build. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! Jason and I looked at each other and just laughed...ONLY MELANIE ROACH!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But we knew who was opening the doors for Melanie....the miracle maker!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-16037976648182659452014-12-05T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-06T00:46:24.794-08:00Miracle #5<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 5th--Miracle #5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby had FINALLY fallen asleep. Other than the low hum of the vital monitors in her room, it was completely quiet. Nightmares had become a normal part of her sleep, so when she was peacefully sleeping, you "thanked God" and made a quick trip to the bathroom or waiting room where family and friends graciously waited to hear a quick update. It was in the Harborview Medical Center waiting room that another miracle came to life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had walked out to the waiting room to find Melanie and Dan Roach visiting with my family. Melanie had her lap top out and looked like she was trying to figure something out. She looked up and said, " We already have people ready RIGHT now to start a new home addition for Jacoby; if ONLY we had a set of house plans drawn up, right?" Tears came to my eyes and a large lump made it impossible for me to swallow... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"We do, Mel,...we do." Still in disbelief, I called Jason over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">" Did we not just draw up "rough draft" house plans with your mom last month and stick them in the organizer on the kitchen counter? Jason nodded his head. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"They want them....they want the plans," I said. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone who had just listened to the conversation seemed to understand the preciousness of what they had just heard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All Jason and I could think was ....someone was 10 steps ahead of us...someone knew we would be needing those house plans, someone who just so happens to specialize in miracles! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-39371058425345506882014-12-04T23:30:00.000-08:002014-12-05T00:04:53.325-08:00Miracle #4<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December 4th--Miracle #4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">IT WAS RAINING......LETTERS....hundreds of them; letters of love, concern and support for Jacoby and our family. We stood in disbelief as we watched this miracle unfold in front of our eyes. Within 48 hours of her accident, we had hundreds of letters pouring in through anywhere and everywhere. The gymnastics community, soccer community, school communities, college communities, churches, friends, family, even support from across the country and around THE WORLD from people we had never even met. This didn't even begin to TOUCH the countless voice and text messages left on our phones, steady stream of visitors, and endless media clippings on Jacoby's story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now, we're not the youngest chicks out there; we have seen a few amazing things transpire in our day, but this.....this we had NEVER seen before. Frankly, who were we, or Jacoby, to receive such attention. The unbelievable concern from the media and people in general, humbled us for life. We love and appreciate all of you; we are forever indebted to you. We watched it happen and we STILL don't believe it....now THAT'S miraculous!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-76336419689486875232014-12-03T23:00:00.000-08:002014-12-07T19:28:46.810-08:00 2nd Year Celebration...It's All About The Journey!... Miracles #1-#3It's been 744days, 17,856 hours, 1,071,360 minutes ,and about 32.71 million seconds since Jacoby's gymnastics accident.....but really, WHO"S COUNTING? <br />
<br />
We just passed Jacoby's 2 year marker, and YOU CAN BET THIS FAMILY IS GONNA CELEBRATE! We celebrate a beautiful life; a life that has forever changed ours and so many others.<br />
Even as Im writing this now, it's hard to control my emotions and not sound clique. I'm desperately wanting to describe in words what my own head can't completely make sense of yet. However, one thing is for sure...we're all still here, we're still breathing, and we STILL choose joy; there is ALWAYS hope...always.<br />
Two years ago, I vividly remember receiving "the call". Jacoby had fallen on her dismount, she couldnt feel anything. Those moments become etched into your very soul; you can remember where you were...who you were with....and the crisis of belief that soon followed. I remember telling myself I could handle a compound fracture, 2 broken legs, broken ribs but paralyzation...paralyzation was not a word I even wanted to say, much less watch my daughter live out.<br />
"No...no...no God, please....not her, not Jacoby. This one is for me, not her. I begged and begged.....and begged some more. If wailing the loudest and longest would have changed her circumstances, I do believe she would be walking now. As the hours became days, and the days became weeks, it became painfully clear we would have to decide what we truely believed; would we live in fear? Would we allow ourselves to drown in discouragement and doubts; or stand up to fear and let our pain push us.<br />
These past two years have brought up many questions, but the one that is asked over and over is how does Jacoby stay sane and continue with a positive outlook? I don't even begin to understand God's ways, but I DO happen to know that answer. Jacoby's faith in her Savior was and IS her rock , her stronghold, her refuge when no human alive can give her what she desperatly wants. Her actions prove she truly believes in a God who has a plan for her life and has her in the palm of His hand. I could write chapters on the first 6 months of her injury....literally chapters; however, that is for a book and that is coming as well. But, you poor folks who thought you were gong to get a quick blog update would not be too happy with this ol mom if I confused blog with book right now. Therefore, we shall keep things on "blog status" today.<br />
Yes...today we celebrate lessons learned and changes in our perspective. Jacoby would be the first to tell you her accident is a gift, a gift that transcends what we can see on the surface. On the surface, you and I see a paralyzed, 17 year old girl. We see a girl bound to a wheelchair, uncapable of being independant and very dependant on the care of others to get her through the most basic tasks. But what you CAN"T see, is a 17 year old girl with faith that puts a saint to shame, a girl who has a heart the size of Texas, and a girl who can capture an audience of any age simply with her smile and story. <br />
To lie and say these past two years have been easy, pain free, and had little or no effect on our family would be just that...a lie. Jacoby endures SEVERE nerve pain every other day. She has decided medicating cannot be the answer for her because the meds that actually work have the side effect of blurring her mind, so she endures the pain. She's a 17 year old TEENAGE girl in a WHEELCHAIR....need I say more! The list could go on and on, but it won't ...because we choose to place our trust in God and choose a positive perspective. We don't get to choose our trials, but we DO get to choose how we will respond to them. Are we going to give up and give in when trials come or allow them to make us stronger? Jacoby made her choice back at Harborview Medical Center, that is still her choice today.<br />
Since my last blog in the late 1700 century, Jacoby really hasn't skipped a beat. We now fill our days with sophisticated things like homecoming dances, SAT's, parasailing, slurpee runs and public speaking. (yes...she is working hard on embracing this one considering how much she LOVES to talk up front!) Jacoby has become quite the public speaker and speaks at many events, churches and schools. As we have learned to say, "BRING IT ON"!<br />
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QUICK THERAPY UPDATE: Jacoby is continuing to strengthen the muscles that are firing and building those that are not through electronic stimulation. The overall impact is "increased independence" as she is able to do more for herself. Also, she continues to have excellent health and remains unhospitalized due to, in part, continued exercise therapy.<br />
Vertical Therapy continues to be a COMPLETE blessing to Jacoby and our family. These people have become part of our family, our daily schedule and we can't imagine life without them. Chris , Jacoby's main trainer, USED to be asked questions like, " Are Jacoby's triceps "firing" at all?" Now, he is asked questions like, " When are you going to ask your girlfriend to marry you?" " How many kids are you going to have?" He has definitely moved in closer on the family circle. <br />
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These are just a few recent events I KNEW we couldn't leave out:<br />
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1. Jacoby's 2nd Annual Run! <br />
YES...she got us to run again...this time it was in the August sun! Unlike the first race where we all resembled ice figures, this race was on a GORGEOUS day; purple "Go Team Jacoby" shirts everywhere. There is something powerful and healing in participating and contributing toward a good cause. It is a beautiful reminder we're not alone; we all want to see Jacoby and everyone else affected by spinal cord injuries to find their fullest potential....ultimately, A CURE! Our hearts are with you all...We run for EACH ONE OF YOU!<br />
There is really no way possible to adequately thank all those who made "Gift for Jacoby " run possible. I honestly pray continually The Lord will give us constant opportunities to "Pay it forward"; I guarantee He will.<br />
Melanie and Dan Roach... my eyes fill with tears just typing your names...THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING you have done, yet never HAD to do; thank you, thank you, thank you.<br />
There are so many of you who volunteered and sacrificed hours and hours taking care of details. Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up or contributed on race day to show support for Jacoby and our family; you will NEVER understand how much that that means to us.<br />
Next year, it will be even more exciting as we grow this event. We will be giving a portion of the proceeds to spinal cord research and to others in similar circumstances. THE CURE IS OUT THERE; we want to do our part to find it! The race will be November 14, 2015, so put it on those calendars a year in advance.<br />
2. PARASAILING!<br />
Yes, you heard me correctly! Jacoby decided on the spur of the moment this summer she wanted to parasail at Lake Chelan. We were all SHOCKED and practically in tears! I mean, isn't it my job as mom to say, " that's crazy thinking, what if you cant hang on?" (which she couldn't ...might I add) Here is a perfect example of telling your child to face their fears and then wanting to hit yourself over the head because you basically HAVE to give my your blessing...back up your big mouth because they are doing what YOU told them to do! FOR PETE"S SAKE! Actually, the credit belongs to a speaker she met at the Youth Disabled Leadership Camp named Barry Long. He inspired her to fight against her fears and go do something she was afraid of...his words melted into the marrow of her soul; she came home from camp a changed girl. Thank you, Barry....<br />
Watching Jacoby get pulled up hundreds of feet into the air was.......beautiful.....simply beautiful. No wheelchair, no confinement, COMPLETE freedom. I do believe I scared the poor gentlemen running the parasail half to death when I began WAILING uncontrollably. I don't know where it came from, and I most certainly didn't know how to shut it off. The higher she went, the harder I cried. She was finally FREE! But more than that, it was her smile from ear to ear. Now THAT made it all worth it; she was happier than a child on Christmas morn! O LORD, freeze this moment....<br />
That day something changed in me as well. I realized many of us stop challenging ourselves; we quit believing there is great reward in conquering our fears. So I challenged myself to stop making excuses....time to do something I was afraid of too! The rest is history...thank you, darling.<br />
Just a few weeks ago, Jason and I were blessed enough to sit around a big table with some of the people who had witnessed many of the miracles at the time of Jacoby's accident and the building of our home addition. It occurred to me that if it was AMAZING to Jason and I to hear these stories, it would be bless your socks off too! So here goes....CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN OF MIRACLES! My prayer is that by sharing our recent miracles surrounding Jacoby's accident, you will see your OWN miracles; they are there if you want to see them.<br />
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Dec. 1st-- Miracle #1<br />
The day of Jacoby's accident was Friday, November 16, 2012. I had dropped Jacoby off at practice after school and then came home to pick up the rest of the troops. We were heading out to a soccer game on the peninsula. We received "the call" literally 10 seconds before we got on Interstate 5. Jason pulled over right before the onramp, swung the car around ILLEGALLY and began to drive as quickly as he could to Roach Gymnastics Center. Had we received the call even 1 minute later, we would have been stuck in traffic and unable to be with her for God knows how long. We talk about how AMAZING the timing was on that call ALL THE TIME.<br />
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December 2nd--Miracle #2<br />
The evening of her accident, they moved us from St. Josephs Hospital in Tacoma to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Jacoby had 2 surgeries that needed to happen ASAP. The 1st surgery was needed to realign her vertebras in a straight line. Her C4 vertebra had faceted her C5, which means it had jumped above it.( Yah, not looking to good for the ol spinal cord! )They had to screw a halo in her head, and hang a weight in the back to keep the vertebras from shifting before they went in for the 2nd surgery. The 2nd surgery was needed to put the rods in and to fuse the vertebrae. Completely unknown to us, Jacoby had a large blood clot in her lungs. The doctors didn't tell us that they didn't think she was going to make it through the 2nd surgery. They said goodnight to us and assured us they would be back first thing in the morning, only to turn around 20 minutes later and tell us they were taking her in right away. (This was around 3am) Another miracle...Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord! I'm glad we had no idea until after the surgery....thank God we didn't have to plan a funeral the next morning. (Our hearts go out to the people that do.)<br />
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Dec. 3rd--Miracle #3<br />
JACOBY'S SPINAL CORD WAS NOT SEVERED!!! After the 2nd surgery had been completed, the surgeon came out to talk with Jason and I. They had believed the spinal cord was severed before they went into the surgeries, but realized it had just been stretched to "seran wrap" consistency, but had NOT been severed. THIS WAS HUGE....<br />
A huge "thanks" to the 1st responders for doing such a great job at delicately moving her off the unstable foam pit; you guys rock!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-35731283495457983202014-08-06T16:34:00.001-07:002014-08-06T16:34:36.987-07:00"Challenge 2014"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Teenagers and duffel bags were piled
high like sardines in our cars; we were finally headed for
"Challenge"...Kansas City, here we come! </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">For those of
you wondering what in the world "Challenge" is... it is a church
youth convention that gathers youth together from all over the United States.
This convention always includes special speakers, concerts, group time with
your own youth group and community service projects....ON VERY LITTLE SLEEP. So
long story short...THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">So off we went...promising our kids
we would be as </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">"hip and cool" as we could
possibly be at the age of 38! </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">When it comes to traveling with
drama, we do aim to please. Let me set the stage....we (our entire family and
the entire youth group) started our trip with a "red-eye" lay-over
flight from Portland to Detroit....arriving in Detroit around 6:30AM... YES,
AM... WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. Lets just say, our 4th of July was not starting off
with fireworks! We still had to catch another flight shortly after landing,
which would take us to Kansas City. One thing was for sure.. traveling
with cranky young children is a piece of cake compared to traveling with a
"high tech" wheelchair! NO JOKE....</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Lesson #1: No red-eye flights with
young children!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Lesson #2: $150 saved because of 1
layover is not worth it with YOUNG CHILDREN AND A CHILD IN A WHEELCHAIR... I
would have paid $200 and my left leg THAT NIGHT to stay on a plane going
STRAIGHT to Kansas City!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">We are getting ready to catch our
last leg to Kansas City.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>had
been transferred into the plane chair (not an easy feet, as many of you know)
and her own wheelchair had been broken down to the smallest size it would
go....and then we waited....and waited....and waited. Everyone had been seated
for quite awhile when the airline stewardess came on the intercom and told us
they were having trouble loading a "precious piece of cargo". We
looked out the window and saw several men trying to load<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby's<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>wheelchair into the small loading
chamber. Before we knew what was happening, we were<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>de-boarding
the plane because her chair had scratched the engine while being loaded and the
plane was not to be flown. R WE HAVING FUN YET?! Not to mention the sweet
comments coming out of people's mouths about the "stupid cargo" that
made them have to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>deboard and get on a new plane. It was here
that I wished I wasn't traveling with the youth. I really wanted to say a few
"choice words" to these people, but I was supposed to be a good
example...so.... I did the right thing and put my "momma claws" back
in their paws. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Delta Airlines was awesome had
another plane waiting to accommodate everyone; there was only one catch....it
was the exact same model we had just<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>deboarded. We said goodbye to the youth group
and half of our children and Jason, I,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>JJ<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincie<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>waited
to catch the next available flight out. Lord, WE NEED A JUMBO JET! </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">As always, God knows EXACTLY what
He's doing; His ways are higher, His thoughts are higher. They weren't able to
get us to Kansas City that day, but they did put us on the 1st flight out the
next day... IN FIRST CLASS...WITH $2,000 IN FLYING VOUCHERS! And to be
completely honest, that wasn't even the best part. We ended up sitting right
next to Rick<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Sutcliffe<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>on
the plane. We had no idea he was a an ESPN announcer who had played as a
successful major league pitcher for 18 years. He DID know who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was because his buddy, Jaime<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Moyer (also
a major league pitcher for the Mariners) had told him about us. We had sat by
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Moyer<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>family
on the way to stem cell treatment for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby. Rick told us they were praying for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and then took some time to personally
talk with her. He knelt in front of her and said</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"> "Jacoby, I understand the mind of an athlete.
I know to play in the big leagues you have to be gifted from the neck
down....but to be SUCCESSFUL, you have to be gifted from the neck up...you ARE,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jacoby.
Don't be afraid to speak of your story; I know public speaking isn't your
favorite thing to do, but God will give u the strength you need." </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">He had no idea that the Challenge
board had asked her to be willing to share her story for a video clipping when
she arrived in Kansas City. Let's just say when we arrived in Kansas City, she
was ready to share her story and CONFIDENT she had flown in right on time.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">We provided the video clip on the
link below...</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">" Now to Him Who is able to do
IMMEASURABLY more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His
power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory......" Ephesians
3:20 </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/groups/247284/videos/100187029" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Jacoby</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Challenge Video</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.goteamjacoby.com/" target="_blank"> www.goteamjacoby.com</a></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jacoby_miles16" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jacoby's Instagram</a></span> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-19907648954379998882014-07-23T12:40:00.000-07:002014-07-23T12:40:55.673-07:002nd Annual Gift For Jacoby 5K video...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Huge thanks from our family to Kayla Reynolds and Alex Mikel for creating this video for Jacoby's 5K.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjY5BXJuPnI" target="_blank">watch the video on youtube here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/a/uw.edu/file/d/0B8xf2bKXUJjNU3o2MWdOTk5RRDQ/edit?usp=drive_web" target="_blank">or on google docs here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.goteamjacoby.com/" target="_blank"> www.goteamjacoby.com</a></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jacoby_miles16" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jacoby's Instagram</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-56812720686076491932014-06-23T12:41:00.002-07:002014-06-23T13:01:32.992-07:00Alive and Kickin'!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>Those were the best words I had heard all month</i>. The last day of school would be Thursday, June 19th; the "light at the end of the tunnel" was here, the Miles Family was going to celebrate! (As you are celebrating now because you are reading the first update on Jacoby in 5 months...lol. Forgive us, we are much better at making memories than writing them down!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Of course, the celebrating began...end-of-year parties, pizza, sleepovers etc. We started reminiscing about all the fun things we did and accomplished during the year. One thing is for sure, we have some "blog catching up" to do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby is Jacoby...and pushed through her Sophomore year with flying colors. She managed to tie her twin brother, Kaleb with a 4.0 GPA. She wasn't about to let him pass her by... some thing's just never change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And now the question everyone wants to know...ANY NEW MOVEMENT? Technically, no; however, Jacoby is continually getting stronger, creating new movements, and gaining the ability to balance herself and hold the position on her own. Her flexibility has also been maintained at the same level since the injury; her flexibility is amazing! Vertical Therapy continues to be our source of rehabilitation for Jacoby; we couldn't ask for a better "therapy" family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since January, Jacoby has experienced more fun "first time" events... like her first blood clot, pressure sore and extended time away from her parents; we left for a week to Mexico. (Every teenager's nightmare, I'm sure... lol) Each of these issues seem small and yet HUGE at the same time; they are "milestones" on our journey through this challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacoby continues to absolutely love her time volunteering at the gym, Roach Gymnastics Center. The young gymnasts bring a smile to her face and serve as a constant reminder of her love for gymnastics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In May, we made the trip home to Idaho for her beloved Uncle Barak's college graduation; my little brother is pretty amazing. The joy Jacoby gets from going to visit family in Idaho makes me think she could leap right out of her chair; Its worth every mile! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">June has been rewarding for so many reasons. As a family, we have enjoyed every minute of summer break, FIFA World Cup (GO USA!), going to the Mariner vs. Yankee series, soccer tournaments and more! Jacoby was able to help present an award to one of her classmates, Taylor Desmet who is fighting cancer; Jacoby and so many others have been inspired by Taylor. We are all rooting for this amazing girl! We also had the privilege of watching our Uncle Jon become an "official" firefighter for the Kent fire station; what an amazing night for the entire extended family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last but not least, Jacoby was selected as 1 of 40 students in the state to attend Washington State's 13th Annual Youth Leadership Forum for High School Students with Disabilities. Jacoby realizes it is an honor to have the privilege of representing other students with many of her same struggles. This forum is designed to equip these students to be a leader in their schools and communities; they will learn to be a voice for the disabled community.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> She knows this will be a major milestone for her; a milestone for us... a milestone we are all ready to make. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We continue to be humbled BEYOND WORDS by your concern and support for Jacoby. We TRULY love all of you and don't know what in the world we would do without you! She remains strong and positive because of all of you: her friends, family, school, church and community. Most importantly, she knows her God is Able... </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #d52a33; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.goteamjacoby.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">www.goteamjacoby.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jacoby_miles16" target="_blank">Jacoby's Instagram</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-32502757920574163662014-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:002014-01-09T14:58:57.648-08:00Happy New Year to Ya!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR....BRING ON 2014!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You may be wondering the EXACT same thing I am...like where in the world did all those peaceful holiday mornings go? You know...the ones where you envision sitting on the couch...fireplace on...thinking of all the wonderful family and friends you will "hand-deliver" amazing cookie platters to.....Mmm..... HOURS to blog all the festive events Jacoby, and our 40 family members would load up to enjoy; seems like a "sane" expectation, right? ABSOLUTELY..................NOT! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reality looked more like this....if you were the "bright" one to get up early with attempts to get some "alone" time, you were also the proud winner of lifeguarding the first 10 "minions" up to swim in the hot tub; you don't make the same mistake twice! Reality looked more like this...forget the cookie platters, let's just be thankful we sent out Christmas cards. Perspective....it's all about perspective, folks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Ah yes... I do like a peaceful, reflective "moment" every now and then, but I wouldn't trade my "Controlled Chaos Christmas" this year for THE WORLD... its what we know, it's what we do best, it's where we find our joy. This year, Jacoby was home and our entire extended family was here to share it with us; that's priceless! What could be better than sitting around the living room watching "National Lampoon's Christmas" together for the 10th time; sorry, but Uncle Eddie never gets old. This was a Christmas to remember!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Ok, so we all know Jacoby has always played the role of the "realist". In fact, it is Jacoby I have to thank for telling me it probably would be a better idea to wait until next year to do the Christmas play at church. As you can see, Jacoby is STILL "that girl" and continues to make noticeable progress each and every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Physically, she continues to gain muscle mass and impresses us with new exercises that would have been IMPOSSIBLE a year ago or even a few months ago to perform. We are still waiting for hand and leg movement, but work them in exercises just the same; patience and hard work is the name of the game. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She still has therapy 3 times a week with Vertical Therapy and our family has adopted two new members....Chris and Jerry! (Jacoby's therapists) They have been thrown into our "controlled chaos" life and seem to be adjusting well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Socially, Jacoby is still loving being a full-time sophomore at Rogers High School and "sporting" the blue!(Go Rams!) She also looks forward to her "gym time"... visiting her gym buds and helping with the younger levels; competition season starts this Friday...she will be there to cheer them on. (GO ROACH GYMNASTICS!!!) And how could we possibly forget her church youth group?!! Jacoby has a blast with this "crazy" group...they have SO much fun...makes me want to go myself!(Its all those trips to Dairy Queen.....)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Emotionally and mentally, Jacoby continues to remain strong. Her "realist" personality really comes in handy; it keeps her from devastation when her expectations are delayed. But most importantly, it's</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> her faith in Jesus Christ that mentally keeps her stable and full of hope. She believes....no, she KNOWS...the best is yet to come! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So, as we plunge "head-first" into 2014, we set our goals and mission..</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Lord, I'm Yours. Whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life. I realize I'm not here on earth to do my own thing, or to seek my own fulfillment or glory. I'm not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people, to be popular, to prove I'm someone important, or to promote myself. I'm not here even to be relevant, or successful by human standards. I'm here to please you."--Ruth Myers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That's it...that's our mission...to live for the one who gives us hope.....ought to keep us busy ALL year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2014.....BRING IT ON!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15459313306838107571noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7344589013163133374.post-1363049542667371092013-12-02T02:36:00.001-08:002013-12-02T02:36:00.115-08:001st Annual Gift for Jacoby 5K Fun Run<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VSCuYCQOGIc" width="459"></iframe><br />
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Dedicated to all those who love and support Jacoby!<br />
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