2nd Year Celebration...It's All About The Journey!... Miracles #1-#3

It'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?

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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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"!

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.
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.

These are just a few recent events I KNEW we couldn't leave out:

1. Jacoby's 2nd Annual Run!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
2.  PARASAILING!
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....
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....
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.
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.

Dec. 1st-- Miracle #1
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.

December 2nd--Miracle #2
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.)

Dec. 3rd--Miracle #3
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....
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!
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Full Race Album on Facebook

"Challenge 2014"

Teenagers and duffel bags were piled high like sardines in our cars; we were finally headed for "Challenge"...Kansas City, here we come!  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!

So off we went...promising our kids we would be as 

"hip and cool" as we could possibly be at the age of 38! 

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....

Lesson #1: No red-eye flights with young children!

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!

We are getting ready to catch our last leg to Kansas City. Jacoby 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 Jacoby's wheelchair into the small loading chamber. Before we knew what was happening, we were 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 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. 

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 deboarded. We said goodbye to the youth group and half of our children and Jason, I, Jacoby , JJ and Vincie waited to catch the next available flight out. Lord, WE NEED A JUMBO JET! 

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 Sutcliffe 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 Jacoby was because his buddy, Jaime Moyer (also a major league pitcher for the Mariners) had told him about us. We had sat by the Moyer family on the way to stem cell treatment for Jacoby. Rick told us they were praying for Jacoby and then took some time to personally talk with her. He knelt in front of her and said

 "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, 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." 

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.

We provided the video clip on the link below...

" 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 

 Jacoby Challenge Video 

                                                      www.goteamjacoby.com
                                                       Jacoby's Instagram

2nd Annual Gift For Jacoby 5K video...

Huge thanks from our family to Kayla Reynolds and Alex Mikel for creating this video for Jacoby's 5K.

watch the video on youtube here

or on google docs here


                                                      www.goteamjacoby.com
                                                       Jacoby's Instagram

Alive and Kickin'!

 Those were the best words I had heard all month.  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!)
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!
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. 
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!

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. 

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.
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! 
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!

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.   She knows this will be a major milestone for her; a milestone for us... a milestone we are all ready to make. 
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...    

                                                             
                                                     www.goteamjacoby.com

                                                       Jacoby's Instagram

Happy New Year to Ya!

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR....BRING ON 2014!!!

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! 
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!
 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!
 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.
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. 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. 
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.....)
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 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!  
 So, as we plunge "head-first" into 2014, we set our goals and mission.. 

"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

That's it...that's our mission...to live for the one who gives us hope.....ought to keep us busy ALL year!

2014.....BRING IT ON!!!! 

1st Annual Gift for Jacoby 5K Fun Run

Dedicated to all those who love and support Jacoby!

Leaving a Trail......

They say a picture can say a thousand words; so it can!

It had been one of "those nights"; sport practices for almost every child, book reports due, children needed baths and that was only the TIP of the ol iceberg. We did what any SANE parents would do...told the kids we were heading out to the trail behind our house and would be back in 15 minutes. We grabbed our jackets and ran out the front door like two highschoolers....AT LAST, AT LAST...WE ARE FREE AT LAST! We were laughing at how excited we were just to get away for 15 min and then we saw them.....Jacoby's wheelchair tracks in the grass. We both stopped talking and stood in silence... almost in reverence of what these tracks symbolized. This "picture" of her well-trodden tracks was shouting her personality and her story. Jacoby is steady, reliable, and disciplined. The tracks showed she followed the same trail outline every day; it had been tested, and would lead her safely to the concrete walking trail.
 Jason and I stood in respect of those precious trails because she taught us something that night. The foundation...the disciplines...the beliefs that made Jacoby who she was NEVER changed, even though her circumstances changed drastically. It evoked both Jason and I to ask ourselves.....do we leave trails? Would people know what we stood for by OUR well-beaten trails? Once again, God used our precious daughter's accident to sharpen us; always a student....the learning continues.
October 19th was the "1st Annual Jacoby Miles Classic" Gymnastics Meet at Roach Gymnastics; what an HONOR it was to come back and see you were supported and not forgotton. Jacoby was awarded "The Most Inspirational Gymnast" by USA Gymnastics. ( By this point it was hard not to make a scene.)
We cant even begin to express how THANKFUL we were/are to Melanie and Dan Roach, all of the people, parents, teams, gymnasts, coaches and judges that made it happen. The emotions ran high that day as Jacoby and I watched the gymnasts compete....just one short year ago she was competing herself. Ahhh...the sovereignty of God!
Life changes...people change...circumstances change, but God is ALWAYS the same! We THRIVE on the belief the best is yet to come.....