Cave Conquered!

Cave Conquered!
Picture is worth 1000 words!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Is it hot or what?

Good evening all. We have just made a mad dash from Little Rock to get Jaque home in time for the first softball practice of the school year. We had a quick appointment with Dr MacCarthey. It was short notice, nothing wrong. It was her check up for 6 mo after surgery. He took new xrays and said all looked like it was healing very well.

He told her that she looked great. He also is referring us to a physical theraphist in Little Rock that specializes in spinal injury. He will be a look local resource for us. Yes, we missed most everyone in Little Rock, but Jaque promises to return and see you all soon. This time maybe we will have a little more notice.

Deanna is here and rode with us. We had a great time, and enjoyed spending the night in Little Rock. Man, it is a good drive up there. It was almost more that Chris and I could handle knowing that all of you came all that way to be there for us. You are such great friends and family. It was emotional, actually seeing the hospital really for the first time. I could not even find my way to cafeteria. It truely is amazing that God blessed us with all of you. Our mothers, well I can jsut not say enough about what you have done. Brother Jerry and Jason, you have kept the fire lit.

It is so hard to stay focused and remember that God is in control. I say hard, I mean to let that ol' devil creep in your thoughts. You now the one that makes you want to sit infront of the couch each day when you get home, instead of going in that yard to mow. But if you let that yard go to long, it is out of control and you end up having to call in help. Once it is grown up, it takes a good three mowings to get it back looking like it ought to. So why do we do it? Why do we let that ol devil in?

Well, God speaks. And we must listen. He says to me that All things are possible. He tells me that Jaque is alive today because of a miracle. And within that miracle, our family and friends have grown closer. Now, we must all work to make sure that we keep the grass mowed where we can see one another. I pray each day for the stregth to leave Jaque in God's hands. I pray for his will in her life. And I pray for those who think they have no one praying for them. Prissy, your comments are never to late to be read, and I feel your prayers every day.

Oh, and just to let you all know - Jaque helped Coach with practice tonight. She and Nina helped Coach Amanda break in the new recruits. Amanda, yes - the book 90 minutes in heaven was great. I promise to pass it forward to someone deserving of the read, and keep the love you have given me growing in our families. Please pray for us to live our lives to the best we can each day, and as school is soon to start back - pray for Jaque to surround herself with those that will indeed share in the glory she will receive. And pray that Jaque's accident will touch her friends and make the more cautioooous driving.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST when Dr McCarthey told Jaque that she was released to do what she felt she could, she admittedd that she had been on a jet ski by herself yesterday. He jsut smiled and told her good for her!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Don't you just love summer?

Well, as I write this, Jaque is out wih her friends. She has had a wonderful week. God is working within her. She just radiates sunshine!

This week is the first week since her accident that she has ALL BY HERSELF gotten out of bed, gotten dressed, fixed breakfast, put her shoes and socks on, and straightened her hair!! ALL BY HERSELF. God is so great. It was the most glorious smile I have seen on her face. It was priceless.

She really can feel the prayers, and is learning that when things seem tough, just cast that ol' devil out and you are sure to feel better. Today on our way home from walmart she told me that she is excited about going to college. She said that she would like to still go to OBU, but that a lot of her friends are in Texarkana and that might be fun also. I am just amazed that she draws so much confidence from you all - our friend and family.

We had a great 4th. A few bumps, but nothing to tough for us! Eddie has become friends with frogs. You know that is funny "Fully Relying On God" FROG. I just hope he doesn't eat one. Technically is that people food? He and Jaque both went camping on the forth. They did not get to watch the fireworks, but they got to play on the tube.

I wanted to say a big thank you to Aunt Larissa. She has done so much for Jaque over the past few months. I know that we would not be where we are at today without her help. She is the quiet strength that I see Jaque drawing on. I am so thankful for her, Toby, Jaron, and Jordan. She is never to busy to lend an ear or to run to the RX. So thanks Aunt Lisa. God knows who his people are, and you are on that list. Not by you works alone, just for being you. You have made a difference in Jaque.

We got our sidewalks in the front yard finished. Jaque can officially make it from the front door, to the side door, and all the way down to the pond. Best part is she can do it when she wants to.

Please continue to pray. It is working. We rode 12.43 miles on the bike, new record, but what else do you expect?

Guys,in all of our everyday lives we all have a lot going on. Thank you so much for keeping up the prayer chain, and your faithfulness is so wonderful. I want you all to know that God is working in our lives, in Jaque's life, and he is GOOD. Please know that we pray for our family and friends every night. And please tonight pray for those that may not have anyone else. Without you, I cannot imagine the last 6 months. Without you all, I cannot imagine what Chris and I would have done. Thank you. Mom, Momma Kay, Melinda - you are the best. Mom and Momma Kay thank you so much for being with us all that time in Little Rock. You are the strongest people that I know. For all the laundry and the goodie baskets, thanks.

Hope you all are having a great summer, more pics to follow!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

What a weekend!

We had a wonderful weekend, guys, how about you?

Saturday, the Texarkana Fastpitch had a benefit tournament for Jaque at Karr Park in Texarkana. It was a great turnout. Coacj John called jaque on Wednesday and asked if she would throw out the first pitch for the Vipers frist game. It was so great to see everyone.

As we pulled into the parking lot, there they all were waiting for her. They had saved her a parking place up front! Coach John and all the girls sported pink hair bows with Jaque #5 on them. Funny, as we were leaving the house I had told Jaque that she had forgotten her pink ribbon, she said "Oh mom, it will be all right." And it was. Not all the Viper's could be at Texarkana due to previous plans, but we were so glad to see those that could make it. And Ashley - God did take care of things. **Always remember, when he wants you in a certain place, he will find a way to get you there!**

So - as we gathered on the field, all the teams stopped playing and came over to our field. Coach John gave us a great welcome and Jaque threw the first pitch to an anxiously awaiting Heather (that of course Umpire Gene called a strike!) Then as usual, Jaque had to trash talk all the umpires. HAHA! We did get some really good pictures.

Jaque and Coach John called the pitches. I can tell you all that Ariel did a great job, and as they usually are a great 1-2 combo. I know that it was not the usual combination, but it worked very well. And the smile on Jaque's face was proof. Ariel, you did a great job. We went to lunch and they were the usual cut ups that they always are. We did not let Jaque and Nicki ride together!!

A coach came up to me and said that his team would enter the NFSA world series, and would like to add Jaque to his roster. I told him that I appreciated the gesture and just one thing If she is up and walking by the time they go, she will expect playing time. We just laughed. For all of you that know jaque well, you know I am not kidding.

It was great seeing the girls working hard. Katie - I am glad you got to make it over. Most of the Vipers will be moving on to college next year. They played well, and got 3rd. The tournament was rained out late Saturday evening. God kept us all there as long as wanted.

I appreciate everyone that participated and helped with the planning of this tournament. I know that because jaque grew up in such a great organization, she is indeed blessed with many friendships, and Chris and I are also. This is part of what makes her the wonderful person she is today. The Viper parents are a great group. Your prayers and support is sssoooo greatly appreciated.

I know that in all things, you must trust God. I know that in all things, it will be he who strengthens us. I know that prayers are answered daily, and we all KNOW that Miracles happen, we seen them first hand.

Love you all and have a safe holiday weekend.