The First Day of the Rest of My Life

Wow, what a weekend. Since we had everyone in, we had a surprise birthday party for Chris. He was red in the face, not realizing what all that sneaking around was for. Ashton was so cute helping him blow out the birthday candles. We had such a wonderful turn out of family and friends for the party on Saturday. God and Mother Nature teamed up for beautiful weather for the entire weekend. Chris and Toby started cooking at around 10:30 am and had hot/fresh fish and crawfish until late in the afternoon. Carl and Phillip manned the fire. Grandma Donna kept drinks and ice full and fresh, Aunt Belinda made her strawberry cake, Grandma Kay made delicious tarter sauce, Emmy made the pasta salad, Lori made her wonderful hushpuppies, and Doni and Deanna helped all of us decorate the house. Melinda. Aaron, and Kari did whatever we grabbed them for, and Papa Larry, Papa Danny, Uncle Gary, Aunt Terri, ,and Grandma Della kept the company entertained.

Aiden and Jordie asked if they could be cousins too, since they were both Jaque's cousins. It was so funny watching the kids play with the crawfish. I think that from now on we need to buy them a pound just to play with. The boys chased the girls with cooked ones, then the girls grabbed the live ones and scared the boys!!

Graduation day came, and it was packed. I think that Jaque had 37+ there and we just about got in trouble having so many. But I think that Mr Crabtree was too afraid to say anything to her Gramdma's and I don't say as I blame him.

When Jaque entered the auditorium, she looked almost angelic. There she sat with her hair straigtened, gimmering like the sun had just kissed it. She proudly sit tall with her white hat and flowing gown. She had a smile on her face as if God himself was her co-pilot leading her down the isle. She was surprised by the applause from the audience as she made her way down swiftly. The entire audience. Graduation went very well. They did a wonderful job of taking Jaque's suggestions and making them work. She was just another student on the risers. And that was the point all along.

It was over all too soon. I did not shed a tear, but that could not be said for our group. I looked around at all the mothers, and they were red eyed and weeping. I thought why was I not. Then I thought back to softball. When we would lose a big game, or tournament, other girls would cry. Jaque would not. She said that she would be sad it was over, but took pride in knowing that she did all that she could and gave it her all.

I feel the same. I know that Chris and I could have done some things different, but we really did the best we could, gave it our all, and were pround in knowing that she was rolling on that stage. SHE DID IT. She did what most did not expect her to, but all knew that she would, she overcame and conquered. Anyone sitting in the auditorium could have looked at her and not ever known that she was in an accident. She looked healthier than she has since Jan 3, 2008. She had that same ol Jaque smile.

Now, I guess the real work begins, trying to figure out the rest of her life. I know that God has big dreams in store for her, big plans, and with all of you continuing to support and love her like you have, continuing to PRAY for her, she will see those dreams in God's own timing.

Special Thanks to Grandma Donna, Papa Danny, Papa Phillip, Mamaw Melinda, Papa Larry, Grandma Kay, Papa Carl, and Grandma Della. You are wonderful Grand and GREAT Grand parents. Without you all, nothing in our lives would be possible.

I will try and get pics of Graduation day posted, If we missed sending you a senior pic, we probably do not have your address. Please send it to us and we will get some to you.

carol.hall3@weyerhaeuser.com or jaqueshomeplate8@yahoo.com

Love and God Bless You.