Ode to Eddie!

This week, Jaque pulled up behind the office. When I went outside to get her, I was greeted by a little(lol)blond haired boy with a big grin on his face.

Yes, it was Eddie. He had been to therapy with Jaque. He was so excited. He just loves going out and about with her. From the mill, we left and went to Wal-mart. He was struttin' like an ol' rooster. When we arrived at walmart, we were met by the greeter, who politely asked if he was a service animal. We said yes, and in we went.

It is funny how much attention Eddie draws, I mean everybody loves a puppy, right? But something in that sweet 3 year old yellow lab just draws you to him. We have been around enough in Idabel that most people know not to pet him. That doesn't stop him from giving a lick to his "friends" that he has met in running around with Jaque. Eddie can do just about anything you ask of him.....especially when a treat is involved. Just do not interrupt his dinner. Jaque has started venturing out more with Eddie. He gives you a sense of security. And yes, he can even carry on a conversation. Ok - his end is mostly drool and tail wagging, but he really listens when you talk with him. He has started sleeping in Jaques bed. He loved to get up to the top and snuggle, and when she is ready to sleep, he takes his place at the end of the bed. Sometimes at night, her legs kick him, but he doesn't mind. The other night she was not feeling just right and he came and laid at her feet. He was in the most uncomfortable looking position, but had his head up on top of her feet and then.....yes.......he started snoring. And he sounds like a grown man.

It is amazing the job that GCI (Georgia Canines for Independence) did with Eddie. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. The bond that was immediately present is amazing. Here is a group of people that train dogs for the care and companionship of others. How unselfish they are. Thank you Jesus for them.

Jaque has been working hard this week with school. She is really stressing with her work, and trying hard to complete her assignments at 100%. She wants them to be perfect. It is hard for her stay focused when her legs have other plans. The medicine that they give her for spasms makes her sleepy - so it is a toss on what to do to control them and get work done. She tries various locations around the house to do her work, and yes, Eddie comes in handy when you need an 80 lb weight to keep them steady.

Last night she was commenting on how good her legs looked. Chuckle, yes, I did too. All her life, she has had legs like a man. Since she was little, the muscles in her legs were so much bigger and more defined than girls her age. Well, to be honest, Jackie Jointer Kersy would have been a good match. And although she does not work them out much, she still has great legs. A little smaller than before, but definitely still good muscled legs for a "girl". In playing ball, most grown men were in awe of her natural muscle tone. She really never lifted weights or worked out (her teammates will confirm this!)

What has God in store? Why would God give Jaque the gift of such strong muscles, such stamina, such plain and simple GOD given ability and talent.........and then Jaque be in a position she is now?

Well, my best response is that God did not make this happen in Jaque's life. He did prepare her for this, he did ready her body for the fight, and he made ready her heart and soul. He put Chris and I in the right line to receive her as our child. He made sure that we had a wonderful strong set of parents X 3, he made our brothers and sisters ready as well. He did not start the fight, but he has trained her well.

You know the line -- if he can bring you to it, he will bring you through it? We hear things like this every day, but do we really listen to them? I tend to get irritated at people that jaque says stare at her in the mall, or in walmart. I also get irritated at one of her "so called" friends that tries to start trouble between her and Payton at every chance.

Listen closely......As Bro Jason preached on Sunday. Everything came against Peter, but when they looked at him, they saw the face of an angel. (Jason, hope I did not mess that up!)

So, as others start to stir up trouble around Jaque, as the devil starts to try and work against the good in her life, we all look to her and see the face of an Angel. I do not want to use such a powerful message out of context. But as I caught myself giving human advice to jaque on how to handle those around her.....Bro. Jason and God gave me a lesson.

Smile and live right for God, and he will not forsake you. And those that look toward you will see the face of an Angel. HE is the light, and his glowing beauty shines through jaque. For the things that may bother her in private and not shown in public. She lets the light shine through her, and with than -- the glow reaches far and wide. When I give worldy adive, she shines her light.

A dear friend send that wonderful magazine article about jaque to USSSA. (if anyone wants a copy, email me at carol.hall3@weyerhaeuser.com and I will send it) He saw her light.

The amazing thing about this article, as my father in law so eloquently stated, it that it is a perspective from someone outside our immediate family. It is some one's life that she has touched, and he took it national. If just one of those reading it passes it on, and they pass it on...imagine the lives that she will touch.

So back to my initial question, why with the God given attributes, why our Jaque. My own personal opinion is that if someone goes through this ordeal and is saved in the process that is GREAT. I do not want to take away from the glory in that....but if someone can go through this being a Christian...and come out with faith even stronger and able to witness to others.....why question?

Jaque and Eddie. Riding in her mustang with the windows down and the radio thumping. Eddie's light shines as bright as a dogs can. And after all, he is her co-pilot. Who is your co-pilot? Who is riding with you today?

Thank you God for the gift of Jaque. Thank you even more for the second gift of her again. May all that look at us today see you in us. May we bite our tongue and look to you for guidance.

**Pray for Warren, Roxanne's new baby boy, my sister Belinda and Cecil's second grandchild. Welcome to the family.