Sweet November, we are coming soon!

As I am typing, my thoughts are drifting to the newest addition to the family. Brylee Lane Hall was added the 'gang.' Chris and I are headed down to see her tomorrow, and of course...Jaque will not be to far behind us.

Makes me think how precious life is. We were unable to make the drive while she was on her way (work, ugh!). I asked Chris if he thought that we should pack a bag just in case we needed to go. He looked at me so funny.

I just remember when we needed you all....before I could blink, you were all packed and on the road. Some of you (Nancy, Grandma Kay, Lane, Lindi) almost beat us to the hospital. Many of Jaque's friends beat us there. As I was talking to coach and the basketball girls in the hall on that night, I remember Coach asking me what should they do about the game the next night. I said Coach, jaque would say bow up. We both laughed, then cried. I told Courtney Maye that I know that Jaque would expect her to step up, and lead the team. She smiled softly and hugged me.

I told someone to be sure to take pics of the hall and waiting room. Some looked at me in amazement. Was Jaque even going to make it? Why in the world would I think of pictures at a time like this???? Because, Jaque would be so humbled by the display of love for her that night. She would need this blessing of a picture one day in the future.

The nurse that night told us, told us all that her spinal cord had be completely severed. That she was in bad shape. But you know, she didn't know my Jaque. Of course you all know by know that Dr McCarthy discovered that her cord was just in hiding, and not cut or severed.

Had they done the surgery immediately, sure, she might have walked out of the hospital. The longer compressed, the more swelling. But, had they done the surgery, she would have died on the table. How bitter sweet.
God saved Jaque on the first day, and on the third day...a Sunday, we (family and friends) saved her again!

So many people in life spend time dwelling in the house of should have, could have, might have. That house has no doors. No windows, no ray of sunshine.

As for me and my house, we shall serve our Lord. And in doing so, our house has many doors. Some we choose, some seem to head us the opposite of where we want to go, but we -- my friends -- have the choice to turn around at any point, and head through a different opening. Praise the Lord for it.

Jaque and Payton have spent most of the week looking for deer. lol, yep, out scouting for deer. Enjoying God's country, SE Oklahoma. School work is tough, and she is so ready to get hit by the brick that will tell her what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

But I tell her often, you have a long wonderful life to live. Keep God first, momma second (lol) and all will go according to HIS will.

In talking about the recent stem cell info, Jaque said I would sure take a shot of it right now. I laughed and we continplated what the costs would be. Then I told her that we were warned to make sure we got involved at the right time.

She asked how would we know. I told her that her entire life I have always known when timing was right. It is a still in my heart that only the Lord can give. He will tell us, he will lead the way. Our part is to ready the body, mind, and soul. And he will tell us when it is her time.

A friend saw Jaque that had not seen her in a long time. She was amazed at how well she was doing and healing. I told my friend that I appreciated the compliment. That you know how your kids are around you, but not sure how they are away from you.

Jaque is no special kid. She is not any better than anyone elses children. I like to say that she is imperfectly perfect.
What she is could be summed up in one simple word. Miracle. She is strong, willful, couraegous, stubborn, and just plain inspirationaly.

Once My Jaque realizes the power that God has given her for in her personality, she will conquer many great things. She loves unconditionally, and is forgiving. If we should all be that way..........

Kids are such a roller coaster. Some are wooden and sway as they are going. Some are strong and steel and are super fast. Some are small and simple. But all should have the priveledge of enjoying the ride. Along the way, they should have us their, keeping them on track. Giving them the cleaning and tune up's when needed.

And at the end, whether they are sick or jumping with joy, We, as parents, have a duty to be there and offer a hand.

God bless you, have a safe and candy-filled Halloween.

Up, Up, and Away

Yep, she did it! She loaded up her laptop, dog, and clothes...and headed to the ATL. My little Ms Independent. She made arrangements with our wonderful friends the Lancasters to pick her up (THEY ARE GREAT FRIENDS!) and embarked on yet another journey in her life. She may have boundaries, but the kid truly believes the scripture that God did not give her the spirit of FEAR.

As we talked the night before she flew out, I was quizzing her about being nervous. She said the only thing that made her nervous was she did not want to be totally bored while she was there. Can you believe that kid? We were talking about one of her friends that has been in trouble. I shared that my friend Suzanne had told me that maybe God has put Jaque with people to let her light shine on them. Then she started singing the song, This little light of mine. We laughed because Grandma Donna sung it to her often while she was growing up.

When we got to DFW, and finally got to security, you would have thought that she had carried a gun in. She was patted down, again, again.....in fact, it actually was making those standing behind us angry for the amount of patting that they were doing. I saw several grandma's and papa's that were definitely becoming a security risk. My blood pressure was quickly rising...but not Jaque. She was calm, cool, and said, "I know I sure don't need to lose my temper in the airport." She really never ceases to amaze me.

So, there she and Eddie went...rolling down to her plane. She was in good hands. I think that it was good he went with her. Her mind had to be on him, his safety, and his well being. She had to make sure that he was #1 and taken care of, therefore she did not really worry at all about herself.

It is a great feeling in the moments that your child "gets" what life is about. I am finding out with teenagers that can be in weeks, months at a time. And then it can only last a few hours at a time. Life is funny that way.....the things you are most sure and confident of can slip at a moments notice.

I know that in these moments, especially with teenagers, that it is the devil doing his work. That he preys on those of us that have a special relationship with our children. He seeks them out in an attempt to separate them, and bring them over to his side of the street.

It is hard to watch our kids struggle. It was so hard watching Jaque get on that plane. So many things I could see happening or obstacles that she would face in a short 1 1/2 hour flight. But there she went, head held high....rolling as fast as she could. She was as prepared as I could get her.....then I had to let her go. She had to go at it alone. Sure she had a net waiting at the other end, but alone she was.

I know that it would have been the same emotional roller coaster for all of you, your kid walking in or rolling in. The feeling of your kid gaining independence is the same. Same fears, disappointments, and in the end, the same sense of accomplishment when the light bulb goes off, no matter what the task.

We have been watching reruns of Friday Night Lights. Where the stud QB gets injured on a hit and struggles with being in a wheelchair. It has new meaning the second time around for me. And it is crazy that there has not been one place Jason Street has went into that has not been accessible! But it does make you realize that kids go through a lot at school, college or HS. They are just trying to fit in and find their way. If they are good kids, it is that much harder. You know the old saying, if you lay down with dogs you wake up with fleas....enough said about that.

To one of my dear friends, just remember, kids will be kids, and they will lash out at the ones that love them unconditionally. They will attack us, because they know we expect so much out of them.

I did want to make mention that I read an article in the US today news that they did the first implant of stem cells in a human patient at the Shepherd Center yesterday!! They are in Phase I clinical trials, and making sure it is safe on humans. PRAISE THIS MIGHTY WORK. I know many of my friends may have different views on this situation. political and religious.

Let me challenge you this -- come spend one day with my family -- or better yet, go volunteer with a spinal cord injury patient at a rehab or veterans center. Just one day of your life, ONE DAY. And then tell me your view. Stem cell research is going to work. God HAS guided the hands of these researchers and doctors. He has paved the way for them to learn. AND it will make people walk again. When, where, and how...those questions are answered by our higher power. But HIS WILL is going to BE DONE. And by the way, spinal cord injuries are the tip of the ice berg for Stem Cells.

While you are out and about today, drag your feet. Literally, drag your feet where ever you go. See the obstacles that people that are in wheelchairs face in their every day, normal activities. Then, choose to make a difference.

Thank you God for the life that you have given me. Thank you Lord for each day that I have on this earth. Through my obstacles, you have me stronger and more prepared to take on whatever the devil might throw at me. Give me strength, hope, and love. Give me the ability to touch others through the life of my WONDERFULLY GORGEOUS daughter. Thank you for the beauty in life I see through her eyes.

We have but one life to live. One brief moment on this earth. May my moment be worth something. May my child never wonder that I love her and that I am proud of her. For the bad that might happen, and the good that continues to shine, let her know that she is loved.