...Just one Step

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time of year for families. Ours is no exception. It is the one time of the year that she is fed very well by both grandmas. Lets face it, all that we moms and dads learn about cooking is usually picked up from our mothers. So, it goes without saying that we all gained a little weight over this week. lol A funny thing happened over this Thanksgiving break. We were on our way out the door, and I was thinking that Jaque wouldnt get much therapy done since all of her "stuff" would be at the house. SO out the door we are going, with truck loaded...and Eddie patiently waiting....and I said "Jaque, do you want to take your braces?" She said, ya...sure. We have been working with them off and on, but mostly we work with the bike and standing frame. So, off we go to western oklahoma with braces in tow. Now about three years ago, all of Jaque's doctors told us that she would not grow anymore. Then, last summer, she was fitted for a new wheelchair because she went from 5'5ish to around 5'7.5 ish. We have noticed that she is growing taller from her time in her standing frame. So imagine that we are all standing in my mothers kitchen. My mother, Donielle, Deanna, Jaque, and myself. So, late one night she decides to put her braces on to show everyone how tall she has gotten. I will remind everyone that with an SCI (spinal cord injury) each milestone, big or small, is just that....it is doing something beyond what is expected. So she gets in her braces, and much to my and her surprise...she is a full nose taller than me. Taking into account the height of the shoes on her braces, this means that Jaque is now around 5'10" now. Yes, go ahead and take a minute to praise God. So...she has proved all the specialist wrong in the fact that she is STILL growing. This concludes to me that they have really no clue what is going on in that amazing body of hers. And this concludes also that she now knows why none of her clothes are fitting. Yes, she is gaining weight, but her waist is no longer located in the same spot, and her legs just keep getting longer!!!! Guess I will get the hand me downs now. She cannot even wear my wind pants because they are too short. SO back in the kitchen where she and i are sizing her up to everyone and she is now proclaiming the title of tallest person in the family. (a title that I have held for about 23 years). The she proceeds to move in her braces. We have left the old lady walker at home, so i stand in front of her so it kind of looks like we are dancing. Each step I take back, she is chasing me down. She is not just taking baby steps, but one step to my two steps. In fact, I only have to assist the braces moving on a few occasions when she is tangled up. Prasie God. No doctor has ever said that she will not walk again. No doctor has even said that she cannot and will not regain her legs. Dr McCarty only said that due to the fact that her lungs held off her spine surgery, it would be a long hard road. That she must work hard and stay on the therapy. So, to clarify, she is not technically walking as you or I would. But each milestone, like the long forceful steps in her braces is proving that she is regaining muscle movement and control in her lower back. And the ab work she has been looking for...well.....we have found it. We say the six pack and it was reminding her that it was there and ready to work for her! It is hard to be on the outside and looking in to a situation like ours. Unless you have been through it with someone, you understand, but it is hard for the full appreciation. Praise the Lord for his mighty contiuned work within this gifted and blessed child of mine. SO, as 2011 draws near, I want to update you all on the happenings through her eyes.... Jaque has finally broken free from the bonds of a man that was not sent by God for her, and she is single, indenpendent, and STRONGER for it. She has written papers and given speeches in class on ADA, service animals, accessiblity of places, and shared her story....changing lives throughout her educational journey. She has struggled through getting settled in college and learning to study. Setting goals to someday soon live at a campus on her own....and get herself ready for a career, hopefully in something she loves. She has contiuned her therapy when she has time, and wakeboarded until she was complete exhausted (love you ANN). She has learned the value of honesty with her parents, and learned what true friends really are. Some old friends have been found again and new ones are showing up as well. She started giving pitching lessons again, and her students are phenomenal. SHe has learned that her mind and heart offer more learning in the game of softball that just simply her legs. She has made friends with these students and their parents. She met so new guy friends that have shown her what TRUE guys can be like. They are young and dumb, like her lol, but they have raised the bar for her, and she is learning what she wants in ther perfect mate. And i must mention that she discovered a man by the name of Tim Tebow. He is a man that shows youth that it is ok to give God the glory. That being christian doesnt have to be just for church. And that through a sport, you can touch many lives. Through reading his book, and seeing his awesome power to give God praise, she has learned that the perfect guy can still be out there waiting for her. If you read his book, you will snicker at how much his and Jaques competitive nature resembles eachother. The list goes on, but hopefully through this, you now feel you are living this life with us, because through prayer and petition, you guys really are. So, as 2012 creeps closer, I have thought about what I wanted for her life. 1st and foremost, may she start Jan 1 2012 knowing that anything is possible if you dream big enough. That she realizes sacrifices that are made are sometimes worth it. And from that first day of the new year, may she realize all her dreams can come true by keeping the faith. I also hope that the opportunity will present itself for her to share her story to others on a bigger stage. She is an amazing young imperfect child of God. She makes mistakes, and is learning along the way. Jesus held her hand, he comforted her, and now, as I see one set of footprints, he is carrying her while she heals. Jaque Hall...I want you to know that God is readying a wonderful young man for you. He is building his character and making sure that he can keep up with your fast paced 4wheel drive lifestyle. And when you are ready, and he is ready, you will find eachother and grow old together. And yes dear, it just might be Tim Tebow,I have faith it will be someone of high standards. I would never underestimate the power that somehow glows within your smile and "through your eyes."

Remember Me

Yes, it's been a while. Thanks to all that read, and pray for Jaque and our family. Today is an american day of remembrance. As I have watch videos, Facebook posts, and the history channel today.....my heart smiles. Only in america can those so hurt by this event come together and celebrate this awesome and yet devastating day in our history. Through their courage and pain, we live their grief, we stroll in their footprints. We are a country, a nation Under God. I am humbled by one of Jaque's good friends that is in Afganistan tonight. He is the age of my sweet girl. he is fighting for her, for my family, and for all reading this. He is even fighting for those that do not respect him. Why? I missed my chance to ask him they day I was honored to meet him. But, no doubt he felt the call to serve.... I am sure his reasons are many, and for him, I am thankful tonight. As with our troops, and those affected directly by 9/11, we all are poised for the same goal in our lives. We want to be remembered. We want for someone to know who we were, what we believed in, and ho loved us while we were here. This last week, Jaque was in speech class. She had to give her first speech. As true to Jaque form, after giving her info, her teacher had a light bulb come on. She said that she remembered Jaque, her accident, and that her church had prayed for Jaque. After all this time, she is still meeting people that she affected, that in some way, she touched their life. She shared with me that someone asked her what her future goals were. ..... She wanted to make her mom and dad proud, and she wanted to fulfill what God had planned for her. Those were not her exacts words, but you guys get the gist of the conversation. I hope she knows that from January 19, 1991... I have been proud. Every day. Good days, and days that were challenging, I am Proud of her. I simply cannot understand a parent who says "I wash my hands of him or her". I cannot understand a chi,d not feeling loved every moment of every day. Now I may understand "mom, your smothering me". Lol. For those that are my friends on Facebook, you know I am always proclaiming that my child is my hero. Not just to me.... But she is to many. She is learning the awesome responsibility that comes with younger kids looking up to you. She knows that God sees and knows all. And that kids go by what they see and hear. With this comes living up to high standards. I am proud that she is learning this at 20..... She is really amazing me with her personal and spiritual growth. Her schooling is going well. Keeping her very busy. She is still single, but finally meeting some good Christian boys, and good hearted boys. She says she is far from ready for a boyfriend, deep wounds heal slow. But I know when God has THE ONE ready for her, she will not be able to out run him, even in her power chair! God's working on her.... And her soul mate is also learning how to be a real man, how to provide for his future family, and learning what true love is in Gods eyes. Does she know him? Who knows. He may be as far as Denver, or he could live 30 minters from our house. The excitement is in that he is here.... That God has someone just for her. and I guess Eddie will let her know if he is the right man. I have a couple that I think God is preparing, time will tell. So how do you know that you are on the right path? "when nothing goes right, go left". That's what her phone says....and such is true for all. When you keep asking God to save you from the flood, don't miss the lifejacket, rowboat, and coast guard. God is always there with the answer. God is always there with the way. We just have to pay attention. And for me the best way to do that is prayer. He hears our prayers, but we must be faithful. There is nothing to hard for God. Nothing he can't reach, and nothing he cannot heal. Please pray tonight for Jaque, and for Katie Hamilton. God is not finished with either one of those girls yet. They are living testimonies to the power of prayer and the Miracles god performs in our lives. Jesus came to earth for us. God sacrificed his son for our sins. Now we must be willing to sacrifice our children for him. Place them in his hands. Do not try to control them, allow him to take the lead and work in their lives. For if we lead, we will step on toes. God, I surrender my child to you. Please protect her, guide her, let her know she is loved, and fill her heart with grace and the peace of knowing she is never alone in this world, you are always with her. Have a great week everyone, and pray for our troops.

Half full or Half Empty?

Talk about a suntan! Yes, Jaque is sporting her usual tanned and tone body. Didn't take long either. Broken Bow lake has always been some type of mysterious therapy for Jaque. Seems like when she is on the lake, she is just a little closer to our maker. We have enjoyed this summer, cooking out, swimming, and just hanging with friends. Some friends are new to our lives, others, like little Ms Kelsie have been around forever.

I cannot help but share a recent conversation that I had with an older man who was a grandpa of one of Jaque's teammates for the Haworth Lions. Be prepared, because in true Carol style, I have decided to be blunt.

It started out as him just asking how Jaque was doing. Of course, I filled him in on school, lake, friends, etc. Then he started talking about his granddaughter. I was tickled to hear that she was doing well. She is a sweet kid with a lot going for her in life.

But as the conversation kept going......God hit me with a brick. It was right then and there I realized that their are two types of people in this world. 1-over achievers 2-over comers. disclaimer*I am not talking of the granddaughter, merly making a statement on what people see is important.

An over achiever is one who sets the bar high in life. Satisfied with the trophies on the wall, the next big challenge, and glory when it is achieved. They miss the small milestones because they can only focus on the big wins. They see any setbacks as loses. They see defeat as weakness. They focus on the "what if's" of those around them. If someone has a potential and does not fulfil it (for any circumstance) it is a failure on their part. It does not matter the life circumstances, if they are not a winner, they are losing.

And over comer is, in my weird way of thinking, one who faces each challenge and is proud of the outcome no matter what it is. They know as long as they try their hardest, they are winners. An over comer keeps God always in the game plan and understands that in life, not everyone is given a path that is golden. They see that each of us is just a prayer away from becoming the person that God wants us to be. They also understand to appreciate each trophy as a day that they were meant to win, and know that some days just are not meant to be.

An over comer is proud of their accomplishments in life, but they know that "what if" is a question left to those that dwell in the thoughts of the devil. Those that are asking "What will I do next" shows strength and courage to move in the right direction.

If you cannot tell, this man did strike a nerve.

Jaque has been giving pitching lessons and loving it. I have heard more from the mothers of the girls about how much Jaque has positively affected the lives of these young girls and even the friendship she is making with the moms.

This man talked as if her not walking affected her ability to teach, to witness, to understand.

Yes, I know you are all shaking your head. But know that the 10 minute drive home was used in talking with God about how this grandfather, a man of God, is missing the point. How I prayed for him to know and understand what Jaque has taught me.

If we can do nothing more in life than inspire someone to be more that they are, to see that we have faith, and to know that through our trials, God is getting us ready for what lies beyond this earth.......if we can do that, I think we are working in the right direction.

I always say that the devil attacks us when God is getting ready for a great blessing. The devil tried to attack me that day, but he forgot I was on Team Jaque. That afternoon, I had a wonderful time cooking with Jaque. Then, she had friends over, and we had family as well. She was surrounded with love, smiling and laughing. Chasing Jordan and Carson with water balloons, hide-and-go-seek, and playing bumper cars with her buddies in powerchairs. I wished at that moment the grandfather could see her. He could have a humbling sense of when the world throws you a curve you can watch it go by or take it for a long road out of the park.

Pray for this man, and peace in his life. Remember that those you might come in contact with today may not have strong faith. The words you say to them might cut deeper than you think. And it is easy to pour salt on a wound than it is to help someone bandage it up. Be on the side of the healer, not on the destroyer.

Yesterday my family lost a strong woman. My great Aunt Olean. She was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Please keep our family in your prayers. She was ready. Angels had appeared to her, and she spoke of what she would say when she saw Jesus. She was ready....are you?

With Love for all of our friends and family that keep up with my rambling.

June Bug's are out

OK, so Eddie is a pretty well mannered dog. He listens well and is always there when you need him. But.....we have found an exception. He hates June Bugs. Yep, good old Oklahoma June bugs. In fact, he cannot even go to sleep with a June bug in the room. It is quite funny.

As do most things Eddie and Jaque, this really made me think. What things are around us everyday that make us stress? Do most of these things ever really result in actual harm to us? We need to leave those bugs to the Lord and enjoy life. Bringing people closer to God, or letting him be see through us should be higher on our listing. Yes, preaching to myself too!

The Shepherd Center announced that the first stem cell phase I trial is working!! Yes, our Lord is ALIVE!

This last month has been super busy. We had to opportunity to spend time with most of our family back home. And we survived the second annual "Ride for Eugene" at Little Sahara State Park. Deanna got to go with us this year. It was exciting, thrilling, sandy, and the weather was perfect. The mornings were filled with the good ol cafe breakfast, followed my Maria and Sarah cooking dinner for us.MMMMMM We really had an awesome time. Felt like our friend was with us, as it often does when Darrell and Jaque are up to no good. LOL

We also have been going to the lake. Jaque's favorite thing to do in LIFE. She and Kelsie braved the freezing cold water at BBow lake and rode the wakeboards. They had had some friends going with us, so its been a lot of fun. Yesterday, we actually had some boys cook us steaks. Not very often that happens. Of course, then Andrew had to show then how to jump the wake. Love YOUTH showing us how it is done.

I was having to pull Jaque and Kelsie. They were wanting to ride at the same time. I - as many of you know - am not the first pick for boat driver. So I laughed and told them to say a prayer. Then, since I had never pulled Jaque before, I told Kelsie I was going to concentrate on her getting up first. Kelsie laughed and said "Just watch her and I will make it up."

Have you ever had a friend in life lay it out for you? Ever had one that above all else is there for you, without reservation or complaining? Ever had one that cared beyond thyself. That is Jaque and Kelsie. They are those kind of twins that were detached at birth. My favorite verse growing up was "greater love hath no man than he who lay his life down for his friend." This is evident between these girls.

This summer, Jaque is not taking classes, but is helping out on pitching with a few girls. I know she and Kelsie look like naturals when they are working together.

I heard a song that said I don't know why bad things happen to good people. Although this accident was a bad thing that happened, I grow more proud of my child every day. She is growing into a beautiful young woman. She makes me want to be a better person. When I am in the world whining and complaining, I look to her and she shows me a different view. Hers is lined with sunsets and the big panoramic picture, where my view was through a tunnel.

I know that I am part of that reason, as is her dad. I am thankful. But I have seen the Lord touching her life in 2011 and feel a tug at my heart. He is telling me to prepare for her blessings. When I watch her work with Whit, my eyes tear up. Not at the fact that she is not standing or running with her.....but bigger. They tear at the look in Whit's eyes as she hangs on her every word. They tear as a mother tells me how her child thinks so much of mine. And, as the mother becomes a friend of Jaque's, it humbles me.

Thank you Lord for the bundle of every day blessings that I call "My Life." Thank you Lord for my wonderful parents Danny and Ladonna Aycox who celebrate their 45th anniversary this week. And thank you for Chris, with out him, we would not have Jaque.

I read this recently on a wall "First we had each other, Then we had you, Now we have EVERYTHING." Yes Lord, this is my family, and this is praising you in our lives.

Curveball easy?

"Life throws you a curve but also makes it right across the edge of the plate so you can send it for a ride and have no worries about if your gonna make it to first base or not... Thank you god for those ridiculous curves without them I would be swinging at the same ole slow fastball" per Jaque's facebook post today.

Funny, how her brain works. Some girls fear the fastball, and never really sees a ball curve as it comes at them. But my girl, well....let me tell you a few secrets about her.

The first day Jaque went to pitching lessons, we were in Fastpitch World in Russellville AR. She had to be about 11 or so, not really sure. But the coach told her to throw what pitches that she had learned with her dad, and Monica, a local friend that had a really good background in pitching. There she went, throwing as hard as she could...accuracy was coming around good. He then showed her a bunch of grips with the ball. Fastball and changeup, curve, screwball, a second change up, drop ball, rise ball....well, you get the point.

When he was finished he asked her what she would like to work on. He suggested the rise or drop. Jaque asked him which was the hardest to learn, he said curve. She said "I think I will start with that one." Yep, that is her. Full steam ahead. By the end of the lesson, she had it down, and off we went to work on it at home. In the next few lessons we had at Fastpitch World, she even threw a drop curve that managed to change speeds. Her coach was highly impressed, and like us, told her that nothing was impossible for her.

It is great remembering those times, but even greater knowing what that time in her life taught her. To try your best, to expect nothing less, and remember the game face is for the game....leave it all on the field. Where a smile everywhere else.

The last high school game she played, was regionals with the Lady Lions. We lost in a terrible fashion, on errors. When it was over, she walked over to us...her family that followed our fearless leader. She was smiling, and said "I do not understand why they are all crying." They were her teammates. She said "mom, I know I gave my all, I know I tried my best, today just was not our day." Then, in true Jaque fashion, she said "Where we gonna eat?"

I say all of this because it is part of who she is, a hero to me. She is my daily smile and reminder to live each day. She has "gotten it"

Chris and I recently were blessed with being fortunate enough to visit our friends Tracey, Eric, and sister Hannah Lacy. Their son, Buck, is in Tulsa ICU as I type this. Buck is a fighter, and he too is defying what the world says are expectations, and he is showing that God is the true healer. Buck recently had brain surgery. They will soon be getting him off the vent and slowing trying to wake him from the coma that he has been medically placed in since his surgery. I tell you this so you can pray specifically for Buck. For pain free and smooth transition.

After our visit with the Lacy's, I was reminded by all those feelings of Jaque's accident. I told Chris that you did not have to be best friends with someone to be the closest to each other in prayer after something unexpected happens to them. Our community and their family have been through lot, but as we Christians know, we are being prepared for heaven, and our trials make us stronger and closer to God. Pray for Buck tonight, thank you.

Well, just as an update, vacation was wonderful. The Shepherd Center brought old friends, and the opportunity for Jaque to touch a recently injured young mans life. He was thinking of what he would do when he got back home to his farm. She told him all the activities that she did, and when she left him.....he was indeed smiling.

Ann at UCANSKI2 was AWESOME. No other way to put it. She is such an inspiration and what she has done in her lifetime, well....she touches so so so many lives. Ann - God Bless You and your mighty works.

Disney too was as expected. Wonderful rides, even better shows, and our tour guide (dad Chris) picked excellent food. We even got to visit cousin Karen (who couldn't find her car so we helped) and with Jason Mills, Jaque's neighbor for our 3 months in ATL. On the way home we stopped off at Destin. All I can say about that was we will definitely be back!

Long trip, but was indeed what God wanted our family doing over spring break. I could feel his presence with us. He was revealing to me that Jaque would see through Ann what an inspiration she is through the lives of others.

I always say my imperfect perfect teenager. Faults, yes, she has them. We all do, all but our Father in Heaven. But through Jaque, and Buck, people will come to God. They will stop wandering the path that leads to no where, and they will get on the one that is labeled God's WILL for their lives.

Each day is a gift in this life. We go through them some days with a frown, down and worrying about simple things, all of which are out of our control. But when you learn to let God control it, when you learn to turn it all over to him, Life turns out to be an amazing journey of miracles all around us.

Sometimes God speaks in a shower with water beating on the back of your stressed neck, sometimes he comes in a hospital room with the curtains shut and the lights off, but I promise if you will just ask him in your heart, it will warm. You will know his quiet still voice, you will know peace.

Thank you for listening to my constant rambles on this blog. Our journey is not one to be locked in journal for only us to see, it is written and happening to share with you all, our family and friends. If our journey can help save just one soul from the wrath of Hell, then it will have been worth it. We are preparing for the hear after, share this with someone who needs a little pick me up. For when we get to Heaven, we want to share it with those around us!

God's Plan

March.......tornadoes, rain, sweaters, shorts, gardening, golf, 4 wheelers, don't you just love living in Oklahoma? You get the best, and sometimes worst, of the 4 seasons. Jaque is taking Oklahoma history so we have been learning a lot about our great state.

Soon, we will be packing up the ol' ford and leaving OK. ROAD TRIP. We are headed to Atlanta and the to Orlando.

First and foremost on the list is visiting friends that we made while at the Shepherd Center. We are hoping to see new and innovative therapies while we are there. It is so exciting for me to know that they will see that their work is SOOOOO rewarding. We left with a fragile little girl. She was pale, tired, and working hard to recover. We return with a young woman. She is radiant, outgoing, beautiful, and glowing with all life has to offer. Part of that, I will take credit for. Chris and I work hard to always let her know that the sky is the limit. And if you are going to do it, do it the best that you can.

But a major part of the credit goes to Angel, Jana, Jenny, Mary Jane, Jackie, Koneka, Kiki (our American idol), Cheryl, and a host of friends that we made in our 3+ months journey at the place God touches daily....the Shepherd Center in Atlanta GA.

They will see that she is fearless. She is just like every other teenager, just mike take her a few more minutes to get where she is going.....that is if a forklift (aka dad, tater, fufu, etc) are not around. This fearlessness in Jaque can directly be traced back to Papa's Danny, Phillip, and Larry. They never treated her with kid gloves, rather just sit back and watched her in awe. Grandma's Donna and Kay......they have been there through it all - and have showed her what true unconditional love is. Aunt's Em, Belinda, Prissy, Larissa, Kari,and Lindi listen when she is hurting, keep secrets when it is a little to "crazy" for mom, and always are literally a phone call or text away. And the backbone of this crazy family, the uncle's CJ Lane Randy Toby Aaron Tyler and Cecil, with honorary members like Bo, Shawn, Eugene, Mike, Presley, and heath.....took the kicks in the shin when she was little, and now take the wheels over the toes. Yep, they are what makes this little girl the toughest around.

I hate naming names, I always forget someone...forgive me!! I am getting old. It is impossible to list everyone, but women like Courtney, Suzanne, Melissa, Cissy, and Lori have made her set her sights high for a boyfriend or husband.

My girl.........she is gonna be alright......she is "little miss do your thang."

Anyway.....we will be going to orlando for Disney, but most importantly...WAKE BOARDING. Yep, she is getting fitted and will get lessons on wake boarding. We are so excited!!!! What a blessing. I have NO Doubt that God is guiding this trip. It is long over due. He is making our path, and Chris and I are fortunate to be along for the ride. And we cannot forget that Eddie is excited also.

Jaque continues to push what the world sets as her limits. I thought my job was to make her into the person I thought she should be, but it seems as though she is the old making me into a better person.

We will be posting pictures on facebook of our trip. Thanks so much to Toby for keeping the house safe while we are gone. I love Larissa and Toby. They do so much for us daily.

Oh, and school is going well for her....but she says "its still school" lol

May God be with you and as we approach the summer months ask yourself this question-- What am I missing out on in life? Stretch your limits, and LIVE!! Make those that have gone before us proud to look down from Heaven and see all that we have accomplished.

See you all soon. Please pray for our safe travels.

I Get a Little Bit Stronger

Wow, can you believe that it is already January 15? Where does the time go? Well, we are two plus weeks into the New Year, so how are your resolutions going?

As I type tonight, my thoughts wander to a young lady that I know. After car accident,hurting, and needing prayer. In the fight of her life. Our previous pastor's daughter is in dire need of our prayer. Karissa, know that all who read are praying for you and your family.

Makes me think about life in general. What struggles that we face, and how individually we can either make them into blessings, or turn them in to struggles for us and all around us.

Each of us in this two short weeks of 2011 have been attacked. Some are small attacks, a dead car battery, flat tire, trouble in the return line at Walmart. Some are bigger, lost job, car accident, medical bills, family problems, marital problems, teenagers going wild at college (lol). But seriously, I got to thinking.

What kind of problem could I face that would make me truly feel that I had hit my bottom. Not just for a moment, but.......make me miserable and make me make those around me miserable??

The only answer that I could come up with is if I did not know Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I mean, come on man, what else could come against you? I am not speaking of anyone in my life other than myself.

We were going through Gander Mountain last night and we saw the section dedicated to helping the Breast Cancer Cause. Jaque turned and said to me, "man mom, our family is so lucky. I mean, we are so fortunate. I cannot imagine anything every bad happening to any of us." I had a smile as big as you can dream of, and then said "yea, we are pretty lucky. You have only broken one little bone." (duh, your back silly) She laughed and said, "and cracked a few ribs."

How amazing. She really has no limits on her life. She understands that nothing is impossible with God.

Jaque and her long time boyfriend parted ways this week. She was hurt, and really just in shock about the deal. She is, in true Jaque form, hanging tough. One of her girlfriends came over and was having boy trouble. After a week, she and her man had cut ties. She was very upset and Jaque said to not let anyone make her feel like dirt. That she deserved better. Her friend said, well I am just not as strong as you Jaq.

What a compliment. I am not stupid. I know it must still really hurt, and I know that Jaque will end up with who God has intended. But faith and hope must be kept!

My New Years resolution is to make sure that my family and friends know how much they mean to me. To make sure that they are #2 only behind God. I am not sure how I am doing, but I know that I will try to accomplish this everyday for the rest of my life.

See, when all is against you, God is the first one there. But he must rush in quickly or your friends and family might beat him there. Not really, but my point is our legacy is those around us.....not a job, a school, a sport, a bank account, car, etc.

As Jaque was ready to have surgery, it was Jan 17. Our friends and family gathered. Many came to the hospital that day. Those that could not, prayed for her. And Presley Byington played Amazing Grace on his flute. I remember that we asked the staff. They looked at us kind of weird. Chris told them that there was a chance that she might not make it out of surgery. IF that was God's will, we wanted to ensure that she heard that sweet sound. They said ok, and as he started playing silence moved over the entire floor of ICU rooms in Children's at Little Rock. Mothers, fathers, grandparents..came out of their rooms. Those in the waiting room that were restless paused in a silence like I had never experienced. And Presley played. We wept. We all wept.

As we went with Jaque to the holding pin, they told us that she was completely out. No chance of waking up. I said, I sure would like to talk to her, to just tell her I love her. Chris said, she can hear us. So we prayed with her, held her hand and in they came to get her.

As they were wheeling her away, my grip faded.....and she opened her eyes and looked right at me. She looked as though to say, "mom, I good." "mom, I will see you in a bit." In true Jaque form, she was not afraid. And she was settling me, taking my fear and replacing it with Hope.

Dr McCarthy later confided in Chris and me that at one point in surgery, they thought they would lose her. And then as quickly as she got into trouble, she just improved. He was a God fearing man. He knew that God was with her. He said over and over that although he had never spoken to her, he admired the determination in her eyes and saw the love she had for life through her family and friends. He said he just knew that Jaque was going to surprise everyone and have a great recovery.

This last year at her check up, he said do not be discouraged with slow progress, as slow and steady wins the race. And, he said, Jaque nothing about you is ordinary.

Today, will you be ordinary in the life of those around you? Or will you choose to try and be the extra in someones life. When your light shines, will it be a short burst of light, or will it be an ongoing beacon for all to see.

Do those around you know that you are a Christian? Remember that no matter what the strength of your light, Jesus is the way to recharge and strengthen. And it is true that just a little bit of light and smile will improve the life of those around you.

I wish you all the best in 2011. I will try and get the skiing video from AngelFire, NM. Believe me, it will be worth your time. If you need motivation to conquer a fear, Jaque is your Gal.

God Bless, and pray for Karissa and family.