...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."