All 4 Jake

Jake's story

July 21st was a normal day, as were the days of summer before. Everything was in it's place. School days were approaching and the family was enjoying the last days by the pool, ignored bedtimes and high popsicle counts.

Then July 22, 2008 came....

Jake had his first seizure. I did not recognize it as such. It was not until he had several more of these "little jerks" and bloody noses that I thought this could be seizure activity. We were scheduled to see a neurologist on August 4th, after going through our pediatrician, however we didn't make it that far. I was awakened August 1st, by Jake in a full seizure (6 minutes long)...he started to turn blue so I called 911....

Here begins our journey......

...we were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Checked in. Released. 3 more grand mal seizures after being released. Checked back in. Sent home 3 days later. Another grand mal, this one lasting a whopping 11 minutes and taken by ambulance again. Stayed at Childrens Dallas for a week. Upping meds, changing meds and mixing meds.
Diagnosis: Epilepsy
Cause: Unknown
We have now found, through some absolutely amazing family and extended family, whom I will NEVER be able to thank enough, the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cook Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, who are continuing to help us through this. We have had another grand last thursday, and are averaging anywhere from 5-30 seizures (jerks, drops, stares) a day. I was to begin back teaching at Apollo, but am having to put that on hold until the seizures are controlled. Jake is not able to go back to school until he is 30 days seizure free. We are still waiting for that ONE day. Please pray for our family and for little Jake. Although this is not the end of the world, it is a huge hurdle we WILL overcome. Pray for courage for Jake, understanding as parents, good doctors and for the right medicines.

Jake's mom, Christine

Saturday, September 27, 2008

The noble Spirit from the heavens, THE HAWK, the messenger of inspiration, brings signs of power, strength, nobility and incorruptibility

Jake and I were taking our morning walk yesterday through our heavily populated, residential neighborhood. I was praying pretty hard, as the week had been really depressing. Watching Jake tremor, drool, and slur his speech was getting quite difficult to watch.

I had just prayed "Lord, keep showing me the signs and I will continue to follow your path." At this moment......A hawk, with a wingspan no shorter than 3 feet, flew to a low hanging branch about 3 feet from us. The three of us stopped and stared at one another for several seconds, before the hawk flew in front of us, and led us down the sidewalk 15 feet and gracefully flew high back into the clear blue sky.

I believe that hawk was a messenger, an inspiration, and a sign. The message... Everything will be ok. Keep having faith.

"When you come to the edge of all light that you know

and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown

Faith is knowing one of two things will happen

There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."

~Patrick Overton Quotes

God Bless~ Christine

2 comments:

Brandy said...: i got chills and their multiplyin'.....I know you already told me the story, but you do have a knack for this writing stuff C...I tell ya what!; September 27, 2008 at 7:24 PM
andie said...: I can't believe how amazing you are right now. I have always been told and believe that God never gives us anything we can't handle. There is a reason that you and your family were chosen to go through this time in your life and I believe that it was to show and inspire the world around us that we don't have to give in but rather we can grow strong, learn, and love as much as we can. You are an inspiration to us all and we are learning from you by your strength and love. Keep it up girl!! We are all behind you. Love always,
Andie; September 28, 2008 at 11:05 AM