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

Friday, October 24, 2008

Last night Addison had soccer practice at 6:00 and then the school had their annual hot dog dinner starting at 6:30. At the dinner they kiddos eat hot dogs with their friends and families and then each class does a short little recital. Usually consisting of fun little songs and dances.

Since Addi missed soccer last week when we were out of town, I just made up my mind she would miss the hot dog dinner this year. However, she shed many tears over missing the event. I decided she would go to half of soccer and she could talk to her coach about leaving early.

This is what we did. We arrive at the dinner in enough time to scarf down a dog and a cupcake and settle in for the recital.

I don't know if subconsciously I knew how hard it was going to be, or if it even crossed my mind, but waiting for Addison to perform, was extremely hard.

The youngest classes perform first and then they work up to the older kids.

In years past we watch Jake perform and then wait for Addison to perform.

It was gut wrenching, sitting in the pew, watching Jake's precious classmates perform songs that he should be singing with them.

I guess I didn't realize it would have that big of an effect on me, but it was truly one of the hardest events for me to witness in a long time.

Jake has been "with" his class for the past 3 years. Some kids have come and gone, but the bulk of them have stuck together. I couldn't believe I was watching them do their thing without our Jaker-Doodle.

This is the class, that when I drop Addison off in the mornings and pick her up in the afternoons, run to smuggle him in hugs and kisses, show them what they are doing in class, and scream in delight when they see his face.

These kids, at three, know a part of their family is missing.

We are so blessed to have found this school. The teachers show amazing support for our kids, teach them wonderful things, how to walk in Jesus's footsteps and most of all love them with all their hearts. This is truly evident everyday in the looks of concern and compassion on their faces when I take my angels into this place. It is going to be one of the hardest things at the end of this year as Addison"graduates" to a public kindergarten.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall in their classrooms one day and see how these amazing role models are teaching our kids such amazing things, that are not only academics, but also, God's love, compassion, empathy and support of one another.

We are blessed to have found them and pray for the day Jake can rejoin his other family.

God Bless~ Christine