All 4 Jake: "Nate's walk"

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, April 3, 2010

"Nate's walk"

During Spring Break the kids and I have taken to going on a walk after dinner. The Texas Spring evenings are absolutely beautiful and it is a wonderful way for all of us to let our dinner settle, as well as shake off any extra energy that may be hindering us from settling down for bed.
The other night they decided to make it a "Nate's walk",or as most would call it a nature walk.

Jake and I have been talking about Easter, The Resurrection and "Punches Pirate," Pontius Pilate.

He is enamored by learning the crucifixion of Christ.

So this particular evening on our "Nate's walk" Jake dressed himself to go "seize Punches Pirate." He was armed with head gear and even a sword.

Every tree he spotted become the cross Jesus was nailed to, every, any sort of sharp object, became the throns that adorned Jesus's head. And every moving object became "Punches Pirate," so Jake would chase down the "Pirate," to "capture and seize the bad guy." (his words not mine)

All this chasing and seizing and blood talk, made me realize maybe I should keep the bible lesson teaching to the pros at church. Apparently all my son got out of my Easter, resurrection bible study, was blood, guts and the enemy!:-) (/j/k he actually learned a lot from our little talks, and I even think he gets the TRUE reason fo rthe day)

Meanwhile, as we chased the villians, Addison collected "things from nature."

Can you tell whose pile is whose?

I love our after dinner walks and very much look forward to them every evening. Each one is certainly a new adventure.

I am so very fortunate to have this time with my children and discuss the things that really matter and make us who we are, like the Death and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Wishing you and yours a very blessed and Happy Easter.

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me."
-- Matthew 28: 6-10 KJV