Merry Christmas!
Anne: What do I have behind my back, Daddy?
Eric (thinking really hard): Is it a bouncy ball?
Anne: It’s not just any bouncy ball. It’s a magic bouncy ball. Whenever you bite it, it turns into an elephant!
We all had a wonderful day, except for Canon who had a 101 degree fever. But he’s starting to feel better now.
Well, Almost. . . . . . Kate(4) has enthusaistically asked me every day this week – “is tomorrow Christmas?” Little Anne, catching wind of these discussions has started asking me – “is today Christmas?” i suppose the theory being, if i keep asking maybe mom and dad will eventually give in and say that today IS Christmas :-)
Little Anne had a really good day yesterday. . . she just seemed a little more lucid and ‘with it’. After a strenuous OT session, she asked Kathryn on the drive home – “i’m tired, i worked so hard today, can we go to Wendy’s?” Her conversation just seemed a bit more normal and the tone in her voice seemed more herself. She seemed to switch topics less frequently and kept on-track.
Over breakfast, as Canon(8) and i were discussing our new family dynamics and how God still has a good plan for Anne and for us amidst the difficulty, Canon reminded me: “Daddy, its like the story of Joseph!” How so, i asked. Canon suggested that just like Joseph’s trip down the dark well of hopelessness, God made it all for blessing and for good – and for His purposes!
Kathryn and i have been a bit more anxious (and even sad) these past 2 weeks as we consider little Anne’s challenges and how she loved Christmas last year. Canon’s Jospeh account that God is writing a story that will glorify Him through the weakness of a child (Anne) is amazing wisdom. What a great thing for me to remember as we focus not on ourselves, but on the Christ-child. . . . . through the weakness of a baby, God chose to save us!
-eric
12-5-2010
Today was a big day for our family. Canon was baptized, and (along with several other children in our church) made a public confession of faith and was accepted into church membership.
It was the first time Anne has been to a worship service in a while. Since she’s become more emotive and vocal, we’ve only taken Anne to Sunday school. So, this morning, as I was wheeling Anne into worship, she exclaimed, “I’m so excited to be in church, mama!”
As everyone was singing, Anne looked down at the bulletin and pointed to one word in the middle of the page. “Mama, help me read that ‘G’ word. What does it say?” I replied, “G. O. D. God.”. So Anne repeated while everyone was singing, “G. O. D. God. G. O. D. God……” Out of all the words in the bulletin, little Anne points to God. You gotta love that!
When Pastor Pete got up to introduce all the children who were becoming members, Anne called out, “Hey Pastor Pete!” And after Pete introduced all the children, he asked, “Did I forget anybody?”. Little Anne yelled out from the middle of the congregation, “ME!!”. Everyone laughed, and sweet Anne did something new – she felt embarrassed.
Lots of new and wonderful things from Anne today. It was a good Sunday for the Jacksons :-)
-kathryn
I can’t believe how this week has flown by. It’s been another busy week full of appointments and therapy. Anne continues to do well – taking each new place and person in stride.
Eric and I have been reminded this week of the ways God is using Anne’s injury for good…
First of all, we see good for Anne. Before, Anne was very shy and reserved. She saved her affections for a select few. She was paralyzed in a way by her concern over what others thought of her. it was our constant prayer that God would remove her self-absorption. Anne’s injury has helped to remove her self protective filters, so she is free to express what she feels. What we are left with is an extremely loving little girl.
Secondly, we see good for Kate. Anne was very controlling of Kate before the accident. Without Anne’s constant directing, Kate has blossomed into more of herself – which is a highly energetic, fun-loving, spirited little girl.
Lastly we see good in how God is shaping our character. He is molding Canon into a more compassionate little boy and rooting out the selfishness in Eric and me. It is painful, but good!
I’ll end with a brief bit of news. After a marathon meeting with the school system- at which we outlined all of her goals and requirements, Anne is set to start school in January! Everyone from the school system has been wonderful and has really strived to provide the very best services for Anne. I could not be more pleased :-)
Thank you for your continued prayers. We are grateful beyond words for the constant encouragement we receive from your comments and prayers for our family. Humbly, kathryn
Our church is blessed with lots of gifted people – one of which is Bobbi Jo Brooks – who graciously photographed our family a few weeks ago.
She’s posted a few pics on her blog. She was able to catch a few great shots of Anne!
courtesy of Bobbi Jo Brooks Photography
You can see the pics here!
Has it really only been a week since we got Anne’s gait trainer? Seriously, only a week? Last Thursday seems like a lifetime ago – Anne has changed so much…
Anne's Rifton Pacer
She’s walking SO much better now. She loves to walk to the piano, and then I turn her around and she walks back to the sofa. The other night, she wanted to quit, but we encouraged her to walk as fast as she could to the sofa. When she finished, Eric hugged her and said how proud of her he was. Then Anne said, “I’m proud of me too.” YES! She put forth EFFORT! AND had the self awareness to feel proud of herself! We’ve been praying for that :-)
Another thing… Anne was able to sit in my lap – without moving – just relaxing for almost five minutes. That might not sound like a big deal – but to me, it’s HUGE. There is something about Anne’s injury that prevents her from sitting still. While she was in the hospital, she could not relax in my lap – she would constantly want to sit up. And she’s done the same thing at home – not being able to just sit in my lap – but always wanting to change positions. This week, that’s changed! I’ve so enjoyed Anne’s short bouts of stillness! You don’t think about the gift of a relaxed child in your lap, until – well – your child can’t relax – but Anne is improving :-)
Anne’s also doing really well with her new speech therapist. Therapists are people – with different personalities and gifts, and some have meshed well with Anne, and others – well, not so much. This therapist is able to pull the best out of Anne. We’re very thankful for her!
I’ve learned alot about sensory processing issues from this SLP (speech language pathologist). Anne struggled with sensory processing before the accident, and it’s only magnified in her now. I’m excited for Anne to start working with an OT in the area that has extensive experience with Sensory Processing Disorder. I’ll probably write more about that later…
But for now, it’s obvious that God is working mightily in Anne! She is emerging more and more. Getting angry, showing excitement, demanding her way, kissing Canon, correcting Kate, and saying, “I love you Mama.” :-)
The joy she brings makes up for all the hard work of caring for her. We’re very grateful in the Jackson house these days!
-kathryn
This evening Canon and Kate built a little train in the driveway made of a bicycle and two tricycles. They connected all three with bungie cords. Kate and Canon rode on the first two with the third empty. Canon then stated enthusiastically: “when Anne is well, she can ride with us!” Kate and Canon had so much fun with great laughter as they rode in big wide circles while the funky train weaved back and forth with only moderate control. I so wanted little Anne to be a part of the joy that kids experience in this kind of play. . . . .maybe one day God will bring Canon’s wish to our minds as we see Anne playing with her brother and sister. . . . .
Since Anne has been home all day these past couple of weeks, Anne’s deficits are more apparent. Canon has been more sad and moody. Noticing the change, Kathryn asked Canon why he was feeling down. Canon said: “Anne just seems so different. I can’t play with her like I used to, and when I try to talk to her, she starts talking about something else.” …meaning that Anne has a difficult time staying on topic.
We’re all very sad that Anne is so different. She’s not only different because of her physical and attention deficits, but her personality has shifted as well. Simply put, all the intricate connections in her brain were changed by the injury.
On the flip side, we get to watch God build Anne into what He wants her to be. He cares for her more than we can imagine. He has already called an OT, PT and Speech Therapist to work with Anne while she is home. These women individually felt God calling them to use their skills to help Anne – and stepping out in faith, God is using them to richly bless our family!!
-kathryn and eric
This morning, Canon and I were visited by two of Smyrna’s finest. The two police officers that were first to the scene of our accident dropped by to see how our family was doing. Just the fact that they would take the time to check on us is – well… beyond their call of duty. They were sincerely concerned for us, and especially for Anne.
The officers took time to describe the scene of the accident. Their quick decisions and actions in the face of a night-marish tragedy were one piece in a large puzzle that God used to preserve Anne’s life.
I’ve thought several times how thankful I am that I was unconscious through most of the rescue. When I regained consciousness, the van was surrounded by emergency personnel – loads of them. My kids were obviously in dire need, and helpless myself, I took great comfort in the frenzy around me.
We have been visited by police officers and firemen. EMT workers – both from the ambulance and helicopter have written on this site. Anne’s neurosurgeon has personally written to us about how proud he is of Anne. Nurses and Techs have followed Anne’s progress. God used each of these people to help save Anne’s life. Most of these people thought Anne’s chance of survival was low …very low. Thankfully, God knew different!!
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:6
-kathryn
Anne woke up from her nap yesterday and saw Canon, Kate, and Grandmom, but not mommy – her little lip quivered, she made a sad face, and asked “where’s mommy?” The emotions of a 5 year old are returning! How wonderful!
This morning Kate (just turned 4) loudly announced that she was performing “bending therapy” on Anne. The procedure was apparently to take Anne’s arms and bend them back and forth quickly at her elbow! Anne had a look of both concern and joy while Kate was ensuring that Anne’s therapy continues ’round the clock :-)
After swimming, Kate told me that she would only allow Anne to use her Dora kickboard up until Anne was all better. As I was considering directing Kate on being unselfish, Kate seemed to read my thoughts and explained, “Daddy, Anne doesn’t really like Dora” . . . . so our little Kate was looking out for her sister!
We are seeing this more and more – Canon and Kate really watching out for Anne, being protective of her, wanting to help her get better and always wanting to spend time with her. At night, when we pray, we pray for lots and lots of things, but Kate and Canon’s words are primarily prayers for Anne.
Please pray with us:
-eric
It’s nice to have her at home!
Right now, she’s sleeping while Canon and Kate are playing. Yes, I said playing and not fighting :-) Anne is not the only one improving in this house… Canon and Kate are adjusting to our new normal. See the train track that they built together?
Canon & Kate's train track!
Anne has come a long way – but still has a long way to go. It’s hard to quantify exactly what has improved… I guess her memory seems better. She seems more aware. She’s just generally ‘better.’
8-6-2010
Anne is having more frequent episodes of sadness – which is a good thing, a sign that she is healing and becoming more self aware. She has also starting missing me (mom) while she is away at rehab- another sign that self-awareness is emerging. We continue to covet your prayers for perseverance and God’s sustaining hand for our family. This is a long road of recovery…
A word of praise… Eric’s company has generously extended the amount of insurance coverage for Anne. We are so grateful as this gives Anne another 5 weeks of rehab! God continues to supply our every need – whether physical, emotional or spiritual – He has been our great provider and everpresent help in this time of trouble.
We remain grateful… -kathryn
Crayons In My Water 