Our miracle child.

Today we returned to the Pediatric ICU where Jackson stayed, mostly in a coma, for a month after the accident.  Everyone remembered him and many of them were in tears to see him walking and talking.  It was so good to see them and have Jackson personally thank them all for helping him when he needed it most.  We also had a CT scan and a visit with Dr. Thompson who reconstructed Jackson's skull back in July.  He was grinning from ear to ear and was thrilled to see how well Jackson is doing.  There is good bone regrowth and everything looks good with his skull and brain.  

We are grateful every day for our "walking miracle".  I can't think of any other way to explain what has happened to our family other than to call it a miracle.  The Lord hears and answers prayers and He loves us all very much.  I am a witness that miracles still happen every day.

Love,

Heather

Home.

After nearly four months, Jackson and I returned home a few days ago.  It's still hard to believe we made it through the hardest part of one of the biggest challenges we've ever faced.  And now we have our son home with us again.  I don't even know how to convey the depth of our gratitude to the Lord.  The words from Luke 15:24 keep coming to my mind: "For this my son was dead, and is alive again.". We've been given another chance and every day feels like a gift.

We are trying to get back to a normal schedule around here.  Jackson started outpatient therapy today and we also met with the Special Services team at the middle school.  He will return to Savannah this week to follow up with the Pediatric Neurosurgeon who reconstructed his skull and have a CT scan to see how things are healing.  We plan to stop in at the Pediatric ICU and visit the great people who helped take care of Jackson while he was there.  I have to admit I am very much looking forward to seeing their faces when he walks in and starts talking to them!

There are so many people that have served our family in numerous ways over the last few months.  I can't think of many greater blessings than having true friends and we have been blessed with an abundance.  Our love and thanks to you all!

Love,

Heather

Back at the River

"Back to the Island. Packing up was the easiest part since I knew I would be home early Saturday evening and be able to see the boys, my brothers, and the dog. I got a hair cut in Atlanta last month. I had to get another one in Atlanta and they took two hours each and cost $20 each. Today I went to Shorty in Beaufort- five minutes and ten dollars. I enjoyed my graduation party Friday and seeing my other graduates. We ate out and I had a real plate with real silverware. Now I get to be with my Dad, my brothers, my Mom- allll day long. I'd like to thank everyone for helping me get better, for the prayers that were said and are still being said." -Jackson

Optimism -> success

It was so good for Jackson to make a trip home this weekend.  He enjoyed being in the parade with the other scouts, as well as being able to reconnect with many of our friends and family members.  His Great Grandmother was thrilled to see how well he is doing and he got lots of hugs from everyone.  In other words, it was just what Jackson loves best!

Before we left for the weekend, Jackson's g-tube came out.  Since we don't need to use it for feedings anymore, the nurse just bandaged it up.  He was so happy to have it out and it seems to be healing well. Today we cut down even more on his meds and we might possibly go home without any tubes or medication at all.  Day Rehab continues to go well for him and he seems to improve daily.  He has such a positive attitude and we couldn't be happier with his progress.

We are counting down now.  Jackson continues to work hard so he can be as strong and well as possible when we get home.  We look forward to being home with all the people we love best!  We give thanks in our prayers daily for all of you!

Love,

Heather

Note from Jackson: Thank you all for your prayers.  I'm thankful for Heavenly Father blessing me so I can have a second chance at life.  I love you all.

Family Back on Lemon Island

For the first time in a few months, things are getting back to normal. Jackson and Heather were home for the weekend. He will be home for good in two weeks. Today he helped me cook some grits. We caught some redfish bait (fiddlers) and went on the dock to fish. My nine-toed brother Ed and his look-a-like son Chaz came by and actually caught some fish. My Grand Moma Rebecca aka Ma- Ma stopped by and pulled us away from fishing. Ma-Ma was thrilled to visit with Jackson. She is ninety-four and she couldn’t make it upstairs so I asked he so just sit in the car and I would have Jackson come down. She asked, “He can walk down?” He was in a comma the last time she saw him back in July. Seeing him in good shape made her cry. This morning Jackson and his brothers, Jake and Trevor, were in the Gopher Hill parade. As Boy Scouts, they presented the Colors for the opening ceremony of the festival. Jackson ran into Rev Timmy Padgett and his congregation on their parade float and got to thank them in person for their prayers. This afternoon Jackson helped me cook some wings on the grill. He entertained his good friend Rea this evening. We watched some general conference on TV and this PM Jackson’s prediction came true- the stadium was swaying in Columbia. Sunday morning I have to take Jackson back to Georgia for his final two weeks of rehab and with my South Carolina plates, I’m fearing for our safe passage. Here is a message from Jackson, “I enjoyed fishing and going outside and playing with my dog. We got to see some Marines in the parade. Thank you for talking to me and prayers and messages and putting my name on your prayer rolls.”

We are blessed. So blessed.

We've been granted two more weeks of Day Rehab!  We are so grateful for our special friend from back home who intervened for us and pushed buttons and pulled strings because it wouldn't have happened otherwise. One of the things that has amazed and humbled me throughout this whole experience is the kindness and generosity of those around us.  We couldn't be happier about this opportunity for Jackson to continue to progress in his recovery.

Another exciting event will happen this weekend.  Jackson will go home for the first time since his accident back in June.  We will only be there for the weekend, but we are really looking forward to being home with our family for a couple of days and we hope to see some friends at the Gopher Hill Festival!  Even though it will be a quick trip, I'm sure it will give us a big boost and make us work even harder to be ready to come home for good in a couple of weeks.

I can't express how touched I have been at the outpouring of love and support we have received from so many of you.  Your encouraging words, acts of kindness, and prayers have strengthened and uplifted us more than you can ever know.  We love you all and thank Heavenly Father daily for blessing us so greatly.

Love,

Heather