Hi Family and Friends,

In case you have not heard, this past Sunday, April 16, Jackson celebrated his 19th birthday!

Jackson spent the weekend doing the things that he loves best—spending time with family, eating, and watching basketball.  Of course, all birthdays are special. However, these days, all milestones in Jackson’s life have very special meaning to us.

It was just over a year ago that Jackson returned home from Shepherd Rehabilitation Center.  He returned home just in time to celebrate his 18th birthday. Last year when we celebrated Jackson’s birthday, we were so grateful for him to be home. However, we were still filled with anxious thoughts about what was next to come.  We were believing in beyond what we could see.  We hoped that Jackson would continue his recovery and resume his usual activities.

In this past year, so many prayers have been answered. Jackson has not only met expectations, but he has exceeded those expectations.  He graduated from high school.  He started college.  He has made extraordinary advances in his physical progress.  His speech is clear and strong.  His personality and sense of humor—well—no accident or injury could ever take those things from Jackson.

We are so excited about Jackson’s next steps in this journey. And quite literally, Jackson is taking steps.  Jackson’s mobility is amazing. With the assistance of his walker, Jackson is moving all over the place.  A few weeks before his birthday, Jackson was treated to a Brooklyn Nets NBA game in New York.  He was recommended for this gift by his former caregivers at Shepherd. The  trip was made possible by Dream on 3, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making sports dreams come true for people with life-altering conditions.  Jackson had a wonderful time in New York, and he was able to join some NBA players courtside.

On Jackson’s birthday he showed off his mobility by getting up before anyone else in the home and making his way, all on his own, from his bed to the kitchen in order to enjoy his special birthday cookies (nothing will keep Jackson from food).  Jackson also has been able to join friends for lunch at Lipscomb. And, on one occasion, Jackson forbade his mom from accompanying him into his classroom building at Lipscomb. Yes, our Jackson is motivated, independent, and mobile. 

During one of his birthday lunches (because, of course, he had more than one birthday meal), Jackson announced to the family that we should thank him.  He pointed out that because he was born, we had a reason to gather and celebrate.  Therefore, he said that we should all appreciate him for having a birthday (as if he birthed himself!).  Our Jackson is obviously not lacking in modesty.

As we celebrated Jackson’s birthday, we also celebrated all of you. We cannot stress enough how your soulful prayers, good thoughts, and unwavering encouragement have been a big part of the healing for all of us.  You have given us life. 

Keep us uplifted as we continue this journey.  Jackson’s first year of college will end in the next few weeks. He has plans to attend summer school.  He still occasionally sends some of us into a frenzy by reminding us that he plans to move to the dormitory.  Jackson has trips planned for the summer.  He continues to set and exceed goals in therapy.

We have so much to be grateful for as we continue to celebrate Jackson’s birthday and his life.  Less than two years ago, there was a real possibility that Jackson would not ever see another birthday.  But through what can only be described as a miracle, here we are celebrating once again.   

Thank you for being a part of our celebrations.

Continue to celebrate life.

#JaxStrong