Happy Birthday, Jaclyn!

Yesterday was Jaclyn's birthday. I can't believe she is 12 years old! Her birthday is always a day of mixed emotions for me. I can't help but reflect back on the day she was born. When she finally arrived she was lifeless and blue. She did not have a heartbeat and wasn't breathing. Through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus, she was given a second chance. After working to resuscitate her for 15 minutes, her heart finally began to beat. She is truly a miracle.

At six-months of age, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy which was a result of the lack of oxygen after her birth. There have been many days I questioned "why"? Why her? Why did other babies who endured similar birth situations turn out "okay" with no life time repercusions?? Why did God choose my baby to endure a lifetime of difficulties and challenges? God always gently reminds me that that when we ask "why" that that implies that He made a mistake, and we know He doesn't make mistakes. Despite how hard it is, we should use this life lesson to bring Him honor and glory.

Over time, I prayed for a miracle and for God to heal her and make her whole. His reply was, "Her spirit is whole; her body is temporary." It is evident that He created her to impact other people for Him. She has such a true genuine love for others and her heart's desire is for them to trust God and give Him their hearts. Her testimony of faith is astounding. She has witnessed to family members and strangers, teachers and students at school. She puts us to shame with her ability and openess to witness for Him. I know He has big plans for her--much bigger than we could possibly dream for her. He has already used her in a powerful way and I can't wait to see how He continues to work in her life.

Her heart's desire is to go to heaven and receive her new body. She can't wait to walk normal and run with other kids. She can't wait to get to heaven and play soccer. She can't wait to hug her granddaddy's neck and play baseball with him. She misses him so much and mentions that often. He was her best friend. She tells me, "I can't wait to get to heaven and sit on granddaddy's lap again." One time, when she was 3, I asked her "why do you love granddaddy?" She replied, "Because he reads to me, he likes to hear me sing, he call me 'Queen Bee', and we don't walk very well." Oh, the love of a child.

Jaclyn has truly changed our lives and our hearts. We will never be the same because of her. While we have our challenges, our blessings far outweigh those.

Happy Birthday, Jaclyn! We love you!!
Mom, Dad, Caitlin and Ashley