Ecstasy Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Several of you have been kind enough to follow up on my granddaughter, Jessi, and her progress. I'm so elated to report that in spite of hesitation from the doctors --- she's walking!!! She has her little braces on and has to use a push toy as a form of therapeutic equipment but she's walking! The therapist has to do a lot of work with her hips (getting them into alignment and showing her how to move) but the standing a-frame and physical therapy seem to have strengthened her and beaten the odds. I just thought you'd like to know she's doing well and completely ignores her condition and pushes herself forward. Let's see if this works: http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh69/...castanding1.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 AWESOME! I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bessieboo Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Wow, just look at that pretty girl walkingI think she qualifies a walking miracle!Thanks for sharing your blessings with us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Pat, Beth --- you two have been two of my best friends and greatest supporters in all of this. It's been a rough ride but I can't think of anyone else I'm more excited about sharing it with than my friends here. We still don't know what's ahead for her but we do know that we won't be facing it alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 If Jessi has an upbeat attitude as the picture seems to show, I bet she brightens everyone's day who comes in contact with her... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris hess Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 that's wonderful news!! you are truly blessed..i'm more spiritual than "religeous"..but that is fantastic news!!!!! prayers can work wonders!! lol,chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEATNUT Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Holy Crap Kath!! You did it!! Does this mean you don't need me anymore? All kidding aside sweety..she is a miracle and beautiful just like her sweet Grandma. I told you good things happen to good people!!Kath, if you go through life with the crosses you bear, you will have a much more fuller appreciation of what life and people like you are all about.I can't tell you how thrilled I am for you. If Jessi can walk then you can achieve your goals too! Isn't she your inspiration???Oh yeah, and great chat today Kath..you are one terrific person! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thank you, gentlemen! Your best wishes mean so much to us! We know there will be more surgeries (if you noticed, her little hand is deformed but it's a simple surgery) and a lot more therapy and equipment but we're optomistic! My nickname for her since the day she was born is my Titanium Rose --- she will win and have her own life!Mike - it doesn't mean I don't need you. It means you give great instructions! ROFLOL I always love talking with you and, yes, I'll work on where to send my writing besides just the magazine articles. <gulp> Gina's always been on me about that, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thanks for the ray of sunshine! Great! Kirk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 It's always a joy to hear about kids succeeding and overcoming the obstacles. I know that from our son's experience.Hang in there, this one's a winner!There's a telethon coming up for our Children's Hospital, and I intend to donate in my son's honour this May.Lots of love and only think on the bright side! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzza Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Kathy Lee. You always believed that this moment would come even when you found it hard to admit it to yourself. You have fought hard for those who could make a difference to get positively involved. In my roles as both a Church Pastor in the past, and now as a chaplain I continue to be amazed at what happens when human determination and God's grace combine through prayer and support.I am so pleased for you and your family and I thank God for His faithfulness.Muzza Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thank you, Muzza. I'll tell all of you here something I haven't even said out loud to our extended family. They would never understand like you all do. John had received the call from Shaun and he was the one who broke the news to me that the baby would have spina bifida. I only remember bits and pieces of it. I remember screaming and collapsing in a hysterical mass. As I finally began to come out of it I spent a LONG time in prayer. I didn't pray for her life to be spared. I didn't beg for a miracle that she be normal. I prayed for MERCY for her --- that whatever His will was meant to be for her life that He carried it out with MERCY and I would abide by His decisions. Not long after, Shaun and Shannon asked what they should name her. I told them that in their position I would give her a name in Christ that would reflect what they wanted her to be. They never looked at her as a burden. They named her Jessica --- God's gracious gift --- and she is! That's all we focus on --- His gift and His mercy! The rest He just provides and we are blessed to experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianed Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Wonderful news, Kath !! That look in her eyes along with that little impish grin is telling me she is going to be running circles around everyone !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HT from Mo Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I am so thrilled to hear of the fantastic news Kathy! What adorable granddaughters you have. I'm sure she'll be running alongside her sister in no time! God does work miracles! I am so blessed to have met you in Cleveland! You're an inspiration to us all!Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Kathy Lee-I'm so glad she's walking. Truly a miracle. And what a smile on her face. Such a cutie. I'm so happy for you and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEATNUT Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thank you, Muzza. I'll tell all of you here something I haven't even said out loud to our extended family. They would never understand like you all do. John had received the call from Shaun and he was the one who broke the news to me that the baby would have spina bifida. I only remember bits and pieces of it. I remember screaming and collapsing in a hysterical mass. As I finally began to come out of it I spent a LONG time in prayer. I didn't pray for her life to be spared. I didn't beg for a miracle that she be normal. I prayed for MERCY for her --- that whatever His will was meant to be for her life that He carried it out with MERCY and I would abide by His decisions. Not long after, Shaun and Shannon asked what they should name her. I told them that in their position I would give her a name in Christ that would reflect what they wanted her to be. They never looked at her as a burden. They named her Jessica --- God's gracious gift --- and she is! That's all we focus on --- His gift and His mercy! The rest He just provides and we are blessed to experience. The miracle that God gave your family and you Kath is all the love that little Jessi is going to provide you all with. This will be her purpose in life. To provide hope and love. Your family is very fortunate to have her and very blessed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 What a beautiful blessing!Love,Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Shaun often tells me that she very different from her siblings --- more focused, determined, and driven. She'll need it. That personality is what will give her the edge she needs to overcome obstacles. It's going to be so thrilling to see what her purpose in life is going to be! I think Mike is right in that it'll be in showing hope and resilience no matter the odds!I usually just mention her spine/legs because it's the most obvious and extreme. Still, there are issues with her head being misshapen and fluid balance which could lead to brain damage or learning disabilities. Fortunately Shaun's grown up in this family with my multisensory homeschooling so he knows how to deal with that. I've done it for years with my kids. There will also be bowel and bladder involvement. Shaun's also used to a lot of that due to Brian's kidney damage. The whole family knew how to cath him, irrigate him, draw his labs, and hook up his IVs. She was definitely put in the right family! At this moment we don't know the magnitude of any of these challenges as she's only 16 mos. Shriners Children's Hospital will be working on her through all of this to age 18 yrs (thanks to Linda/Leff'tHome & Stan.) All three of Shaun's kids have disabilities. For the most part he has a peace about it just as we do. It's second nature to us. He tells me "everything will be fine because this is what our family is meant to do." <Smile> I'm glad he understands that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneG Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 What a beautiful little girl! This is stupendous news, Kathy Lee! I can't wait to hear what Jessi is up to next!! Methinks she inherited her grandmother's spunk!! Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 I hear that A LOT --- especially from her father! I positively HATE limitations and have taught the kids to do whatever it takes to overcome an obstacle. You control your disabilities and disorders, they do NOT control you!!! (I taught them to say, "It's not that I can't. It's just that I do it differently.") Believe it or not, I think Shaun will get further with her and her disposition than he will with the others, at least for awhile. His nickname for me for years has been 'pitbull' --- isn't that an affectionate, endearing name for your mother! Whatever does he mean by that? I'm just as sweet, and passive, and quiet as they come! Right, Annie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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