All of you that keep up with our blog well know about Jackson’s cancer scare last May. Thousands of people prayed for Jackson. And for us. God was so gracious to save our little boy! Anyhow, my dear friend Annie forwarded me an email from her friend that had been praying for Jackson. She was recently on vacation on Captiva Island and met an interesting couple. The woman was a pediatric oncologist surgeon and her husband was a former player for the 49ers. After Annie’s friend shared the amazing story of Jackson (since she knew the surgeon might be interested) the surgeon told her that she in fact was Jackson’s surgeon. Wow!!! She  remembered Jackson because his case had been so rare. She is one of about 100 specialists in the world in rhabdomyosarcoma. If you ever need someone to operate on your child with a tumor call this lady! She is the best.

Because we live abroad the “small world concept” doesn’t always amaze me like it does others….until now. Wow.

We also wanted to share an article my dad wrote after the time at MD Anderson. It was published recently in an online magazine for the Christian and Missionary Alliance.  Here is the story.

A year ago this morning we were in Fairfax, Virginia.  Jackson was born at 7:58 AM! The doctor had just told us we likely had many hours ahead of us and then she decided to check again. We were ready to push! He was in distress when he was born so I held him for a split second, Seth cut the cord and he was handed over to the NICU team. He was a fighter and got those lungs going! Despite a huge knot in his cord, mechonium and the cord wrapped 2 times around his neck, he was a bouncing baby boy!

At 2 1/2 months he made his first international move and adjusted better than any of us!

At 9 months, 3 months ago today, Jackson was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. What a journey that was. And what a miracle he is to us! We are so thankful for him.

Today, we have a healthy, 1 year-old boy! My how he has grown. He is now talking, dancing, giving kisses, clapping, waving, close to walking, and has a personality all his own. He has brightened our lives far more than we could have ever imagined.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the last 12 months!

Happy Birthday, Jackson!! We love you lots and lots!!