Submitted by Grammy and Grampy Love
Our dear sweet Jakey-Man. You are 2! It's been quite a journey so far. You have been through so much pain in your short life, yet you endure it all with such spirit and joy; not to mention the brightest smile on the planet; that you truly inspire us to be better. You have changed all of our priorities; things we thought were so important, are simply not. May you continue to light the way, our sweet boy, we love you so.
Love,
Grammy and Grampy Love
Submitted by Jake and Sidney's Nanny for the summer of '06, Mary McCauley
Whenever Jake gets fussy, we rock in the glider and I sing songs to him. It seems that when he likes a certain song, he'll quiet down and his world will be at peace again, and if he doesn't he will listen then fuss again. He loves the songs "Tender Shepherd" from Peter Pan and "Star Sweeper" from Lady and the Tramp. Lately, he has started singing along with me. When Jake and Sidney and I went to the outdoor pool, I would sing songs to him in the water while we watched Sidney play and splash and he would start singing with me or making up his own song. It was absolutely precious! He has a pretty good ear too!
Jake LOVES to play Row your boat. We sit on the floor and I hold his hands and he pulls like he is rowing a boat. After about three seconds, he will take my hands and pull them behind his back so he can rock and row BIGGER. He sings along in the first part of the song, then (per Sidney's leadership and swim lesson songs about Jelly fish) throws his hands up and shouts then giggles uncontrollably and puts his fingers together for More! More! Looks like he might be a good contender for kayaking or the crew team someday, provided he doesn't run into any Jellyfish!
After a busy morning spent with Jake and Sidney, during which sleep was entirely overrated and NOBODY was going to take a nap (if only they new how lovely naps are when they get older!), I was saying good-bye so I could run off to the clinic. Sidney gave me a great big love around my legs, and Jake reached out for me and gave me a KISS! Most days when I leave he is either sound asleep or far too interested in the fact that MOMMY's HOME, so he'll blow me a kiss and cuddle with mom. It was such a special feeling to know that he likes me enough to want to be close. And love from Jake is sweet indeed! That moment won't soon be forgotten.
I will miss Jake and Sid so much when I go back to school---they're going to grow up so much while I'm away!
Big smiles,
Mary
Submitted by Carolyn Straub, San Jose, CA
I am inspired by Jake. I am simply inspired that there is yet hope in a dreary world. Candles light up the tunnels. Jake is one of them. It is amazing how something so rare can happen, become an affliction, and yet be turned into the indomitable human spirit.
