The Day The World Changed

I'm not a writer. This is not something I would normally do, but I'm not doing this for myself. I'm doing this for the legacy of my son; in remembrance of him, his life and our journey together. I am also writing this for the others; those out there who may need to hear our story. Those that may be struggling with all that life can throw at you. I am writing this for those that are sad, sick and hurting. I pray that the story of Jacob's life and journey will ignite a fire in that person. I write this for them. I am also writing this blog for my two other sons, Jacob's twin brother Joel Jr. (we call him JJ) and Maxwell. They can't fully know and understand Jacob's story. They have no idea what happened...how could they? They were so young and Maxwell wasn't even born yet (more on Max much later). I write this for them so that one day, they'll be able to read these entries and gain insight to what was happening in their early childhood; that they might grow to understand why I'm so crazy! (haha pun intended)

In all seriousness, there is a LOT of weight here. A LOT of depth and layers. So much trauma and pain but also so much goodness! Jacob's story is one of love and light and hope...so much hope! From a few days after he passed, I've felt him speaking to me saying "tell them". "Tell them about Jesus and Heaven"; because that's where he is and this message of hope must be shared. I can't live with myself if I don't put this message out there.

I promise to write an entry for each day Jacob was here with us. With each day, there is a story and message, even if it's "small". There is something there. I imagine some days may be just pictures, others might be a "guest blogger" where I ask a family member to write something about Jacob. Either way, I have made a goal and I intend to keep it, for Jacob.

Day 1: July 22, 2015

I was seriously pregnant, 36 weeks and started getting very bloated/swollen. I had a dr appointment at the place in Boca. But before I went to my appointment I wanted to grab lunch. I went to Flannigans for a zinger salad and Mt. Dew. I got really full which probably wasn’t the best idea because the. The babies wouldn’t sit still. I went to my appointment and the doctor said that because my blood pressure was so high and I was so swollen, I was going to have the babies that day!! I asked “can I at least go home and get my bag?”... the answer was “NO, you need to go right to the hospital.”

So naturally I started to panic. I called Joel and my parents. Parents were actually in the process of driving to FL from Indiana. When I called them after my appointment finished and I was en route to the hospital (I drove myself), they told me how close they were! My c-section was going to happen that evening at 8pm and my parents would arrive just before that. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly.

The boys were born at 8:20 pm on 7/22/15. JJ had to be taken to the NICU. I'll have to look and ask about why (I don't exactly remember) but he was there for just one extra day. Of course at that time I thought that was the end of the world. It was just the beginning of my hospital experiences.