"July 3, 1987"

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jessie, happy birthday to you!"

Today is Jess' 18th birthday. He came into this world at 2:04 a.m. on Friday morning and weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. He became "the light of my life"...

Last week was very busy as usual. I took Jess to a neurologist in Twin Falls on Monday to have botox shots in his right leg. It weakens the muscles that are overpowering the weak ones. I, of course, tried to get all the right answers from him with no luck. He just kept answering, "We just don't know". He is not in a persistent vegetative state and he is not in a coma....he is just healing. He checked his eyes and said, "Yes, he can see but we can't tell how well". He knows he can hear. He was impressed that his muscles were so strong but not rigid. Jess even opened his hand when asked, followed the doctor, and raised his eyebrows. He said there is no proof medications would help and that he is getting as good of therapies at home that he would get in a rehab hospital. We talked about stem cell and he said there is a lot of research but it will be a few years. And he concluded, "If your going to get a brain injury, it's best to do it before your 18." So, we still just get to wait and see.

Tuesday, Grandma Juliann flew back to Cleveland and we miss her very much. Everyone comes and goes and each time it is hard to see them leave. The fresh optimism and energy is so welcomed. Sometimes I wish I could leave and come back all renewed and full of new energy and then witness Jess all better. Jess and I have been taking good care of each other...that was a promise we made to each other many times. He always told me, "don't worry mom...I'll always take care of you."

The rest of the week we did our usual therapies, school, swimming and horseback riding. Chris is working at the arena, helping them permanently install air conditioners for the arena. They have an incredible operation which includes many volunteers and helps over 300 people at no charge. If anyone is looking to donate to a great cause, please consider the Sagebrush Arena. They have their annual fundraiser this month. We are so thankful for all of the volunteers.

I also took Jess to a plastic surgeon to see if he could fix the scar on Jess' neck from the trachea. Hopefully, the scar tissue isn't inhibiting his swallow. He said it is a simple procedure but as a precaution he would want to do it in the hospital. Instead of the big indentation he has now, he will just have a small straight line scar. We also talked about stem cell and he feels strongly about it so I have been trying to do some research by checking the web for clinical trials. If anyone out there has any info, please share it with me.

Today we are having a little party for Jess. You only turn 18 once and for me...I want to celebrate the 18 wonderful years I have been able to spend with "the light of my life". Happy Birthday, Jess! Thank you for being such a magnificent part of my life. We will continue to take care of each other... for as long as it takes.

Have a Happy 4th of July!