A CELEBRATION OF DANIEL'S LIFE (a "special" post close to my heart)

In a previous post I shared my life at "The Tower" (the family housing at my husband's seminary). Find that post here welcome to my humble abode.
During my time here at the Tower the Lord has placed some very special individual's in my path. Some of these individual's have taught me things, been encouragers, prayer warriors or just a smiling face. Some have become friends. There is one woman in particular that has been all of those things for me. Her name is Jaci.

I have always been a very private person. One who never shared my life story with anyone or any personal information for that matter. I guess you could say that I'm somewhat of an introvert. When we 1st moved into the Tower, Jaci and her family were our neighbor's. They immedietely welcomed us! The joy that filled their hearts was so evident...and contagious! This family was full of energy and love! They had 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. My daughter instantly fell in love with the kids. They made forts together and loved to laugh and giggle at any and every thing! Our hubbys attended classes together and often had conversations sharing their opinions of each class.

My friendship with Jaci developed when she invited all the women of the Tower into her home for a bible study group. I was a bit on the fence about it because of my private nature but my husband encouraged me to do it. I immediately fell in love with Jaci's spirit and knew that she had the God given gifts of leadership and wisdom. Jaci was a wonderful mother. She home schooled all of her children (still does) and was so patient and loving with all 4 of them. 

We learned that Jaci was pregnant with her 5th child and that they would be moving out of the Tower into a home that better suited their space needs. We knew before the move that Jaci would have a son. By all accounts, Jaci gave birth to a beautiful healthy boy who was given the name DANIEL. A few months later, we learned that sweet baby Daniel was not at all healthy.
 
While picking up her older son from baseball practice, Jaci found Daniel limp and blue in his car seat. After 35 days in the hospital, Daniel was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and was given approx. 5 years to live. Through God's grace and mercy Daniel just celebrated his 2nd birthday!! Praise GOD! The journey has been a trying one and it is not over but Jaci and her family remain faithful and God continues to give them strength to make it from day to day. Today, Jaci posted this video on Facebook and I wanted to share it...

(Jaci's words) On January 12, 2011 it looked as though Daniel would be leaving this earth. But God had a different plan. Daniel survived. This video is a celebration of Daniel's life and a testimony to the power of Jesus. In life or death Jesus has overcome and because of this we have hope. Because of this we can enjoy the gift of today. Daniel is still a very sick, very fragile little boy but is so happy. His joy is contagious. And his life is worth fighting for. Please pray for our sweet boy as his battle for LIFE is far from over.
Jaci has developed a blog for Daniel. Follow it here CONSIDER IT ALL JOY.
Please add sweet baby Daniel and the entire Jackson family to your prayer list. Their JOY continues because they hold on to the fact that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!
I love you JACKSON FAMILY,
Kiah 

Comments

This has me in tears. He will be in prayers. He is the cutest little boy I have seen! That smile made me smile! My God be with them and continue watch over Daniel and his family and LET THEM BEAT THE ODDS!
Anonymous said…
She must be a very strong and loving women. An example for others.
Savannah said…
This is so touching. She sounds like a truly wonderful person. I hope God continues to watch over them all.

xxx
Ola Dipo said…
Kiah this was such a beautiful post. it reminded me of all the things i take for granted for example, good health. I wish her and her family all the best.
Ticka said…
Wow Kiah! What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing Daniel with us. His family is in my prayers.
Fredetta said…
what a touching post! thank you for sharing...i will be praying for the jackson family.
Alela Sirah said…
What a touching story! Thank you for sharing something so personal!
http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2012/01/vintage-of-day.html
What a touching story and a beautiful post! I will keep Daniel and his family in my prayers!

Myeshia

http://Full-FiguredDiva.blogspot.com
Jaci said…
I love you sweet Kiah!! Thank you for your beautiful words. May all glory be to Jesus!! You are beautiful inside and out. Much love my friend...and thank you for loving our sweet boy.
Laura said…
This once again reminded me of how the joy of the Lord is our strength! I'll be praying for Jaci, her family and little Daniel!!!
Denise said…
Great post I'm keeping them in prayer.I am believing God for Daniel's health, strength and success!My prayer is that he would defy all the odds and let God be glorified.
Kerissa said…
What an inspiring story! May GOD continue to carry out his perfect will in the family's life and be glorified in Daniel's life as HE makes known HIS healing power. Happy New Year darling (:
Style Chic 360 said…
What a beautiful smile and laugh Daniel has. I have said a prayer for their family.

This had me in tears...!

I love this: Thank Him today as we hope for many tomorrows. To God be the Glory.
E. Louise said…
Awww this story!! God is better than good!!! Praise him for Daniel!!! Great Post!

E. Louise

www.shapelylouise.com