I have never met Jacob Brewer and I probably never will. But we are loosely and distantly connected. A few weeks ago, Jacob got to ski on the lake where I have my camper. At first glance, that doesn't appear to be such a big deal. However, if you live near this peaceful 300 acre lake, you would know that the "no-ski" rule is strictly enforced. The game warden is tough and always patrolling. And the fisherman get cranky when anyone messes up their chance to haul in the "big one".
But this day was different. It was Jacob's 21st birthday. So, this was a day of celebration for Jacob and his family. But it was even more than that. This was Jacob's last big hurrah, his wish granted. You see, Jacob comes from a skiing family. But throughout the years, Jacob has only been able to ski twice before, once when he was one year old and another time when he was six. And this will be Jacob's last time around the lake. Jacob has a terminal illness with a life expectancy in the mid-20s. Jacob can't walk. His disease is characterized by degeneration in muscles and causes difficulty in walking and breathing.
When his father and brother released the towing ropes next to Jacob, ending his ride in front of where his family was gathered, Jacob's ear-to-ear grin was visible to everyone on shore. "Jacob is so very, very happy, and it couldn't have turned out better" said his mother, Debbie Brewer.
I wish Jacob was born without any disease and I wish Jacob didn't have this illness. Unfortunately I can't change that. But I can learn from Jacob. I can take inventory of what I do have; my health, my abilities, the freedom to walk and run and enjoy simple things such as mobility. And I can learn about courage, and love, and a "can-do" attitude that is willing to take a chance and face down fear and overcome obstacles.
Thank you Jacob for the life lesson. Thank you for so courageously riding life's wave!
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3 comments:
Thank You Jeff for this wonderful story about Jacob. I am his aunt and I agree with you that he teaches us a life lesson on how to be courageous and determined. When I or any of my friends complain about having a bad day I immediately think of Jacob and how is day may be going. We take walking, eating, bathing, and other everyday events for granted and think of them as chores. Jacob thinks of them as gifts. He is going away to college to get his PHD in medical research in hopes to find a cure for Muscular Distrophy. I just want to thank you for taking the time to write this article on him and letting others know what a special person Jacob is.
Janet Sutherland
Janet,
Thank you for posting a comment. I was really inspired by Jacob's story in the newspaper. He sounds like a wonderful young man and I wish the very best for him in his fight with Muscular Dystrophy and the pursuit of his PHD. I also will be rooting for him in his quest to find a cure.
If you think about it from time to time, I would love to get an update on Jacob's pursuits.
Warm Regards,
Jeff
It has taken me awhile to be able to comment on Jacob's special day. There is not a single person who doesn't fall in love with him. He leaves his foot print on your heart. I cannot even imagine living one day in a wheelchair let alone years!
My sister once asked me to speak to a group of Kroger employees. Standing in front of the room looking at Jacob I suddenly had a life altering moment. I wanted our family to be "perfect", but how could we when we had a "handicapped" family member. It was in that moment that I realized our family was already "perfect" BECAUSE of Jacob. I was ashamed of myself. Oh, the things he has taught us!
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