We were not aware that children or unborn babies could have strokes, and I didn't want to believe there was something wrong with my child. The initial shock of the diagnosis and everything else took me sometime to come to grips with and be able to talk about. I think most of you know, but in case you don't Jackson had a stroke. We don't exactly when but that it was after 32 weeks pregnancy and most likely happened in utero but possibly as a newborn. We did not find out about the stroke until much, much later. We noticed that something was wrong when Jackson was nine months old and he couldn't sit up by himself. After many doctor appointments, evaluations,numerous blood tests, and an MRI we finally got the diagnoses of a pediatrics stroke. The stroke caused brain damage in both the physical and speech lobes of the brain. Physically the stroke has affected the right side of his body making it weak and stiff. In turn his left side has compensated and is very strong. He wears a brace all the time on his right leg to help him walk and wears a brace at different times throughout the day on his left arm to force him to use his right arm and hand. The braces have helped and he has made small improvements with his right hand. It is hard to say what damage has been caused in the speech part of his brain. Jackson does physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy each week with therapists and Mark and I do therapy with Jackson daily. It has been quite the undertaking of learning everything we need to know and do, and it is hard to not become overwhelmed by it all.

I really appreciated the conference talk by Elder Rasband on Special Lessons. I think his talk was written just for me. He said, "Though many people face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches, and all manner of afflictions, a loving Savior will always be there. Brothers and sisters, it is my hope and prayer that we will continue to bear nobly our burdens and to reach out to those among us who are suffering and in need of being lifted and encouraged.”

We could not get through this without the support of our friends and family. We want to thank all of our family and friends for keeping us and Jackson in your prayers and a huge thanks goes to those of you who so willingly watch Brooklyn and Brady during therapy sessions. Thanks again!