Thursday, March 19, 2009

Photostory Friday: Jackson

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Jackson is my nephew.



Jackson's feet, like Jack himself, are just a little different. They're a little stubbier, the toes are a little rounder. They are nearly two years old, but have yet to take an independent step. They'll be fitted with braces soon, to help correct the areas where they haven't developed "right." 

Jack's eyes haven't developed "right" either. Nor his ears, or his heart or much of his physical body. Jackson's feet will carry him through life, behind the other kids, in many ways. He will always be catching up. 




But in many other ways, there is no mistake -- Jackson has arrived!




The spirit in this little boy is so big and so sweet. He attracts attention just by being in the room. His smile is so serene -- as though he knows a wonderful little secret that no one else knows. 

He may not talk yet, but that doesn't mean he's not opinionated. He's very vocal about his feelings, and isn't shy about expressing himself -- loudly -- in the back yard or in church. 




He may be behind other kids physically, but he embraces and participates in life to his fullest ability -- just like every other kid. The difference? I think he always will. 

I find myself envying him. 




I also find myself thanking God for this giant spirit in the little, imperfect body with the round stubby toes. He is teaching my children -- our whole family -- the art of unconditional love. 

39 comments:

Jaina said...

Jackson sounds absolutely precious. I love these pictures. He's so adorable, I would love to just squeeze him all up. How lucky you are to have such a blessing.

Michelle said...

He sounds absolutely adorable. I really like the last photo of him with his "chicken fuzz" hair lit up. So cute!

Wayne said...

Jakson look so cool. he reminds me of the little boy in the jerry mguire move.

great photo friday

Mom24 said...

That's really beautiful. I love when you say he embraces and participates in life to his fullest ability and always will. That's so true. I'm glad that you're open to the lessons for you and for your children. I bet all your lives will be better for it.

Great Photo Story Friday

Shannon Strong said...

Oh my that brought me to tears! What a beautiful little guy-and what a great person and uncle you are to embrace and see all of his silent wisdom and love. Those photos are beautiful. The story is beautiful. Great post-love it. Thank you as well for visiting my post-and yes-I am more than slightly cracked for going to Chuck E Cheese!!! Although Bray had a blast I felt like I had just run a marathon by the time we left-that place was CRAZY :-)

Cathy said...

He is precious. Precious face, eyes, feet and toes. Thanks for sharing his picture with us so that we, too, can be touched by his beauty!

sunshinesls said...

Oh I love the pics of him! I just want to hug him and play with his sweet feet! I think he is perfect!

Pam Emmons said...

I love this boy. I can't wait to see him next week. I, too, am so glad he has entered our family. I think the kids- and the adults- will all learn so much from him.

lsnellings said...

That is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing Jackson with us! Every child is a gift from God. What a blessing!

scrappysue said...

you can tell he has a big heart - like his uncle

kayerj said...

. . . lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way . . .

with these special little ones I often wonder who really does the leading and the guiding, they teach us so much

Anonymous said...

Thank you for yet another beautiful post! He sounds like such a great person! He is just so adorable!

Straight to Your Hart said...

I will be following him someday!! What a sweetheart..and love the tender pictures.

Kat said...

Beautiful post!
Go get 'em, Jackson! :)

Cecily R said...

Shhhh. Don't tell anyone but Jackson and his giant heart made me cry. I think I love him already.

tiarastantrums said...

he is a wonderful gift to your family! Gorgeous!

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

Jackson sounds absolutely perfect!! He is beautiful!!

Kellan said...

Oh, he is a GIFT! And, he is perfect and beautiful in every sense of both of those words. I love Jackson!

Take care, Chris.

Kellan

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

What an adorable little boy!
This story reminds me of the cousin we lost many years ago who had spina bifida. He only lived for seven years, yet changed so many lives through his story.

Karen said...

I love this post! I love that giant spirit, that awesome smile, those little feet and his beautiful eyes.

ELK said...

you honored him in a very beautiful moment here ~ELK

Steph said...

Oh my goodness, he's adorable!

Susie said...

Oh those little feet! I want to just kiss kiss kiss them. Is he ticklish? What a sweet post about such an amazing teacher.
Very cool Chris. You are one lucky uncle.

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing Jackson's spirit (and adorable toes) with us. :)

Leah said...

One of the best photo stories ever!
So much heart!

Cupcake Dessert said...

i absolutely love this post. period. thanks for sharing.. i am blessed by it.

Unknown said...

He is just precious! i love his little piggies! And I see a huge heart in that smile!

Mom said...

He looks like a hug waiting to happen.
Very sweet PSF.

Terri said...

What a wonderful post Chris. Jackson is a lucky little guy - and so is his family/extended family!

Momisodes said...

He is so precious. What a beautiful soul indeed. What a lovely tribute to Jackson.

tommie said...

Makes you remember what is important in life....doesn't get much better

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

The pictures of course, are great!

And Jackson seems like such a blessing to you all, and is also so very lucky to have such an amazing family.

Claremont First Ward said...

I don't think I'm speaking for myself when I say that I think everyone who just read about Jackson just fell in love with with him. What a wonderfully, beautiful post!

Tony@ That One Paticular Harbor said...

Great Post. Jackson sounds like my friend Sam. Wonderful spirits. Thanks for sharing.

said...

You really captured his spirit in this post. Fantastic!

CC said...

Oooo! Knew who he was the very instant I saw that 1st precious picture since you've mentioned him to me before. Such a wonder!! :) :)

Susan said...

Beautifully expressed!
What a lucky family you are to have such a sweet and precious child to show you love.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. And those toes! I love children's toes.

Jaime said...

What a sweet little blessing!! He is adorable!
I love your outlook!