Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Some Said We Couldn’t...

...But, He Did.

I was so SICK during this first pregnancy of mine.  Before anyone knew what was happening, I had lost 25 pounds, was nothing but a skeletal frame (my mother told me this), and Steve and I had to move in with his mother for a short time so I could have help.  I had the most SEVERE case of morning sickness.  I was in the hospital several times and everyone realized that I was slowly starving to death.  Finally, I had a special IV put in that “fed” me until sometime after the 6th month of pregnancy.  Until that time, my mother-in-law faithfully helped watch me and my IV equipment until Steve could get “home” from work each day.  
Finally, I was able to wean off the IV and began to eat again.  I was so excited to finally experience healthy “cravings”, and because I had lost so much weight, I was finally able to really enjoy those cravings.  
THEN...
...during a normal check up the doctors found something “wrong” with our baby’s heartbeat.  There was a murmur of sorts, but they felt sure that it would heal before delivery.  Still, as a first time mother, this really shook me, especially after already being so sick.  I was so emotionally “worn” out.  However, the LORD was there, and comforted me with many verses.  
And in time, a beautiful and healthy bouncing baby boy was born.  
He was the delight of his parents eyes (of course) and we so enjoyed our little man.  
As the time approached for him to began school, Steve and I really began to explore home education.  This was a “few” years ago, and you could say, it was still pretty new.  However, we began our journey of home education, and, WOW, what a journey it has been.  
In those days, many of our family and friends were not familiar with home education, or if they were, the stories weren’t good stories.  There was, understandably, concern from our beloved family and friends for this new way of education.  Yet, Steve and I felt sure of our course and continued on.  Somewhere in the back of my mind, I did wonder, “O.K., what happens after high school?”  
Jace and I walked his journey of education.  He was a fast learner, and I was constantly trying to stay one step ahead of him and provide him with all that I could to challenge and teach him. 
He continually tested FAR ahead of “normal”, and because he was so bored, I finally “passed” him through our state’s testing a year early.  
Now, that dreaded question...”What now?  What about college?  Will he make it, having been home educated his whole life?”  We were in such uncharted waters, and I just really wasn’t sure.  None the less, and as always, the LORD showed us the way.  
 Jace went through college “his” way; with some help from College Plus, CLEP and DANTES testing, on-line classes and some classes through an on-site college.  
And, this day, we are celebrating this young man and his achievements.  He has passed his last class, and has graduated college with BA in Environmental Science, with a grade point average of 3.9 and made the Deans List several times.  
He precious wife, Karlie, has been there supporting him for the last leg of this educational journey.  

And, tonight, I am proud...
not so much for WHAT he had done, (though I am proud of that!!!)
but for WHO he is.  
I am so proud to be his mother.  And I am so thankful that the LORD gave him to me.  
The things that makes Jace so special are not just how hard he has worked for his degree, but even more important - he is a man of honor, courage, dedication, and love....
he gives his all for his family and friends,
he is talented (to a fault, just like my parents...how come it missed me?);
he is a hard worker, a thoughtful and generous man;  he is willing to learn and grow, yet stands strong for what he knows is right.  
He is a hero to me.  
And I love him so much.
I miss him everyday, even while I am so proud of the life he is created for his family.
Because from beginning to now, 
he was and will always be my little buddy. 
Jace...I love you to the moon and back. 

10 comments:

  1. Oh.... that is so sweet! What a precious child and a wonderful young man!

    Good job Momma!!

    Heartwarming!!

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  2. I am so proud of you Jace!!!

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  3. Congrats, Jace!

    Good Job, Mama!

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  4. "to the moon & back"?! That's my line!:) just used it last night as I wrote my 13 year old (today is his bday) a letter in his new Bible. I loved that book and would sit and read it while I was pregnant with him and cry:)
    Your little buddy looks like an amazing guy!
    Have a blessed day!
    -rebecca

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  5. Congratulation Jace!!!!!! Wow! What a story and what a wonderful young man!

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  6. What a neat post.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Love,
    Summer

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  7. Congratulations Jace, truly a great accomplishment and much to be grateful for. shonni I can see you beaming from here! What a wonderful son God has blessed you with!

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  8. He sounds like an amazing young man!!!! Thank you for sharing his story.....it is an encouragement to all who are taking paths off the norm to education their children!! Blessings, Jennifer

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  9. What a sweet post. Loved it!

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