The 10-Year Journey

Ten years ago this spring, Jackson was just beginning to give us a taste of what was ahead. He was breaking out in rash, ear infections were a constant battle, and things just weren't right. Over the next two years, we went from doctor to doctor, made multiple trips to the Emergency Room, and were told over and over, "he just has a rash, here's a prescription." But, something deep inside told us there was more to it than that.

Fast forward to 10 years later, to yesterday, sitting in his allergist's office and she said, "I don't believe I am saying this, knowing who I am talking about, but, he is doing so well, why don't we drop back to seeing me every nine months?" Huh? What did you just say?

At one time, Jackson was described as Dr. Purser's sickest patient. We were there weekly, at different points, and monthly for many years. We've made emergency trips to Tulsa and gotten so acquainted with the office staff that all we have to say when we call is, "This is Jackson's mom/dad" and things would get done. Dr. Purser sent us  to the nation's leading facility for allergies/asthma/ezcema, National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, twice. He has gone through thousands of dollars in prescriptions; at one time, taking 12 meds at the same time. He has scratched himself to the point of bleeding, he has stopped walking at times because his feet were so badly cracked, and he has endured skin infections that made us cry. But, he has always handled it with grace, superhuman understanding, and patience beyond his years.

But, today, his skin is healthy, his lungs are strong, and while he is the only kid I know that can sneeze in his sleep, he has come so far. He takes three medications each day, just to keep things under control. We know that his health is still an issue, but it is manageable because of one thing - swimming. Swimming has been his saving grace. The chlorine for his skin and the workouts for his lung health are keeping the delicate balance of health in check for Jackson.

We have never asked God "why" in this journey. I am not sure that is a question that has ever really entered our minds. Maybe because Jackson was our first born and we didn't know any different or if it is just Damon and I's personalities to just take it as it comes and deal with what we have in front of us. We have simply taken this journey with Jackson day by day.

But, yesterday, that journey had a new milestone, a new fork in the road - "See you in nine months!"