Hello All…Jordan is doing so well! His first game was last Saturday and it was also Opening Ceremonies. A pretty special Opening Day Ceremonies!!

Shawn and Jordan got to get up and speak to the crowd, thanking them for supporting us during this difficult journey. Shawn gave a brief rundown of what we’ve endured during these last 10 months. There were many excited cheers for Jordan being on the field as he stood there next to his dad. It was quit emotional. Jordan, himself couldn’t even hold back the tears when his dad announced that Jordan would actually be playing a game that day. Jordan got to thank everyone for their prayers, stating that it was because of all the prayers that he was standing there at that moment. So many people came up to us expressing their joy for Jordan and our family that day. But someone really stuck out in Shawn’s mind and that was an ICU nurse from Loma Linda that actually took care of Jordan at his worse when he was on life support. She was so full of emotion she could hardly talk. Shawn said tears were just rolling down her face and she kept saying, “It’s a Miracle, he looks so good”! She couldn’t wait to go back and tell everyone she works with about Jordan doing so great. I didn’t get to meet her on Saturday and hope Shawn can point her out to me so I can personally thank her for taking such good care of my son. I’m so appreciative to each and every nurse that spent their 12 hour back breaking shift taking care of Jordan!
Jordan did awesome at his game! He played short stop, 1st base and pitcher. When he pitched, it was the last inning…he came in and closed the game. I got so nervous for him, I gave myself heartburn! But there was no need for me to worry. He came in and struck 3 batters out with no runs scored! He did wonderfully!! Shawn got to help coach and it was a great game! It was such a gratifying moment for Shawn and me! Not to mention, many fans came out to support Jordan that day!

Unfortunately, Tristen was still super sick the day of all this. He was unable to attend Opening Ceremonies, Jordan’s first game, and even his own game. He was very upset and sad that he had to miss this…he knew what a big deal it was for Jordan.

Tristen is still sick and having a real tough time with a stomach flu that has turned into a bacterial infection. As of right now, we are on day 11 of him being sick; he has lost weight and has not returned to school. We were at the doctors on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of last week. They wanted to admit him into the hospital for observation on Friday but thankfully no beds were available. So an IV was started for dehydration at the doctor’s office. They have done many tests on him including lots of blood work and have determined by his white blood count that there is definitely an infection brewing. He tested negative for parasites and E coli, along with many other sicknesses. It has been very frustrating for all of us and I have to agree with my friend that made the comment, we need a “Free pass card from sickness for a year”! But…I just count my blessing and hope and pray that tomorrow will be a new day and soon this sickness with Tristen will be behind us. Prayers sent for Tristen are needed at this time; he’s getting weary and doesn’t understand why he has been sick for so long. I don’t blame the poor kid, he’s already seen so much with Jordan and now he’s deathly afraid of anything having to do with doctors.

When things like this happen I just put my trust in God and surrender all to him. I place my children at the feet of Jesus, knowing he can handle more than us. I always say…when we are weak, he is Strong!

Gods Blessing to you all on this very special holiday…Easter!

Baseball Begins…

Hello All and Thank You for continuing to follow Jordan Journey’s. I want to make mention that we love reading all your comments and are so appreciative for all the encouraging words, so please keep them coming, it helps in more ways than you know!

Yesterday, Jordan had his monthly chemo at the doctor’s office and I’m proud to announce he weights 65 lbs. His counts are at a pretty good level, for those of you who know what an ANC level is, it is at 1685. They tell me anything over 1000 means he still has some fighting cells left in him to fight off infections. I’m pretty sure his counts should stay around this number throughout the maintenance phase, but anything’s possible and they could change at any moment. His counts are still nowhere near where the normal child should be at so we will keep a watchful eye on him, of course.

He still is on a hospital home-school program and I must say, he’s very anxious to be back in school but his teacher, myself, and his dad have other thoughts as far as that is concerned. We’re all thinking for sure next school year, but if Jordan had it his way…it would be now.

Jordan is still very excited to be playing ball and has not missed a practice yet. His first game is this Saturday, he’s so eager, he can taste it!! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! He’s come such a long way since that dreaded day back in May. To think…he’s a kid that had to learn to walk, hold his head up, talk, and learn to swallow again and now…he’s playing baseball (which he’s pretty good at)! It’s a dream come true!! I’m constantly thanking my lucky stars!

Sadly his big bro, Tristen has been so sick with the stomach flu since last Friday which means he’s had to miss out on a couple scrimmage games this week. Tristen’s first game is this Saturday as well, we really hope his strength is up by than so he can start the season. Plus, it’s just not the same for Shawn when he’s coaching and his son’s not there. Thankfully, none of us have come down with it. Jordan’s been a little bummed because his Christmas break was ruined because of all the aggressive chemo he was on at the time and he was really looking forward to an eventful spring break but with Tristen being sick, it’s put a bit of a damper on things.

In any event, we are delighted with where things stand with Jordan and are so excited to be hitting another milestone with him being able to play baseball again.

God is good and He hears our prayers! Thank you Lord for shinning your light on us…

Happier Days...

Greetings to all! Jordan is doing great on the maintenance phase! This has been the break we have all been waiting for! I know now what they meant when they said, “hang in there, things are so much easier on the maintenance phase.” Jordan appears to be getting stronger and stronger each day. Although his weight is not coming on as fast as we would like, due to him being more active I think it’s slowing the process down.

We recently had the pleasure of taking family photos up in Crestline. The pictures say so many words, with much meaning behind our smiles. They represent enduring and suffering while on a rather difficult road that at times seemed unimaginable, but at the same time our smiles represent where great will and determination can lead you. I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud to take a family picture as I was on this day.

I am so excited to tell you all that Jordan got the green light from his doctors to play ball! He actually went to his first practice on Tuesday and he could not have been more thrilled! He anticipated it all day and hoped so bad that it would not get rained out. When it was finally time to leave, Tristen and I were first in the car waiting on Jordan and when he finally jumped in, he had the hugest smile on his face and proudly announced, “I’M GOING TO PRACTICE!” and when he went, you wouldn’t even of noticed that he had been so sick (with the exception of his running, he needs a bit more muscle to get where he was). But nevertheless, he seems to be the baseball player that we all remember.

I found it fitting on that day as we drove to the field to pray with the boys, just thanking God to allow this moment for Jordan and for allowing Jordan to be thriving and living life again...what an answer to our prayers! That day brought such satisfaction to us and Jordan finally seemed like a normal 10 year old again.

Our Pastor always says our life's are like seasons…just like we have fall, winter, spring, and summer…we’re going to have those different seasons in our own personal lives and those seasons will eventually end, giving us something new to focus on. Unfortunately, some seasons seem longer than others but let me tell you my friends…our family is well on its way of starting another season, one that is so needed with nothing but great expectations to come.

Thanks to all of you that follow Jordan’s Journey, may it be an example of determination, strength, and will to keep fighting the good fight…