Thankful Ramblings

Thanksgiving Thursday---these are thankful ramblings and I am not sure if they will all make sense---but this is the way my brain works at 7:30am sitting on the back porch waiting on Beau to do his business so I can go back inside.

I am thankful for Darron and Jackson and the fact that they are snuggled in our warm bed while I am up. I have the most incredible and loving hubby and son in the world.
I am thankful for the warm house that we live in. And that Darron and I are able to provide for our son.
I am thankful for coffee from my Keurig. More importantly I am thankful that Darron bought it for me at a benefit auction. I am thankful for all of the groups that he works with to support the efforts of so many worthy causes.
I am thankful for Beau---even if he is a still a puppy and we are still learning. He has brought joy to our house. And I am thankful that Jackson accepts him and loves him as his "brother".
I am thankful for my family. Without them, I would not be who I am today.
I am thankful for my friends. Those I see daily, weekly, and every now and then. For my friends on Facebook who I have reconnected with. I love each of you.
I am thankful for Washington Baptist Church. And Palmetto Elementary.
I am thankful for my Weight Watchers group and my QSA Bootcamp leaders and ladies. I am going to need you after I eat 2 meals today. And tailgate on Saturday.
I am thankful for my Savior---for his unconditional love and forgiveness that I need daily.

Wow---it is nice to ramble and reflect on how blessed I am.
What are you thankful for this year?

I am wearing purple....

November 17 is Prematurity Awareness Day. Those of you who know us personally know why this day holds a special place in our lives.

The short version of Jackson's Journey:

My pregnancy was never supposed to happen (without fertility treatments at best). We got a HUGE surprise in June of 2004. This was the beginning of what would be a high-risk pregnancy. I had visits to my OBGYN every other week that included an ultrasound at every visit until 28 weeks. At this point everything was better than anyone could have hoped for.

4 short weeks later---at 32 weeks---we learned that baby Jackson had stopped growing. After many tests, 3D and 4D ultrasounds, a maternal fetal specialist (who had no beside manner)....we learned that Jackson's body was shutting down and we were slowly losing him.

It was decided that the doctors could take care of him outside of the womb better than me trying to carry him for any longer. After 3 long days at GHS, 2 rounds of steroid shots, and constant monitoring.....

Jackson Brice Meares was born on December 15, 2004. He weighed 2 lbs 11 oz and was 15 inches long. He spent 32 days in the NICU, including his first Christmas. Darron and I did not get to hold or touch him with a protective gown and gloves for 29 days. We brought him home on January 16, 2005. He weighed barely over 4 lbs, had a heart monitor, and supplemental oxygen.

Jackson is a healthy, spunky, almost 7 year old due to the grace of God, excellent medical care, and the efforts of the March of Dimes.

I am wearing purple tomorrow in honor of my Jackson and personal friends who have been affected by prematurity. (Brice C., Abby C., Bryce and Blake W., Ellis T.). I am wearing purple for all the children I have taught who were born premature. I am wearing purple for all my friends who are pregnant or will be pregnant in hopes that they are not affected by the things we were. I am wearing purple for all babies who born too small, too soon.