Without a Word_ How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything - Jill Kelly [36]
April 8, 1999—Hunter went to the playground today. Grammie insists on taking Hunter to places I would never even think to take him, like the playground. Honestly, if she could safely put him on a roller coaster, she would. My mother would sit right alongside him, laughing with her hands in the air. I’m big and pregnant and have no ambition to do anything that requires a lot of energy.
This pregnancy has been the worst of all three by far. Thank God I have help. Reggie goes nonstop and takes such good care of everything, especially Hunter’s things. She takes the time to iron all his sheets and little t-shirts. Hunter loves when she reads him stories because she’s always so animated. He loves her back massages, too. I don’t know how I’m going to take care of a baby, Hunter, and Erin. Lord, as always, I need You. Some things never change—clinging to You is one of them.
May 25, 1999—I don’t know how Hunter does it. He puts up with so much all the time. Today in the bathtub I had to help him excrete two stones the size of small Grape Nuts cereal. Are you kidding me? Jim saw them and just about fainted. What’s even crazier is the fact that Hunter didn’t even cry when they came out. How can that be? He’s so tough.
God, please continue to strengthen and heal Hunter’s body. He needs rest and peace. Hunter is a constant reminder of our need for You.
June 24, 1999—Happy birthday, Camryn Lynn Kelly: 8 pounds, 7 ounces, 21¼ inches long—5:09 a.m. Welcome to the team, little rookie.
August 20, 1999—Hunter went to the dentist today to get his teeth cleaned. His teeth are so nice and straight and cute. Oddly, we love taking him, probably because he always shows off. (Of course, my mom took a bunch of pictures.) The dentist even commented on how amazed he was that Hunter appeared to understand exactly what he was saying. When he told Hunter to open his mouth a little wider, he did.
It’s no surprise to us. We know that HB is fully cognitive. He understands exactly what’s going on, but his body doesn’t get the messages his brain is trying to communicate. He’s such a smart kid. I’m really thankful that people like our dentist get to see that Hunter really does know what’s going on.
I’m so busy now with the baby that I’m always exhausted, and Hunter hasn’t been sleeping very much lately, so that’s been really hard. I know we’ll be okay, though. We have to press on and trust God in the midst of all this craziness. One day at a time, one hour at a time, one prayer at a time…
September 1, 1999—Lord, please help Hunter. He’s been struggling with jumpy arms and seizures for two days straight and nothing seems to help. It kills me to watch him go through all this. I want to scream. But I have to be strong and calm for Hunter’s sake. I have to keep it together for him.
Lord, hold me together. Please give me the strength I need to take care of all three of my children. I can’t do this without Your help….
December 3, 1999 (My brother Jack and his wife, Kim’s, wedding)—Hunter looked incredibly handsome today. I’m so thankful that Jack asked him to be a groomsman. He made the wedding that much more wonderful.
I was amazed that he didn’t need any suctioning during his part of the ceremony. He’s so smart and knows just when to keep it all in. His cute little tuxedo fit just right, and he wore it with great pride for his uncle. Erin was a beautiful flower girl, too. What a great day.
Hunter will be three years old in a few months—what a miracle. He continues to astound all of us with his courage and will to persevere. His life is a living testimony to the grace and mercy of God. Thank You, Jesus.
December 23, 1999—The Christmas tree is up and looks beautiful. Erin and Hunter helped decorate this year. Jim threw some tinsel on the tree as he walked by (just kidding).