Thanks for all the prayers, emails, calls, and texts. Jackson is back to normal. He should be back to playing basketball this weekend even!
This week's theme, "Beginnings" or "New", had me stumped at first. Everything is still grey, and nothing is growing in the fields yet. Planting has started in earnest this week however. Spring never takes long to arrive in South Texas. So I wandered around my yard, full of dead things that couldn't take the freezes we had this winter. It was hard to find any signs of life. My Bradford Pear, the bent-in-the-wind tree, the one that never blooms, the one I insisted on planting despite its chances in the heat and humidity, is budding out. The promise of a new beginning.
But I couldn't help think of Jack, and his new beginning of sorts. For 11 years, his life has depended on the shunt in his brain. Yet due to last week's surgery, he is now shunt-free. And although it is really not that different than before on the outside to an observer, it is a new way of living for him and his brain. So I have to include a picture of him in the hospital, dozing in a nest of Legos and Dr. Buster Posey in his arms, head wrapped and arm full of IV paraphernalia.
Don't forget to travel through our links to see this week's interpretations. I'm thrilled that San Francisco, Bay Area photographer Jayme Franklin has a new site to showcase her work this week. You don't want to miss it!
Oh, Kelly! This is the best photo EVER! I'm so happy for all of you. :)
Posted by: Emily Horton | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 12:12 AM
i'm so happy for you all. what a blessing that he is now shunt free. God is soooooooo good and he answers prayers. hugs!
Posted by: hope | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 02:32 AM
SO glad he is doing well and on the road to playing basketball again soon! And you are right, this is a huge step to a new beginning.
Posted by: Shea | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 08:35 AM
I am so glad he is doing better. Very precious photo!!!
Posted by: Kristen | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Sorry trees! But Jackson's photos take the cake. That is truly a new beginning...a glorious new beginning! Congrats!
Posted by: krista | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Yay for Jack and new beginnings! What a wonderful photo to have! Loves!
Posted by: Jayme Franklin | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 10:57 AM
How awesome- it is so good to hear that he is doing well. :)
Posted by: Hannah | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Kelly - first I LOVE the tree shot against the blue sky! And the shot of Jack brought tears to my eyes! He is such a blessing and praise God for His answered prayers! I am sooooo glad he is better and getting back to a normal life - a better life it sounds like! Yeah!
Posted by: Kelly B. | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Oh this is just such a wonderful photograph. I love everything it shows.. everything it signifies. Truly a new beginning :) Thank you so much for sharing! Yay Jack!!
Posted by: Shauna | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 01:35 PM
oh kelly,
beautiful images.
i am so happy your son is doing better.
you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
here's to new beginnings!
Posted by: melissa deakin | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Wonderful, wonderful. All best wishes to Jack and you - here's to new beginnings!!
Posted by: Angie | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 08:38 PM
so happy he is doing well...you will have to post a pic of him playing basketball. The is just wonderful for new beginnings!!!
Posted by: The Rancher's Wife Kate | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Kelly, I am go glad he is doing well and is recovering quickly. Wow, sports already? What a blessing! Here's to new beginnings!
Posted by: Gigi | Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 06:50 AM
what wonderful news! congratulations!
Posted by: jules | Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11:55 PM
WOW. Kelly, that is an amazing shot. I am so happy that your son is recovering so well and will back to playing basketball in no time. You couldn't ask for a better beginning.
Posted by: Sarah Bunch | Monday, February 28, 2011 at 02:11 AM
That picture of your son is so real...and truly a new beginning for him. Great job.
Posted by: Lisa Turner | Monday, February 28, 2011 at 06:49 PM
Oh, Kelly! I'm so happy that your son is doing well and that you all have such a wonderful new beginning to be thankful for. Your images are beautiful, this post really touched my heart.
Posted by: Chrissy | Wednesday, March 02, 2011 at 07:20 AM