Just got back home from a beautiful evening. A wonderful but emotional night. Those of you who have more than one child may relate to what I say next. As parents, we love our kids equally. And yet each of our children tugs at our heartstrings a little differently.
Jacob’s my second born of four, came into the world with the least fanfare of any of my precious babies. Born easily (???) an hour and forty-five minutes after arriving at the hospital, I can still hear his first sweet little cry. Remember cradling him in my arms that first time. He quieted instantly, snuggled in.
Jacob’s in eighth grade now, doesn’t get a lot of press. Quieter than my other three, he doesn’t demand attention. Does his thing, doesn’t make waves. A big reader, basketball player, musician.
Reading Guess How Much I Love You to Hudson…
“I love you as high as I can reach,” said Little Nutbrown Hare.
“I love you as high as I can reach,” said Big Nutbrown Hare.
That is very high, thought Little Nutbrown Hare.
Jacob is helpful, kind to Hudson. Plays baby hoops, even wipes his nose.
Some of you know Jacob survived a traumatic accident when he was nearly six. A severe head injury resulted in an epidural hematoma, earning him a helicopter ride to Dartmouth Hitchcock Lebanon. Strapped to a straight board, Jacob was headed to emergency brain surgery. (Remember actor Liam Neeson’s wife, actress Natasha Richardson? She had the same head injury in 2009. Sadly, she didn’t survive.)
Just penning these brief words about Jacob’s accident revives painful memories. Fears that he might not survive that night, warnings that he might never smile again. (His “smile” nerves were moved during surgery.) But thank God he came through like a champ. Arrived home later that week, stitches from the top of his head to behind his ear. His beautiful little smile still intact.
And so tonight was a very special night, Jacob’s spring clarinet recital. As the last number of the evening, his grand finale notes rang clear and true, echoing in the arched ceiling of the recital hall. Overwhelmed, teary, I realized this song might not have been, but for God’s mercy on that little boy eight years ago. On our family. And so I share Jacob’s beautiful music with you today. Music to My Ears, music for my soul. Hope it is for you as well.
Concerto in B-flat Major, Moderato by Stamitz
Jacob Taylor, clarinet
Stephanie Jenkins, piano (also Jacob’s clarinet teacher)
You may also enjoy: Her Piano Recitals
simone says
So enjoyed this. Thank you Jacob!
Barbara Child says
How wonderful! Jacob’s is truly a miracle story! How scary to have to have brain surgery, and so young! Ed played the clarinet growing up, and we passed his instrument on to grandchildren.
Nancy Hammett says
Thank for sharing. Enjoyed this it was beautiful.
nancy mcmahan says
What a beautiful uplifting story. Thank you. and the very end..my little giggle for the day
Bresca says
We used to read Guess How Much I Love You all the time! My favorite is the picture of Hudson and Jacob “as high as they can reach.” Those goalie arms can reach pretty high! And their smiles…. (:
Linda Jenkins says
Thank you for sharing this, Allie. Jacob’s quiet strength is evident in his story, his demeanor with his brother Hudson, and in his beautiful music. Bravo, Jacob!
Judy says
This is music to MY ears, as well! Despite having been “snowed in” and unable to attend Jacob’s concert, as planned, we are grateful to your technological know-how, Allie! It has enabled us to hear that fine grand finale, anyway! Jacob’s gifts are many — we are so very proud of him!
Aunt pinkie says
Thanks so much for sharing this moving story! He played beautifully! And how could I have forgotten about his horrendous accident? PTL he came through it unscathed!
Tracy Costa says
Thanks for sharing Jacob’s story and his music. I just love him! He is such a kind, smart, talented and very handsome young man. He is always smiling. What a beautiful smile he STILL has. Thankfully! He lights up the room with it!!!
Jen says
WELL-DONE, Jacob! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing and reminding us of the journey that might not have been…how very gracious and good is our God! …and how much MORE precious are these events!
Barbara B. says
I remember that day 8 years ago – we had taken the boys out that afternoon to play baseball at the lake, then out to lunch, it was such a fun day!!!! Soon after we brought them home the accident happened, fell off the wall. We were heartbroken and when we heard the news, prayed our hearts out, and God mercifully heard all our prayers. Jacob is a special boy, quiet but thinks deeply, kind and loving and just a joy. We love him dearly and always look forward to his activities, especially his music concerts, last night was beautiful…… thanks for the adorable pictures and concert today, we loved the blog! OXOXOXOXOX
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Nancy says
Thanks for sharing – BEAUTIFUL and greatly enjoyed in our house!
Christy says
Jacob did a beautiful job ….his song and story both haunting and melodic. Thankful that he was protected and healed by the Great Physician so he could read sweet stories to his brother, play delightful music and round out your family in an important way!
Susie says
Wow–fantastic job, Jacob!! What a treasure you are!
nikkiana says
And suddenly, I feel old because my memories of Jacob involve being led around the house by his three year old self trying to figure out what on earth he was babbling to me about. He’s all grown up now! Sniff!
Allie says
Yeah, my kids have a way of making me feel really old.
Glad you like Cotton too, fun place. Do you ever get back to NH?
Karla @SmallTownRambler says
Wow! What a scary time that must have been! The story and the music are both a blessing. Fantastic job on your recital…
Denise says
Jacob is such a dear boy, and what a wit! I adore him! The pictures of Jacob with Hudson show his love for his brother, so sweet.
clarke says
And so young to go to sea…
Yvette says
Bravo, Jacob, bravo! Thanks for sharing the music and the story – Praise God for His mercies to our children.
Karlene says
That was amazing. We also had a traumatic time with my first born Jack when he was just 26 days old. He wasn’t strapped into his car seat and when I picked him up he fell out. Bi lateral skull fracture and bleeding in the brain. I thought I killed him. A few days in PICU we were sent home and he was checked for a year,. Never a single problem for it. I will be forever thankful for everyday I see him do something amazing. I don’t ever want to experience that again.
That music is beautiful,and I am so happy that he is here for you to hear it!
Being a mom is one heck of a ride…
xo
Karlene
Allie says
Oh Karlene, what a nightmare story with newborn Jack. But such a beautiful ending. God was so gracious to both of us. And yet I know there are many others out there who’ve had different endings to the story. My heart breaks for them. Thanks for sharing. XO
Laura Cook says
Sweet music to this mama’s ears too! Praising God again for His protection & mercy.
Allie says
Thanks Laura, and you have your own tales…thinking of Ryan at Emory while you’re bringing Abby into the world. The stories we can tell, so thankful. What didn’t kill us made us stronger. God was so gracious.
Ginger Worrell says
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.