April 19, 2014

~ Written By Naomi and Jeff Harm ~

Today is the day of Jacob's golden birthday. He has turned 19 on April 19th. Much  has happened over this past 19 years with our youngest son, and we have had the opportunity over the last two weeks to share Jacob's childhood story with our daughter-in-law Heather Gavin Harm. I will not go into all the detail, but the memories we have shared with her have aided in much laughter and spirited conversation of all the trials and tribulations of Jake's childhood, likes to dislikes, most embarrassing moments, trying times and the distinct physical characteristics and mannerisms that he has possesses from his father Jeff Harm and his mother Naomi Harm. These emotional and laughter-filled conversations are the backbone of what is holding us all together as a family during this trying time with Jacob's accident.

Our Jacob made it through a five hour femur surgery yesterday April 18th. It was a very intense surgery which has caused Jake a great deal of pain and further issues with the raising of his blood pressure and heart rate.  Jake is receiving mega doses of pain medications and sedatives to control the pain, and to control and regulate his heart as well. It is so good to see the exterior pins, bolts and metal cross bars removed from Jake's left leg. Their goal is to continue on with his right femur on Monday. By gettin all the external pins, bolts and metal cross bars removed, he will finally be able to fit into the MRI tube to finally due a full extensive scan and evaluation of his entire body and brain. 

As of this 9AM this morning now, Jake has just returned from a second one hour surgery of a tracheotomy. This will serve as an independent airway in his throat for him to assit with breathing, and allowing for him to begin to speak, but this is going to take quite some time. Just knowing that all the tubing is now removed from his mouth is another sign of progress. 

Please think of our Jake today and celebrate in spirit with him and us, by lighting of candle to note his golden birrthday and one more day of progress made. You may post your lighted candle pictures here on this page or use the Twitter or Facebook hashtag of #WeLoveJakeHarm to add to a visual collection of a photo stream of candles, which in return Naomi will be making into a photo candle moasic for him. I will in return print this off and place in his hospital room to represent "Hope" and "Celebration" of our Jakey.