The Best Days of Jake's Life - More To Come and A Life To Live!

Reflecting a lot lately on how very lucky Jeff and I are having Jake in our life, and the opportunity that he will be living with us for a lifetime.  Jake's previous life as a high school student and an US Army soldier still linger with us of where he was and what he had, but the opportunities that afford him now so outweigh the disability he now from the "invisible bruise" - of the TBI. The pictures shared with you in this post- showcase his pre-accident days. His passion for drumming, even in his bathrobe to start his morning, his love for riding his 1000R Ninja motorcycle with his Army buddies and others, but especially Jacob Mann- his Army mentor and one of his closest friends that understood Jake, our family vacations from seven countries in Europe, the multiple trips to the Caribbean, to the Florida Keys, and to our lovely outdoor patio on the big beautiful Mississippi River. Yes, Jake owned every second of his life and was living life to the fullest. The song "I Lived" by One Republic sums it for this time period and what he is  and what he went through - as Jake has accomplished so many positive learning adventures that most adults never have an opportunity to experience or achieve. #WeLoveJakeHarm

For the past two months since the Christmas holidays, Jake has been working adamantly on his fine and large motor skills with his both hands. He realizes he will never play double bass with his left foot- as he is ankle is fused at a 90 degree angle and limit range of motion in his rebuilt leg/knee, but he has rediscovered his passion for playing the bass with the PS3/XBox game of Rock Smith. His good friend Shane Loken introduced this Jake about a year ago and left a very positive impression with Jake. It allows him to advance his bass skills but at the same time improves and strengthens his fine and large motor skills with both of his hands. Jake still has delayed range of motion on his entire left side, but he is working in retraining his brain to teaching his left side to work more freely and naturally. #WorkingTheBrain

The cold temperatures, ice, and snow has been a challenge for getting Jake out safely out and about without causing an accidental fall. But while I am working, Jeff is doing everything possible to take Jake out at least once a day- and even for car ride to discover new areas in our region, or take him to the grocery store to work on daily living skills of shopping, purchasing items, sticking to the items on the list :-) and coming back home and helping put grocery items and personal items away in their place. This is Jake's speciality- I call him Mr. Organization. He is so adamant that everything goes in it s place- this is an excellent skill that has been totally enhanced since his TBI and very structured routine of his daily schedule, as this helps his hour by hour understanding of events, so he is prepared for every social situation- he likes to be prepared- and this is excellent. I also need to mention, Jake and Jeff have just started joining me for a few teaching events, and assisting with the prep of workshop materials and setup of a few of the catering events for our Saturday workshops. This provides both my guys purpose, pride, and opportunity fulfillment to be social and interact with great teachers friends that have been so supportive our entire family since Jake's accident. #GRATITUDE

Today was the last day of Jake's antibiotic medication for his bone infection- this is a huge milestone to fight off the bone infection he has incurred since Texas. Jake goes back to the hospital in another 10 days to do extensive blood work to recheck where the infection is at and see if he can take a break from the antibodies or try a different medication. Jake still has quite a bit of pain in his feet, ankles and knees- but the onset of arthritis has also set in contributing to his aches and shooter pains. But the positive side to all of this, for now- the conversation of amputation is off the table for Jake's left leg - we are all so relieved! #WeAreHappy

Many changes are coming for Jake and our entire family! Yes, we are relocating to sunny California!!! Major job relocation for Naomi with an amazing forward thinking edtech company and to work with incredible team of innovators and passion driven edtech leaders that are making monumental change in the field of education and mobile learning- I am THRILLED. Yes, Innovative Educator Consulting (IEC) will still reside its edtech presence in the MidWest. I am turning over and allocating a portion of IEC leadership and training delivery to a few of my amazing teaching consultant staff, so they can too fulfill their innovation buckets to continue to delivery their passion driven expertise to teachers in MN, IA and WI.  I will still have the opportunity to deliver my inspiring keynotes through my new work opportunities, and on my personal days I choose - but will limit these opportunities to about four times a year, as I want to stay committed and focus to this new leadership job adventure. #LifeIsGood 

The California weather will do us all good- and Jake will benefit in so many ways to live a better quality life from 325 days of sun, a more temperate climate to ease and manage his pain, and be more independent to keep up his walking routine without the barriers of ice and snow for 6- 7 months. We will be renting first and then purchase a home at a later time to find the perfect sweet spot. As for now we have found several beautiful home rentals on a lakes, with out door pools and the accessibility needs for Jake to have his own master suite with zero entry shower and more access on one and two levels with minimal steps. #FeelingMinnesotaLookingCalifornia

More to come in the next month on the move, relocation and transition in the upcoming months, and Jake's progress- as we are approaching his 2 year anniversary of his accident on April 5th. 

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

#PutYourFamilyFirst!

Jeff and Naomi