We have Officially Made It!!!

(Memorial Day Madness for Jacey!)

I talked with Karen today at 4 Paws for Ability and it's OFFICIAL!!!  We have exceeded our fundraising goal of $13,000.  We are now on the class list for November 30th!!! 

Thank you so much to everyone who helped us achieve our goal.  Your prayers, thoughts, donations, and emails are greatly appreciated!  I still can't believe that we have achieved our goal, officially, in such a short time.  I thought for sure it would take us at least nine months to maybe a year to raise $13,000 for 4 Paws for Ability. 
I definitely know that this was something meant to be for Jacey.  Have you ever experienced something in your life where when you first learn about it, hear about it, see it, or whatever be the case, you know it is the right thing for you, your family, or someone close to you.  That is what I felt when learning about Autism Service Dogs.  I knew that this was something Jacey would thrive in life with.  I knew that this was one of the best things we could do for Jacey.  So, I researched, came across 4 Paws, did some more research...and applied for an Autism Service Dog for Jacey.  Waiting to hear back as to whether or not we were accepted was a killer, even though most everyone is accepted!  I was extremely giddy at the thought of having this amazing tool in our home.  It would allow us to do so much more, and give Jacey the freedoms that I long for her to have.

And then, when you know and feel something is soooo right and you feel like nothing can stop you, reality sets in, or someone tells you that you won't be able to do it, or they tell you that maybe it isn't right for you.  Whatever these doubts are, they take hold and you fear that your beautiful dream is just that - a dream.  You begin to doubt your ability to achieve your dream, you doubt whether or not you should have turned onto this road, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to get dimmer and further away. 

Looking back at this dark time for me, shows me that I was definitely doing something that was right, something that would help Jacey succeed in life.  The people that came forward to help us in our fundraising efforts, those who did so much more than just donate money, the prayers that were offered for Jacey and our family, how quickly we finished fundraising.  All these things tell me that what I was doing for Jacey was right, but that someone did not want me to succeed.  I am grateful to have the knowledge that we have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us and that I was strong enough not to let the darkness take over my determination for what was best for Jacey.

This journey that I have been on has been amazing.  I wouldn't trade that dark cloud that had been over me for anything.  I have learned to know the bitter from the sweet because of it.  I have become a better person.  I have been blessed to learn of what a wonderful world we live in and the great people that surround me.  Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.  Thank you for being such a huge force in making this dream come true for Jacey.  What you have done for Jacey and my family is remembered every day.  Thank you....

A Gift in the Mail

Along this road we've been on in getting Jacey a service dog, we have "met" many wonderful people.  It continues to amaze me with the things people want to do for a little girl with special needs!  We have been blessed by people who have given so much, when they themselves are having difficult times.  Whether the difficult times be financially, medically, or any other number of things, these people still want to give for Jacey. 

Among these people is a man by the name of Kirk.  He is one of those amazing people we met through Trapperman.com.  Kirk bid things up on the auctions and reminded people that the auctions were for Jacey.  He was the winner of at least one of these auctions.  Instead of having one of these items mailed to himself, he chose to have it sent to Jacey.

It gets better - Tinemaster, who had donated the items for the auction, sent a little extra something from his daughters, Ashlee and Katie, for Jacey.  Here are the pictures of the gifts Jacey received in the mail.  Thank you Kirk and Tinemaster.  We thank Heaven everyday for what you've done for us.  May God bless you for where your hearts are!

Judd helps Jacey open the package

Jacey sees something she might like!

All Jacey can say is "Doggy, Doggy, Doggy!"  And giggles...

(It is a fox)

Jacey actually looking at the camera!

Judd shows Jacey the heart shaped necklace that Tinemaster's daughters, Ashlee and Katie, added to the package!

Of course, Jacey has to taste test it like everything else.

Judd shows Jacey the beaver tooth necklace...

And of course, Jacey has to try it. 

(Thank you for having it preserved with something Tinemaster!!!)

Jacey enjoying all of her new things!  She loved the "doggy" (aka fox)!!!

Thanks again Kirk and Tinemaster!!!  Jacey will have something to hold as we tell her about the wonderful people who helped us get her four-legged friend.  Jacey has a lot of angels looking over her - thank you!

Jacey's Story is Getting Out There

I appreciate everyone taking the time to share our story with their friends and loved ones.  It is amazing what has happened this week.  I have talked with people that say they got the email and wanted to double check about how to send a donation through PayPal.  I have thought to myself..."I didn't send it to you...How did you end up getting it?"  And then I learn that a person I had sent it to, emailed it to a few friends, who in turn emailed it on to them.  Someone contacted me about a possible avenue to go down for sending out more emails in regards to Judd's profession.  I mentioned it to him and he told me that somehow this avenue had already been taken without him knowing it.  I am repeatedly amazed at the people that are wanting to help.  I just pray that we may be able to one day pay this forward to someone else in need.  Thank you for being such a wonderful example to our family.  I look forward to looking back at this once we have had the dog a few years, and sitting down with my children during a Family Night, to tell them about the marvelous people that are in this world.  About how we were so richly blessed with love and support.

Again, the purpose of this posting (as the title tells), Jacey's story is getting out there.  We were interviewed by News Channel 5 on Monday afternoon and they aired it tonight on the 6 and 10 o'clock news programs.  I thought you would all be interested in taking a peak.  It will let you sneak a peak of Jacey...in action!  I'd love to hear what you think of the segment!

Thanks,
Amy