A few rounds of hide and seek, followed by several games of duck, duck, goose and little Sally Saucer , and this grandma had to call for a rest break last weekend while babysitting my two favorite, blue-eyed blonds.

Their energy did not diminish in the slightest, however, and they fidgeted impatiently, waiting for me to get back up and join them in a living room soccer game.   As tired as I get playing with those little girls, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude that they are well and strong enough to wear me out.
I’m painfully aware that such is not the case with all children.  And I just recently found out about one, whose plight I would like to share with all of you.
Just north of here, in Greenville, lives Jacob Magato, the nineteen-month-old son of Amanda and Jamie Magato.   Instead of  toddling unsteadily and giggling gleefully like other babies his age, Jacob is unable to eat without a feeding tube, stand on his own, or even lift his head. 
The brain damage he has suffered as a result of medical malpractice necessitates that little Jacob be on a monitor 24-7, because he doesn’t always even breathe without a reminder to do so.  
For seventeen agonizing minutes, Baby Jacob was technically “dead” before being revived.  By that time, the irreparable damage  to his tiny brain was done.  Some doctors in Germany have had a measure of success with a procedure whereby they reassign stem cells from the patient’s own flesh, resulting in limited restoration of muscle control. 
With the procedure, Jacob may be able to lift his head, perhaps even sit up in a wheelchair or walk.  None of which he can do currently.
The surgery alone costs $13,000.00, not to mention travel and other expenses a trip to Germany would incur.  The family would also be happy  to have a tub lift to help get Jacob out of the bath, as he continues to get bigger and doesn’t support any of his own weight.
A golf outing and skating fund raiser are scheduled for Jacob later in the spring, and hopes are high that a significant portion of his  expenses will be covered as a result.
But his needs are so great, and the family’s resources are not.  If any of you are touched by Jacob’s story, perhaps you would feel so inclined as to send some love to him and his family.
Donations can be made to the Baby Jacob Fund  at Chase Bank, acct. # 2968774469.  Much prayer would also beappreciated.
Thanks for giving me a moment of your time.   
You may contact Marla Cross at marlascross @yahoo.com or visit her new website: www.marlas mo ments.com.