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Sunday, September 26, 2010

make a wish monday, featuring JAG

As you view this video, I'm sure you'll see 12-year-old Jag the way I came to see him after just a few minutes of being in his presence ... as a regular guy who sees life as fun, exciting and happy.
To read about Jag and his incredible family, go here.
Oh, and let me say one more thing about Jag. He's very concerned about "fairness". But not the way you think. You see, I'd taken videos and pictures of everyone in the family. As I was getting ready to leave, this is the conversation that took place:
Jag: Aren't you going to take a picture of Shadow?
Me: Sure, I'll get a picture of your other dog.
Jag: Cuz, you haven't taken one of him yet.
Jag's Mom: Jag want's to make sure everything is fair. Funny thing though, the only thing he thinks is unfair in his life is when I make him do his homework. When I mentioned to him that life isn't always fair and he didn't know what I was talking about, I called attention to his missing limbs. Jag said, "So? I can still do everything everyone else does."
My wish this Monday is for all of us to have the perspective that Jag has.
That is, focus on what we do have, rather than what we don't.
Thanks for the lesson, Jag. I know you have no idea that you were teaching me ... but you were.

19 comments:

  1. Incredible story of inspiration and courage!!! Thank you for sharing ... XO HHL

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  2. he teaches us all the important things. to be
    grateful and have courage and not feel sorry
    for ourselves. especially when we have two
    good legs and two good arms.

    thank you for sharing.

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  3. Amazing and beautiful! A great way to set the tone for the week!

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  4. Jag is a great kid and a great cousin. So glad you could meet him.

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  5. Thank you for reminding us Denalee of what is so important attitude and compassion....
    xoxo

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  6. What an awesome, amazing kid! I love the message of perspective here, and focusing on what we have. A wonderful Monday reminder.

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  7. So inspiring for a Monday. I feel sorry for myself sometimes, (ha), I so appreciate seeing things like this to remind me to have gratitude and to have perspective. XX!

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  8. My wish is that I will truly appreciate everything that God has given me.

    Denalee whenever I come here you never fail to make me think, to make me love, and to make me open my heart. You have always been a source of inspiration to me and I know you will continue to do so. I am sure you hear this a lot but I want you to know that you really do make a difference in my life.

    Thank you.

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  9. Oh my gosh, Denalee. This is awesome.

    Where does Jag live? I have a friend who he might be very interested to meet. His name is Nic, and he too has limbs missing. He travels the country doing motivational speaking. Those two have to meet!

    http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org

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  10. Oh wow. Incredible. I love how honest he is. It's so refreshing. I am also loving your reader comments.

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  11. I'm so pleased you stopped by bigmoonsky-and your comment led me to your blog. What a special stories you are sharing. Where is your daughter on the east? We swapped coasts! x Emily

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  12. I love this blog of yours!! You are incredible and I look forward to reading more of your posts. Any run that I have done I have made all donations to The American Cancer Society ... as cancer hits close to home. My husband lost his mom to colon cancer when he was in eighth grade and we keep her memory close with us. I just did the San Francisco Marathon in June and raised over 1,000 dollars for The AMerican Cancer Society. Sending your mom so much love!! Glad you found my blog as now I have found yours! XO

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  13. Inspirational blog! I'm sure your mom is proud of you! :)

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  14. such an amazing story!! and a wonderful perspective, thank you for sharing his story with us!

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  15. children are amazing, they are constantly teaching us (the adults)about life. I will take the lesson to heart, "focus on what you have, rather than what you don't have."

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  16. Amazing! I am deaf, so I cannot understand the video, but love what you wrote and could see the sweetness in his eyes!

    Terrific lesson for us in gratefulness!

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  17. Awesome! Puts things in a bit clearer perspective, doesn't it.

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