“I’m going to be a nanny!” came the enthusiastic declaration from Jaelynn as she deposited a baby sleeper into the laundry basket and then propelled herself across the room with her arms. At four years old, she already has a heart to serve others and delights in making sure that the “siblings” in her room at Maria’s Big House of Hope are okay.
Jaelynn's admission photo
When Jaelynn arrived at MBHOH in August 2009, her smile was slow to come and her tiny arms were so poorly nourished that they hung limply across her little belly. Her spina bifida appears in the form of a large tumor on her back, leaving her with little feeling below the waist. With the loving care provided at MBHOH, Jaelynn has proven herself to be full of encouragement and laughter. She has gained incredible strength and has learned to move around the room with her arms. She sits a little sideways keeping her head at an angle which gives her the appearance of a child who is often deep in thought. Jaelynn is very observant, and is one of the first to tell her nurse if one of her “siblings” is coughing or not eating what she considers to be a proper amount of food. She has even been known to attempt to help with feeding a child who is not eating as quickly or as much as she thinks they should.
One of Jaelynn’s favorite games is tag, and her nurses and nannies love to indulge her with tickles whenever she tags them! Her nannies have also worked diligently to begin teaching her colors, letters, numbers, and songs. She always asks to help, and her nannies love giving her simple tasks to complete. She finishes one, scoots back and asks, “What next?” Her servant heart is a precious gift that is flourishing as she is cared for and loved, growing daily in strength and courage. Thank you to the Show Hope sponsors whose willing, servant hearts help provide the highest level of care for little Jaelynn. Who knows…maybe one day she will be a nanny at Maria’s Big House of Hope!
