May 08, 2011

Semi-Formal Dance

A couple of weeks ago, Garren said he would go to the 8th grade semi-formal dance if he could walk. Though Garren is working hard, and is able to walk with a walker and a lot of support, he decided to go to the dance anyway. And I am so glad he did! It was so good - for him, and for all of his friends who were there.


We started the evening out meeting with a group downtown Monroe for a pre-dinner photo shoot. They posed, smiled, laughed - and we the parents took all kinds of pictures. They all looked so good, dressed up so nicely.

Then we went to Takara Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. Now you must understand - we gave Garren the option of not going. But he insisted. He wanted to be there with his friends. Even though he couldn't eat anything, he wanted to hang out with everyone. It was fun, and he enjoyed being there.

After dinner we headed to the dance. Nancy and I weren't sure what to expect. We weren't sure how Garren would do with the number of students that would be there. We walked in, and as we were headed toward the door, word began to spread: "Garren's here!" People started to crowd around the door, everyone trying to come out at once, everyone trying to get a view of Garren.

"Everybody back up, he's coming in."

As we walked in the door, everyone started clapping. It brought tears to my eyes. I looked up and saw a couple of other adults with tears in their eyes as well. Once inside, several friends would crowd around, say hi to Garren, then take off. This happened several times with several groups. Then we were alone, just me and Nancy and Garren. I asked Garren where he wanted to go, so we ended up sitting next to the dance floor. Several more friends would stop by to say hi, then we would be left alone again. After about 20 minutes, I asked Garren what he wanted to do. He shrugged. I said "If you want to go somewhere, or do something, just tell me."

A few minutes later, he pulled out his alphabet sheet, and started spelling. "You can stay here, and Katherine can push me around." (Katherine was Garren's date.) Ok. I asked just to be sure, "You want Katherine to push you around?" "Yes." I asked Katherine - and she smiled, big. Of course! Off they went. Next thing I knew, Garren was on the dance floor, surrounded by friends. They were all laughing, talking, dancing, and having a good time. (Who wants to hang out with their dad at the 8th grade dance anyway?)

We ended up staying to the end, and Garren loved every minute of it. It was so good for him to get away from Mom, Dad, nurses and doctors for a little while. His friends were great! They loved on him, and welcomed him into their conversations without hesitation. All in all, it was an amazing night.

17 comments:

Kim Peck said...

So happy that Garren went and had such a great time! No surprise that he was the life of the party! Can't wait to see what God does next with Garren and through him!

Thomas' of South Carolina said...

As a dad that brought tears to my eyes as I read. The courage, fortitude and strength that Garren and your family as shown me has made an impact on my everyday life.

A tremendous story that continues to unfold before our eyes. The author of this story is using it to impact many lives. To God be the glory!

JT

Deja Kissiah said...

Garren looked so great all dressed up and it was so sweet to watch him and katherine dance together :)We all had a great time, im so glad he was there!!! :)

-Deja Kissiah

Kfisherlcsw said...

That is awesome! We are so happy for Garren! I'm sure that time with his friends just added to his amazing motivation! Garren's story moves me in so many ways and inspires me to tell others how God is working thru him! Praise God!

Katrina

Anonymous said...

Wow! The glory that God is receiving from you all! I am in awe of God even more and I continue to be moved by your faithfullness. To God be all the glory but I thank God for the Janes family. The lives you are affecting is amazing! Can't wait for the 5k!

Torria said...

Wonderful!!

tammywingate said...

Go Garren! I am glad you had a chance to be with your friends ad share in the dance!! Great pictures!!! we are soooo proud of you!!!!
<>< t

Unknown said...

Garren is such an amazing person. He has been such an inspiration and joy to us all. We love all of you and want to thank you for sharing all of this with us. You are among the greatest of all the people I have come to know. May God continue to be your strength and Garrens determination. For the days that follow will continue to bring Glory to our Father in Heaven. Sandra Wauters

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

He looks fabulous! So glad to hear him taking such a big step!

Anonymous said...

I can barely type thru my tears.

Praise God!

What a testimony Garren will have to share, and it now appears that may be happening soon. I'm curious to find out what is going on in his mind, that he hasn't been able to express! Perhaps an autobiography on the best sellers list in his future?
Love you guys,
Tracy Brailsford

Anonymous said...

I feel waves of joy coming as tears to my eyes....what a night!!!What a God!!!! Love & prayers, Sandy & Russ

Anonymous said...

Garren,
You look AWESOME/HANDSOME! We are so glad that you went to your 8th grade formal. Sounds like you made the dance special for everyone. Katherine looked really pretty too. You both make a sweet couple. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
Love...Tammy and Scott

Unknown said...

I have encountered your blog through being facebook friends with Kitty Hinkle. What a blessing Garren's journey of healing has been. I hope and pray that the trach comes out soon and that Garren continues to progress.

Courtney from Chicago

Stephen said...

It is so good to see a picture of you Garren. You look great! We pray for you guys every night as a family and we enjoy reading all the progress you are making. We love you very much and we are so proud of you. Hang in there buddy.

The Via Colony said...

Awww, he looks SO good! So excited he got to go and that he had such a GREAT time:)

wendypoovey said...

I am so happy he went to his dance. What an awesome testimony Garren's story is. By the way, Garren looked very handsome! Huge step for him. We are still praying for him every day!

Judith Bareham said...

I have been doing some major catchup on your blog. Garren looks so great in the pics and what a blessing to be able to be at the dance! So much has occurred in these past few months it blows my mind to see the journey he has 'walked" to date.
Still praying for him to completely defy the medics in their beliefs!