Jessica @ Ohio State University –

We all “watch” our children.  We watch them as infants.  We watch them as they grow into adulthood.  I have watched my daughter grow into a mother of two beautiful girls.  I have watched her as she has mastered motherhood with grace and assured my granddaughters a future filled with confidence, moral grounding and love.  I have recently watched her with her knowing smile and telling eyes suppress a deep, fear-teased scream that struggles for release.  Anguish.

3rd time a charm?  The 3rd time only confirms what you already know – that the surgery is traumatizing emotionally and physically- That recovery is slow and a constant reminder of the why and the whats to come.

Jessica, Amelia (Mia) and Penelope (Pi)

Jessica is the strongest, bravest person I have ever known.  She has stared-down a disease requiring three major brain surgeries to date with a grace that astonishes.

Jessica is a real life hero!  I will continue to “Watch” my real-life hero – I will always be amazed at her strength and courage – I will always, of course, love her without condition.