My Story

I would like to tell you my story. My name is Jessica Lee Jacobsen, and I am 35 years old. I have a twin sister whose name is Elizabeth, but we call her Liz. We are identical twins; I am five minutes older than her. On December 10, 1972, we were born in Baltimore Maryland, and raised there until we were nine years old. We were born on the sofa in mom and dad's living room. Mom did not know that she was having twins. I also have an older brother named Robert, and a sister, Caroline, who is 9 years younger than I am.
I was born with three holes in my heart (tetralogy of fallot).
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11071
I was 5 weeks old when I had my first heart surgery at University Hospital in Maryland. It was a successful surgery. When I was 2 ½ years old, my family and I were at a party. I got bumped over by accident while playing, and my body turned blue. My Mom is a Registered nurse, so she knew what to do right away. We went to go see a cardiologist after my "blue fall". When I was 2 ½ years old, I had my second open heart surgery at University of Maryland Hospital. After the surgery, I was in an oxygen tent for 5 days, receiving only 40% oxygen. I was supposed to get 100 %. Due to that mistake, I have Cerebral palsy.
The Doctors gave me 3 Months to live. Because of the lack of oxygen after the surgery, I became, blind, deaf, I could not walk, I could not talk, my body moved night and day. I was self mutilating. It took about six months to a year for me to see and hear again. I was around 8 years old when I could walk and talk on my own again. After the surgery, I lived in a state institution for one year, and then my Mom and Dad took me home to be with them. After all, my Mom was spending most of her time with me at the institution. My body moved like a worm, all of the time. I could not control my body, it was not fun at all.
While growing up, people would stare and point at me and my body, and call me retarded. I am not retarded. I understand everything that goes on around me, and if I do not understand I ask questions. Some people are afraid of me, because I am different. I am not different, I am just myself. Please do not be afraid of me.
And slowly Jesus has healed me, through the years. It took time, I had to trust Jesus to heal me. I am a walking, talking, seeing, hearing miracle of God's love and grace. In the bible it says, "trust in me with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5).
It was very hard for me to understand why all of this happened. My mom's name is Nancy. She is an awesome lady. She has such a strong faith in God. She knew that God would heal me, and He has healed me in so many ways. As my mom says; "what the devil meant for bad, God meant for good in your life." What God deserves is all the glory, I do not want to take the praise for what He has done in my life.
I speak 2 languages Norwegian and English fluently. My Hobby's are biking on my three wheeled bike, watching movies, and being with my family. I love worshiping God, listening to books on CD or cassette's, and listening to the Bible on CD. I have a bit of a deficit when it comes to reading and writing. I read around a third grade level, but I am still practicing at getting better.
I have two computer programs they are called “Textaloud” and “Dragon Naturally Speaking.9” that help me to read and write. Right now I am speaking into a microphone, and the computer is doing the typing for me. It also reads my emails to me. I love it! I am writing a book about my life, this is just a little piece of my life. I hope it helps you understand my situation a little better. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. God Bless you!
Jessica Jacobsen
P.S. Be sure to check out my pictures under the "photos" link at the top!