Y’all, I cannot tell you how much I love this blog and the open dialog it has created between our family and Heather. Check out Heather’s response to Jackson’s gotcha day! It is beautiful and I absolutely love her honesty and truth in it.

First, I just wanted to say that – I cannot wait to see you soon!!!
I wanted to let you know how I feel about Jackson’s Gotcha Day. I think its beautiful, and I think its beautiful how you celebrate this day. I believe it is a very important day in Jackson’s life that should be remembered and definitely celebrated. Jackson might not understand everything now, but one day he will and I hope one day he feels so loved and happy knowing his parents celebrate the day he legally became a Heesch.

His legal name change reminds me of some of the birth paperwork I received weeks after I gave birth to Jackson. It was in regards to “Jackson Mitchell”… I cant even explain to you how seeing that on paper made me feel. It was sort of surreal, and at the time emotional. But, in my eyes, he has always been a Heesch.

Jackson’s story is nothing short of amazing, and I have huge faith that he will feel secure in who he is, and I hope you know that I will always be here for support if I am ever needed. I do not have the answers for the future, I do not know what Jackson will ask or how he will feel or what he will go through, but I am here if you feel you need me. I honestly believe that the love that surrounds him will conquer all. The guidance and support will go a long way.

I do want to tell you that Marvell has told me twice that he wishes he could have been adopted by y’all and have you and JJ as parents instead of me. He was 5 at the time, and hasn’t said anything like that in years, but it did happen. Mya has told me a handful of times she wishes she had a different mom because I was so mean to make her clean her room (hahaha)… I have come to realize that as a parent, you will not always be liked. You will always be loved, but not always liked & that is okay.

I don’t think Jackson will ever say those words, “I want to live with Heather” … I mean seriously, he has 2 amazing parents who adore and cherish him. Who have been there for him since forever & if he does say those words, don’t feel like a failure. He wouldn’t even know what he is talking about. He would be running back home so fast!!! (haha im joking).

I am just so grateful that you love me and you will allow Jackson to know me and love me like you do. I am so thankful that he is being told his story. I just want him to know the truth, about everything. I want him to know what I experienced, how God spoke to me and told me what to do, and that I listened, and I hope he embraces who he is. Jackson Lawrence Heesch.

If Jackson doesn’t want to talk to me, or see me, or want anything to do with me during any part of his life, I will respect his space and still love him no matter what. I hope that never happens, though. He means so much to me. He changed my life just like all my children have, and introduced me to his parents who continue to inspire me all of the time!!!