Growing Up With Jessica

by James Walker, Josh McDowell (Foreword)

Recommended and endorsed by international author and speaker, Josh McDowell and his wife Dottie, Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church and Danae Dobson of Focus on the Family Ministries.

A moving and very inspirational true story, clearly and passionately shared, by Jessica's Dad. He honestly shares the ups and downs of his family, as they, quite unexpectedly, began grappling with every parent's worst nightmare. Since that frosty Halloween night, when Jim's wife Renée quietly whispered with tears in her eyes, "Something is wrong with Jessica," they have been shaken to the very roots of their faith, found healing and victory, as they all 'grew up with Jessica.'

You will experience, their breath taking roller coaster ride, of tragedy, love, hope and faith and emerge touched and inspired. This is a heartwarming book where faith overcomes tragedy.

204 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2006

About the author

James Walker is an award winning author and designer. He first began writing books because his wife, friends and distinguished writing professionals, encouraged him to tell the remarkable and moving story of his baby girl Jessica’s affliction. His inspirational first book, ‘Growing Up with Jessica: A True Story,’ was warmly received and has won multiple author awards.

Since 1978, James and his wife Reneé, have been 24/7 caregivers for Jessica. They cite their many experiences in ‘Jessica-land’ as the catalyst in their continuing spiritual and emotional growth. They have traveled from despair to surviving and thriving as ‘Ultimate Caregivers.’ They have begun embracing the privilege they have in the care and nurturing of another human soul.

James Walker resides in the grandeur of Idaho with Renée and their children and grandchildren.

Fun Facts:

James Walker with his son Jon were involved in the All-America Soap Box Derby. Jon was a Soap Box Derby Champion and raced in the Akron, Ohio,1992 World Championships. Jim later started, and was the Race Director, of the Mayor’s All American Race in Boise, Idaho. The Idaho SBD race received two national awards for; Best New Race and Best Race Director.

Jim and Renée once got lost in a fire drill in the dark at Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii where they shined their flashlight in the laundry basket and spotted Mickey and Minnies clothes!

Reviews

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartfelt story; proof of grace.

[Susan Bissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one amazing story written by James Walker about his love for his disabled daughter, Jessica. My heart goes out to James and his wife Renee and their two other children who love and care for Jessica, they accept her for who she is without question! Jessica was born into a wonderful family that wanted to care for her and not institutionalized her, I give them a lot of kudos that shows how much they loved Jessica not to subject her to an awful life in one of those places. I have read in the past how the vaccines we use on our babies and children are dangerous. I remember when my son was a baby how the pads, doctor would hand you a paper to sign and in legalese explaining if your child had a reaction to a vaccine you are to call this number, blah, blah, blah, and you would be awarded $1,000,000,00 for expenses for that child's life. I laughed at it thinking only 1 million dollars??? That will not cover a child's lifetime with medical for expenses. My son, I remember him getting the DPT shot, he ran a fever and was fussy after each shot. I don't think the MMR shot was any better. I remember on one occasion my son got 4 shots in one visit, now I wish I knew back then that was so BAD for an infant! Also the polio vaccine was given orally and was a live virus and it was later changed to a shot 1st time it is administered and then the oral vaccine, children and the adult caretaker were getting polio from the oral vaccine. China even made a better DPT shot after using our DPT vaccine and found it too dangerous to use on infants, so why doesn't our country make a better vaccine for our infants safety?!?!
I can also relate to Jim and Renee when Jessica went in for scoliosis surgery, my son has had scoliosis since he was 18 months old and was fused at 12 years old when it had progressed very badly, like Jessica, it was near his heart and other organs were being compromised that he could die from scoliosis. I remember that surgery as it is a very long surgery and afterwards their is a lot of pain and suffering from the fusion and several days NICU and getting them off the vent safely, plus they have a chest tube for drainage from the lung. It is a very scary time for all parents watching their children suffer through this surgery!
I will keep Jim and Renee and their family in my prayers. May their love in God keep them strong and blessed.

I received a free copy of this book in exchanged for an honest review.

[Carleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully intimate view into the daily life of a caregiver for a young lady who has suffered permanent injuries due to a childhood vaccination. I am so honored to be able to be given this amount of detail of Jessica's life and day to day routine. This is one book that will be read within a day and will leave your heart full of love. I applaud the Walker family for bearing their souls to the world to help others who may have similar situations. Mr. Walker is quite classy in his writing too as he does not attempt to persuade the reader to be in favor of or against vaccinations. He is simply hoping to provide information for the reader to be able to make an informed decision. You will want to have some tissues handy because Jessica's story will touch your soul. Jessica's story begins in the 1970's and continues today. It is amazing to see the vast amount of change that has occurred since her birth. The pictures of Jessica within these pages are absolutely breathtaking. I am so thankful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of this book from this author as I was also reading his second book, Lessons from Jessica. Thank you, Mr. Walker and God Bless!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book that started with finding out about Jessica during pregnancy and following her life and the struggles of a family with a disabled child. Since I sometimes work with disabled children this added a new perspective to my work,, and will hopefully make me an even better nurse.