Dawn & Kevin Wanser began their family in 1992 with their first son Cody. In 1996 Cody was diagnosed with a very rare form of dystrophy that was discovered when he lost his ability to stand and walk. The devastating news only grew more difficult as the doctors deemed Cody's illness terminal, giving him only two years to live. At that moment Dawn made a promise to Cody that they were never going to give up.
So the journey of caregiving began for Kevin and Dawn. They just had to trust that God was in control, while working endlessly to give Cody the best care possible.
December of 2000, Dawn & Kevin welcomed their second son Jacob into the world. With absolute joy Jacob grew as a very healthy, vibrant young boy. In 2006 the Wanser family faced yet another trial when Jacob suffered a Gran Mal Seizure that stopped his breathing. It was truly a blessing that Dawn was trained as a CNA, and had extensive training in CPR and First Aid.
She was able to assist in helping their son until paramedics arrived.
Later that week it was confirmed that Jacob was suffering from the same type of illness as his brother Cody.
Dawn and Kevin have been the sole Caregivers for their sweet boys Cody and Jacob. On February 5, 2013 their precious Cody aka "CodyBear", went home to be with Jesus at the age of 20 and sweet little Jacob aka "JaceeBee", also went home to be with Jesus on June 29, 2015, at the precious age of14. The boys were absolute miracles confounding the medical profession as they were both only given until age 6 to survive. Cody and Jacob's spirits live on in so many people to this day and they never stop changing lives. Until we meet again.
"Through all of the tribulations and trials, I would never change a single thing. I am a better person because of these two little teaching angels the Lord has placed so mercifully in our lives. I understand now that Cody and Jacob are in this world to teach us all humility; and because of them, the world is a better place. God has been there for us all since day one. I can tell you He has met us at every obstacle. He has brought tremendous blessings in our lives.
I give all the glory to Jesus and our God in Heaven for everything.
One more thought to share......As I was pondering my purpose in life, I looked into the eyes of two beautiful angels. It was then I realized that these little angels could not complete God's work without the help of a Caregiver....." Dawn Wanser
Everyday that we wake up the thought crosses our mind. "What are we going to do today?" or with a sigh, "There is a hundred and one things I have to get done." We gather ourselves up and as soon as our feet hit the ground, it's off to the races. But what if, just what if, one day you wake up and everything you've ever known or dreamed of suddenly stops. What if life as you know it ceases to exist and everything that you have been comfortable doing in your life is no more? Sound drastic to you? Well it is.
"Journey of a Caregiver" gives to you a very close encounter of just some, and I do mean just some, of the things that a Caregiver may go through on a daily basis. Have you ever seen someone that has special needs in a public place and then took a good look at the Caregiver who is with them? Do you ever wonder what that person has gone through, or how they manage to function on a day to day basis?
Throughout my 23 years of Caregiving, our lives have been a roller coaster of trials, tribulations and triumphs. I will warn you-this is book is not for the faint of heart. It will bring you through an escapade of emotions. My hope is, that at the end of this book, you will have a better understanding and appreciation for Caregivers. That you will understand the sacrifice and dedication that they give on a daily basis. I pray that you will also walk away with a new found hope and faith for your own life with the strength to endure.
Dawn Wanser, Author
Journey of a Caregiver
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