I remember reading my friend’s post that her five-year-old son wanted to grow a tomato. He was on hospice care, and she was sick to her stomach thinking … my little boy may not live to see this plant grow a tomato. They planted it, and she prayed.

Her son had been a healthy baby, full of energy and a bright smile. His favorite color was yellow. When he was only three and a half, he started having uncontrollable seizures and then brain surgery which revealed brain cancer.

And just like that … life was never the same again.

Throughout his two years of surgeries, radiation, chemo and being sick from side effects, Jaxon would collect toys and donate to other sick kids. In their deepest, darkest of days, they gave to others. No self-pity. No complaining. Just giving. That’s FULLY relying on God.

On Thanksgiving Day 2012, Jaxon’s first tomato was ripe enough to eat. Jaxon passed away four days later. Much to his mother’s surprise, when she checked the tomato plant on the day Jaxon went to Heaven, another ripe tomato had grown. As she calls it, a “God-wink.”

Jaxon was famous in our community. I would get stopped in the grocery store because someone spotted my “Team Jaxon” shirt. Because of this, there was a public and private memorial service.

I watched Jaxon’s parents graciously stand in front of a large crowd for his public memorial service. His three-year-old sister called his casket a “treasure box.” They spoke eloquently and shared fun family memories. I distinctly remember Jaxon’s dad describing his favorite sandwich hug.

Tears.

When we attended the private memorial service, we drove up to a horse-drawn carriage perfectly-sized for Jaxon’s “treasure box” — I bawled. I thought this small, private service would be much more difficult filled with raw emotions.

Yet again, Jaxon’s parents stood in front thanking us for our support. They shared beautiful, amazing stories of Jaxon loving Jesus, getting baptized and showing love to others. It wasn’t fake or a canned, medicated speech. It was a humble mom and dad who had pain in their eyes, but God in their heart.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Jaxon’s mom always has a smile. And, behind that sweet smile, I know there’s been unfathomable pain, heartache and tears. She’s been through the worst thing I can imagine.

Yet, she’s still standing.

Still smiling.

Still giving.

Still living.

She continues to FULLY. RELY. ON. GOD.

And, only God could give that kind of strength.

Jaxon leaves a legacy of giving. His parents continue their work with Jaxon’s F.R.O.G. Foundation (http://www.jaxonsfrogfoundation.com/). You can also follow them on FB @ Team Jaxon – FROG.

Just like that new tomato on his plant, Jaxon’s family welcomed sweet little brother, Maddox, on March 21^st! God is not only the giver of eternal pain-free life, but He continues to give new blessings in this life.