Last March 13-year-old Jacob Jones-Gravely was in a tragic car accident. His Grandmother suffered a stroke while driving, sending their SUV crashing into a semi. She lived, but doctors said Jacob wouldn't survive.
On Friday he proved everyone wrong as he was the VIP at the Silver Hawks game.
It was fun-day Friday for Jones-Gravely. He's been waiting 523 days to have an evening out with his family.
"He got in the accident but he did not die," said Jacob’s mother, Sabrina Allen.
Jacob's journey to recovery is a miracle. He suffered internal bleeding, a crushed skull, a shattered pelvis bone and 250 strokes, just to name a few injuries.
He wasn't supposed to live.
"He defied what all the physicians had said," Allen said. "The doctors said, ‘You need to let him pass.’"
But she never gave up on her son.
"It’s almost like death when your child is not with you and they are 200 miles away from you," Allen said. Jacob lives in a nursing home in Logansport. His family doesn't have the resources to keep him at home.
On Friday, The Cove became his field of dreams.
"Everybody on TV, yes I do love baseball,” said Jacob.
And the pitcher's mound loved him as he threw out the first pitch of the game.
A permanent smile was plastered on Jacob's face.
Past the scars, the casts and the wheelchair, Jacob is just a kid.
"He's telling jokes. He calls me, I bought him a cell phone, he texts me," Allen said.
And like any other 13 year old, he's got his eye on a few other gizmos and gadgets
"He wants an iPod, laptop, and I just want him to come home," Allen said.
For Allen, she's holding on day-by-day, thankful her son is here, having the time of his life.
She's proud of his courage and bravery.
"I'm lucky to be his mom," Allen said.
It's been a long road to reach this point. But the family said to hear this laugh is a dream come true.
"Go Silver Hawks!" Jacob yelled.
Since the accident, Jacob has regained all cognition. But the only emotion he can't feel is sadness.
His mother said his daily progress is unbelievable -- and she just can't wait to have him home soon.
To learn more about Jacob's journey to recovery, visit www.jacobsjourney.blogspot.com or www.caringbrige.org/visit/jacobgravely1
