Today's Battles Are Tomorrow's Triumphs: The Jacob Noah "Jake" Ingalls Story

In the Bonds of Love

Once back to Doc Baker's office, Charles took his tiny, infant son into his arms, slowly lowered himself to the floor next to Caroline's side, and began to pray. "Dear God," Charles prayed, "I come to you today on behalf of Caroline. It breaks my heart to know that she has to go through something that should have never happened. Dear God, please just lift her up to you and give her the strength she needs to overcome this, for we know that you're the ultimate healer, Lord. I also come to you today on the behalf of our children. They need their mother and I need my wife, Lord. We're all trying so hard to be strong for Caroline, and we know that you and only you can heal 'the glue that holds our family together.' In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

"Pa," said Mary. "Yes, Darlin'," Charles replied. Mary asked, "Would it be okay if the five of us girls were to spend some alone time with Jake?" Charles answered, "I don't see why not. As a matter of fact, I think he'd like that. Wouldn't you, Jake?" Jake smiled, waved his tiny fist, and cooed. Hannah, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Baby Grace were in awe of their baby brother. It was almost as if he was their own personal baby doll. Laura said, "Let's each take turns holding him and telling him about Ma." Hannah, Mary, and Carrie nodded. "Laura, can I go first," Carrie inquired. Laura replied, "Sure thing. Go ahead, Carrie." Carrie carefully took Jake into her arms and said, "Hi, Jake, I'm Carrie— your big sister. You know, you're a lot like Ma. You're strong, you're a fighter, you're strong-willed, and are determined. We are all overly excited that you're finally here, and we can't wait for you to meet Ma, for she will be your best friend and your biggest fan. I love you." Carrie placed a kiss upon Jake's cheek and carefully handed him to Laura. Laura caressed Jake's cheek, kissed his forehead, and said, "Hey, Jake. I'm Laura and I'm also your big sister. I'll just jump right in and say it— Ma will be there to cheer you on when you take your first steps and say your first word, she'll be there to bandage your scraped hands and knees, love you unconditionally,
Spend sleepless nights by your bed when you're sick, she'll be there to hold a cool rag to your head when you have a fever, comfort you when you're sad, she'll take your essays and put them in her special chest along with her school books and her wedding dress, and most importantly... she'll be the best and the greatest friend you'll ever need. I love you to the moon and back and further than that." Hannah then took Jake into her arms and said, "I'm glad to finally meet you, Mr. Jacob Noah Ingalls. My name is Hannah and I'm so glad that I get to be your big sister. I want you to know that when Ma told us that she was pregnant with you, the glimmer of hope in her eyes and the broad smile on her face glistened brighter than all the stars in the sky. To know Ma is to love her. She is the best listener, the greatest teacher, the kindest soul, the most faithful friend, the most generous and most reliable person you'll ever meet, and is the strongest woman on this side of the Mississippi. I can't wait to see you and Ma become the best of friends. I love you more than anything." She finished her heartfelt address to Jake by sealing it with a kiss on his cheek before placing him in Mary's arms. Mary placed a kiss upon Jake's forehead and said, "Hi, Jake. My name's Mary and I, too, am your big sister. I'm elated that you're finally here, for you have truly blessed our family.

Can I let you in on a little secret— you have made me the happiest girl in the world. For eight months, I watched Ma carry you inside of her and never once did her faith falter, nor did she let the challenges of the pregnancy get her down. Like Pa always says, Ma will always be there for those who need her the most, therefore I hope you will always remember that when you are feeling down and out. I hope that in your darkest of days, you will see that Ma is the guiding light that is waiting to bring you back out of the darkness. I hope you see her as the ma who is the definition of calm in the face of a storm, for she is always willing to walk through fire to protect the ones whom she loves the most. I love you beyond all measure, Jake Ingalls." Mary placed a kiss upon her baby brother's cheek and helped Baby Grace hold him, so she wouldn't feel left out. "Hey, Girls, how's it going with Jake," Charles inquired, poking his head through the curtain. Hannah replied, "Just wonderful, Pa— just wonderful." Charles picked up Baby Grace, tickled her, and said, "And what about you, Young lady— what do you think about your new baby brother?" "Love," Baby Grace babbled. Charles said, "You love him, do you?" Baby Grace smiled and kissed Jake's forehead. Charles and the girls smiled. Charles carefully lifted Jake out of Mary's arms and took him to see Caroline.
Three days had passed, and Baby Jake was thriving nicely. As Charles sat at Caroline's bedside, holding Jake, telling him all about Caroline... a miracle occurred— Caroline came out of her coma. "Ch... Charles," Caroline hoarsely said. "Welcome back, Darlin'. Stay right there. Don't go away," whispered Charles. Caroline nodded. Charles called out, "Girls, your ma's awake." Hannah, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Baby Grace dashed through the curtain to see Caroline, and they each took turns kissing Caroline's cheek and wrapping her in their embrace. Baby Jake's lips began to quiver as he started to cry. Charles said, "I think this little guy wants to officially meet you, Ma." Caroline smiled as Charles placed Jake in her arms. "Hello, Mister," gushed Caroline, "I'm your ma. I have waited for so long to meet you and I can hardly believe that day is finally here. There was never a moment where I doubted that God knew what He was doing when He gave me— us you. As your ma, I promise there's nothing you can do to make me stop loving you, I promise to always listen whenever you need to talk, I promise to always be there for you, I promise to always keep you safe, I promise to pray with and for you, and I promise to be the best mother to you and your sisters and the best wife and friend to your pa. I love you, Jacob Noah Ingalls— forever and always."