'Nothing short of a miracle'
Courtesy photo Jade Harlow, 13, suffered facial injuries on Friday from what was reportedly an accidental shooting near Cataldo.
Jade Harlow, 13, is recovering at Sacred Heart in Spokane from facial wounds sustained by a shotgun in what was reported as an accidental shooting near Cataldo. (Courtesy photo)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
Rebecca Linck calls her son, Jade Harlow, "nothing short of a miracle."
The 13-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the face on Friday near Cataldo by another youth who didn't realize the shotgun was loaded, according to family friends.
Jade is recovering at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he'll need to have both of his eyes removed, possibly today.
Despite significant facial injuries, Jade has no cognitive damage or loss of motor skills or memory, Linck wrote in an online comment.
"He understands... knows it was a horrible accident, knows he will have several surgeries, knows this is a long road, knows he is blind but most of all knows he is special, he is a miracle, knows he is loved," Linck wrote. "He prays for all of you who are praying for him."
"From the depths of my soul, thank you for your prayers. The greatest thing you can give us is prayer."
According to a press release issued by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office on Monday afternoon, deputies responded to a home on South Robinson Creek Road near Cataldo at 12:20 p.m. on Friday for a reported accidental shooting.
"Upon their arrival, they discovered a 13-year-old male juvenile sustained extensive facial injuries from what appeared to be a shotgun," the release states, adding that he was airlifted to Spokane.
No further information was released by the KCSO, citing an active investigation.
Linck wrote that it was "tragically beautiful" during the gutwrenching moment on Sunday night when family gave Jade the devastating news that he'd be blind.
"Jade was happy we told him," Linck wrote. "He knows how loved he is. He is accepting and so forgiving."
As of Monday late afternoon, a GoFundMe online benefit account at https://bit.ly/2MmzWM0 to assist the family with medical expenses had raised $6,459 toward its $50,000 goal.
"I am in awe of Jade's fighting spirit," donor Lara Clinton wrote.
When awake, Jade's mind has been 100 percent sharp, Linck wrote.
"He has been very curious, using his fingers feeling things, processing," she wrote. "He is incredibly communicative, tells us what he needs, where it itches, asks questions..."
Messages left with Linck and the benefit account organizer on Monday had not been returned as of deadline Monday night.
Linck wrote that the family is enduring the hardship together through faith.
"There is so much healing, heartache, blessings, tragedy happening all at once," she wrote. "I have never been more in love with or proud of our boys... They astound me with their compassion, strength, vulnerability. We shall walk a really tough road from here, but we will make it together."