The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius (36 page)

That first year, we thought we were going to lose Wes.

Jake and Christopher shared a real connection, one I hadn’t seen Jake have before with a friend.

Jake after class with his first mentor, Professor Pehl at IUPUI, who helped me to see Jake as a scientist.

There’s always a lot of work, but there’s
always
time for fun. That’s what brothers are for! Here on the family hammock: Jake, Wesley, and Ethan.

Jake “at home” in the honors college, surrounded by his peers, takes the lead working through an equation.

Jake writing an equation on a window with a view of the Chrysler Building.

Jake presenting his research. He looked so small in his suit.

Jake and Igor at the famed Barnett Academy, home of the Fighting Moose. The roses are from Mike.

The whole family.

For Michael, who makes the impossible possible every day
And for everyone who’s ever been told they can’t