Jacob's Story

When Jacob Dean Grein was born six weeks premature in 1981, he faced multiple heart attacks, kidney failure, and profound hearing loss. Doctors told his young parents to "let him go and start over." Instead, Ken and Mary Sue Grein chose love over fear-a decision that led to 37 years of daily miracles.

Jacob's Story chronicles Jacob's incredible journey from 137 days fighting for life in the NICU to becoming an award-winning Goodwill employee who touched hundreds of lives. Despite being deaf and having cerebral palsy, Jacob walked with a walker, worked with pride, and possessed an uncanny spiritual sensitivity.

This isn't just a disability memoir-it's a love story about a family who discovered that their son's limitations were actually his greatest gifts. Jacob taught everyone around him that worth isn't measured by what you can accomplish, but by who you choose to be. His infectious joy, mischievous personality, and deep faith transformed every room he entered.

Written with raw honesty and profound insight, this book challenges everything we think we know about success, purpose, and what makes a life valuable. Jacob's Story proves that sometimes our greatest teachers come in the most unexpected packages.

"Jacob Grein embodied the very mission of Goodwill of Colorado-demonstrating that every individual has value, purpose, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their community. His strength, determination, and heart were an inspiration to all who worked with him. Jacob's story is a powerful reminder that with support, dignity, and opportunity, true greatness can shine through any challenge."

-Karla Grazier, President & CEO, Goodwill of Colorado

"In a world that's becoming much too busy and much too isolated, there comes a story that makes you pause and ponder on what's truly important. Jacob's Story is not only a true story, it's a story that reaffirms what is true. It's vital to take time for each other. It's essential to reach out beyond self. Although Jacob was born with severe disabilities-he couldn't talk, he couldn't hear, he couldn't walk-he had a profound ability to sense when someone needed a tissue to cry, a hug to affirm them. He taught us what's truly important. At his birth, his parents were suddenly thrust into a world of hospital stays and setbacks and surgeries. Through it all, they had to fight just to keep Jacob alive. Then came the day when it was up to Jacob to take on the fight himself. This is a story of overcoming unthinkable obstacles, of persevering against impossible odds. Through it all, Jacob showed us what love is really about. This is a love that compels us to fight death. This is a love that compels us to truly live."

-John Fornof, Writer-Director-Producer

"As the parents of 5 children and pastors of a local church, we wholeheartedly endorse and recommend Jacob's Story! The pages of this book are filled with the inspirational testimony of a young man's journey that is filled with miracles, humor and at times great pain... BUT the reader will be met through Jacob's life with the power of Jesus' love and the strength only He provides to help us overcome whatever obstacles come our way. In reading this book, you will clearly see that Jacob ran his race of faith and lived a full and wonderful life that left a legacy and eternal impact on everyone around him!"

-Jason and Sarah Boone, Revival House, Colorado