Friday, March 20, 2009

"Inhale, and God approaches you.Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you.Exhale, and you approach God.Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God"






A few weeks ago I sent this very quote to my friend Tish.Today news came.News I knew was coming but still somehow,it took my breath away.Yesterday,Thomas,Tish's beautiful eight year old little boy,lost his 8 month long battle with a rare form of brain cancer.So rare:Thomas makes number 55,ever.Thomas fought this disease with such bravery.He fought this disease with such courage.And,as I wrote to his mom tonight,Thomas fought this disease with such beauty.Thomas'entire family shared every step of their journey with such unselfish grace and dignity.I often step back and wonder if I could ever be as strong.Tonight,I once again write of such indescribable sadness but like so much of the 4th floor,that sadness is equally balanced by indescribable blessings.My 4th floor of unparallelled contradiction.My 4th floor family.My daily inspiration and my source of constant strength and perspective.In truth,not at all my floor but instead Zoey's floor and a floor belonging to all the rest of these children that lead us on this path of uncertainty but shine so bright that they light the way.Tonight I breathe a little heavier but with each breath, that same air I breathe is filled with angels all around me.Thank you Angel Thomas,you were a valiant soldier who left me forever changed.

*Zoey has completed her 96 hour chemo and we begin the wait for counts to plummet and than rise again.If we can avoid complications then we are looking at approximately 2 1/2 weeks more.This is scary time we enter now and where prayers for her body and it's strength to fend of the bacteria foe are needed.So proud of this child once more.

18 comments:

Emma said...

I am new to your blog, and when I start reading a new one, I always read the whole thing from start to finish. Just finished now and would like to remind you that Zoey and all your family are always in my prayers.

God bless xx

Anonymous said...

Heather,stay strong during these sad days. We will continue to pray for Thomas'family. As always ,you are in our prayers and thoughts. stephanie

Hope said...

I'm praying for sweet Zoey to get through the coming weeks smoothly. My heart aches for Thomas and his family.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry that you are saying 'goodbye' once again...sorry that you have to witness, first hand, these struggles, and trials by these children that shouldn't have a care in the world. It is hard to understand at times, why things happen the way that they do. May your heart be comforted, may Trish feel the peace of our Savior and know she is not alone and my you, my friend find strength for the next couple of weeks and may Zoey fight with all her might, may the smiles grace us all each day and may we all continue to hope and pray for a better tomorrow! My love, always!

Googsmom said...

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and Prayers.

Cammie Heflin said...

She looks great in the pix, I hope things go well!

heidi marie said...

sending you prayers. and my heart goes out for thomas and his family. reading your blog is such a gift for it makes people humble. and i think that's something many people could use, i know i can.

Anonymous said...

Heather, what an incredible support you are for Thomas' family. He has his wings now and no more fierce battles. Heavy hearted we are. My thoughts and prayers are with Zoey and the Needhams too. Much love and comfort for all, Christi Harman

Lacey said...

Alright Zoe, we are going to be there in about 2 1/2 weeks, so stay infection free, and it will be a race to see who's home faster. Although me and Jax will come and see you if your still in CHLA. See you soon, Lacey and Jax

Scrappy quilter said...

Zoey continued to be in my prayers. So sorry to hear about Thomas.

Scrappy quilter said...

There is something for you at my blog...

Scrappy quilter said...

Sent you an e-mail....

Devon said...

I wanted to say hello--I've seen Zoey's button on a few blogs, and wanted to get to know her. Firstly, she is absolutely beautiful. Secondly, I wanted to tell you the quote you have at the top of your blog brought me to tears--I too have a special needs child and feel I needed to read that today. I thank you for that. I will be following your blog and will be praying for Zoey.

Carey said...

Wow, Heather. It's just awful. What is going on lately? I feel like I shouldn't read your blog and you shouldn't read mine for a while, b/c combined we're just driving ourselves into a hole. But truth be told I couldn't stay away from Zoey. I love her pictures, her strength, her courage ... even on the bad days. She's doing so so well, it's amazing!!! I just can't believe it. Prayers for your friends, your neighbors. Cancer sucks.

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon your blog after several "clicks". I started at the very beginning of your story and looked forward to spending time each night learning more about Zoey and your amazing family. Zoey's pictures always made me smile and her story brought me to tears more than a few times. Your words are so powerful and Zoey's strength is unbelieveable. I will send prayers for you, Mark, Zoey, the big girls and the boys every day.
Lots of LOVE from Colorado,
Kaley

Kristine said...

I'm so, so sorry to hear of another child lost to this awful disease. I'll say a prayer for his family today.

Your Zoey is so beautiful!!

I'm new here and I am enjoying reading through all of your posts.

Kele said...

So sorry Z had a rough start and extremely sorry to hear about Thomas and Sol Merie, such sad news is always so very difficult to hear about.
I realize we haven't spoke or corresponded much but please know, Zoey, as well as your family, are in our prayers nightly. It is kinda cute how Mikah talks of Zoey like she knows her, as we ALWAYS include her in our prayers and talk of her often!
Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

In the Book of Luke, Christ is the Great Physician.
Let us call on Him now.... for we know this
precious little one is here for a reason.

Kathy