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6.24.2012

Home Sick and an Anniversary



To all you moms out there who are separated from your children and family due to illness, military service or work, I want to say that I grieve with you tonight.  I have never been so home sick in all my life.  I have cried all day and I am literally sick to my stomach.  My heart feels like it is broken in two.  Being an hour away was hard enough, but I knew that at any given time I could see my kids if I wanted to.  Being here, its not even an option.  What's worse is that as we spend more time here we realize that this is not a floor that is conducive to Jack visiting and Lucy's schedule will hardly allow it either.  I miss LeBonheur and St. Jude.  I miss our familiar nurses and doctors.  I miss the faces that I knew in the hallway and I miss the family that was have come to know over the past 16 months.  CHOA is great, don't get me wrong, its just new.

And don't get me started on Atlanta.  It is so big and I can't even make my way out of the parking garage.  I almost threw the Garmin out of the window the other night when it was pouring rain and I was trying to navigate to Target.  I was a mess.  I haven't felt that incompetent in a long time.  I'm going to stop having a pity party and move on.  When I look around this hospital I am constantly reminded of how blessed we are. Lucy is on special child and she has the opportunity to have a great life.  There are so many children here who won't ever have that chance.

We tried to go to chapel today.  I had to leave after about 20 minutes.  My emotions are still too raw.  It was more than I could handle.  Lucy and Erik stayed, though, as she was doing OT during the service.  These therapists are quite tricky that way.  As soon as the service was over, Erik's sister and some of her family came to visit for the day.  Boy, were they a site for sore eyes.  My heart just melted when I saw them.  It was such an immediate comfort being with family.  They even brought me us dinner, which was my first home cooked meal in over 20 days.  It was wonderful!



After we spent some time visiting, Erik and I headed out on a little excursion.  Today is our 12th wedding anniversary and it was such a treat to be able to spend a few minutes together alone.  We had planned on dining at a nice restaurant but the appeal of a home cooked meal was just too great.  So, we settled on Fro Yo instead.  We window shopped at REI and dreamed of one day taking all three kids camping, hiking and rafting.

When we returned, Lucy was so tired.  While we played cards with in the family room, she fell asleep in my lap and slept for about 2 hours.  She had three 45 minute therapy sessions today and was utterly exhausted.  I have no idea how she is going to make it for 6 hours tomorrow.  There are times I look at her and compare her to other children on this floor.  She seems so healthy.  But then, after almost collapsing after 25 minutes of PT, I am reminded that she does need to be here.  Her body is so worn out.  She (we) have a long way to go.



Tomorrow is a long day, just as the rest of the week will be.  I am excited, though, because I am going to have a visit from two friends and I am thrilled.  My friend Carrie moved to Atlanta from Memphis several years ago.  She is such a great person and I just love her family to death.  Her whole family (Camille) treated us so well when we lived in Memphis.  We are going to have lunch or dinner one day and then her husband is going to come take Erik out the next day.  The other friend was a total surprise.  I totally forgot that a sorority sister (Pi Beta Phi) of mine lives in Atlanta.  Amber actually works here at CHOA as a therapist and I am beyond giddy about seeing her.

One day down, now clue how many more to go. We will never stop praying for many, many more years.  Oh, and Happy Anniversary Erik.  I love you more today than I ever have before.  



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76 comments:

  1. Go Lucy Go! Continued prayers for your entire family.

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  2. Kate & Erik- Happy Anniversary! I know it must be so hard to be in a new place, but the rewards will be so worth it all. I can't imagine how you hold it all together like you do, but I am rooting for you and your family every day. I pray for Lucy not only for her to be better, but also to keep up her strength to keep on going as strong as she is. Love each other and keep the faith.

    GO LUCY GO!! Love from Wisconsin

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  3. Juaacklyn CunninghamJune 24, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    Happy Anniversary Erik and Kate. My mom works in physical rehab and they do work the patients hard but it will be worth it in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Go Lucy Go--we are praying and cheering for you!

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  4. Happy Anniversary!!! You guys look great!!! By the end of the week you will have conquered Atlanta like you conquered Memphis:) Hugs!!!

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  5. Happy Anniversary!!! I have been reading your blog since Lucy got sick and I can feel the love you and Erik share...its truly special. Still praying from San Francisco!

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  6. Happy Anniversary!!! Continuing to send Lucy (and your whole family) prayers and love!

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  7. Glad you got to get out for your anniversary. Praying that the busy-ness of the week helps to consume a bit of the homesickness you're feeling. I can't imagine what you're going through- and will continue to pray for you. Hope all of the prayers leave you feelig uplifted!

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  8. You are one day closer to being home as a complete family. You are such a strong family. On another note, Do you have any more of the Go Lucy GO t-shirts from your fun run? I would love to buy one as a testimony to Lucy and a way to get out her message of hope.

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  9. Happy Anniversary, Krulls! Praying daily for Lucy.

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  10. Happy Anniversay Kate! The day wasn't maybe what you hoped--but just keep thinking about Lucy whole and healthy next year and the celebration you can have then!! This will be tough, the being away, and the hard work with Lucy, but you are mightily strong. I do not know you or your family at all--but I am in awe of your strength and faith and devotion as a mother and wife and a woman of faith. This is an awful and unfair journey Lucy is going through, but you will make it to a happy and good ending. And it is OK--and it is more than expected to have a little pity party for yourself and your family. Don't get down on yourself--give yourself a break, cry and scream and get it out. You will feel better. And go on then as you are doing. And carry through each day knowing the thousands of prayers being said for Lucy and your whole family.

    Can you get set up to Skype with your children while you are away? Not the perfect answer--but it may help. And thank you for sharing Lucy and her story. I have been profoundly affected and it has made me look at things and change things in my life for the better. When Lucy understands--please tell her I feel part of God's plan was for her to show people what needs to be important in their lives. God's Blessings for you all...

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  11. Happy anniversary! You both are such inspirations not only as parents but also as husband and wife! Thank you so much for sharing your heart wrenching journey with the rest of us. Go Lucy Go!

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  12. Happy Anniversary! I live in Atlanta - about 15 minutes from CHOA @ Scotish Rite...I promise you are at an excellent place! My cousin battled leukemia there and that place goes ABOVE and BEYOND!!! He got really sick toward the end of his treatment and had to be put in a a medically induced coma so his body could/would rest. They woke him up 2 days before he was scheduled to graduate high school and would you believe that the chief of PICU arranged for an ambulance, 2 doctors and 4 nurses (as well as himself) to escort him ONTO the field where his graduation was taking place? His last name begins with a Z and in 2006 Chamblee High School did something very different - they began with the letter Z so my cousin could be pushed across the stage and then taken quickly back to the PICU. I still cry when I recall that night. It was magical and wold not have been possible if the doctors and nurses at CHOA didn't really care.

    All this to say, I know it is new to you. I know you are aching for the rest of your family but I know the time here will be well worth it. If y'all need a thing, please email. I will bring home cooked anything you want and drop it off. My prayers are with each of you until Lucy is healed and your family is back under one roof...permanently!!!! amystephens@me.com

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  13. I sit here tonight wondering how you've done and do it. My four year old is sick with the stomach flu. She's crying and uncomfortable, and I feel so helpless sitting beside her, holding a pan for her to throw up in. She desperately wants a drink and I can't give her one because I know it will make her sicker, but it is just so hard to not be able to give your child what she's crying for. It is so hard to not be able to make your child feel better. We are so used to, as parents, being able to meet our child's every need, and there is absolutely nothing we can do when they are sick to take away the illness. I thought about the post you dedicated to what your husband had wrote, and the horrible pain Lucy was in, to the point of praying God would take her, and I cannot even imagine having to see my child in such a state.

    I am praying for you, Kate. For you and your family. As you get adjusted in a new place. As you miss your children. Do not let Satan take you down a path that's hard to return from. Remember God's grace. You WILL get through this!

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  14. Happy Anniversary! I bet you are home sick, my sister-in-law is home sick now too, she's in India with her 2 children right now and had to leave her husband behind because of his work schedule but we got to visit him before Father's Day though and we'll go back to GA in a month.

    We can navigate Atlanta pretty well since we've been there a couple of times plus our GPS did pretty good too, we just upgraded to a different GPS recently though, we have a Garmin Nuvi now, plus my brother and sister-in-law take us places as well with their Garmin and my brother did take us to Target but we were right by it since it was right by Ikea where we just shopped at so we didn't have to go too far to find the Target though. We've been to a lot of different places in Georgia!

    Amy

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  15. Praying for you and your family nightly.

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  16. Happy Anniversary!
    I know this is hard but 6 weeks will be done so soon. Praying for you all often. Know the Lord is with you, walking you through all of this.

    <><

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  17. Happy Anniversary to you and Erik! I pray you all have many more wonderful years together!! I will be praying for Lucy's strength in the days ahead as well as the yours' and Erik's strength to get through them as well. Praying you all have many more wonderful days to come and Lucy surpasses everyone's expectations! God is in the healing business and I am so excited for what he has done thus far for Lucy. Go Lucy Go!

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  18. Your family is in my prayers. So at this time Lucy is not having any cancer treatment? This is all about rehab? Just curious.

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  19. Happy Anniversary to one of the sweetest couples we know!!! I still remember the wedding :)
    I know you are so homesick! My heart hurts for you, Kate. This will be added to my specific needs prayers tonight, and for days to come.
    On a side note, and most importantly, we are excited to see God's handiwork, as he works through the awesome therapists at CHOA. I am faithful that Lucy will make great progress!! She is one tough cookie! GO LUCY!!!
    Love and miss you guys!
    AMY

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  20. Happy Anniversary! Thanking God tonight for bringing the two of you together to create such an awesome family. Also thankful for friends and family who are able to visit with you in Atlanta. When my son entered the military someone told him "don't count ahead (how many days are left), count behind (how many days you've completed)". Sounds like a good suggestion for your stay at CHOA! Your family is being covered by prayer - I hope when your homesickness is at its peak, you can find comfort in those prayers. Have a great week!

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  21. Thinking and praying for you all. Happy Anniversary!!!

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  22. Happy Anniversary to you two! Prayers still coming for Lucy and everyone involved in her care!

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  23. I can relate to newness and uncertainty and the challenges that accompany both. You are so strong and I know you will persevere even as your heart aches. I think about all of you all the time and look forward to the time when your dreams while at REI come true.

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  24. Oh Kate. I feel you in this post. I moved to Australia 10 months ago and being too far to just pop home is a feeling that is hard to describe unless someone has been there. If you can get skype set up that will really help. It isn't the same as the touch of Jack's hand or the hug from Ella, but it is better than nothing. And they love to see you! You are so blessed with loved ones to care for you all and your little people at home. Try not to focus on what you don't have and look at what you DO have. (Easier said than done... and often we just NEED to have a pity party! That's ok, too!) But though the days seem long the years are short and you will all be home together again. Lucy will be whole and your family will be whole. Just you wait and see. Our focused prayers for you are neverending. Cheers from Oz!

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  25. Pity party more than warranted! You are so hard o. Yourself Kate!

    Ya know just because your circumstances are improving, just because Lucy, in this moment, is perhaps healthier than many of the kids at CHOA, just because Ella and Jack are loved and well cared for at home...none of these truths minimize or diminish the fact that this is an ugly, miserable unfair journey you are on. Sometimes a little pity party is what you need to cleanse your soul to prepare for the fight ahead.

    CHOA will become familiar. You will make friends. The doctors and nurses will come to love you. Every baby step is a step closer to Lucy coming home, walking, strong, in fighting shape for whatever lies ahead. You will find a strength that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

    Until then, may you all be filled with the peace that passes all understanding!

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  26. Happy anniversary! Pity parties are good for the sole! Your family will continue to be in my prayers!! Familiarity will come in time and they will love your family just as we all do. Before long you will be seeing Go Lucy Go on someones shirt! Keep looking up. The LORD will guide and protect your family!

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  27. Kate, I have not been anywhere near where you all are at. I can't imagine. What I do know is that even though new territory and faces can be disheartening. God has placed you in Atlanta for more than just Lucy's medical needs. Kate, you are one of the most strongest believers I have come to know. God has placed you here to be His light to someone possibly many but I know for sure at least one person will be brought closer to God because of your faith going to be shared there. Know that even though you can't see any of those familiar faces, there are THOUSANDS of people around the WORLD praying for you. Spiritually laying hands on you (and your family) praying for EVERY step you take and discision you make. You, my dear, are far from alone. Physically yes and that is something you do need but spiritually and emotionally we are all here with you. I can spiritually see you all running a race in a nascar arena. Long race. Hard race. But if you look into the stands... we are right there with you, cheering you on, praying for you, sending love your way. And if you look closer Jesus is RUNNING WITH YOU!!

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  28. Happy and blessed anniversary to you. May Lucy go from strength to strength.

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  29. May God send you strength - praying for you all xxxxx

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  30. Dear Kate,
    I am a mother and grandmother and I know how painful distance and time can be...my daughter and grandchildren are 6,000 miles away. Lucy's time at CHOA is like a seedling that will bear wonderful fruit. Lucy will get stronger and better and will be able to go home. Ella and Jack will have the opportunity to have their sister back again and the three will make wonderful memories together. Like many who comment here I wish I was closer and able to offer some tangible help to you and your family. For now, I pray that you will see Lucy make great progress in Atlanta and that you will all be back together as a family very soon.

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  31. I am continuing to pray!

    Happy anniversary to you and Erik!

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  32. Happy Anniversary! I am praying that you will settle in quickly in Atlanta. I can't imagine how difficult this transition must be for all of you, yet so, so worth it. Don't forget to let all those wonderful people in Atlanta help with whatever you need. Go Lucy!

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  33. More prayers being sent your way!

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  34. Kate - I predict you'll have Atlanta all figured out within the week. Hang in there. And I agree with all who posted that pity parties are necessary. Sometimes, you just need to howl.

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  35. Praying for new encouragement and strength and HOPE each day for you all from Psalm 27:13-14 (I particularly love the NASB translation of this)... "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD." You are doing a great and important but also unimaginably painful thing. So thankful for your family and friends getting to come! Will especially pray for Ella and Jack as you are away from them.

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  36. I will pray that you will adjust to your new surroundings and for comfort during your stay there. You are doing what is best for Lucy, at a great sacrifice though. Not getting to see Ella and Jack has GOT to be so heartwrenching. I will pray for Ella and Jack to have understanding also. I KNOW their grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc... will spoil them and bring them joy while you are away. I will pray for Lucy to get stronger and stronger each day so that you may come home SOON. Love, hugs, and prayers always.
    By the way.........ADORABLE picture of you and Erik.

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  37. I also urge you to get set up with Skype. Great way to communicate with those far away. Especially with Jack who is too young for phone conversations.
    Good luck and best wishes.

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  38. I am not trying for a minute to understand your level of hurt, because I know I can't. However I get so very attached to people and places feel like home to me too. We lived in Tipton county for 5 years and God moved us from there 3 and a half years ago to east TN and then 22 months after that to Oakland, Maryland....9 hours from my husbands family and 15 hours from my family in Memphis. We haven't seen them since Christmas. Moving is so hard and it takes so long for a place to feel like home. And then you really don't want the new place to feel like home either bc you just miss your old one. I will be praying extra hard for you as I know it's going to be so hard being so far away from everyone you love so much. Where I feel so much like I can't relate at all is being that far from my kids....it's hard being far from extended family but I cannot imagine how much harder for our family unit to be separate....especially during such a trial as you are facing. Again....I will be praying for you and your family...that this separation would be soooo worth it for Lucy, that your kids will be able to visit as much as possible, and that in between you'll get to Skype like crazy with them. Again...we are praying for you and rooting for Lucy and your family!!

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  39. As always, I am praying. :)

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  40. I'm certain you'll soon be flooded with new friends. It just takes time. Atlanta is certainly overwhelming in a car. Not sure I'd ever get used to that big city traffic! But getting used to any new place takes a while. I hate that you're homesick, but I'm sure that will fade a little when you see what strides Lucy will be making and realize that it will mean a better quality of life when you all can be together again, which is why you're there now. You may see it less directly, but you're still surrounded by tons of love.

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  41. Happy Anniversary to you both! God bless each of you as you're away from home.

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  42. LOVE the therapy dog pic!

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  43. Happy Happy Anniversary. My prayer today is that CHOA becomes comfortable for you and your family. Prayers never stop here!

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  44. Happy Anniversary Kate and Erik. I know it's a long road but God is going to give you strength.

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  45. Girl, embrace that pity party! Any transition is tough, and I don't have to tell you that this is a biggie. Lucy is ever present in my thoughts and prayers....especially this week. It sounds like she is going to be pushed so hard this week. GO LUCY GO!!! xoxo

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  46. Praying for Lucy and your entire family.
    Also wanted to say Happy Anniversary to you and Erik!

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  47. Happy Anniversary! Praying for strength, peace and understanding for you all each day.

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  48. Kate, will you please post Lucy's mailing address? Prayers continue!!!!
    I am praying that more "friends" will come to you so that you will feel GOD'S PERFECT PEACE and LOVE

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  49. Hi Kate,

    Thanks for the update!!! I'm so sorry you are so unwell but I'm not surprised given all or stress you've been under. I'm sorry you're really overwhelmed!! I hope as time passes, your stress will as well. I'm so happy you had family come to visit!! You can see the joy on everyones faces!! Lucy looks GREAT Kate & so do you & Eric!Please know we think of and pray for you all daily!!!
    Take Care!!
    xo Jenn xo





































































































































    happy you ad

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  50. Terry Anderson SykesJune 25, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    Kate,I feel your pain for missing your home and family. From someone who has just been though this with my daughter, I can tell you that you WILL get through this. But of course you know this-- you have already gone through so much! You are so blessed with a large, WONDERFUL, family who have, and will continue to walk with you every step. FaceTime helped Elizabeth get through the 7 weeks away from her 2 and 5 year olds. It still won't be easy but soon, very soon, this will be behind you. Continuing to pray for ALL of you!

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  51. Happy Belated Anniversary, Kate & Erik! Lucy looks so great!! Our prayers are still with you. You're on a different part of your journey, with unfamiliar faces and surroundings. Allow yourself to get frustrated. You've been SO strong for so long. God is still in control, and He understands your homesickness. You and Erik have amazing strength. Lucy has amazing courage. Ella and Jack have amazing patience. And God has amazing grace. Your family has captured the hearts of so many. We will continue to pray!

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  52. Praying for Lucy to have endurance today. I can only imagine how hard it is for her little body. And, I can only imagine how hard it is for mom and dad to deal with too.

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  53. Kate, I used to live in Woodstock outside Atlanta. I "knowwww" what you mean about trying to learn to navigate! Maybe you could make use of some of the transit systems there? It's such a rough time, I understand. ... You feel somewhat alienated for now....but it'll begin to change over the next few days. Maybe your sorority sister can help introduce you to people and things in her spare time? And nothing like friends coming to your rescue! Hope you have a great time together! .... Hang on sweet girl. You've all come so far. .......Best wishes and prayers continue. :) ....................and Happy, HAPPY Anniversary!

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  54. Happy Anniversary, and Lucy looks so sweet. Still praying for you all.

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  55. I agree with Susan-look into the mass trans system in Atlanta . The MARTA trains are much easier than driving.
    I used to live in the Atlanta area and Scottish Rite has an excellent reputation.

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  56. It's very hard being away from home, I know, but I'll bet you have Atlanta figured out before long. Seeing that therapy dog tugged at my heart. They're the best! I can tell Lucy was happy to have him there, too.

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  57. Happy anniversary to you two! Praying that God will minister to your heart and help to ease the homesick pain you feel. God is so good to us and He certainly cares about even our homesickness. May the Lord continue to do miraculous things in Lucy's little life!

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  58. Praying for all of you!!

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  59. 18 mth reader...1st time poster...ya'll are so being prayed over as a family unit, although you're apart...you're being prayed for as parents, partners, friends, sons and daughters...you're being lifted up not only by me personally but also by the teachers at west jackson baptist church mdo program...

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  60. I think you are amazing. After all you've been through over such a long period of time, this transition has to be extremely hard. Good that you vented your feelings.

    Praying for a smooth transition to the rehab facility and to Atlanta for the three of you, for Lucy's recovery, and praying for for Ella and Jack and your extended families as well.

    Happy Anniversary!

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  61. CHOA - Scottish Rite and the AFLAC Cancer Center became our second home when our son was diagnosed was a rare blood disorder at birth six years ago. It is an incredible place filled with some incredible people. I feel like crying just talking about some of the staff and our Dr. Brown. We will be praying that, although it isn't your hospitals, that the staff is able to minister to your family's needs in a mighty way.

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  62. I can't begin to imagine all you and your family are going through but you are being the best role model for your children. You have shown them what a great mother is. One that will do whatever it takes. They will all be great parents one day thanks to you massive sacrifices for them no matter what. You are my HERO! Happy Anniversary to a great couple! Much Love and many prayers.

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  63. Happy Anniversary! Such fond memories of your wedding day. You and Erik are living examples of "living out" your wedding vows with integrity, love, and trust in HIM. I am praying for you ((and Lucy, of course))....my heart can't imagine what yours experiencing in Atlanta....and so, I pray for you, my friend....that our God will meet all your needs...grace for the moment. LOVE YOU!

    Jenn
    Jennifethompson2@gmail.com

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  64. Kate,

    We spend ALOT of time at CHOA due to my daughter's cleft palate. Atlanta is a tough town to navigate! We live about 45 minutes away but we would love to help with anything we can!!! Please email me: mom2sag@comast.net and we can work out something!!! My sweet Analiese, (adopted from china in 2005) is a natural at bringing out the positive. She has great friends at CHOA as she is one of the most UPBEAT patients they have ever had!! I hope to hear from you!! Tina Evans

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  65. most of the Customers can choose a new Mobility vans , used vans with wheelchair access to the results of a new wheelchair van or second-hand used in the resultsUsed Vans

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  66. Kate,
    I am a friend of a friend of a friend of yours and have been keeping up with your blog for many months. We used to live in Oxford but are now in Atlanta, right near CHOA. I have a good friend who is an OT there as well. I was just saying to my husband last night that I always wish I could do something for you and your family. I checked online today and see that you are right here. I want to do something, anything for you. Can I bring dinner? Can I ask my OT friend to check in on you? Can we send toys, music, snacks? Please let me know.
    Alexis Solomon

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  67. Find peace in the moment. Enjoy the fact that Lucy is healthier right now. Know that your other children miss you but are in good hands and are being well taken care of. Know that this time will pass and you'll all be together as a family soon. So happy to see Lucy up and out and about! We will never stop praying for your family! Go Lucy Go! Fight Lucy Fight! Keep up the great work!

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  68. Praying for Lucy...always. Happy Anniversary to you and Erik! You both have endured so much in your marriage and are surviving it with grace! Stay strong and when you can't, know that so many of us are holding you up in prayer. Praying these days are not too long for Lucy or for you but rather are a stepping stone to getting home and to a fulfilling long life for Lucy!

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  69. Hi,
    We live in Atlanta, about 5 minutes from Emory, if that is where you are and would love to help you out. I know how stressful Atlanta can be etc. I also want to say I know what it is like to live with a chronic illness and be far from home. I have experienced that too. If you want to contact me, email me for my number. (I don't feel right to post it.) Like I said, even if you need me to get you something, I can help you get around.
    Kristin Ollis
    kollis422@yahoo.com

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  70. I am part of the "praying for Eli Williams" page and it was a couple of weeks ago that she had sent us to your site for prayer. I have to admit that I didn't return to Lucy's page after that because I was to afraid of what I would find. Today as I was looking for an update on Eli I was scrolling through his mom's page and saw that on June 19th someone had posted on her wall to check out Lucy's page and it had a little smiley face beside it. Honestly I thought maybe someone had done something special for your family after such a tragic event, NEVER did I imagine that I would see the most beautiful girl smiling as if she had never been sick! I can't imagine the crazy different emotion that you have been through over the last month. One moment you are loosing your child and the very next there is hope! I just read the post that you put up from your husband and oh how I cried! God's fingerprints are all over Lucy's story even from the very beginning! Tonight, along with Eli and his family I will be praying for Lucy and her family! I will be praying for complete healing and I will be praying for her siblings that they may be wrapped in love and comfort. I will be praying for you that little bright lights, such as an old friend that you mentioned, will show up around you and that you won't feel so alone. That you have comfort and that your family will be back together as soon as possible! In Him, Amy

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  71. Melissa "Issa" DowningJune 26, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    Kate - I follow, watch and pray for Lucy and your entire family. Much love to you!!

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  72. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3kk31V4CZA

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  73. still praying, praying, praying for you all. glad Lucy is doing so well and getting much needed help. praying for your heart! being home sick has got to be AWFUL!!!

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  74. My friend Melissa sent me your blog link tonight. I live in Collierville and was with my son Jasper at CHOA in February. Once you get into the routine and have the same nurses a few times, CHOA starts to feel more like home.

    A few tips: take advantage of The Zone activities-- they have tons of craft supplies downstairs for you to use anytime too, get a meal voucher for Lucy from your nurse and eat lunch downstairs in the cafeteria if Lucy feels up to it--a change of scenery is nice and the rice bowls are awesome during Asian cuisine week), enjoy the garden and fountain, utilize the library and borrow the movies in the DVD collection, visit the dogs in the library, visit the birds and the train in the registation lobby, use Skype, and checkout the Ronald McDonald House that is basically a block away.

    Michelle from LeBonheur gave my cell number to a family that was going to CHOA...perhaps it was you?? If so, I hope you will call!

    I am proud of you for making the Target drive ...that is tricky the first time (and second)!

    Looking forward to your next update!
    Rebecca

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  75. Kate,
    I can't believe it's been 12 years! I still remember your wedding like it was yesterday. You and Erik were so blessed to find one another. Happy Anniversary. Still praying for your entire family every day. I miss you.
    Ashley Lang

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