Author Archive: 'Carrow McClendon

January 22, 2017

It is a rare occasion when I am able to visit a friend’s Church on the same Sunday that I am running sound at our Church. ‘Carrow decided to keep both Grace and Cole home this morning and give them more rest before we jump back into a crazy week. It is also a rare occasion when I am the one writing the post but today was one of those days I told ‘Carrow I wanted to write. I received an awesome message a few days back from a couple of dear friends that became close to Kayleigh and our entire family when Kayleigh was first diagnosed with DIPG. I received the message that our friend had prayed to receive Christ and he was going to be baptized today and invited us to join in on this important day. So this morning the service time could not have been a better fit in before our late service today. The service started with some awesome praise and worship that led up to the Baptism of many. Our friends just happened to be in the first group being baptized and we were invited to join them at the front of the church. The congregation was cheering as each group made their way to the baptismal waters. Before each group was baptized, each personal testimony was read to the entire congregation. I joined in with the family and friends at the front of the church surrounding our friends as their testimonies were read for everyone to hear. And then I hear my daughters name clearly spoken as to why this person had been moved to see they needed a change in their life. Yes we have received messages from all over how Kayleigh’s story have changed many lives, but today I was able to hear it and see it in person and see dear friends with Jesus in their hearts. I pray that her story continues to show the Faith , Hope , and Love that we have in our Savior Jesus Christ, to a world that truly needs it.

Gal 3:27
And All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.

I heard Kayleigh’s name and honestly couldn’t hold back tears because it was an extremely proud moment of my child and her story that God continues to use for his glory and to grow his Kingdom. What is holding you back?

Thank you for the continued prayers. As of this evening Cole is much more mobile and is dealing with the pain better than before and his battle scar is healing nicely. Please keep our friend that had the ATV accident yesterday in yours prayers. The lord has been good to protect him, but he still needs prayers for continued healing.

Until Tomorrow,
Mr. Whiskers

Kayleigh loved seeing Mr. Andy ride for her.

Fits today’s baptism.

No words.  Just gratitude for our friends.

I have very little to report from the home front and that is a blessing. Both Grace and Cole continue to mend. Grace is nearly back to normal. She is still having occasional discomfort and headaches now and then, but overall she is doing remarkably well. Cole is continuing to get better. It is a slow process for him, but each day is bringing a little less pain. It will be quite a while before he is back to his old self, but he is moving in the right direction.

We continue to be thankful for the Lord’s provision. Having medical scares with both children, right after Kayleigh’s death, seems like it should be frightening. Especially when the medical scares are both things that require pathology to rule out any type of cancer. Yet, as always, our Lord has shown up in amazing ways. We have had peace from the beginning. One of the amazing things Kayleigh’s journey has taught us is that God’s way always work out.

I received a message last week that has continued to resonate in my head. A different perspective on these medical issues. That maybe Grace and Cole are both facing something similar to Kayleigh’s in order to show them that not all situations are the same. That they don’t have to be afraid of the doctor. That our God does indeed answer our prayers for healing. I certainly do not know the Lord’s mind, but I do like that perspective.

Please continue to pray the pathology reports come back clear. We hope to have answers on both kids by Monday afternoon. Would you also pray for some friends of ours? They were involved in a freak accident and the husband was severely injured. He is in surgery to stop internal bleeding and I know they would very much appreciate your prayers for healing, peace, comfort and wisdom for the doctors. We know our God is able.

Psalm 107:19-21
19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

I liked this quote. I’m just a sapling, but I pray the Lord will continue to deepen my roots and grow me into what He has in store for me.

January 20, 2017

God graciously helped is make it through the week and we are looking forward to the weekend to rest and recover. Grace is doing fantastic. She felt well enough to go to her cotillion dinner tonight. She enjoyed wearing her pretty dress and the excellent dinner. I love watching her learn and grow. Though, I do not particularly care for how old she looked tonight!

Cole is still battling the pain. He’s a little better than last night but not much. I hate watching him hurt. He really is trying to be strong but I know it’s rough. A 6″ incision between your shoulder blades is pretty noticeable.

Please keep praying for Cole to be able to rest and feel better!

Psalm 116:7
Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

My goodness, what a week this has been. I think you could say I have been waiting for these days with equal parts hope, faith, confidence, and trepidation. We’ve never doubted God’s plan, but there is still fear that sneaks in as we look at these medical issues – wondering if the Lord is going to ask more of us. We have always said we love our children so very much, but we know God loves them even more than we do. Knowing that, believing that, is how we are able to get up every morning and continue on. Yet I still find myself praying that He is not going to ask for another of my children.

Needless to say, my kids are getting a little extra attention from me right now. Grace asked me to dry her hair tonight. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I did that. So, she sat in the floor in front of me and I dried and dried. And then it hit me, it’s been two months since I dried one of my babies hair. Looking at Grace’s reminded me of Kayleigh’s. All the beautiful long, straight, brown hair – it pricked my heart. All I could do was start saying thank you to my Father.

Thank you for my Grace and Cole. Thank you that I have them to love, teach and grow. Thank you – that while we have had to stare fear in the face yet again this week, God has been faithful, as always. We are still waiting on the pathology reports for both children, but both of their doctors say they got everything. Neither doctor seemed concerned. Thank you Jesus.

Tonight, Cole is doing pretty well all things considered. He has a great deal of pain, even with the high powered pain medicine. It seems his body runs through the pain medicine in about 3 hours, but he can only take it every 4. Please pray that gets better, and he is able to handle the pain, and we will be able to decrease the meds he is taking, replacing them with over the counter. Please continue to pray for the pathology to come back clear and for neither the cyst or mass to return.

Yes, it’s been a long week, but God has been so good. He’s blessed us with wonderful people at both locations and has us covered in prayers by our amazing prayer warriors.

Psalm 91:1-4
91 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

In the waiting room with dad

He he loves driving himself to the OR💜

I am in recovery with Cole now. Surgery was a success. His doctor was able to get everything. We had hoped the local numbing medicine would keep him comfortable for the first few hours but that doesn’t seem to be the case. He is having quite a bit of discomfort at the incision site. They have given him pain meds so hopefully that will get the pain under control.

Please pray for him to feel better soon and for the pain to be manageable.

I will update more later,
‘Carrow💜