Author Archive: 'Carrow McClendon

Hello Prayer Warriors, we need your prayers tonight.

Kayleigh’s stomach issues continue tonight. Last night the Imodium finally kicked in and she had some relief and slept well. Unfortunately, this morning her medicine upset her stomach again but the Imodium kept it from being able to move through her system. All
Day Kayleigh’s stomach has been in a constant state of at least mild discomfort but spiking to intense pain and everything in between. As the day has continued the pain has increased and is more constant.

I called the on call physician tonight hoping to take her in but they did not want to see her. They called in some sort of oral drops to help with the stomach cramping but so far Kayleigh has had no relief. My tough little fighter has had more tears tonight than she has had in a long time. We need for her system to balance and for her belly to get some relief. We would very much appreciate your prayers joining ours.

Even through all of the pain and the tears she is still smiling and flashing her sense of humor. We are so thankful for our spunky girl. I know she is miserable but she is fighting.

Until tomorrow (unless something happens and we need more prayer),
‘Carrow 💜

Good evening friends. I hope this posts finds you each doing well on a hot Monday night.

It has been a good but trying day here in Memphis. It never fails – after I post good news (like last nights post) the devil goes into over drive to try to steal our joy. Today the enemy used a multi front attack. Kayleigh began having side effects from the medicine for the first time today. She battled an upset stomach nearly all day. Thankfully our medical team did warn us so we were prepared. Medicine was called in and by bedtime she started to feel better.

On other fronts our sweet friend Anna has been re-admitted to the hospital for a fever. Her counts are all the way at zero and the doctors are not sure what type of infection is causing the fever. They are running tests and treating her with broad spectrum antibiotics – please pray with us that the doctors pin down the cause and are able to treat it quickly. And that our sweet friend starts feeling better soon!

I also have a precious friend from home who is being attacked health wise and needs prayers for healing. And the list could go on with the small things designed to get under my skin and make me irritable and ineffective. As always, the Lord is good and speaks to me gently in the most beautiful ways. One of my favorite songs, “Oceans” by Hillsong came on while I was driving this afternoon. I love the whole song but the bridge always gets me. Today was no different…

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without boarders,
Let me walk upon the waters,
Wherever you would call me…”

That moment when you realize that song has been your prayer for over a year – and it hits you – God has indeed lead you to where your trust HAS to be without borders. Oh my.

And then tonight, my devotion is titled “The Unsurpassed Intimacy of Tested Faith” two quotes that are running on s loop in my head
1.) “Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict.”
and
2.) “Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith.”

I can’t pretend to know the mind of God. I have no idea where He is leading us. I don’t know what the future holds. But I do know that God is at work. I have seen it in the beautiful fund raiser done in our home town. I have seen him in the prayers of my children, I have seen Him in the comments and messages. So today, on a day that was full of blah things, I choose to smile. This day full of blah things has encouraged my faith because I know if the devil feels like He needs to attack we must be on the right path.

God didn’t promise this life would be easy, He just promised that I would
Never have to walk it alone. Thank you Jesus.

Hebrews 3:14
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜

My sleeping beauty 💜

Happy Sunday!

And what a wonderful, restful day it has been. At least it was restful for Kayleigh, Cole & myself, Tim and Grace actually drove almost home for Grace’s ball practice and then turned around and drove straight back to Memphis. Yes, it is a long drive, but it is doable. God is blessing us with family time to support and love Kayleigh while still encouraging Grace and letting her do what she loves. This is another one of those times where God has given us more than we knew to ask for and we are thankful!

We have also been blessed with such wonderful support from… well… everywhere. I am always hesitant to single people out on this forum because every gift, comment and prayer is so greatly appreciated. I do not ever want to hurt someone’s feelings buy neglecting to recognize them. But tonight I need to recognize a couple of special little girls. Twice since Kayleigh’s diagnosis we have had young ladies, Kayleigh’s age, celebrate their birthdays in Kayleigh’s honor. Miss Mattie Reynolds delivered a box to our door just weeks after Kayleigh’s diagnosis filled with wrapped gifts. That sweet girl gave Kayleigh every birthday gift she received. Kayleigh was amazed. We left that beautiful box in our living room for months and every now and then, when Kayleigh was blue, she would unwrap a gift. She unwrapped the last one the day before we returned to Memphis.

Then, tonight Miss Rory Peebles celebrated her birthday with an all out Purple Birthday Bash! Everything from the cake to the party favors were all purple in Kayleigh’s honor. This sweet girl has been planning the purplepalooza for weeks. She had hope that Kayleigh would be able to attended. She actually picked the Hartselle Pool for the location because she knew Kayleigh had not been able to swim all summer and Rory had hoped this would be Kayleigh’s chance. Boy, I wish that could have worked, too. Not only did Rory plan the purple party, she also asked everyone to bring money for Kayleigh instead of gifts for her.

I don’t have the words to say thank you to these precious children. They each just wanted to do something for Kayleigh, but they can’t know how such selfless gifts touch my mother’s heart. The prayers, hugs, love, messages, cards and gifts that we have received from children might be the most humbling. And to all of you wonderful parents who have sent the messages, mailed the cards, taken the pictures and made the posts so we could see these precious children in action – we thank you. In a world full of crumminess these children are being the light. Nice job parents – please keep raising children that love and put others first – that gives me hope for the future!

Tonight I am posting the page from my Charles Stanley devotion “Every Day In His Presence”. It reminds we that this path we are on is not an accident. Our Kayleigh Bug is making a difference in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. And while yes, this is a hard place for us to be, we are seeing God grow us in ways that would not be possible if not for the troubles. Nothing will drive you to your knees faster than your children in need.

The devotion also reminded me to ASK… So, please Lord Jesus, hear my prayers – prayers that we will continue to walk this path, sure and steady. That we will not look for the easy way out or a shortcut. That we will be faithful to share what you are doing in our lives, each day, honestly and openly, the good and the bad. Please Lord, help us grow our children to love you and look to you in troubled times. Help us show our children that some of your most beautiful blessings can grow from some of the most acute heartaches. Please Jesus, use us as you see fit and Lord, if you are willing, please Jesus, grant us Kayleigh’s life. Our request Lord is complete healing, this side of heaven, for a long, full life. A life to spend honoring you and sharing your goodness and glory through her story. But no matter how you answer that prayer, my heart will CHOOSE to say more blessed be your name.

Until tomorrow my friends. Thank you for your prayers,
‘Carrow 💜

Beating Daddy at checkers 💜

It’s been a beautiful day!

We have enjoyed a beautiful day with family in Memphis. My brother Kelly and his family drove up to spend the weekend. It has been the best medicine to get to play with cousins! We enjoyed the zoo, lunch out, and pizza in for dinner. Sometimes the best thing for us is a healthy dose of normal!

Kayleigh has felt good today! Her cough is still hanging around but not as persistent. She is getting tired quicker but it’s nothing a nap can’t fix. And she was headache free today! Thank you so much for your prayers, they are working!

Please continue to pray for Complete healing this side of heaven, for the tumor to shrink, for the cough to go away, for the gag reflex to return, for her balance to return, and for headaches to stay away!

We are looking forward to a little more relaxation tomorrow

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜

This was in one of my devotions this morning. What a great reminder!!

We made it to Friday! Thank you Jesus, the first week is in the books. Kayleigh is enrolled in the trial and she has run chemo treatments. Wednesday was her first dose (just one of the chemos), Thursday was no chemo, just check blood work, and today was both chemos for the first time. I am please to report that Kayleigh took both drugs today and did not seem to have any side effects. If that isn’t a direct answer to prayer I don’t know what is!

Unfortunately, Kayleigh has developed a cough. It could be sinus drainage but it could also be because she has lost her gag reflex. As the tumor presses on things, swallowing becomes a big concern. With no gag reflex it is harder for the body to steer thin liquids to the correct place. If liquids are not directed properly then they can “go down the wrong way”. We have noticed some episodes of this with Kayleigh, but usually just when she is drinking too fast. That being said, we are hopeful that these chemos will decrease the tumor which would in turn decrease the pressure.

So, keep praying!! All the prayers from our faithful friends are making a difference.

Specific requests:
1.) Complete healing this side of heaven.
2.) No side effects from the chemo or other drugs.
3.) To be able to begin weaning steroids again next week.
4.) For the tumor to shrink helping symptoms receded.
5.) Balance to get better.
6.) Coughing to go away.
7.) No headaches!

I know we are on this journey for a reason. As we continue to walk God’s path for our lives we are just so incredibly thankful for how God continues to minister to us. With this terrible disease it would be so easy to focus on the bad things, the scary things, the statistics. But truly, what would that do for us? What it would do is rob us of the joy we have in today. We are well aware of the mountain in front of us – but we are more aware of the Almighty God that is on our side.

One of my favorite songs right now is Hillary Scott’s “Still”. It reminds me to just rest in Him, because He is already at work in things I cannot see or imagine. I don’t have to see what God is doing. I don’t have to understand His plan. I don’t have to have the answers. I just have to choose to be still and allow Him to be in control. I have to choose to let go of the reins. Choose… It is so simple and yet so difficult. If ever I write a book it’s going to be on choices. Every day we wake up and we have new choices to make. So who are you going to serve today? It’s your choice – no matter your circumstance – you can choose to look to Jesus. You can choose love, hope and joy. That is how we are able to walk this path!

Joshua 24:15
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Hebrews 10: 35-36
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Until Tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜