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It’s been a good Wednesday here in Memphis. Kayleigh’s schedule was light so we were able to enjoy some family time as well as some time with friends.

Kayleigh is still battling the stomach issues but we did slightly better today than yesterday! Please continue to pray for healing and rest. I am also noticing some minor changes in her balance and hand strength. Please pray with us that those things will get better and that the medicine is working!

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜

It’s our 4 month anniversary. Technically, we found out Kayleigh had a tumor on the 11th, but the 13th was the day we received the diagnosis. Her 7th birthday, and we find out she has DIPG. Even then we didn’t really know what we were dealing with. Just that it was bad.

Amazingly, as I look back at those early days I can clearly see how God’s hand was on our family from the very beginning. His peace was present from the start. I remember telling Dr. P that we trusted God, because as much as we love Kayleigh we know God loves her even more. And God has continued to shower that love on all of us. He has guided our steps and blessed us beyond belief. And while I cannot say thank you for this cancer I can say thank you for all of the amazing, beautiful things that have come from it.

I have learned to trust in ways I would have never known. My faith has been stretched, tested and strengthened. I have slowed down and taken time to savor each moment, loving on all of my kids because now it is all so apparent that we really are not promised tomorrow. I have found joy even in the worst situation simply because I have learned to keep my eyes on God and trust Him to direct my path. And I have watched my precious baby touch hearts and minister to people all around the world.

It’s funny, I didn’t think I had anything to say tonight. I procrastinated beginning this post because I had no clue what to write but I picked up my phone because I knew so many would be worried if I failed to post. So I started with the date like I usually do, and it hit me. To most people 4 months isn’t very long. To a DIPG family it is time slipping by too quickly. I am so thankful that our hope doesn’t lie with the medical field but rather with God Almighty. It is our prayer that God will use any resource possible to bring healing to our girl.

Kayleigh remains the same today. Her stomach is still our biggest hurdle. Thankfully she did not have a headache today! We need those to stay away so we can consider lowering the steroids again. We just don’t want to do too much too fast. We’re praying for God’s clear direction on that!

One of my devotions today talked about Joseph and all of the difficult things he endured. None of the situations were deserved or his fault which can so easily make a person bitter. But Joseph kept his eyes on God. And God used him to save his family and the nation. It’s one of those times where you see how God orchestrated what looked like a series of unfortunate events into perfect timing.

Genesis 50:20
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

We know the enemy would like for this DIPG diagnosis to get us down, steal our joy and renders hopeless. Sorry, my God is too big for that. He’s got this. I don’t know His plan but I read the end of the book – He wins – so tell me – what else matters?

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜

Watching a friend bat Monday night 

I let Cole have coffee today

Grace too – but I forgot to order them decaf 😳

Happy Monday friends!

It has been a wonderful day of fun and memories at our house. We actually planned to return to Memphis on Sunday but we were so tired and Kayleigh’s schedule was unusually light today so we cancelled her one appointment and stole an extra day at home!

Kayleigh felt pretty good most of the day. She swam, rested and even got to visit the ballpark to watch her friends play softball. Sometimes, days like this are the best medicine for the soul. She did have a headache again this afternoon but it wasn’t terrible. Our prayer is that one day soon they will be gone all together so we can think about decreasing the dose again.

Her stomach is still struggling with the chemo. We’ve moved it back near bed time which gives her a better day. But those meds start hurting her the minute they hit her stomach. Please keep praying that we will find a solution. These oral chemos are a continuous medicine which means she will take them every day for as long as they work, no breaks. Of course we are praying that they work well so we need to get the stomach issues under control so life is not just good but great!

We know the war for Kayleigh is still underway but God has been so good to grant us four days of peace, rest and refreshment. Refilling us physically, emotionally and spiritually so we will be ready for the next battle. I’d be lying if I told you I don’t worry about what will come next – but each time the worry creeps in I just remind myself of just how faithful God has been at every turn. He isn’t going to stop, so we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and trust that He is going to continue to guide our steps and fight our battles.

Deuteronomy 20:1-4
1 “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! 2 When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. 3 He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. 4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’

Exodus 14:14
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

So tonight, I’m thankful for another precious day. For memories, friends and family. For an opportunity to just breathe. Thank you Jesus for meeting our needs at the perfect moment.

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow 💜

I’m back after a brief break. I thought Mr. Whiskers did a fantastic job writing last night. I actually tried to get him to write again tonight but he failed to cooperate. If some of you are wondering why Tim is Mr. Whiskers you will have to go way back to the July 16th post where Tim wrote for the first time. He picked up the nickname from a shopkeeper in Cozumel who was trying to get him to come into his shop. The kids thought is was hysterical and proceeded to call Tim Mr. Whiskers for the rest of the day. I guess the name stuck and now it’s his pen name!

Today has been a wonderful day of much needed rest for us all. Kayleigh has felt pretty well. Her chemo meds still irritate her stomach – a lot – but we are beginning to navigate the mine field a little better. She also had a headache this evening. It is my prayer that it is from the steroid weaning. Thankfully it is not a terrible headache and she has finally drifted off to sleep.

All in all, even with the stomach ache and headache, it has been a good day. Please continue to pray that we will be able to figure out how to protect Kayleigh’s stomach so she is not in pain. Pray for complete healing this side of heaven, no headaches, no stomach aches, and that we are able to lower steroids again.

Thank you for your prayers love and support. We love you all

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

This picture is of a very special church that has been a part of my life since I was born. It’s my Grandparent’s church. The church my mom started attending in elementary school. It’s where my mom and dad were married, where I went to vacation bible school, where I learned the Lord’s Prayer, where Tim and I were married… For me it’s my home church and safe place – it’s one of my constants. No matter what has changed in my life over the years this church has remained steady. And to so many of the families there that have known me forever – you know who you are – I love you very much. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Trinity United Methodist Church
Trinity, Alabama

Love Always,
‘Carrow 💜

September 10, 2016

What a day! Where do I start? First off we are thankful for another great Day . Kayleigh’s stomach was much better today than the last couple of days which enabled us to watch Grace and her teammates play in their first 12u softball tournament. They did very well for their first time on the field this fall. This also gave Kayleigh and Cole some much needed time today with both sets of Grandparents for the entire day. Kayleigh managed to let both Carrow and I out of sight from early this morning until after 11pm tonight which was very good for her but I can promise you all that she was wide awake waiting on us to get home this evening. I think she only face timed us twice all day 😄. So as this exhausted bunch crawls in the bed tonight the question that many people continue to ask us all the time and today “How are you guys doing?” Normally followed by “I am amazed how well you guys are holding it together!” My mind and heart keep returning to one answer. God’s Peace that has been with us since day 1 of Kayleigh’s journey.

Philippians 4:7
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

1. Most important, please continue to pray for complete healing for Kayleigh this side of Heaven.
2. Please continue to pray for safe travels between Hartselle and Memphis.
3. Continue to pray for Kayleigh’s stomach to tolerate her medicine on a daily basis.

We truly enjoy hearing from all of you, especially Kayleigh, so please keep the prayers , comments , calls and letters coming!

Until ‘ Carrow posts again 💜💜 Goodnight from Mr. Whiskers