Over eight years ago Duff and I moved into our second house in a little neighborhood in Apex. We had two children at the time. Madeline was two and Gavin was one month old. The family that moved in across the street from us, also had two little ones. Their oldest was Connor and their baby Cameron was about a month older than Gavin. It wasn’t long before Connor’s contagious southern accent began rubbing off on Maddie as they played together and she began turning one syllable words into two. I specifically remember the conversation between these two youngsters one particular day. Maddie pointed off into the woods and began to pretend there were “wolfies” lurking in the distance. Connor was obviously not open to this particular scenario and he replied, “Now is not the time for wolfies.” I can also recall the months that followed when LeAnn and I would meet out on the sidewalk to discuss our needy infants and our struggle to fit a shower in much less anything else. It wasn’t long before Cameron and Gavin began toddling up and down the driveways together as we stood nearby catching some adult conversation.
Duff and I only lived in that home for one and a half years. The day arrived very quickly when we packed our things in two trucks, hitched our cars up on tow bars, and headed off to Wisconsin. We fell out of touch as the years passed, even after moving back to North Carolina, until one Sunday afternoon when I received the most surprising comment on Gabrielle’s blog. It was a comment from LeAnn and Ernest. They had found our blog while searching for information about Dr. Grant, a neurosurgeon at Duke. Their son Cameron was also a patient of Dr. Grant. We learned he had recently had a brain tumor removed. He was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma and would be receiving radiation and chemotherapy over the coming months. Cameron was going through his chemotherapy at the same time we were up at NYU having Gabrielle’s three-stage surgery. LeAnn was such an encouragement during that time. She lifted me up on countless occasions with her thoughtful comments, timely bible verses, and inspirational faith. All while her son was battling cancer.
Cameron completed his entire treatment plan and in August 2009 his one year post-chemo scan was clean. Cameron’s scan in December 2009 was also all clear.
Today we received news that Cam’s latest MRI, from this past Friday, showed his cancer has returned and has moved into pretty much the entire length of his spinal cord.
I would just like to lift this family up in prayer.
Lord God,
You are an amazing perfect God. A God of miracles. A God who promises to never leave us nor forsake us.
Lord, I ask that you walk beside this family through this valley and that you cast out all fear. I ask that you give them the peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask that you carry Cameron in the very palm of your hand and protect him from any pain and suffering.
Lord God, I pray in the name of your son Jesus, for complete healing of Cameron’s cancer knowing You are fully capable of this miracle.
Father God please surround this family with Christ’s love. Please reveal to us ways in which we can specifically be helping the Jackson family and showing them our love and support.
Lord may You be glorified through all of this.
In Jesus’ holy name
Amen
Please join us in praying for Cam and his family.
http://camjacksonupdate.blogspot.com/
Below are two of my favorite bible quotes that LeAnn reminded me of during Gabrielle’s surgeries:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Thank you so much Kelly and Duff. We have been keeping track of Gabby’s progress through the blog and have cried and rejoiced with the updates as they’ve come in. As I was standing at Duke on Friday, I recalled us seeing you that day with Gabby and thought how amazing it was that God put us together for that “short” time in the neighborhood, but connected us together forever through our precious children.
Your prayers for Cam are treasured and will hopefully be returned a thousand-fold for Gabby. I always kept this verse close to my heart when we were dealing with this previously and will turn to it again now:
“Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
I came across this link as well which helps go even deeper into the verse…hopefully the author won’t mind me sharing it as it can help anyone struggling with life’s problems.
http://www.fridaystudy.org/html/matthew/matthew11_28_30.htm
Thank you again from all of us.
Ernest
Hello,
I came across your blog while doing research about focal cortical dysplasia. I hate so bad what your little girl has gone through. My son has just been diagnosed with FCD after a few months of wondering where his seizures were originating from. He is only four months old. He started having seizures at 8 weeks. I, too, am confident that God has a plan for little Cutter, and it was encouraging to read the blog of a fellow Christian. Thank you. The beginning of your blog reminds me of where I am right now. And it is comforting that another family has gone through this and knows what we are going through. I pray that God will continue to bless your family! Thank you again for keeping such an updated blog. I read the hole thing tonight!