Saturday, December 15, 2007

Memphis, here we come

Whirlwind is the only word I can use to describe our life right now. We talked to St. Jude's Hospital and they wanted us there Sunday to start a "work-up." That was just too soon for us to get everything together, so we are going to go on Tuesday, hopefully leave for a couple days at Christmas, then start treatment the day after Christmas. This is way sooner than I had imagined, but it is good to get started sooner than later. The great thing is that St. Jude's will fly Joe and I there so he doesn't have to endure a 7 hr. car ride. We are still working on lodging. They have a Ronald McDonald House, which has one room for the four of us, common areas and shared kitchens. This would be free, but we are worried about all of our ability to sleep in the same room. So, the next few days will be spent trying to pack up our belongings for about 8 wks. Please pray that we remember everything and that God would be our peace in the midst of our "whirlwind." Merry Christmas to all of you. We love you!

30 comments:

Our family said...

We will be praying that God will work out a wonderful and free lodging situation for y'all. It is so hard to pack up everything with little kids and I can't even imagine packing for that long. Also praying for successful treatment with minimal side effects for Joseph. Praying for the Lord's strength and true peace for all of you. We think about you and pray for you several times a day. Our church in Spring Hill is praying for you too.
Nathaniel and Rebekah

Anonymous said...

Hi Allen and Gillian,
I am so glad you have a plan (and we know God has an even greater one). I don't know if it will help at all, but check out www.habitatforhope.org on the web. This couple has a daughter who survived cancer and have dedicated their lives to helping families with kids treating in the Memphis area. They are believers and would be an excellent resource. I know you are checking out all options, so I wanted to throw this one out there. Their website says they have a two bedroom apt. available now. I have actually conversed with them over another friend's situation,and they were amazing--so loving and helpful. Mark and Mylissa Horrocks are their names. Hope that helps.

Anonymous said...

I will pray specifically for God to provide your daily bread & show himself so clearly in it as he tends to every detail. Praying for mighty miracles & the peace of the LORD upon each of you!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just a quick note to let you know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God's grace is sufficient and I just know that He has great plans for Joseph and your family! Continue to place your fears, one by one into the hands of Our Lord...then climb into His arms and rest.

Anonymous said...

WOW! I'm sure it's all a bit overwhelming, but so thankful you've found a great place for treatment options! We'll be praying fervently for the Lord to use this treatment plan to heal Joseph and will be praying for all the logistics to come together in the next few days! We'll miss you and are so thankful for these updates! If there's anything you need in the next few days let me know! Love Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Wow - busy busy time. We'll be keeping your family, the treatment plans, and all the logistics that go with it in our prayers. Let us know here in Atlanta if you do forget something - I'm sure we can get it to you, lickety-split. Even though this is a difficult and wild time, I hope that you still have a very Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

You don't know us - we are friends of friends of yours - but we have been following Joseph's story. We are praying for all of you. God can do anything and we pray He will heal Joseph!!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I was connected to your blog through a friends, and have been praying for you ever since.. I have a close friend that works for St. Jude [ and just loves it, which says alot!]. She says that St. Jude in comparison to other hospitals like MD Anderson is personal, and intimate, and in her opinion provides better care because you're not lost in a sea of people. Of course she is a bit bias, but I thought I would pass that along. I also wanted to let you know that if you're still having trouble finding where you'll stay, etc I can get in touch with her and see what she says, and see if she knows of anyone or has any ideas. This long winded post is just to say, if you need the extra help with that, or anything else, she is an amazing Godly Christian and would be more than willing to help in any way possible, or connect you to the right person..

I am praying for you all, and have had you on my heart. May God bless you with peace, rest, and bless Joe with lots of cars as you go through this big transition..

Mary Vagnoni said...

Praying for your continued strength and wisdaom,
Philip,Mary and the girls

Anonymous said...

I had some friends who stayed at the Ronald McDonald house in Seattle when their youngest was in Children's Hospital. It is AMAZING! The kitchen is huge and everyone has their own cupboard/ fridge with locks. ALL dishes are sanatized in the dishwasher because there are many children with low immune systems (the whole place is kept very clean too). There is tons of stuff for the siblings to do-- a play area, movies, toys/ games, x-box/ playstation thingys. The rooms are very nice, like a nice hotel. The entire place is kid-friendly.
I would recommend that you give it a try and if it doesn't work, you can find something else. I was very impressed with the facilities.
To everyone else-- Put money in the Ronald McDonald House boxes the next time you are at McDonalds. It is seriously an incredible blessing that they provide for the families of sick kids.
I will be praying for Joe and your family as you adjust to the quick move and the many changes. I am also praying for an amazing recovery for Joe so that he can go back to being a regular wild three year old. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Peabodys- Gwen and I were talking earlier and thought of the Target House. They have 90+ two-bedroom apartments (w/kitchens) for families of children at St. Jude. It sounds like it could be something worth looking into. We will be praying for you guys and look forward to seeing you in Memphis after the holidays.

-Sara

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for you guys every step of the way. Hopefully we can see you over Christmas. We love you guys!

Laura P said...

wow. i know this isnt ever how you imagined you would be spending the holidays this year. But at least the ball is rolling and things are headed towards his complete healing. We are praying for that. God is blessing you with wonderful perspective and endurance--may you feel his strength continuing to carry you in the days ahead.
We are praying that you find moments of laughter and joy despite everything this holiday!

Laura Penney (Harris) and family

Laurie in Ca. said...

Wow! It looks like you have been given quite a few lodging options here and I know St. Judes is a wonderful and caring place. So, I will pray for your trip, time spent away, and for Joseph to get the treatment he needs for his precious little body. It is all in God's hands and He seems to have put this into action for you now, isn't He good?
Praying for everything and for peace for all of you through this.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys. You'll be landing in Memphis on the same day that we get there, too. We'll be praying for all of this, and specifically on you guys finding a place to stay. Surely with our collective heads put together, we can find a house of someone in the city with whom you can stay if none of the other Ronald McDonald house kinds of things pan out.

Merry Christmas Peabodys. May the Lord of glory draw near to your beautiful family in the days and weeks to come.

Vann and Norma said...

We are thankful that doors have opened so quickly for Joseph. We can't imagine how overwhelming everything seems for you. I talked to a good friend who is a social worker at St.Jude. Sounds like they go to great extremes to meet the needs of Joseph and the family. Grandaddy hopes to be able to see you while you are in Memphis. He sends his love to all. Our prayers continue. Love, Vann & Norma

Vickie said...

Hi, I just found your blog from reading Boothe's blog. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. We will begin praying for each of you to be strengthened during this time of uncertainty. I know that our God is a big God and He alone is able to guide you through this maze right now. We will pray for little Joseph and that he will continue to receive the care that he needs but ultimately that he will receive divine healing.
Blessings,
Vickie

Tammy Beaver said...

God is working fast!! WOW! It is amazing how swiftly all of this has come together. We will all miss you here in Atlanta, but it sounds like Joseph will be getting the best possible treatment at St. Jude. I've only heard great things. We will be praying for Joseph's healing, for a place for you to stay and for a sustaining peace over these next 8 weeks. I pray also that in the midst if this whirlwind, you will have a very special Christmas with Joe and Holly!

Your Intown family loves you all, and we will be praying without ceasing for Joseph and your family! xxooxo

Aunt Boo said...

Please know that you are being prayed for in Alabama.

Have a safe trip!

Amanda

Unknown said...

You don't know me and I don't know you beyond what I've read in your blog. I just want you to know that I am praying for your family as you go through this "whirlwind" of yours. I pray for you all a very Merry Christmas despite all of the chaos that will likely surround you. I pray for Joseph's treatments to get off to a smooth start and for his body to respond overwhelmingly to the treatments. May you know the greatest of His love and blessings this Christmas and always.

The Morginskys said...

Wow. I love that St.Jude's wanted to jump on this. But I do hope you get to enjoy family and a bit of peace as we usher in The King's birth. I'll pray that peace reigns in the midst of your whirlwind that that your mind will be calm and steadfast and your memory clear. Sweet blessings on you all.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,

You are such great parents! Joseph and Holly are soo very blessed to be in your arms. We will be praying for the Lord to give you His strength for your every step. Al and Gill, you are not alone and you are loved by your sweet Savior. Joseph we love you little buddy!!!

Merry Christmas!! We hope to see you soon.

Love,

Susan Babcock

Jiggs said...

Thanks be to God for having made clear to you His plans for the next seeps in His healing of Joseph! Thanks be to God for having cleared the paths that are cleared and opened the doors that stand open before you as He continues His healing of your son … of His child … of His creation.

As difficult as I know it HAS to be, please try to continue to trust that it really is not at all a matter of IF God will heal Joseph, or WHEN God will heal Joseph. Please try to trust that God IS HEALING Joseph … and that He will continue to do so in the absolute best possible way.

And when you get scared, (as God knows you will) it might be a good idea to go back up a few comments and re-read what Heather wrote on December 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM. She really DID say that very well.

With continued Prayers and Love from Kansas City …

Anonymous said...

GOODNIGHT GILLIAN AND ALLEN AND SARAH JANE .I AM PRAYING AGAIN FOR JOE P. TO SLEEP WELL.WE ALL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.DONT PACK TOO MUCH STUFF!!REMEMBER THERE ARE WASHING MACHINES IN MEMPHIS.IM PRAYING THE LORDS PRAYER AGAIN GILL.LOVE AND KISSES MOM DAD AND DAVID.

Anonymous said...

Mimi and Big Daddy are praying for a peaceful night. We love all of you so much. I know that God is holding you up and giving you the strength to put one foot in front to the other. I hear that strength in your voices on the other end of the phone. Sleep soundly in Jesus tonight. Can't wait to see you all tomorrow. Love, Mimi

Jennifer said...

Hope tonight goes well & that Joe sleeps. Check your email.

Jen

Kellie said...

We are praying for all the people in Memphis who will care for Joseph and all of you.This Christmas season we have gathered our hearts to pray and give thanks for sweet Joseph and all of you.
Bob, Kellie, Riley, Lauren, Baby Sean
Hutchins

trmills said...

Hey Friends, we just came back in town and got caught up on your news- things are moving fast. Praise God that He hems you in, behind and before. We wish we could be close to offer practical help, but we will continue to lift you up to the Father- peace, patience, wisdom, safety and the nearness of God's presence as you walk this path. Our hearts are close to you now!

vim+dash said...

we are still praying... it's so awesome to see the pictures of joseph doing all the things he loves! sellers prays for him every night and loves to look at he and holly on the computer. praying you will have an easy transition to memphis, that your time there will leave you changed and blessed forever, and that the Lord will faithfully work out all the details, housing included.

you guys are an inspiration to us as parents. we are so honored to be able to keep up with your family, even via the internet.

much love and prayer...
conor, boothe and sellers farley

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord that Jospeh can fly instead of drive. That is wonderful. We are praying for you--Abbie & Hunter