Sunday, December 16, 2007

A place to stay!

Our family is amazing. Allen's sister Jennifer and her husband Matt have offered to give us their house in Memphis and take their one year old to stay with Matt's family. Of course, we were reluctant to push them out of their house, but if you know Jennifer, if she has put her mind to something it is not easy to persuade her. So, we are so thankful and happy to have a house of our own for our stay in Memphis, and we will be close to the hospital which is wonderful. Thank you Jennifer and Matt and Matt's parents! ("thank you" doesn't seem adequate for such a huge gift!)
Yesterday afternoon and this morning have been very good with Joseph. He has been generally happy and wanting to play and sit up. This is a change from his sleepy and generally grumpy disposition the few days before that. Please pray that he continues to want to play and get moving and that he will allow other people to love him and do things for him. He is completely attached to me and is having a hard time even allowing Daddy to do things for him, which is really unusual. Thank you for all your encouraging posts and prayers and cards and packages and meals. And thanks, Tracey, for getting my sister here on your skymiles. It is so nice to have S.J. here. She even made Joseph laugh a couple of times!

72 comments:

Unknown said...

Great news Gill! The congregation down here at Lagniappe Church prayed for Joseph this morning during the service. I miss Joe P and cannot wait to see ya'll this week!

-Sambo

Laurie in Ca. said...

Thank God for amazing families!! I am sure Jennifer and Matt are more blessed to help you than you are at this time. Good for Joseph getting up a little more and prayers will continue for him to do more. This has been a scary blow to him I am sure. But little boys are so resilient and mommies are the ones they turn to when they need that extra reassurance. Even daddies know this to be true. Prayers continue for you in all that is ahead and I can see that God is hard at work doing what He does best, making provision and paving the way. Praying for St.Jude to already have the answers and perfect treatment for Joseph. Daily prayers for you from California.

Laurie

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Yay, God! What a wonderful gift.

Rebecca

So Blessed said...

Prayers continue to be lifted for your precious family.

Anonymous said...

WHAT A BLESSING MATT AND JENNIFER YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!LOTS AND LOTS OF PEOPLE PRAYING HERE TOO IN FACT I WOULD SAY ALL OF CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH AND A LOT OF PEOPLE AT CHRIST PRES SCHOOL.IT HAS MADE MY DAY TO KNOW THAT BIG BAD JOE WAS PLAYING WITH HIS TOYS AND WAS NOT SO GRUMPY PRAISE GOD.I AM STILL PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE.JOE P WE LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH.DAVID AND ELI AND WILL WANT TO PLAY WITH YOU ON THE BIG STEPS IN THE DIRT REALLY SOON.GILL IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU TO HAVE SOMEWHERE GREAT TO STAY WHAT A BLESSING.IT HAS MADE ME VERY AWARE OF THE GREAT NEED FOR ACCOMODATION FOR PATIENTS FAMILIES IN EVERY CITY.WHEN JOSEPH IS WELL AGAIN ILL BE OFFERING MY HOUSE TO VANDERBILT FAMILIES.IAM SO GLAD YOU AND SARAH JANE ARE HAVING A GOOD TIME AND I AM SO GLAD SARAH JANE MADE JOE LAUGH.JOHN PATTON AND MARY LOVE PRAYED WITH ME TODAY FOR YALL......LOVE HUGS AND KISSES MOM DAD AND DAVEY

Anonymous said...

God bless you all & yes, we will pray without ceasing for your precious boy & for each of you. I am thankful for God taking care of your daily bread & tending to the details so faithfully! Love to all of you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks again for all these updates - I love knowing the daily progress of Joseph! So glad the housing situation worked out - an amazing gift from Jennifer!! We've been praying for you and thinking of all the craziness that must be associated with packing up everything for 8 weeks. And, so glad Sara-Jane's visit has been good - you've been on our minds and hearts this weekend.
love, Tracey

Anonymous said...

Hey Peabody family,

What great news !!! The Lord is always faithful to provide what we need when we need it!! Isn't it fun to see how and through whom he provides? We continue to pray for Joseph and all of you. St. Jude's is such an amazing place. I know you all have such tough days ahead, especially Joseph. But, I have faith that the staff at St. Jude's will do everything they can to lessen the load you all carry. I'll pray for great family time, light hearted moments, and rest for you all over Christmas. I'll also pray for safe travel to and from Nashville for everyone!! Keep the updates coming. Let us know how we can intercede and help !! Loving you all from Franklin !!

Anonymous said...

We're just lucky enough to be here in Memphis and have the opportunity to ease your burden even a little.

We can't wait to see you guys on Tuesday. I hope Joe P isn't too fussy then because he's going to be getting a big BIG hug from Uncle Matt B!

Love you guys,
Matt

MICHAEL: What have we always said was the most important thing?
GEORGE MICHAEL: Breakfast.
MICHAEL: Family.
GEORGE MICHAEL: Family, right. I thought you meant of the things you eat.

Jennifer said...

A HUGE thanks to my loving & gracious inlaws, Carol B. & Rick & Nancy B. for letting us crash at their houses while you guys are here. They are just as much behind this as we are. I'm just sad we will be 20 min. away from you!!!

Calling all Memphians!!! I need your help caring for my brother's family while they are here!!! email me; jenpbarr@gmail.com

Lynn T said...

Gill and Allen,

This is fabulous news. Jennifer and Matt, you are amazing! A huge thanks too to Matt's family. Gill and Allen, how nice it will be to be in a comfortable home. I am just so glad. I am thrilled to hear Joseph has had a couple of good days and Sarah-Jane got him to laugh. Joseph has the greatest smile. Sarah-Jane, make sure you do a few crazy dance moves for him!

Can't wait to see you all soon. I will be praying for a smooth trip on Tuesday.

Love you tons,

Lynn

Anonymous said...

Wow! Hey Joe, Sarah Jane makes me laugh alot too! She sure is crazy isn't she! :)
We are thrilled for your family and it just brings tears to my eyes knowing the Love the Father has for you and seeing how He is watching over you. We are praying that He go before you and prepare every minute of being in Memphis. We are praying for healing and much grace for all of you!
The Hess Family

Anonymous said...

We're so thankful how God is taking care of all the details of the whirlwind that you're in. I came across a verse today that made me smile, for it says that God is in whirlwinds, too.
"His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet." Nahum 1:3b
What a wonderful reminder. We're praying that all your fears will be turned to faith as you are constantly reminded of who God is. We love you!
Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

Anonymous said...

Our God is a loving God! He has wrapped his loving arms around you and taken care of your needs through all of those who give so generously. May God continue to bless you and your family as we lift you up in prayer to Him.

Susan Hillis said...

from Susan Hillis:

We continue in frequent prayer for Joseph...Brian and I had prayed for Allen's work situation and were thrilled!!!! to hear he has been given the leave of absence.
We pray "NOW MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF AND OUR GOD AND FATHER, WHO HAS LOVED US AND GIVEN US EVERLASTING CONSOLATION AND GOOD HOPE BY GRACE, COMFORT YOUR HEARTS.." (ii thes 2:17). The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and forever (Ps 121). We cherish and love you with all our hearts and only wish we could be by your side every day. We praise the Lord for all the practical help He is sending and for making the next steps clear. LOVE ETERNAL IN OUR ONE LORD!!! - Susan

Kara said...

What great news! Prayers from OK going up to heaven for you!

kara
sahm22boys.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys -

We will be praying for you all and especially for Joseph and the staff at St. Jude - that God would be especially evident in the treatment and the healing process. Serving you in prayer,
Catherine (for both of us)

Anonymous said...

God bless you all...blessings for Joseph, for his family, for those who make sacrifices, for those who encourage, for those who pray!

(It doesn't matter that we don't know each other right now; Christ's children will all know each other in Heaven...)

Betsy Huey said...

Gillian and Allen, this is great news! We continue to pray for you all and for Joseph's healing. I have been encouraged by these good, hard verses lately and pray that they will encourage you as well.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentlessness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
~Philippians 4:4-9

Praying,
Betsy Huey

P.S. We love Mrs. Peabody! She is welcome at our house anytime.

Anonymous said...

It's absolutely amazing to see God's work through this blog. To Allen and Gillian and their families...I'm grateful for your willingness to share this trial with everyone. NOONE!! could read a single entry without seeing the work by God. I pray that many have their hearts opened to Him and the sacrifice by Jesus, by reading this site. My wife and I continue to pray for your family and especially for joe. If their is anything that we can do for you or your extended family here in Nashville, let us know. My e-mail address: nashguy782002@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. It is so nice to know how to pray for you and to see the pictures of Joseph. We will be praying for your time in Memphis, for his treatment at St Judes and for God to give you strength and peace.

Love,
Rob & Spring

Anonymous said...

Wanted to let you know that someone in Antarctica is now praying along with the rest of us!!! Love to you all, Ashley Warren Pearman

Anonymous said...

Allen & Gillian

Just wanted you to know that I'm in Collierville...so if you need anything at all dont hesitate to ask. Love you all and praying for you every day.

céire
901-275-4829...day or night

Jennifer said...

OK guys - getting a great response here in Memphis of people wanting to help with meals, bbsitting, etc. Even people I have never met are wanting to help! God is taking care of you guys and it is amazing watching His provision for you unfold before my eyes...

Jean Joiner said...

So glad that the Lord is providing for you in this difficult time. We're continuing to pray for you guys. Much love and Merry Christmas!
The Joiners

LR said...

What a gift! A house, and near the hospital, family close by and a church family wanting to love you well - thank you Jenn & Matt & your friends and family for loving Allen & Gil like this. We love you and continue to pray for strength, courage, faith, wisdom and Joseph's healing. Scott & Linda

Craig and Gwen said...

Praying for safe and easy travel!
Much love!

Gwen

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful blessing!!! We continue to pray for all of you ... especially for little Joseph. Thank you so much for the continued updates. We will keep praying here in Franklin!

Anonymous said...

just trying to up your comments:)
miss you all
sj

Anonymous said...

Oh...do you know about the Target House?
sj

Anonymous said...

HEY GUYS THE BIG DAY IS ALMOST HERE.JOE P. YOU ARE GOING TO BE FLYING IN A BIG AEROPLANE.I BET YOU WISH YOU WERE DRIVING TO MEMPHIS IN "RAMONE" OR ONE OF THE OTHER CARS FROM THE CAR MOVIE!! WE WILL HAVE SOME GREAT SURPRISES FOR YOU WHEN YOU GET TO HOLLY TREE GAP INCLUDING ALL YOUR COUSINS!!SAFE TRAVELS.MAY THE LORD HOLD YOU ALL IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.WE LOVE YOU TONS AND TONS NANNA GRANDAD AND DAVEY.SARAH JANE HOPE YOU GOT HOME SAFE I BET PHIL IS GLAD TO HAVE YOU HOME LOVE FROM MOM

Anonymous said...

GILL CHECK YOUR E MAIL..LOVE MOM

vim+dash said...

what awesome news! my heart is so gladdened by the update, especially on a day i feel sad. thanks for continuing to share and for being willing to be vulnerable in the midst of everything. will keep praying for a smooth transition and that joseph will gradually lose some of the attachment he has to mommy... and allen won't feel too saddened by it.

boothe

suzebab said...

we love you guys and will be praying for safe travel tomorrow.

susan,charlie,jacob,and anna

Vann and Norma said...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil.4:6-7
Much love,
vann & norma

Anonymous said...

Safe travels to you all and please know you constantly in our prayers. Abigail & I were very grateful we got to say goodbye and best wishes in person tonight to all of you. We are going to miss you all being so close, but will continue to pray that Joseph gets stronger and takes well to the treatment. Call if need anything on the Atlanta end and know we LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! Happy Holidays. Luv, Jody

Jiggs said...

... just a quick note to "second" what Vann & Norma just posted ...

With continued Love & Prayers from Kansas City ...

Chloë said...

Hi guys, I'm glad to hear you are all doing well and looking after each other. Just wanted to send some updated love from Ireland! LOVE you all and thinking of you all the time! XXXXX Chloe

Anonymous said...

Hope your trip goes well today! We're so glad to see all of the ways God is blessing you through this. We'll keep praying for Joe P's treatment and for everyone's morale. May the peace of Christ rule in your lives during Christmas and as you start this new part of your journey.

Love,
Lizzi & Tony

Mary Vagnoni said...

Safe travels, praying hard in Houston
Love from
Aunty Mary

Anonymous said...

We are friends of Gretchen Davis, and we are lifting up prayers for Joseph from Virginia. (Our entire small group from the Fairfax Church of Christ is praying for God's miraculous healing of your adorable son!)

Dear friends of ours recently had a situation very similar to yours, and the verse that I kept thinking of when thinking about their situation was 1 Peter 1:3-9:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

With Prayers and Love, The Sperrys

Anonymous said...

That is great news. Wishing you a safe journey. We are thinking of you every day over here.
Catherine x

Anonymous said...

It is so apparent that Christ is carrying your family through this time. I pray you get settled in with ease. Your family is awesome! I just keep sending praises and more praises to the Lord after reading each blog.

-Carolyn

Novice said...

Continuing to pray that during each day of this journey that is taking you across land and to the depths of your soul, you know that you are held in mighty and capable hands that cannot and will not let you go. (Proverbs 30: 4-5)

"Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."

the Bobecks

Anonymous said...

We live a couple of miles from Jennifer (and right on the way to the hospital). We have a 2 year old daughter (only child) who would love to have new playmates. We can help out with babysitting if you need us. I'll talk details with Jen.

Cece

Anonymous said...

Gillian, Allen, Joe, and Holly- My name is Hope Williamson, I am a friend/coworker of Melinda Rutland. She forwarded your blog to me for my prayers and because my best friend Amy works at St.Jude here in Memphis. I know we don't know each other, but if you guys need ANYTHING once you get here, I would be glad to help in anyway I could. I am a good errand runner and am great with directions!! I know you have family and friends here, but just know you have another one in me. And if Amy can be of any help, I know she'd be happy to help too! My prayers are with you for a safe trip here and a treatment that works for your baby boy. God Bless you. -Hope 901-210-0805

Hope said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jan said...

Still praying mightily for you all.

Jan C.

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian P - We are praying for you in Washington, DC lots and lots. News travels fast around here and lots of people are thinking about your sweet Joe P and praying for him like crazy. So glad you have a place to call home in Memphis. Let people take care of you!!! It sounds like you are in great hands!

Love, Gretchen Slease Davis (and Jeff and Cole)

Anonymous said...

So glad Joseph had a great plane ride! What a blessing. Thank you, God, for granting Gillian and Joseph a good safe journey to Memphis.
Know that we will be lifting you all up these next few days as Joseph undergoes more tests. We will pray that God will use the staff at St. Jude to be His hands and His voice and that you all will feel so loved and cared for.
Holly did great on the ride from Atlanta to Franklin, as long as she was eating something she was happy! We had a fun afternoon running outside finding sticks and feeding the dogs cherrios, then we went out to eat and she ate most of her food and mine! We prayed for you and Joseph when she went to bed. She said to give Joseph a "kiss and big hug".
We love you,
Mimi, Big Daddy, and Holly
P.S. Thank you Hugey's for opening your home to me while I was in Atlanta. Thanks for everything. Oh, when I got to Gillian's this morning I realized I had left the muffins you had made. I was so sad because they were wonderful!
Miss you too, S.J!

Anonymous said...

Your family is in our prayers and thoughts daily. We're thankful that God has helped you make a treatment decision and provided a place for you to stay! Lot's to be thankful for!!

Anonymous said...

Yo Peabodys, we miss you already. Beth and I were looking at photos tonite of our October visit to the farm when the kiddies rode the "rocket ship" and Gillian ran down the poor little guy driving the tractor so she could rescue Holly. Joe P. and Logan fed the goats and we ended the nite with the culinary delights of Zaxby's!

Hope you're all settled in and feeling calm.

We love you and miss you.

B.J. and Beth

P.S. We've sublet your Atlanta house...don't worry, their dogs are very small...

Anonymous said...

Dear ones, We have been praying, and everyone we know has been too. Today on Rachel Ray, Marlo Thomas and Ann Hathaway were on telling everyone about St. Jude. It brings Joseph and the other children into millions of prayers today. I thought you would like to know that the whole country cares about you!!! Love, Karl & Martha

Anonymous said...

Allen & Gillian - I know that its been a long day, I'm praying that you all get a good nights rest. We will pray for you throughout this week for strength and wisdom, and that Joseph will be able to tolerate all they have planned for him. We continue to ask the Lord to bring you peace and comfort, and that He would make Himself evident to you during this difficult time. We love you, Scott & Linda

joann said...

we are praying! love from the rosenbaums

Anna Tester said...

Glad to hear of the safe arrival. Even though I am in California- we miss you! Praying for good slumber and sweet dreams. In this advent season I am praying and hoping and waiting on the miracles Christ has in store as He promises. xxxoo Anna

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you all and hope that everything goes very smoothly from now on in. We feel very inadequate and want you to know that if there is anything we can do for you from a distance (New Jersey) please let us know. Joseph was prayed for in Quebec City on Saturday and continues to be prayed for up there daily.

Debbie Higgins said...

Hi, My name is Debbie Higgins and I have a son at St. Jude. We lived in Georgia for a couple years and a friend of a friend gave me your name. We have been at St. Jude for eight months, so if you have any questions I could probably answer them.
I know what a difficult time this is for your family.We have been so happy with St. Jude and have not regretted our decision for one second. This hospital is amazing! God led us here, and is healing our son.
Please Email me and I will give you my phone number. I would love to meet your family and help in any way possible.
Debbiehigg@aol.com
Carson's web site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/carsonhiggins
There is an organization called Habitat For Hope that you might be interested in. They help families in many different ways. Habitatforhope.org
God Bless,
Debbie
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you all first thing this morning and hoping all is going well so far in Memphis.

Tammy Beaver said...

Saw your picture on our fridge this morning and said a prayer for you. Hope the weather in Memphis isn't as gloomy as it is in Atlanta this morning!

Hope that all goes well as you meet with the Drs. at St. Jude, and get started next week. Our prayers are unending.

We love the Peabodys!

Tammy

Anonymous said...

What a huge blessing! We are so glad you have an entire house in Memphis! Thanks to Jennifer and her family. You will be greatly missed at Intown, but we will be praying for you guys every step of the way.

Love, Bill, Lisa, and Tripp Allen

Anonymous said...

Gillian,
Glad you made it there okay. Matthew will be so jealous that Joseph got to go on an airplane. We miss you already in Atl. I know your next few weeks will be very hectic; I hope that you will be able to relax and enjoy Christmas Eve and Day with your family. Everything else can wait a day while you take the opportunity to enjoy the special day, fun with the kids and gifts and time with family. I'll pray Santa brings Joseph a good night's sleep!
We love and miss you and will continue to pray constantly ( I mean that- you are always on my mind!). You know we will do anything at all that you might need with the house while you are gone.
May the New Year bring New Blessings!!
Margaret

Anonymous said...

Hi from Dublin.
It really is wonderful to read what incredible support you have.I'm reminded of Don George's book 'The Kindness of Strangers', which has a foreward by the Dalai Lama. In this he states that despite all the bad things that are happening the world at any one time,many more good things are happening-they just go unreported.
It is so evident from reading your blog that there are many, many good people out there offering you encouragement and help ,willing you along and praying for Joseph.
We join with them in wishing you all the courage and strength you need to cope with this situation and to let you know we are always thinking of you.
Love James,Ingrid& Lucy

Our family said...

Praying for you all this week for wisdom for the doctors, a really smooth transition, and good rest in memphis. We continue to ask the Lord for complete healing for Joseph.
-Nathaniel and Rebekah

Anonymous said...

Praying that everything is going well for you all in Memphis and that Joseph is handling all of this the best he possibly can.

Megan Gray said...

Jennifer,

Please check your email....there are friends of mine (and former colleagues) who work at St Jude who want to help.

Much Love,
Cousin Megan

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian, Allen, and Joseph,
Hello from Holly and Mimi!! Holly is taking over Mimi's house and she now feeds the dogs, puts up all the dishes, puts up the grocery's, folds the laundry, and sweeps the floor. She had such fun today eating at Mimi's favorite breakfast place, Meridees. Then she played with the neighbor's dogs, a little boy on Mimi's street, and ran up and down the driveway pusing her baby in the stroller. After her nap she went to Tinkerbell Park and ran all over the playground. She is such fun and makes Mimi laugh a lot. We miss all of you so much and can't wait to see you soon. Big hugs and kisses to all of you. Joseph, we love you!!
Mimi and Holly

Anonymous said...

miss you Gill, Al, and joseph.
Praying for you today, that God will give you the strength to persevere. I know He is carrying you.
we all love you and will come to Memphis in a heartbeat if need be.
sj

courtney said...

I know that you all are so overwhlemed- in a good way- at all of the people who are waiting to help you. Praise the Lord for that!! I am praying for you all as you continue on this new phase of your journey for wisdom, peace and confidence. We are loving you and praying for you all to be brought through this completely healthy and whole as quickly as possible. Hoping for lots of good news upcoming.......

Courtney

P.S. Hannah has been praying for Joseph and hopes to play with him again soon!!!

The Dicus Family said...

yall dont know me,but i heard about you,and i want you to know that my family and i have been and will be praying for your family.Robert,Anna,and Lily

Anonymous said...

for all of you who read all the blog entries:
I thought it would be nice if we could all email each other if wanted or needed to do something behind Gill and Allens back (no plans now Gill)
could you all email me if interested:
lexvols@yahoo.com
I'm kind of computer illiterate so it will probably take a while.
Thanks
SJ

Anonymous said...

hey guys
mama and i just kneeled beneith our christmas tree on the floor and fervently brought you gys to the lords feet. you are on our minds constantly. we love you so much