Monday, September 8, 2014

Wind Beneath My Wings

Caleb's not doing so well, & could really use some extra prayers. He feels so weak and tired. 
Caleb even slept through boisterous conversations, when his vivacious brother jumped in the car, after school.
Caleb loves school, so when he wants to stay home and sleep all day, we know something is off.  He had lab work done this morning, and now his Oncologist wants him to get a full check-up tomorrow, so we can figure out what's going on with him.  To show you what a go-getter he is, he's terribly disappointed to miss school, because he wants to be the first in his class to read 1,000 words, and he doesn't want to fall behind.

It's very difficult during times like this, because with this new phase of chemo, we don't know what to expect.  It's a relief that my mom is a nurse and can offer insight, but we all hurt together.  So often, we cherish the moments with our loved ones who are closest to us.  Sometimes they go so above and beyond "the call of duty", they deserve special recognition.  I'm referring to my parents. 


The lyrics of "Wind Beneath My Wings" comes to mind.   My mom went to nursing school right before the "empty nest", and I still remember that song being played at her nursing graduation.  She definitely helps keep Caleb & I soaring.
"Did you ever know that you're my hero and everything I would like to be?"
"It might've appeared to go unnoticed, but I've got it all here in my heart.  

I want you to know the truth, of course I know it... I would be nothing without you. "
I want to say thank you to both of my parents for being there literally night and day throughout my life, but especially the past year.  

Thanks for being at the hospital with us so much through the most difficult days.         (Sept. '13)
Thanks for helping encourage Caleb to swallow all of those pills!  (Oct. '13)
Thanks for always lending a loving, helping hand.  (Nov. '13)


Thanks for coming up with outrageous games to make us all laugh.
 Thanks for going "out on a limb" and purchasing your first camouflage outfit - even though that isn't your style, to make the boys happy at their birthday party.  You were quite the Chef Extraordinaire at their camp!  My friends call you "Wanda Woman" for a reason! You're the real Wonder Woman!  (June '14)

The "Griller Extraordinaire"!  Thanks for cooking for all the boy's friends!  My friends call my dad "Dandy Don" for a reason too.  Thank you for your love and magic energy.
Thanks, Daddy, for the fun fishing excursions to distract the boys and add smiles during this tough year.
"Thank you, thank you, thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings." 

9 comments:

  1. Hurting with you all! Prayers for quick answers and recovery. Hugs to you all!

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  2. So sorry to hear that Caleb isn't feeling well. Praying the blood transfusion goes well and he is his "old self" in no time. He is so precious -- not surprised he wants to achieve that reading goal! When Caleb sets his mind to accomplish something....he MAKES it happen! What a champ! Hugs!
    Susan & Joe

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  3. Oh Melissa, you are truly blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful parents. God bless those two abundantly. I am so sorry that Caleb isn't feeling well. I follow you and your family through this blog. Caleb's Courage has been so inspirational. He is so brave! What a sweet, sweet boy! God is working on him Melissa. I am praying for healing, for strength, for energy, may it all be his. In Jesus's name. Amen.

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  4. Thank you dear daughter for the wonderful tribute. This past year has been a challenge, not only as grandparents, but also as parents. No parent wants their child to experience the pain you have endured this past year. You have handled it with dignity and poise, even though your heart was breaking. Our precious little Caleb is in our thoughts and prayers every moment. He has taught us all so much about courage, endurance, and sacrifice. We love him to the moon and back. Your Mom

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  5. My heart breaks for all of you each time I hear that Caleb is having a hard time. I am warmed by the love you and your family have for each other and inspired by the courage and love of a little boy and his brother. If butterflies are angels, I would bet there have been many in your yard this year. My children, Rusty and Lisa, have prayed with me for a full remission as soon as possible. I so admire the tribute you have written today to your parents. I have admired them all my life. In the first place, I thought Wanda and her sisters were the most beautiful women I had ever seen. To be their cousin was like a badge of honor. There has never been a group of women more loving, sweet, and generous. They took after their sweet mother, Aunt Mary. I only wish I had grown up closer in miles to them. My love for you and your sweet family grows and grows. My prayer is that God wrap his healing arms around Caleb and give him the strength to fight through this. And my prayers for the rest of you are to maintain the strength of the bond of love that flows among you. In Jesus name I pray. Love, cousin Vicki Rains Melancon

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  6. David, old pal, buddy and friend. I think of you and your family often with what you all are dealing with. And today, especially, I am looking back and reflecting on a lot of things and I remembered the blog you turned me onto a couple of months ago about Caleb. I guess mainly I wanted to get an update on how things are going. I cannot imagine everything you and your wife have gone through. But, knowing you David, and I am learning a little bit about your wife and other son thru the blog, together, you all will sustain and overcome this terrible illness. I guess I'm just trying to say in my own red neck kinda way, I'm thinking about ya, praying for you ALL and hoping and wishing for the BEST !!!!!! Love ya brother......Kelly Stewart 09/11/2014

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  7. Only a mommy's heart knows your pain, hurt, and anguish like no other...except our heavenly Father! He is right there a Mighty Warrior, for another little mighty warrior - Caleb and the whole mighty warrior family you are!!! Such courage, such love, such humility, such faith!! Well done thou good and faithful servants! The battle belongs to the Lord! What a Great Physician we have! Hold on to the hope that is in you! Always praying!!! God bless your parents extra special!! What a testimony of unfailing, unconditional love!! May God shower you with more healing and blessings until you are soaking wet!!
    You are loved!!!

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  8. Melissa, thanks for sharing your parents with us. It's easy to see why you are such an awesome person and wonderful mother, too. I hope Caleb is doing better .....please give him a hug for me.

    Pat Bishop

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