and they do... all over the universe. Big brother Zachary got to go to the hospital with Caleb today, and what a difference it made. Zachary got to write & compose his very own song. He even made up the melody in this fantastic studio called "Purple Songs Can Fly" at Texas Children's Hospital.
WHY PURPLE???? Purple can activate a child's creativity and imagination. Purple is associated with everything from Courage, Confidence, Protection, Dignity, & Strength, to Creativity, Understanding, Healing, Spirituality, & Empathy.
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| Z gets ready to record his song |
He did an incredible job, and named his song, "My Brother Caleb Ryan". The songs are put onto a CD and flown all over the country on United Flights & even with astronauts - plus rock stars take them out on tour. The young stars from Tx Children's have even performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. How ironic that my boys have been listening to the CD's from cancer patients & their siblings their entire lives, because as a medical reporter, I've covered multiple health stories & featured the young songwriters. It was overwhelming to be there for a different reason today and more meaningful than I ever imagined.
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| Amazing Founder, Anita Kruse, who helps inspire the children. She helps them choose a beat, teaches them to hum a melody, then she's the accompanying pianist. She's one of the most talented women I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. |
Just to give you a "taste" of Zach's song... here's the chorus he wrote:
"You're as courageous as a lion, more brave than a bear,
My brother Caleb Ryan, I hope you know I care, I care."
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| Zachary records his song |
It was a real distraction from medical care for Caleb today. He has a smile on his face - plus NO SPINAL TAP TODAY. That was huge! :)
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| Zach presents Cal his new CD. Talk about brotherly love! |
Ahhhh, what a difference a day makes. Caleb's fantastic doctor not only listened to his "pill drama", but made a dramatic change in his treatment plan. He will get to "inhale" his drugs for a while, and get a break from swallowing all of those pills. That means at least 50 pills a month LESS now - which is a big life-changer for him. He has a bounce back in his step... just thinking about the break. Thanks for your continued prayers. We're uplifted & doing better now. Hugs to you all.
The gift of a lifetime, from a brother who holds him so very close! And, from the talented Anita Kruse. Amazing people. Truly given the gift of LOVE from the Lord himself! Happy to hear that pills will be less, and inhaled in the meantime. Prayers will be MORE and the Lord will be with ALL OF YOU. Precious family, stay strong.
ReplyDeleteAlways reading, checking for updates. Thinking of you all often, wishing little man a quick recovery. Know that you're not alone; there's hundreds of mommas with you- in prayer, and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Deer Park
AMEN!!! So glad there's a smile on his face and Zach is a amazing big brother. XXXOOO Stac and The Boys!!
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps! What an incredible day and thank you so much for sharing it! Your family is amazing! I know you are going through a horrific time but the stories you are sharing are truly inspiring thousands. Thank you for letting us take part in your difficult journey.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Zach! What an awesome gift for your brother!!
ReplyDelete"But I will sing of your strength in the morning, I will sing of your love for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my strength, I sing praise to You. O God, you are my strength, my loving fortress!" Psalms 59:16, 17
Praise God!!! His mercies are new every morning!
ReplyDeleteWhere can we buy a copy! Can't wait to hear it...will you post it on You Tube? Answer to our prayers for you all!
ReplyDeleteTwo summers ago a group of professional musicians (the Voice and American Idol contestants, Latin Grammy winning singer and producer, etc) got together with a handful of Tx Children's Cancer patients and Purple Songs Can Fly to write a record a song. The patients helped write the song with lyrics based on how they felt when they were in the hospital and the positivity and hope they had as they went through treatment.
ReplyDeleteOver a couple of day period they worked with these musicians and recorded the song in a professional studio here in Houston. the song, titled "It's Out There Waiting" can be found and purchased on iTunes with the proceeds going to this wonderful organization. If anyone is interested in helping out this group, please go to iTunes and purchase it...and I would suggest purchasing the video rather than just the song because it shows scenes from the whole process. Unfortunately, one of the patients gained his angels wings just a few weeks after the song was released and was not feeling very well when they were working on it but he was determined to finish it and get the "story" out there.
It's an inspiring song and well worth the few bucks to purchase for this great cause.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteMs. Munoz just came down and let us listen to Zach's song. Oh my, brought tears to my eyes. His precious voice singing to Caleb. Beautiful words. Continuing to pray for your family. Lisa
Sweet Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing to pray for you and your wonderful family. Jake told me that they listened to the music from Ms. Munoz, and he was happy to hear an update on Caleb. We are praying every day for your family. Know that you are thought of often, and we send you our very best wishes.
Many hugs to you,
Cathy
Answer to prayer....about Caleb's meds! PTL~!! Can't wait to hear Zach's song!
ReplyDeleteHugs to all...
Susan & Joe