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Sep 17, 2009

Simply Amazing! That's Our GOD

We had a good night! Praise God for that and so MUCH MORE. "Home" is a beautiful word.
We are home.

As we are awaiting the lab report on the fluid that was drained yesterday, we are believing that God has already gone ahead of us and we will get a good report ~ no infection.

Yesterday as we left our home to return to Shands in Gainesville, Andrew told us he was hungry. His appetite has been very good, maybe a side effect of the steroid he is on. So we stopped at our favorite place for quick food: ChickFilA. The drive thru line was looooong so I went in to order. The young man who took my order was Rob. He had such a gentle manner and I almost asked him if he believed in the power of prayer. I had a feeling he did. He offered to help me take the bags and drink holder to the car. Normally I would have refused, feeling that I could manage it. But through all of this we've gone through, any offer of help is welcome.

As we walked out the door, he asked me if I was on my way back to work. I told him no, that we were on our way back to Gainesville because our son needed to return to the hospital. Rob is from Gainesville and asked if we were going to Shands. I briefly told him what was going on and he asked for the name of our son. I knew what was coming. Rob offered to pray for Andrew. I opened the side door so Rob and Andrew could meet. I told Andrew he had one more person praying for him. Rob was very friendly to Andrew and got a smile from him. Just a quick little blessing that God gave us as we drove back not knowing what the next few hours would hold.
As I have said before, "We don't know what is in our tomorrow but we know God has already been there."

Following the CT scan, we went back into the surgeon's clinic where his PA drew the fluid from Andrew's head. The PA told me that there was a woman in the room next door who had mentioned Andrew and me and said we had been communicating online! Then she said the woman's name was CELESTE WELCH.
Celeste left a comment on my blog a few days ago. She was so encouraging and let me know that the same surgeon and oncologist had treated her 5 year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 10 months. PLEASE PRAY FOR VALERIE GRACE!

So right next door was Celeste and Valerie Grace. I walked out and Celeste and I hugged one another (3 or 4 times!). I got to thank her for her encourgaging comments and emails. Celeste had also contacted friends from her home church in Gainesville who emailed me offering their support. One of her friends was actually working on the PICU floor while we were still there and she came in to meet us!
Amazingly, Celeste and her family had just arrived from Ecuador yesterday morning and needed to have Valerie Grace seen that day by Dr. Pincus. Valerie Grace is beautiful and told me she would miss me! I got to hug her, too!

Can't you see how AMAZING our GOD is! "He makes; who can unmake?"

Celeste and I marveled at how we met yesterday. Who could have arranged that but God?!

Andrew is asleep now. I prayed over him this morning that he would fulfill the plan that God has for his life. I prayed that he would be a living testament and testimony for the glory of God. I prayed that many would come to know the beauty of Christ because of Andrew.
I continue to pray for those of you who have made a request. I am interceding on your behalf. God is a God of multiplication. I pray that as Andrew receives his MIRACLE that you will receive YOURS.
If you have stopped praying because you have grown weary or been disappointed, begin praying again! Ask God to give you direction from His Word that will reignite your "prayer fire." This is a SEASON OF MIRACLES.

Later today I plan to upload some pictures so you can see Andrew, crooked smile and all. As I blow dried his shampooed hair (per doctor's orders) I told him to let me know if it was too hot on the incision. He said since it was itchy, the heat felt good, like it was scratching it. I reminded him that when I had a bad case of poison ivy a few years ago, the hottest water in the shower felt good on my arms because if felt like they were being scratched.
That's when Andrew said, "I felt bad for you then, Mom. Is that how you feel now for me?"
I said, "Yes, son, I feel bad for you."
Andrew responded with this: "Don't feel bad for me, Mom."
"Why son?"
He answered, "Because it's not that bad."

My precious son, how I love you! And how I love your dad who has shown how tender he can be in his care for you. And how I love the Lord who is the Good Shepherd and watches over you, tender little lamb.

Pictures later...

43 comments:

  1. I have been following your blog through another decorating site. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family. What a beautiful thoughtful son you have!
    May Andrew experience healing from God.
    Blessings from Canada!

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  2. This again is a faith filled post that fuels my Holy fire for Jesus. To continue to pray for your family is a gift for me to unwrap daily. I cannot imagine NOT praying. Loved your two God appointments. Thank you, Lord.

    And I am praying that next month when me and my family are on our "first fall vacation" on Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach that you and I can meet this time around. I'd love to hug you like Celeste did. I'd love to pray for you like Rob. And I'd love to see that precious son and family of yours.

    And yes, I continue to believe during this season of miracles!

    God is able to do more than we could hope or imagine. He is on the move. Gotta jump aboard His train. We're going places. To places only He knows.

    And like you said, He's already been there.

    Precious, Melanie. You and your are beyond precious.

    Love you,

    Tiffany

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  3. Ok, I need to reapply my makeup...

    Just wanted to let you know that I'm still praying for Andrew and believing for God's best. Thanks for the update.

    What a sweet little guy you have!

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  4. Your words are so encouraging. I've been following your story for a over a week and am continually uplifted.

    I'm praying for Andrew's complete and total recovery! And for wisdom, peace, and favor for you and your husband.

    God is SO good, your stories today about the divine appointments brought a tear to my eyes.

    Thank you!

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  5. God is so amazing. I love you dear one, and andrew is so beyond precious.

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  6. Our God is amazing!! May He answer all our prayers for Andrew and may He go far beyond our imaginations! God is good!

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  7. Oh my, what a precious boy you have. What a perfect ending to a beautiful post by sharing the conversation with Andrew...wow...it's not that bad, mom. Kids are so resilient. I cry over a burnt tongue or hang nail.

    What amazing blessings for sure. Not coincidences that you are meeting people face to face.

    "We don't know what tomorrow holds but we know Who holds tomorrow."

    Sweet blessings,
    Paula

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  8. This post brought tears to my eyes. Andrew, good, gracious and humble. I'm praising our Heavenly Father because your words, "it's not that bad". Even the worst day is "not that bad" with Jesus. You are a walking testimony to that truth.

    Love and (((hugs))) from under His wings

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  9. Tears flowing and "God bumps" raising all over the place! Praise Him for a restful night for all of you and for Andrew's renewed Spirit and for comforting you! What a light you have in your beautiful son. I can't wait to see the pictures.

    He's right too...it really isn't that bad for God.

    Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    God bless you all! Praying for no infection.

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  10. That young son of yours is a sweetie isn't he? Glad you are HOME! What a blessing to have met a blogger. Life is amazing!!

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  11. He can feel bad for your poison ivy, but don't feel bad for his brain tumor. He is a typical man (boy) if I ever saw one! Of course, I started crying when I read that, because I have been worrying about him, and he seems just so well adjusted to everything. Credit your awesome parenting, Melanie. (& Dan's).

    Of course I was already emotional reading your strength in praying for others, and your request to reignite our own prayer fire.

    I admire you, very much. :-)

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  12. Andrew sounds like a such sweet, loving boy! I know he's a joy to you! I will keep praying!

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  13. What a great report! Young kids are so resilient, bless his heart. I know you're still on a rough road but it's wonderful to hear such a positive report. I will continue to pray for dear Andrew. Hugs.

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  14. When I read what Andrew said about it not being so bad, I thought Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you for that sweet post, Melanie. Thank the Lord for His tender care. Believing with you for a miracle ~

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  15. Yeah!! Thank you Jesus!! All honor and praise go to you. I will continue in prayer and THANKSGIVING! Thanks for taking the time to update us!

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  16. How beautiful are the ways of the Lord. That He placed Celeste right next to you in the hospital. Continued prayers for you all! I also wanted to say you are inspiring, sometimes in times of trials its so easy to wonder if the Lord hears me, but your words have encouraged me that He truly is and I thank you for that.

    Blessings,
    Christine

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  17. Melanie, we continue to praise God for what He is doing in Andrew's condition and in his heart. What a precious boy you have, and what a faithful mom he has. Our prayers will not stop, our faith will not be dampened, we will believe for this miracle. God is using this to reach people, Melanie...He has a wonderful plan for His people that are called according to His purpose, and you and Andrew are in the middle of God's work. We are laying hands on each other as we pray for Andrew, standing in the gap or him, and resting assured that the Lord hears our pleas for healing.

    Love from me and my prayer partners, hugs and kisses are flying to Andrew..I hope he can feel the love we are sending.

    Mary

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  18. I always seem to find myself being drawn back to your blog to check on Andrew. I am praying for him daily!

    I loved hearing about your God sightings, as we call them at our church. He is all around Andrew and your family, for sure.

    Jane

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  19. I just wrote on my blog yesterday about not to worry about tomorrow, because God is already there. Oh my, Melanie, I can surely see God working in this whole thing. He is truly letting you know that He sees all and has complete control over all. I loved your two God moments with the guy and Celeste.
    Your precious little one is such a trooper. I am glad that he has an appetite.
    Continued prayers coming from here.

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  20. Wow, God gave you someone "with skin on" to give you that hug from Him......and he gave you someone with a compassionate heart to remind you that HE prays for you!!! That is so cool......praying in accord with you that God will use Andrew to glorify His name.

    Suzanne

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  21. Melanie,

    What a MAJOR blessing!! What a God-ordained meeting with you and Celeste!

    I knew she would be a blessing to you, I'm so glad you two finally got to meet, in person! Oh my...

    After chatting with her online for years, Jordan and I got to finally met her in Memphis on his last visit.

    Thanks so much for sharing such a precious testimony of that guy Rob and your conversations with Andrew.

    It makes me love him even more and I don't even know him!

    It never ceases to amaze me how these children deal with cancer. I've learned more from the children we've met on our journey and my son then any adult I know!

    Blessings to you as you finally get some time alone with the Lord at home.

    I know He is filling you up to over-flow now. It's spilling out on all of us~

    Standing with you always,

    Susan

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  22. God is so good in every way, but He is so loving to provide those opportunities we least expect yet give us such encouragement. I'm praying for your family every day.

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  23. I am learning so much from you and your family through this trial. I am reminded time and time again, that He knits believers together, in His way, in His time, and for His reasons. What a blessing it was for you to be placed next door to Celeste and Valerie. Amazing!! ''

    You certainy have a gift for writing and being able to express your thoughts, and I am being blessed by it. Isn't it reassuring to know that God loves our children, even more than we do? My prayers are continuing.

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  24. You have a precious son...

    I just want to give him a hug tonight. He loves you, momma. I know you cherish his words... his heart.

    Blessings and peace to you all this night~elaine

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  25. Oh how I love Jesus, oh how I love Jesus! A beautiful post my friend. This absolutely wonderful news! To be home is a good thing.:o) Still standing with you!

    Smiles....

    Beverly

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  26. "My Jesus, my Savior- Lord there is no one like you. All of my days, I want to Praise- the wonders of your MIGHTY love. My Comfort, my Shelter- tower of Refuge and Strength. Let every breath, all that I am- NEVER cease to worship YOU!!!

    Shout to the Lord...." all I could do is sing this song over and over after reading this post. I am still singing it!!

    In Christ-
    Heidi

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  27. I have been following along on your blog and praying diligently for Andrew and your whole family. This particular post brought me to tears. Not only because your brave son is so sweet, but because our God is so loving and good that He set up these divine appointments to encourage and comfort you with His presence. How I praise Him for what He is doing through this whole experience. I find your faith inspiring. I want you to know I will continue to pray every day for you all. I have a women's Bible study group at my home on Friday mornings and I promise you we will take a few minutes and lift Andrew to the throne of Almighty God...Blessings to you all, Debbie

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  28. Our miraculous God! He continues to hold many miracles for all of us...you and Andrew specifically.

    Praises!!

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  29. Oh Melanie, what a testimony all of this already is. I'm so glad for the way that God is revealing Himself to you and through you to others.

    Praying for favorable lab results and complete healing.

    Much love!

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  30. I have been following your blog. I know that the Lord hears every single prayer...I will continue to pray for your Andrew and your family. May the Lord God continue to hold you up!

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  31. Just came online to say my love and prayers remain for Andrew and your entire family.

    HIS Grace is Sufficient...much love.

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  32. Oh, Melanie! Need the Kleenex! Our God is so awesome! I can't wait to share this post with my family after school today! Love the Chick-fil-a connection! Don't you just marvel at how God plans each tiny and large detail in our lives? Amazing! Give that precious one a hug for me!!
    Love ya,
    susan

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  33. tender little lamb...*sigh* i ♥ that part! and the chick-fil-a dude...priceless. so grateful to hear of the continuing presence of God in everything/every place/ everyone around you!

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  34. What a sweet post!
    I love that that Rob at ChickFilA was so tender to you and took the time to help you and to meet Andrew.
    Goes to show there are still lots of caring people in the world. I'm going to pray that Rob will be extra blessed today!
    God is amazing and I love how He is working in your lives, even in this difficult time.
    I am in tears!
    Love and continued prayers from another Valerie
    (I'll be remembering little Valerie Grace) in Oklahoma.

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  35. Melanie:

    I love how GOD connects people of like faith! He blessed your family and that of Celeste's too!

    I am praying for you and Andrew and one of the girls at my Bible study mentioned you last night - that she has been following and praying too! More connections in the prayer realm - from God Himself!

    Choosing JOY, Stephanie
    [JESUS - For His Name's Sake]

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  36. Continuing to pray for Andrew.... Melanie, this was such a sweet post, when Andrew said "It isn't so bad", what a sweet heart your boy has...and Rob sounded like a treasure of a young man! I am continuing to pray for total healing for Andrew...that he would be completely and totally made whole. If God is for us, who can be against us? Praying for you all today....

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  37. Blessings Melanie, God never ceases to AMAZE me! However, you and Andrew, on the other hand amaze me each day!

    So thankful that God arranges divine appointments for you & this alone gives us HOPE! Miracles are in the making and I will continue to stand, read your triumphs, declare your victories, and support you & Andrew with angelic hosts in prayer! Amen to this is a season of miracles! We are expecting yours & a good report with no infection.

    You are a gift of God, totally inspiring and an endless source of faith & hope in your journey upward. Andrew is your gift from God, a treasure filled with love.
    So glad for every moment you can BE at HOME rather than the hospital.
    God is good & always amazing! Amen!
    Halleluia & praise to The Healer!

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  38. What can add to your beautiful words, Melanie. Tears fill my eyes of happinesss & joy for you all, yet I pray for healing for Andrew still ... & Valerie Grace. Have a wonderful weekend. TTFN~ Marydon

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  39. oh my goodness - you're precious son's response. I know that did your mommy heart good. He didn't even know how reassuring he was being. Praying fervently for you, and anxiously await the updates.

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  40. What amazing news! God is so faithful and good! Continuing to pray! ~love you guys, Rhonda :)

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  41. Melanie you are a beautiful mom so full of our Jesus. Please know that He is holding you so thight right now. You are His most favorite...why because He created each one of us all different and unique...so you my friend are His favorite Melanie who is living out life to the fullest and being a most terrific mommy to a son who loves and adores you...a son who gets to look into your eyes and see His Jesus!

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  42. I found your blog through Celeste's; I'm thrilled to hear you two were able to meet, that you both "just happened" to be there at the same time. What a neat thing for God to do!

    I continue to pray for you, for Andrew, for your husband and your other children. Believing with you for healing, 100%.

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