Radiation and Chemo-therapy are really not that good for the human body. That means that things will get worse before they get better. Poor Devree is experiencing it, and poor Shana is helplessly watching the process. So they really need our thoughts and prayers right now.
I know that LDS temples refresh their prayer rolls every 2 weeks. I’m not sure about how often prayer circles change their names in the Lutheran, Baptist, and other faiths. Anytime that you have an opportunity, please add Devree & Shana to your lists again. The Lord tells us that we must ask before we can receive. We really need to lifted and helped through this process, and I know that prayer works. I have felt the lifting power when I absolutely had nothing left.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
by Anonymous
I can tell you that during our low points, I know without a doubt that we were carried. Your many prayers made that possible. Thank you so much!
Love,
Todd
10 comments:
Todd and Shana,
Prayers bring miracles, this I know for sure. I know the feeling of being carried by the Lord when I couldn't take another step. He is there. I promise you, He is there.
We love you and pray for you daily.
Ky and Tammie
Thank you Tammie! I'm thinking about going to be with Shana and Devree the first week of March. I think it is easier to go through all of these things together.
I was relieved when Devree started eating. Shana's response was, "You're relieved? I have been with her when she was throwing up for 48 hours straight."
Shana was nice about it, but she was just pointing out how hard it is to actually be there with Devree while it is all happening. I can only imagine what it is like to carry all that weight by herself.
I'm so glad that Breck and Celest are there to support Shana.
Love,
Todd
I have no idea what you, Todd and Shana, must be going through. I do know what it feels like to watch your child suffer and not be able to do a thing to stop it, but only in small doses. I honestly can't imagine how anyone survives something long term like this, without the power of prayer and of God helping them.
I love you very much and pray for you and your family every day, every single one of you by name, but I admit I do repeat Todd and Shana and Devree's name more than once. And not just because they are fun to say. (Maybe Summer's boys like to repeat Shana cuz it rhymes with banana!)
I know that you will gain many strengths and wonderful memories during this difficult time, and that the painful memories will lessen with the gift of time. You all have such a great attitude and spirit about you. It inspires me.
Love, hugs, and more love and hugs,
Aunt Paula
Thanks Paula! I wish we could just say time out, and take the whole family on a vacation. :-)
Love,
Todd
i have been preying for Devree, and will continue to do so every second, of every minute, of everyday :) i love her more then half my family, because she IS my family. i couldn't live without her. i heard that Devree will be returning home in a few weeks for about a month (Devree called a few days ago and told me). my biigest wish and hope is that when she is home after the first two or three weeks, that you and Shana may permit me to spend one night with Devree. i know she needs her rest, but i know she will be gone for 4 months straight after this short break, and it would mean the world to both me and Devree if you would allow me to see her for a full night before her next leaving. i love her so much.
~Teri
You are always in our prayers and on our minds. Even though you know that there is a purpose and goal in this torture, it's hard to face it day in and day out. While we all wish that we could somehow carry the pain and treatments for you, all we can do is helplessly stand by. But our prayers are going to the Only One who has experienced what you are going through, and can carry those burdens, as the Footprints poem expresses. Because He has experienced/felt all that you are going through, He knows best how to comfort and succor you. Feel His arms enfold you tonight, and find peace in His love. You are not alone.
Love, Cyndi
We just wanted you to know that the Burch Family still has you in our thoughts and prayers. We would love for you to email us your address, since Chase has a gift for Devree that we have been wanting to get to you. (seasonburch@yahoo.com) We promise that the middle of radiation treatments are the worst and then things start to get better. We pray that Devree will feel as good as Chase did when she was able to come home.
Teri,
I can't really make any promises for Devree, because we are on uncharted territory right now. So it might be one of those times whent you need to bring a book so you have something to do while you watch her sleep.
We love her tons too, and we have sometimes just been in a place where all we can do is happily watch her sleep. That isn't much of a slumber party though. :-)
Todd
Cyndi,
I wish I would have read your post last night. Ultimately I found my peaceful place again, but it wasn't until the next morning.
Thank you so much for everything. You have quietly been keeping an eye on us, and the boys and I really appreciate it. I know Shana appreciates your help as well.
I think I'm on my own, but it seems Shana has a lot of helpers. She is so far away but still able to look after us through her friends. She has her ways. Seriously though... Your thoughtfulness really has been inspired.
Thank you so much!
With much love from Todd, Shana, and family.
Jared & Season,
Your words mean so much to me. I look at the path that you have traveled and it fills my heart with joy, because of all that Chase can do after going through the hard times. Chase is our little hero. Devree is trying her hardest to do what Chase did.
We don't want to know everything yet. The only way to make this journey is one day at a time. But it is so comforting to be able to receive your encouragement.
Thank you so much!!!
Todd
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