Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Update on Julian

I just got another update from Julian's Care Pages. My skips a beat every time a new update comes in. Mimi is one amazing woman. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be as strong as she is in this same situation. I had to copy her latest update here...

So ,how did we get here? Here it is January 8th 2008 (wow 2008??) , our family of 6 humans,1 cat, 2 dogs, 3 lizzards and a bunny is about to be amputated of one of its main limbs.The rest of the body won't ever work the same. Unlike the lizzards and their tails, we all know it WILL NOT grow back. The wound itself will heal but something will always be missing. The body will have to find a new balance, and for sure lean on something for support... A friend? or two? try thousands!!! For sure we will need a rock. This rock , I have personally grown to rely on more and more along this journey .
Long ago ,I believed rocks were just an annoyance on a soccer field,they made you trip, you skinned and bruised your knees on them,and they could send you to the hospital if you got one thrown at you! Just a matter of perspective.
Then this Psalm just keeps floating in my head since Chris brought it up in Sunday school...
"Find rest, O my soul in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge"Ps 62:5-8
God is my rock...What a concept... Strong, unshakable,unbreakable, what an amazing support to lean on when you are the most broken!
HE can be strong and unshakable for me, and caring, loving and gentle for Julian. Who else can bring you such peace and comfort?
For those who have been following Julian ,I hope that if anything,you turned to HIM for support or even it made your faith stronger than ever. I am afraid that with Julian not being healed on this earth ,it will bring anger to some hearts and God will be blamed. God, the one who let me have 4 beautiful boys, the One who gave Julian such a beautiful and amazing soul,God , who gave me the strength ,patience and wisdom to get thru every single day of this journey so I could care for Julian, his brothers and still be able to share my little king with you all...So thank God for our little King,thank God for what he has taught us and is still teaching us daily (that you dont have to be big to be brave),thank God for His will to share this little guy with us...I know I thank God for Julian and for his brothers...
Good night...
Mimi

41 comments:

Terri said...

OMG that is so sweet.... what a woman huh?

Anonymous said...

Tears....................I holded my breathe when i was reading. We all have to thank God for our kids, for every minute we can enjoy them. Do not forget to kiss them goodnight...............

Lucille said...

Gulp. Wow. I've been MIA for a few weeks and even had a mini pity party for myself. I popped over to see what I had missed and I read this.

Talk about a slap back into reality. What a fool I am. I forgot that people have REAL problems and BIG life things to deal with. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have your child be sick like that.

I hope that those of us that have followed this story will keep our faith and not get angry as mentioned. I know that it can happen as I went there when I lost my niece at 4.5 years old.

We are not to understand it all - not now.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Julian tonight. And with you Dawn for helping to get the word out.

Bless you.

Lisa said...

God did an awesome job in picking such a beautiful and faithful woman to be Julians mom!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow--how touching. What a remarkable woman and incredible family! May God continue to bless them all.

Emily said...

how does she have such strength when she's losing a child? i cannot imagine this. even though i trust in God, i cannot imagine being strong like this in her circumstances.

Anonymous said...

As far as some bitterness and anger towards God, don't be afraid. God can work thru that, too. Remember the promise that nothing will be returned void. Julian's all too short life has pointed so many towards God's glory. This side of heaven, we'll never understand the how or why, but we've been shown what true heroes are thru your family. Thank you for sharing your hearts with us all....

Anonymous said...

In my first comment, I struggled with finding the right words to describe how Mimi's update made me feel... So I wanted to come back after I understood my feelings better.

It is faith-inspiring.

Thank you, Mimi.

Anonymous said...

My prayers, and tears, are with the Averys.
God be with you.
KR

Kristy said...

She is so strong. I keep Julian in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Thanks for the update,
Kristy

hpalleiko said...

Julian and his family continue to remain in my thoughts and blessings. What an amazing little boy (and family).

I just viewed the pulitzer prize winning photo "essay" chronicling a little boy with neuroblastoma and his mothers anguish. It was so incredible and sad and beautiful. It made me think of the emotion Julian's family must be going through.

Here is a link if you are interested in seeing it. You will need a box of tissues though.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/newsroom/swf/april07/mother/?=

Anonymous said...

I'm a nurse. I could never work in pediatric oncology. Forensic nursing? yes. ER? Yes. Peds Onc? i don't have it in me. it takes a very special person to work there. i just want to give credit to the nurses caring for Julian. I think they have the toughest job in the world. I just wish the child and his family peace.

Anonymous said...

about the blood donor thing...every time you donate there is a chance you can help someone like Julian. That's what i think of when i donate. just remember, if you're going to donate blood, make sure you drink 2.5-3 liters of water a day. it makes the process much easier when you aren't dehydrated.

Anonymous said...

Every time I read or pray for Julian and other children who are ill, my heart aches. My babies and my husband are my world, and I cannot imagine losing them. What an incredible testimony Mimi has. Oh that we could all be as strong, gentle, and faithful as she. May God continue to bless her, Julian, and all their loved ones. Know that many of us continue to pray for them.

Bev

Rick said...

That's amazing faith in the face of such a great storm. It has to come from the Lord.

Anonymous said...

God bless her and keep her strong. HE knew what He was doing when He gave that beautiful little boy to his beautiful mother. All I can think is that Julian was here to inspire people and to turn them towards God. That little boy was here for a higher purpose and perhaps he has an even greater purpose waiting for him. Thanks for keeping us updated Dawn. I will keep Julian and his entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl Mohr

Leayellowrose said...

Dawn,

Thank you...

Mimi

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with Julian and his incredibly strong family. These people have become an inspiration to ALOT of other people and I don't even think they realize it.

May God bless all of them.

((hugs))
Donna

Anonymous said...

My heart is just breaking for this woman I don't know! I will continue to pray for her family!

MaryLu said...

My heart races everytime I get an update too. I wasn't prepared for her evangelist message today. I would have thought that she would be mourning, yet she is pray ing for us, the readers of those carepages, that we would be blessed by Julian's life.
She is a woman after God's own heart.

Anonymous said...

I hold my breath evrytime I sign in to read Juju's update...And how much does Mimi hold her breath each time she wakes up in the morning and goes to his bedside? My anguish is only for her, from afar. Hers is real, huge, and right there in front of her tearing her heart out. Yet her heart is the strongest I beleive I have ever known.

HEEELPP!! I can't see the videos you post! All I can see is a Q with and arrow, and I cannot in anyway, get them to play. I do not, BTW, have a Mac,, I have a PC. That may be the difference, but surely I am not the only one out there who has a PC who reads you! Can you, or anyone reading, help me! amandacbreeden@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I am so glad to hear of Mimi's continued reliance on God's power and ability to restore. I am praying for a miracle of complete healing and restoration. There are only 3 answers He could give: No, Maybe or Yes. They would all be fine but if we don't ask He can't say Yes! Dawn can you post the address to Julian's blog again? I missed the post when you first started discussing him and I tried the link on the right and it just brings you to carepages.com but then I couldn't get to him specifically.

On another note I was so tickled to hear of your faith. For anyone who is wondering THAT is how Dawn does it!!! (I know that is how I do it - 3.5 yo twins [one with Autism] and a 4 mo.)

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Oh my God. The tears, and the goosebumps, and the cold flash that went through the right side of my body and up my arm. Dear God may they all be at peace.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,

My heart just breaks for Jullian and his family. I pray that God continues to keep them strong. I also wanted to thank you for bring awareness to Jullian. People think childhood cancer is rare. Not so, 1 in every 330 children will be diagnosed with some form of cancer by their 20th birthday. My now 9 yr. old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia when she was three years old. She went through 2 1/2 years of daily chemo (yes that is every day for 2 1/2 years, almost 1/2 her life by the time she was finished). I thank God everyday that she is now three years off treatment and for the most part happy and healthy. Everyone, give your kids an extra hug tonight. As any parent who has or had a child with cancer knows, our lives can change in an instant.

Hugs to you Dawn and your oh so funny blog. I have been following it since someone e-mailed me your e bay listing. I check your site every day. You are a breath of fresh air. You go girl with 6 kids, don't let anyone make you feel like you have to many kids. They are all precious gifts from God. I have 6 myself, three grown and out of the house and three ages 9, 7 and 6 of course still living here.

I can't wait til your book is out.

Machelle, www.caringbridge.org/al/elizabethhope

Anonymous said...

Dawn,

Does Mimi have a blog I could subscribe to? If you ever posted the link ,I did not see it. I had a 13 month old son die, on March 16th- it will be 17 years ago. I am only 35 years old so you do the math. Although God blessed me with 4 more children I did at first blame him so much and spent a lot of time questioning him as to why he took my little boy. I would love to help Mimi in anyway I can. If she needs to talk or vent although I know she has many friends who are there for her also. My email address is silentwolf59@hotmail.com, if her or you would like to personally email me. Thanks and god bless. I will keep praying for Mimi and her family. I also have a beautiful poem that helped me through. It was given to me by the pastor who did my sons funeral so long ago:

To All Parents

"I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine" he said. "For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years or twenty- two or three, but will you, till I call for him, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memory as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise you he will stay, since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say:" Dear Lord, thy will be done! For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay; But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

adapted from Edgar A. Guest

If you could show this poem to Mimi, maybe it will help her and her family as much as it did me.

Thanks, Tonya

Anonymous said...

Mimi is an amazing woman. When we knew we were going to lose our son many told us "I could never handle what you are going through." You know what... they were right- because they didn't need God's extra abundance grace and mercy at that time- we did. That was the only way we remained somewhat strong. God lavishly provides just what we need, right when we need it. When you hit that tough time it will be there for you as well. My heart grieves for her and her family, yet I'm so glad they have the ROCK to lean on and He will see them all through.

Slatsette said...

Wow, Mimi is the embodiment of the song "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman.
I think about how I am, angry at God for my loneliness, when Mimi is losing her baby and still praising Him. It gives me such a strong reminder of how much I really do need Him.

Brenda said...

My prayers are with their family. Thanks for sharing their story and their faith with us Dawn.

Wildsissy said...

completely off topic. but worth reading.. you'll get a kick out of this.


DES MOINES, Iowa - Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom
on the planet."

After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and
share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone - by placing an ad in the
local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously
don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks
before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat.
$3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

Hambleton has heard from people besides interested buyers since recently
placing the ad in The Des Moines Register.

The 48-year-old from Fort Dodge says she has fielded more than 70
telephone calls from emergency room technicians, nurses, school
counselors and even a Georgia man who wanted to congratulate her.

"The ad cost a fortune, but you know what? I'm telling people what
happened here," Hambleton says. "I'm not just gonna put the car for
resale when there's nothing wrong with it, except the driver made a dumb
decision.

"It's overwhelming the number of calls I've gotten from people saying
'Thank you, it's nice to see a responsible parent.' So far there are no
calls from anyone saying, 'You're really strict. You're real overboard,
lady."'

The only critic is her son, who Hambleton says is "very, very unhappy"
with the ad and claims the alcohol was left by a passenger.

Hambleton believes her son but has decided mercy isn't the best policy
in this case. She says she set two rules when she bought the car at
Thanksgiving: No booze, and always keep it locked.

The car has been sold, but Hambleton says she will continue the ad for
another week - just for the feedback.

Nicki said...

Wow! She has to be an amazing woman. I don't think I could be that strong.

nutralady2001 said...

Mimi's courage just amazes me.....I know she is leaning on the Lord, but even so, I am amazed at her strength when she knows she is losing her "King Juju"

Anonymous said...

Dawn,
I was glad to see Mimi checked in this morning. I've been checking the carepages for an update today. I get worried when I don't hear anything. She is handling a tragic time with such grace; I'm grateful she takes the time to keep us informed.
Patty

Chelsi said...

Thank you for sharing that with us. What a powerful and amazing perspective Mimi has--we could all learn so many lessons from her. My heart and prayers are with her.

Anonymous said...

Hey Dawn,
Two things... Did you see the piece on Good Morning America this morning about Alli? I so thought of you and your great thoughts on the side effects! And second, thanks for the video - who would have thought that your house was to quiet with 6 kids??? I was thinking for some reason that it would be a noisy house, but the video proved me wrong!
Have a great day!
Pam (Seattle)

maggiebsmocks said...

Mimi, See, this is the thing. God has given you a GIFT: Julian. HE has blessed you tremendously with the ability to see HIS face in everyday events, to touch HIS face through Julian.
Juian is serving his PURPOSE everyday by teaching us how to be patient, love one another, and raise our voices to God.
What more beautiful gift is there than that?
You are blessed.
Thank you for sharing Jullian with us.
maggieb!

Carla said...

She is an amazing woman. She worships an amazing God.

Lois said...

God bless Mimi. I'm glad you know you have thousands of friends praying for you and for Julian.

Thank you Dawn for sharing Mimi's words with us.

Anonymous said...

Dawn,
The firstgiving link is no longer accepting donations. I made a donation in honor of Julian to Make a Wish (http://www.wish.org/help/donate/cards_and_certs) since his family had such a good time on their trip. It's easy and an email is sent to Julian (juliansworld07@yahoo.com). Just trying to send some happiness their way.
Patty

Wineplz said...

Thank you for sharing Dawn. I keep meaning to click onto Julian's care pages, but I just cannot do so without tearing-up. I don't know this child or his wonderful mother, but the thought of losing either of my children hits me square in the stomach. All I can say that Mimi has incredible faith and I continue to pray that God continues to comfort her and the rest of the family as they continue to go through this. I also pray that they will be able to get a couple last beautiful smiles from that child who has been through so much. Finally, I pray that when God decides to call Julian home, that it is a peaceful and painless passing with his loved ones gathered around him.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing Julian's stories and updates. Me and my children have been on YouTube watching the videos of Julian. It melted my heart on the one video when he asked his mom to stay with him and that he likes the way she smells!

The Limoges Family said...

Julian-fly with the rest of the beautiful angels and watch over us with a smile.

Mimi-May you find peace and love in the time he was here. You and Julian have helped me to appreciate kids so much more.

Why do I Relay? For Julian.

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