Thursday, August 11, 2011

how do you prepare for something like this?




Dan and I both got to hold Levi today and that was precious time, he wasn't thrilled to get back in bed, but is sleeping peacefully now. His brother, Kade came in to say goodbye and he was as sweet as I have ever seen him. I prepped him saying that Levi would be asleep and so we would have to say a quiet goodbye and I have never seen my barely 4 year old act so aware. He whispered "You are my Sunshine" to him, which is a song that we often sing together to each other before bedtime, replacing the "dear" with a family members name. He lipped the whole song, then gave Levi a gentle kiss. On his way out he worked our nurse for his daily Popsicle, his little routine. That's my Kade!

We are told that we need to be available early tomorrow morning to meet with the surgical team, sign more forms, etc. So I'll be sleeping at our room at the Ronald McDonld house. They are telling us that we should received updated during the surgery itself and we'll be provided a pager so that we are not confined to a single waiting room.

Thank you for following this journey. Each time I read through all the comments I am amazed at people's willingness to care and to participate in holding Levi and our family up in prayer.

20 comments:

  1. Praying for all of you. tons of our friends and family are praying too and my parents have forwarded your blog to their church in La Verne.
    "He will keep in perfect PEACE him whose mind is steadfast because he TRUSTS in you" Praying that God will give you the trust you need so you can rest in His perfect Peace!

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  2. Kara,
    my friend Annely Allen told me about your son's situation, she did so because 4 years ago nearly to the day, August 5th 2007, we too were given the awful news that our son (taurin) had a Brainstem Glioma. At the time our little guy was 15 months, today he is a lively 5 1/2 year old that is about to start Kindergarden.
    At the time I found myself lost in a sea of questions, often questions that went unanswered.
    I would like to make myself available to you if you would like. You can reach me at Alyson100@aol.com or I have a facebook page Alyson Ameigeiras. My family and I will add Levi to our prayers, and he will be in our thoughts tomorrow.
    I have heard good things about dr Levi on a Yahoo blog.
    God bless
    Alyson

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  3. Such sweet boys. Our family's thinking about you all and our church has a prayer quilt ready for Levi.

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  4. I don't know you personally, but I have been following your journey from Washington state and will be praying nonstop for you tomorrow. I work in a hospital and will have a constant reminder of Levi's situation during his whole surgery. May God give you the peace to be patient through what happens tomorrow. We will wait with baited breath for updates!

    -Susan from washington

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  5. My church is praying for Levi and our family is praying for Levi. We know our God is a gracious and loving God and he has a handle on this entire situation :) Dr. Levy will be guided by the hands of our father....

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  6. Kara and Dan, my heart goes out to you and little Levi. Our family has been praying for you all as soon as we heard. My son Johnny is good friends with Tyler here in Clovis. Just 2 years ago we got the news like yours only on my sons 16th birthday, that he had a brain tumor. We also had to endure the waiting and the tough day of brain surgery. To make a long story short my son Johnny is tumor free at this time after chemo and radiation. What helped us cope was trusting that god had a plan. Johnny would say the verse Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I pray for comfort and strength for you on the day of surgery. I think that day was the hardest to get through for me. I pray that God brings healing to little Levi's body and that he may feel no pain. We will continue to pray for Levi!

    lots of hugs,
    Candice Martin

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  7. My prayers are with you all of you. My daughter has endured 3 surgeries in her 9 years of life due to a rare form of dwarfism, spinal fusion and hip surgeries. I know your heart right now, but God is always good. Pray, rest and leave the rest to Him. We claim victory over this cancer by the power of the Holy Spirit! Amen.

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  8. "He whispered 'You are my Sunshine' to him..."

    My heart melted when I read that. I am praying for Levi and your family.

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  9. Teresa Mello and Corey DongAugust 11, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Kara & Dan, our prayers are with you and your family. We'll keep Levi in our prayers and expect a miracle tomorrow. Love, Teresa & Corey

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  10. Sweet Kara, Dan, Levi & Kade - We are praying for each of you. My brother was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent a successful surgery, but it still changes your life. We are holding you all up in our prayers, and will be praying ardently tomorrow during surgery. Our God is so good, and we are so thankful for His love and grace. His love and mercy pours through your life and words. We admire you and love you. In Him - the Irwins

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  11. I forgot to mention our church, Grace Church in Kelseyville is praying for Levi as well.

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  12. Hang in there during this time. Sweet Levi is being held in our Lord's hands and will be well taken care of! With our human eyes, we can not see what God has in his plan for us, but trust in his goodness and love. My heart is breaking for you all and wish that this pain could be taken from you. The strong prayers that are being sent your way are obviously from everywhere as from reading from the posts and through my tears I pray for you to have the strength and peace to stand strong! With all our love!

    The Schroeders-Ryan, Milena, Aidan, Laila, Caleb, and Brady

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  13. Melanie LinnenbrinkAugust 11, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Hi Dan and Kara, just wanted you to know Levi, and your entire family, are on my mind and in my prayers. Our church family is lifting all of you up, as well. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. We look forward to seeing our awesome God show Himself in a huge way. Love, Melanie Linnenbrink

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  14. Kara and Dan,
    Your family is heavy on my heart and I will be praying for little Levi through his surgery tomorrow. Continue to cling to God. He knows your fears and anxieties. "Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you." We're praying right along with you for a miracle and God to be glorified in a mighty way through Levi.
    Michelle Vanoli

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  15. I am so thrilled you got to hold him! He looks pretty happy about it too :) And such sweet moments with Kade. Sibling love is the best. Praying for you so much and I don't know that I've ever been so thankful that we have a shared faith!
    -corrina

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  16. you guys are on our mind constantly. amazed as people from near and far have come to drop gifts off for Levi. people who have never met Levi are reaching out, contacting their friends who live here, asking them to bring things to our home for him. it's amazing. you're surrounded in love and prayer.

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  17. he looks so happy in your arms. it was so great seeing you today. praying for good rest tonight. love you.

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  18. Thinking of Levi & your entire family today. Prayers non-stop.

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  19. Tears in my eyes. So happy that you two got to hold him for a while. I know how heartbreaking not holding him was for you. What a sweet brother. Such precious love!

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  20. Dan & Kara,

    Our family is lifting sweet Levi (and all of you) up in prayer... we are claiming & praying Psalm 103:2-3 "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES!" and Matthew 9:22 "Take heart daughter (or son)," he said, "YOUR FAITH has healed you!" over Levi today!

    We love you guys and know that God will give you the strength and peace to get you through!

    Aubrea & Wendy Wilson

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