Prayers for Henry

Henry's sweet family

Friends,

I covet your prayers today for this family.  The Kelleys are a special family.  Little Henry's aunt is one of my most favorite people in the world, and although she and I live a great distance apart now, she still means so much to me.  Her little nephew is battling a very tough illness right now.  Until just a few weeks ago, he was a lively, active, and perfectly healthy four year old boy and doting brother to his two year old sister.  Suddenly, his parents started noticing that something wasn't right with their little man.  He just wasn't acting like himself, and they took him to his pediatrician several times.  All the tests that were run came back normal.  Then, his hands started shaking and gradually got worse.  His parents took him to the ER where a CT was performed which showed a large mass in the front of his brain.  He then underwent an MRI and had a drainage procedure performed to relieve some of the pressure.  Yesterday, Henry underwent brain surgery to remove the mass.  Only 50% of the mass could be removed safely, and it does appear that the mass is malignant.  They are currently waiting to see what type of cancer this may be and what other treatment options are available.  My prayers are for complete healing by the Great Physician, and I know that Little Henry is in the Lord's hands.  His parents are devout believers, and their faith in the face of this tremendous ordeal is so inspiring.  My heart breaks at the thought of what his mother is suffering.  I can only imagine the pain of watching your precious child go through something so painful and horrible.  It makes me want to hold my babies and never let them go.  Squeeze your little ones a little tighter today for Henry's sake and say extra special prayers for this precious child.

Dear Jessi and Ian,

At this most difficult time in your life, I just want to remind you that God is with you and will carry you through.  Little Henry is also in His loving hands.  Your struggles remind me of the words of this well-known poem that was always displayed in a frame in my house growing up.  I hope it comforts you at this time.   

I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

There was only one set of footprints.

I realized that this was at the lowest

and saddest times of my life.

This always bothered me,

and I questioned the Lord 

about my dilemma.

“Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,

You would walk and talk with me all the way.

But I'm aware that during the most troublesome

times of my life there is only one set of footprints.

I just don't understand why, when I needed You most,

You leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child,

I love you and will never leave you

never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints

it was then that I carried you.”

Margaret Fishback Powers