Brooklyn Durham......
put this name on your Heart this weekend.
I can't put in words how this little girl has touched my heart. I don't know if this makes any sense at all but my heart is broken, yet so blessed to have known this little girl and known her truly BRAVE soul....her family allowed us to see true faith and unbelievable strength. You can read Brooklyn's story here. If you have never heard about Caring-Bridge....it is an amazing, amazing tool for families....and they do take donations. Go right now and make a donation in Brooklyn's name. This allows families to communicate with family and friends and I believe part of a healing process. I photographed Brooklyn and her bff, Madison in early spring and that is when she entered my Life. At that point, I began to read the Tonya's (Brooklyn's mom) post everyday to see how Brooklyn was doing and at times Brooklyn would post. I could tell you stories after stories about Brooklyn....stories of Courage, stories of Bravery, Comedy stories and stories of LOVE. One that touched my heart was the one about Brooklyn asking her dad to bring her home-school material to the hospital so she could start...how she did every lesson that day but one. This is a child who is so sick but just wants to be NORMAL. I don't know why but it touched me so much that she was determined to do her work just like her sister and brother. Yesterday, was a hard day for me....because I think she is at the end of her battle. Although Brooklyn knew how sick she was, she never stopped looking at the future. I feel my life is much sweeter, more blessed by knowing this family, knowing their Faith, knowing their Courage. I have copied a part of one of Tonya's entries because this entry....I still can't or won't ever forget.
It was last July 23 that we had found out that Brooklyn had relapsed again. We were told at that time, that we did not have much time left with Brooklyn. So, when her birthday came along last October, it was a party for THE PRINCESS. I have prayed for a miracle so many times, and sometimes without even realizing it....He has given us a miracle....Brooklyn is still with us for now. Even just a few weeks ago, I had to have a very serious talk with one of her Dr. He told me that we had to get things in 'order' WE really didn't think that Brooklyn would bounce back, but the Lord has given her unexplainable energy and good days. Nurse Diana at clinic says that Brooklyn doesn't go by the book. I continue to pray that God will give Brooklyn a COMPLETE MIRACLE OF HEALING.......OK getting back to Youth Camp..... I had found out on a Monday last year that Brooklyn had relapsed..... Kevin and I decided that we would not tell Brooklyn about it until after Youth Camp was over. Brooklyn was all excited because she was going to stay in the dorms with all the other BIG girls. So I did not want to ruin that for her. So we went along like normal, all the while our hearts were torn a part.... On Wednesday night of that Youth camp..... Brooklyn gave her life to the LORD..... At the alter call that night, I had never seen Brooklyn cry like that.....and when she got up from praying....She told me that the LORD had saved her. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! I have to tell you that my heart was overjoyed. THE LORD IS SO GOOD!!! I have seen Shawn and Brooklyn step out and claim the salvation that the LORD has given to each one of us freely. I am also so glad to have a Christian home. So, as I look back over this past year, although it has been the roughest I have ever had, I can see how the LORD has helped me and our family. Do I know how much time Brooklyn has left......I have been told not long.......maybe a couple of months.........but that is by the book of leukemia.....Brooklyn switched 'BOOKS' last July 25th 2007, when she gave her life to the 'GREAT PHYSICIAN' IN who's hands I trust completely.
Giving thanks for days unexplainable,
Tonya
Please pray for this amazing family today...and Thank you, my clients and friends for posting on her guest book. I know that means alot to the family when people leave a message.
Thanks,
Carletta
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