Saturday, September 26, 2009

ANNA BETH COMES FOR A VISIT

AS YOU ALL KNOW AMY, MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER HAS BEEN
BLESSED WITH MANY, MANY BEAUTIFUL CARDS. THEY MEAN EVERY-
THING TO HER. I HAVE BEEN HESITANT TO TELL ABOUT THE GIFTS
SHE HAS RECEIVED AS I WANT "EVERYONE" TO KNOW HOW SPECIAL THEY
ARE FOR SENDING CARDS. WE IN NO WAY THOUGHT PEOPLE WOULD
SEND GIFTS AS SOME OF YOUR HAND MADE CARDS ARE GIFTS IN AND OF
THEMSELVES AND ESPECIALLY THE CARDS MADE BY THE CHILDREN....
THE YOUNGEST HAS BEEN 3 1/2 YEARS OLD.
A BOX CAME THE OTHER DAY AND I JUST HAVE TO SHARE THE LETTER
THAT WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE BOX:
Dear Debbie, Amy, & Family,
In some sense I feel like a total stranger, and in other ways I feel as if I
have known the Ragan family for a long time...It is the lovely writing you do,
Debbie sharing your journey in such an inspirational way.
I am a Grandmother that is raising my ten year old granddaughter and
wanted to share with her some of your Mother's thoughts. I explained
Amy, that you were not feeling very well and what could we do to make
your day just a bit happier. Alexey Rae disappeared for the longest while to
her bedroom. I could hear a little noise, boxes being moved around in her
closet and she reappears with the biggest grin possible. Held in her hands
were two precious items that she cherishes and has hung on her pink
Christmas tree for the last four years. They were crafted from the loving
& talented hands of Rebecca from A Gathering Place.
"So, Alexey are you going to part with these," I ask?
"Oh Grandma, Amy needs a Pink Heart, that shows LOVE and an Angel
to watch over her. We can't send the Angel to Enid, though without a name.
My favorite name is ANNA BETH.
Do you think Amy will like that?"
I assured Alexey Rae that Amy would smile, big time.
Again Alexey disappears and comes back with part of her
allowance money.
"Grandma, can you get Amy a really beautiful card, and try and
find one with Angels...maybe one that sparkles? When Amy gets
the letter and card, her Mom needs to hold it up for her.
"Why," I ask.
"Because Grandma we will be there in spirit, and since you are
older you get to choose which hand of Amy's you want to hold,
and I will hold her other hand. Do you think she will feel the LOVE?
Well, Grandma what if she can't feel my hand, then what?"
Her eyes started to tear up, and I assured her Amy will feel the LOVE
in her Heart.
A bit later after Alexey reorganized her thoughts, her one last concern
was "I know that God is a really busy man, and I need to make sure he
doesn't forget to visit Amy and check up on her!"
Again, I offered her my assurance that God is Love and
God is everywhere. We just need to remember to let him in our
hearts.
I do hope that this message offered through the eyes and heart of a
ten year old will make you smile today. Big Texas Hugs to the
Ragan Family.
Blessings,
Carol Brannum & 'Lil Ms. Alexey Rae
I DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF ANNA BETH, THE ANGEL OR THE
PINK HEART...YOU KNOW IF REBECCA MADE THE ORNAMENTS
HOW THEY ARE HER DELICIOUS TRADE MARK PINK,
BATHED IN GLITTER
THAT LOOKS AS IF IT CAME FROM HEAVEN AND BELIEVE ME,
ALEXEY RAE TOOK BEAUTIFUL CARE OF THEM...THEY LOOKED
BRAND NEW TO BE 4 YEARS OLD (and plug...plug...it says of the
work of my beautiful Rebecca from A Gathering Place...wink...wink)
I WANTED THIS TO BE ABOUT A 10 YEAR OLD GIRL WHO GAVE
THE BEST SHE HAD, SO MY DAUGHTER WOULD FEEL THE LOVE.
I WANTED EVERYONE TO SEE ALEXEY, NOT WHAT SHE GAVE
(and believe me I know it was a sacrifice for her)
ALEXEY RAE, LET ME TELL YOU, AMY FELT THE LOVE, I FELT
THE LOVE, HER DAD FELT THE LOVE, HER AUNT SHERRY, HER
GRANDMA, HER ONLY BROTHER RICHIE FELT THE LOVE BUT
FOREMOST.....GOD FELT THE LOVE.
GOD IS SO PROUD OF YOU ALEXEY. WHEN YOU SHOW SUCH
KINDNESS TO SOMEONE LIKE AMY, YOU ARE REPRESENTING GOD
AND IT MAKES HIM SOOOO VERY HAPPY.
WHAT AMY AND I HAVE DONE FOR YEARS IS KEEP A
PRAYER JOURNAL. EVERY NIGHT BEFORE WE GO TO BED, WE
WRITE A LETTER TO GOD AND TELL HIM OUR FEELINGS
AND WHO WE ARE PRAYING FOR AND SOMETHING THAT
HAPPENED THAT DAY WE ARE THANKFUL FOR. WE WOULD
ALWAYS READ A CHAPTER IN PSALMS AND PROVERBS AND
WRITE DOWN OUR FAVORITE VERSE.
I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU ALEXEY RAE.
I TELL YOU WE WERE OVER WHELMED WITH JOY.
AMY CONTINUES TO GET 12-14 CARDS A DAY AND HAS RECEIVED 5
PACKAGES THIS WEEK.
STARTING YESTERDAY SHE COULD HARDLY WALK TO THE
RESTROOM. HER FEET ARE TURNING INWARD AND SHE TRIES TO
STEP HIGH...TODAY IT WAS ALL MY HUSBAND COULD DO TO
GET HER DOWN THE HALL AND SHE ONLY WEIGHS 60 POUNDS.
HER FOOT DROP IS SEVERE AND SHE TRIES TO FALL BACKWARDS.
SHE HAS A BEDSIDE COMMODE THAT HOSPICE BROUGHT AND
WE WILL JUST PLACE HER ON THAT NOW AND NOT RISK A FALL.
SHE CONTINUES TO BE NAUSEATED AND THROWS UP AT LEAST
ONCE A DAY. WE ARE SO VERY THANKFUL IT IS NOT MORE.
AS BAD AS HER CONDITION LOOKS TO THE NATURAL EYE,
SHE CONTINUES TO FIGHT TO LIVE AND GLORY TO GOD, WE
HAVE A HEALING JESUS.
MY COUSIN SUZIE AND I WERE TALKING AND SHE SAID
AMY HAS THE SPIRIT OF DAVID...the cancer is goliath.
THAT cancer HAS BEEN HIT AT THE ROOTS WITH HER STONE,
THE PROMISES OF GOD.
IT IS A FACT THAT ONE DAY WE WILL ALL DIE. AMY IS SO VERY
WEAK BUT SHE IS STILL BATTLING WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS, CARDS, AND GIFTS.
SHE IS IN "DESPERATE" NEED OF A MIRACLE.
EVERYONE OF YOU, ARE BEAUTIFUL, AWESOME, LOVING, AND
JUST ALL AROUND WONDERFUL PEOPLE.
YOU PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO MY SISTERS' POST AND THERE
ARE PADDED BICYCLE PANTS COMING IN THE MAIL. PLEASE,
DON'T ANYONE ELSE SEND PANTS. I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER
PEOPLE IN NEED.
THERE IS A NEW YOUNG MAN I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT
THAT IS IN THE BATTLE OF HIS LIFE. HIS NAME IS ANDREW.
YOU CAN CLICK ON HIS PICTURE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO
HIS MOTHERS' BLOG. (I HAVE BEEN CAREFUL PUTTING UP
PICTURES AFTER WE WERE SCAMMED BY THE ONE YOUNG MAN'S
STORY THAT WAS ALL MADE UP.)
PLEASE EMEMBER THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN PRAYER....AMY,
LEILA AND KORBIE, ASHLEY, SALLY, BECCA, ROY AND ELISABETH,
TRACI'S MOTHER WON HER BATTLE WITH CANCER AND WENT HOME
TO BE WITH JESUS...HER FAMILY NEEDS SUCH PRAYER, SHERRY'S FOOT,
JEAN AND BILLY, PATRICIA, KIPPIE, LADY KATHERINE, KIMBERT,
JAY AND SUZANNE, BOBBY, RICHARD, CASS, WILL, DORIS AND
RICHARD, SHERRY'S NIECE, THE VICTIMS OF THE FLOODING IN
GEORGIA AND THE ONES' WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES, KERRIE
AND BILL, MARYDON AND JOSHUA, TAMMY, JENNIFER, THE TOLLE
FAMILY, TERESA
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SPENDING A PART OF YOUR DAY
WITH ME. YOU ARE SO SPECIAL.
ANGEL HUGS
LOVE
Debbie


35 comments:

  1. Dear Debbie, Thanks for sharing Alexey Rae's gift. I can feel the love all the way in New York, and sending it back to Alexey and her grandmother, sweet Amy, you, Richard and Richie. Hugs and prayers to you all!

    P.S. Thanks for your sweet note. I wish we lived next door, too. What a joy that would be.

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  2. My Dear Precious Sister,
    Oh how I love this story about Miss Alexey Rae. I know she reads your blog, so Alexey my angel, "thank you for making Amy so very happy with your special gifts of love. You are an earthly angel my sweet precious girl." We are all so blessed to have met you and know you. You are doing God's work at such a young age. It gives me hope for the children that are to be our tomorrow.

    Give my Amy Girl a hug. Remind her that I love her, and I will be home in only 5 days. I am driving straight through no matter what it takes. I have a drive to get home. I plan on leaving at about 3am on Wednesday morning, and driving through the mountains in the dark part of the day. Get out before the heat hits. Get on that long stretch through New Mexico.

    I love you my sweet sister, and I get so excited when I see you post. It allows me to know secretly that our Amy Girl is resting. I love you and will see you Thursday morning early. If I have one ounce of strength left in me, I will be stopping there first. We shall see how really tired I am.

    All my love, Sherry

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  3. Oh what a wonderful little girl wise beyond her years. She is so very caring I just loved the story Aunt Debbie. Thank you so very much for sharing.
    XoXo

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  4. Thank you Debbie for sharing the story of a very loving girl who is wise beyond her 10 yrs! I'm glad Amy is getting the padding and hope it makes her a bit more comfy, big hugs to you all!!!

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  5. Dear Debbie what a wonderful story. I am amazed daily with the stories of response to your families' need. Who knows what we be ahead for each of us and I know if I needed any of you out there you would be here. Blessings to Amy and to you all.
    QMM

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  6. Oh Debbie, this is the most precious story and what a precious gift. My eyes are so full of tears at the unselfish love a little child can give. I am in prayer for all of you. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

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  7. Omgosh, Debbie. I'm tearing here. That is exactly what God wants us to be.. To be loving, caring towards each other. I love you all and I don't even know you. How can that be? It's the love of Christ transcending thru us. I truly believe that. Sending many more prayers and hugs.
    Sandra

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  8. What a sweet post! How very lucky we all are to hve such wonderful people in the world! It is so nice to know you are all out there. As always I will add your list to mine.
    Hugs and prayers, Lisa

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  9. Oh Debbie..so hard to type thru the tears. Thank you for sharing this sweet story about the selfless heart of a small child. Please know Amy and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of so many!
    AMEN for the padded pants on the way!!
    Many hugs to all of you~~
    Lynn♥

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  10. Ms. Alexey Rae is amazing.

    Ms. Amy Dawn is amazing.

    I don't have much to comment other than how wonderful a gesture on Alexey's part, what a good grandma she has, what a sweetie you are, and what a fighter Amy is. Just 100% good-hearted quality decent wonderful sweet folks.

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  11. Debbie, with everything going on in your life right now, I'm blessed to have had you stop by today and leave your kind comments. Your comments on what you love about autumn brought tears to my eyes and I was not prepared to cry a river when I came by to visit you today.

    The Lord truly works in mysterious ways and how great is he to show us all that, even through a small child, miracles are born.

    I'm so happy to hear that padded shorts are on the way and I hope that they will help Amy to be more comfortable.

    As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you all and may God keep you in his loving arms.

    God Bless,
    Teresa

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  12. Debbie-still praying and hoping for a mircle. God is so good, look at all the love he is sending Amy and all of your...it brings tears to my eyes, happy ones. Thank you for posting updates, you are on my mind daily.

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  13. Oh Debbie this was such a wonderful post. "And we shall be led by a child." What a sweet, precious little heart she has. And her grandmother, what a role model you must no doubt be for her. Amy is constantly on my mind and I will continue to life her daily to our Lord. I think it is soooo wonderful that the Lord has touched so many hearts through your blog to show you how much He loves you and Amy. What an awesome God we serve. Sherry, I will pray for your safe arrival to your sisters. Blessings to you all, Debbie

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  14. My sweety Aunt that little girl truly has the heart of an angel. God truly did give Amy a gift when he made her, she has brought so many caring and giving people together to unite in prayer and hold faith over Amy. Faith and a miracle is not yet gone, Amy is such a wonderful child of God. Gods hands are truly healing, and he will take her pain away. I hope that the sun is always shining through your window so that Amy can open her beautiful eyes to see the rays passing through. To have found this little girl who opened her heart up for Amy is so wonderful. She is a blessing truly. I love you both, and the faith and power behind your words, your post, and your love for Amy will keep me right with God forever. The Lord will truly do good things for us, you both have shown me this. You have shown me that through Christ all things are possible. God bless you this evening, and God bless Amy, I love you guys, I really do. Please know that you will always be in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers forever.

    Hugs, and sending a lot of love your way cause mom is driving out there Wednesday :0)
    Heidi

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  15. Dear God in Heaven, Debbie ... what a blessing this beautiful child is to the world. Her heart, her inner being are so loving. What hope for this world of another generation. Alexy Rae is an absolute treasure. I am moved beyond words to say more. My heart is moved & so grateful ... TY Alexy Rae for being your precious self ... we are all blessed to know of you.

    I will be so relieved when Sherry gets home to be a support & help to you, Debbie.

    Doing better today, I'll call you tomorrow.
    Hugs of love to all ~ Marydon

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  16. Oh Debbie, what a precious story. I can just imagine how touched you and Amy were that Alexy Ray would send her treasures to Amy. What a little angel Alexy Ray must be. I'm still praying for y'all. laurie

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  17. Hi Debbie,
    What a heartwarming story you shared with us today. I am thinking of you and Amy every day. I am so amazed by your strength! Hugs, Cindy

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  18. Debbie, What a beautiful testimony of the love of Christ, and at such a young and tender age! I want you to know I am still praying for Amy and your family, She does have the spirit of David and she has set the mark for us all!!
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  19. Dear Sweet Debbie...

    I've had the beautiful pleasure of knowing Carol B. and Alexey for several years now. First as a customer and then as a precious friend. She has not only become a sister to me in every true sense of the word, but also a loving mentor and confidant. I value her kind, thoughtful words and her loving, giving, gracious heart. It doesn't surprise me one bit that her little Alexey has fashioned herself after this amazing woman. Alexey is on her way to becoming just like the grandmother I know she desperately loves.

    Carol B. is the kind of woman I aspire to be. She reminds me of the Godly woman who is so highly regarded and loved in Proverbs. What is so amazing to me is that she doesn't even know her true worth... But then~that's Carol.

    Steve and I pray every day for you and your family, Debbie. It is my prayer that each of us who follow your Blog will be reminded as we read your heartfelt words to lift you up to our loving Father. May Jesus minister to you this very moment and bless you until you cup is running over.

    I love you so much. I'm only 1 1/2 hours away if you need anything. If you do I will get it for you.

    Love, Rebecca

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  20. Morning Deb, I have been negligent in emailing you and in calling. We are in Virginia and the weather has been terrible and rain is predicted for today. Your post was heart warming but the news about Amy is heart breaking. I am not sure what to pray for anymore. I don't have email addresses on this little computer, so I can't email you. If you feel like it, you can email me at bar_h_lady@yahoo.com.......Of course, I am praying and praying that Amy is without pain and you and Richard are at peace. I miss talking to you and will try to be in touch soon. Our vacation so far has not been what we had hoped, but it is ok.

    Love you much.
    Barbara

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  21. Hi Debbie,

    Thank you for sharing the beautiufl and heartwarming post about Alexey Rae's loving gift to Amy. Alexey is a Child of God giving love to another Child of God.
    "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" James 1:17
    Blessings,
    Give Amy a hug for me and I hope she can take a little journey on her "magic pink bicycle" today. Bentley sends her a big kiss.
    Erin and Bentley

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  22. Hello again dear Debbie
    Iam so sorry it has taken this long to visit you after my trip.I and Mr. B. have continued to pray for your dear girl every night,my prayers were with Amy, while I was away too.This is a wonderful post on the gentle and giving heart of a young girl,my heart was touched..
    May you and your husband and precious Amy experience Gods abundance presence, that He give fully to His children...what a GREAT GOD we serve. My prayers go to His throne on behalf of you all...may his peace be with you.
    your sister in Him
    Gracie

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  23. Hi Debbie, I just posted but it disappeared. I just wanted to say Hello. Alexey Rae sounds like such a dear. It was so sweet of her to send dear Amy some of her treasures. Thank you for keeping us up to date on how Amy is doing. I continue to keep Amy and the rest of your family in my thoughts and in my prayers.

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  24. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful inspiring story with us. What a thoughtful and beautiful girl Alexey Rae is, so sweet to be thinking of Amy. I hope Amy is comfortable and that the nausea will go away. I am continually praying for her and for more strength for you and your hubby...Christine

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  25. It seems everyone has said it all. Just what wonderful people there are in the world including your family. What a wonderful story and thank you for sharing. Prayers being said.

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  26. Debbie what a wonderful post. I wish that more adults would think like children do. She was so sweet to put Amy first in her heart. THe story brought tears to my eyes. I will pray for Amy..

    Big HUGS
    Pam

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  27. Debbie,
    There are angels amongst us........what a beautiful story.....praying for Amy, your husband and you! I just flew over to tell you that you are the winner of my give away!!! Please get back to me with your address.
    Hugs,
    Lynn
    lbarbadora@charter.net

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  28. Hi Debbie,
    We are just so thankful that you are able to post and keep us up to date on your sweet Amy! We really have become like a great big family! How adorable of Alexey Rae to be so thoughtful! Children are an heritage of the Lord!
    Silly me, when I sent my card to Amy, I forgot to mention in it that I'm your friend from Rose Chintz Cottage & Inspirations. I tell you this only so that you will know that it came all the way from Anne of Green Gables country in Canada. Prayers are going up all around the world for your daughter; isn't it marvellous? God is so good!

    Blessings and hugs,
    Sandi

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  29. Howdy
    God Bless you Debbie !
    Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful
    touching God moment with Anna Beth .
    I am still praying for Amy and her miracle .
    We still have not bought a monitior so I continue to be on borrowed computer time .
    I am still here in spirit !
    Love and hugs to you sweet lady.
    May God continue to pour out His great love,healing and
    release all the miracles Amy has need of in Jesus name amen !
    Love ya
    Hugs from Texas

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  30. You're still all in my thoughts... I have been computer-less for the better part of this month, but I have been thinking of you all and praying for you. I can see God in your words- to find positive in all this heart wrenching sadness is Godly, for sure. Love you all.

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  31. My daily thoughts and prayers are with Amy, you and your husband, Debbie. I loved reading the story you shared with us all... I do belive there are angels with us & all around us every day!
    Please give Amy my love...

    ~Lynn/OKC

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  32. Debbie ~ Sherry leaves in just a few hours. I am so happy to know she's on her way to you all. It actually lifts me.

    May I ask you to lift Terry & her husband up ... he was in an accident today & they had to amputate part of his leg. terrytreasures.blogspot.com

    Thank you, sweet one. Hugs of love to all ~ Marydon

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  33. Debbie, this is just absolutely the sweetest story. Thank you for sharing. Sending hugs and prayers your way...

    XO,

    Sheila

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debbie