Wednesday, July 23, 2014

As I sit here this morning??

As I sit here this morning, I can't help but think back to a particular journey that this family struggled through, together.....just a few years ago!   A total of 5 years, with three of them being very challenging...




Tucker giving his mom (Trista) a big kiss at one of his visit's at the hospital....


Tucker will be turning 16 in just a few weeks, and each birthday for him is received with such special thankfulness....

This past Sunday, Tucker boarded a big Motor coach bus from the parking lot of Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas.   He was headed out to attend his "Senior" week at Camp Esperanza!!  


Tucker, here with his good friend Jake.....as they wait to load on the bus.    Jake attends the same High School as Tucker.  Jake was diagnosed with Leukemia about a year after Tucker.    They have a bond that only the two of them can share.  Both of these fine young men, know what it's like to fight for your life.

Jake and Tucker have been huge Blessings to one another!!

Camp John Marc has hosted "Camp Esperanza for almost 25 years now.  At this camp, kids with cancer and those who remain in remission, are encouraged to rise above their disease, as they are encouraged to achieve a positive outlook on life. 



Beads of Courage!



Tucker was diagnosed with Leukemia, just 4 days after he turned 8 years old.   Here he is with Sister (Shanda) as she was a his 2nd grade teacher at the time.



There were many, many days when he was so sick, he could barely stand up......his weight loss was extreme.  Again....pictured with Shanda.....her heart was so touched by this child.....her student, and her precious nephew!



Always acting goofy......This was a norm for him as he tried so desperately not feel the pain of looking and being so different from the other kids that were his age...



Some fun times for Tuck.......the only problem was that he had to go to a private bowling alley to enjoy this fun time.  Most of the time, his counts were so low that he could not be in the public areas.....especially during cold and flu seasons.


In this picture, Tucker was awarded for being a leader at Children's Hospital...

Did you know that a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes?

Cancer treatments can be very hard on a child's body....some of the long term side effects include hearing loss, chronic illnesses, diabetes, neuropathy, eye sight problems and even fertility issues..

Many physical disabilities often results for survivors.   Often, these kids have difficulties in being able to participate in social activities, school activities, and in some cases, they deal with depression and feelings of isolation.

As I said.....Tucker is now a Senior at the camp...(his last year to attend)  and they have so much planned for Seniors...
A Senior dinner party and formal night, along with a graduation ceremony.   Aside from these special events, the camp also offers:

Cook outs, Scavenger hunts, Volleyball, Archery, Horse riding, Basketball, Zip Lining, arts...crafts...and pottery.

they also have......Photography, cooking classes, a climbing tower, Swimming, fishing, Kayaking, Paddle boats, and so much more!!

When Tucker turns 18, he will be invited back to be a counselor at the camp....What a great and special opportunity it will be to, be able to give back to a camp that truly was a positive influence in his life.




Tyler, Carson, TUCKER, and Trey....    Tucker now stands about 5'11" and he is a picture of good health.  As most of you know, he does have Type 1 diabetes, but he does not let this stand in his way.   

Although he can no longer play football, baseball or any other type of contact ball......He is a avid Golf player....and he is very good.  He is also a very good student and an officer in the FFA program at school.   I believe that he has a bright future ahead of him.... 



He is such a handsome young man and he loves the Lord...   I can not wait to see what God does in his life....   I know there are some really big plans!!

Hugs to each of you......thanks for letting me share...

Shug

CHILDREN WITH CANCER ARE LIKE CANDLES IN THE 
WIND WHO ACCEPT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY ARE 
IN DANGER OF BEING EXTINGUISHED BY A GUST OF 
WIND FROM NOWHERE, AND YET, AS THEY FLICKER 
AND DANCE TO REMAIN ALIVE, THEIR BRILLIANCE 
CHALLENGES THE DARKNESS AND DAZZLES THOSE OF 
US WHO WATCH THEIR LIGHT........... 


12 comments:

  1. Way to go, Tucker! He looks great and here is wishing him the best and that camp is a blast. Our younger son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 8 years old. He turns 40 this year and is the proud daddy of a 3 year old. Our family has had its share of challenges also. Strength through faith...

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  2. Thank you for blessing me with Tucker's journey. What a strong, good, handsome, and noble young man. I hope he has a wonderful time at camp. I do see bright things in store for Tucker! With God's help y'all have raised a mighty fine person that blesses the world just by being in it.

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  3. Rock on, Tucker! God has special things in mind for you. I have been through chemo with my friends, and cannot imagine how much harder it would be for a growing child! Does he still have any neuropathy? He is so brave, and even with all he has been through, has a big smile for the world!!! I love your header today with the curly feathered yellow bird, it is perfect advice for Tucker.

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  4. Such amazing young men. I know you love them to the moon and back, Shug! blessings to you and your sweet family ~ tanna

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  5. Thanks for sharing this encouraging story. I too,believe that God has big things in store for Tucker.

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  6. Big plans indeed!

    You have such a beautiful family :)

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  7. Hi Shug!
    I know each year is a milestone. I shared with you recently that my son is a cancer survivor. God is so Good.
    Cancer is hard on us all. Especially the kids, the treatments are tough. You mentioned life long effects of chemo-- my sons teeth were effected, terribly bad.
    It's a hard road.
    I'm so glad to see how your grandson Tucker is doing- and hope that he continues to do well.
    I know y'all are proud!
    Pat

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  8. Bless his heart! He has been through so much and look at him now. Tall and strong and sooo cute, too! I pray that he continues his journey in life with strength and good health. And he has a wonderful family cheering him on. Especially his sweet grandmama, Shug!
    Take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

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  9. You know ---when a family goes through something like this with a precious child, it puts all of life in perspective, doesn't it? Little petty things we complain about in life don't mean a thing --when we have our priorities in order. God Bless Tucker. I'm so proud of him.. He's done and doing GREAT... What a GUY!!!!

    Hugs the the entire family,
    Betsy
    AND continued Prayers for Tucker!

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  10. Congratulations to Tucker.
    I know that he is a precious
    blessing to you and your family

    M : )

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  11. Thank you for sharing Tucker's journey with us. He is a handsome and brave young man, and I know God will guide him all the days of his life.

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  12. Hi Shug!

    Oh my goodness, what a wonderful post! It touched my heart and made my eyes leak!

    I know that, Tucker is such a wonderful example so so many kids going through the throws of Chemo, and feeling so different. Such a hard thing to go through. What a great example he is for all of us! You are truly blessed!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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Thank you for Blessing me today with your comments...

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