This past weekend, we had the joy of spending time with some precious friends of ours from South Carolina. Kelley & Erik were out here in San Francisco celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary and allowed us to crash their party a few times. It was SO great to be with them. Absolutely a breath of fresh air.
But one thing was heavy on their hearts while they were here. Their 8 year old son, Luke.
Luke just hasn't been himself the past 3 months. They've taken him to the doctor, adjusted the pace of their schedule, and tried a thousand different modifications. But they couldn't figure out what was going on. He seemed to be doing a little better as the summer progressed, but while Kelley & Erik were out here in CA, Luke started doing worse. Could it be anxiety about them being gone? Anxiety about school starting back up? They didn't know, but it was breaking their hearts.
Then I got a text this morning from Kelley saying that they were at the hospital. Luke was diagnosed today with leukemia.
Leukemia? It seems unreal. I cannot even imagine what they are going through right now. They are all I've thought about today.
When Andy & I were in college, Erik was the youth pastor of the church that we went to. He was brave enough to give Andy and me a chance, so we served there with the youth ministry throughout our time in college. Erik gave us a lot of freedom to grow in our leadership and a lot of grace when we made some bone-head mistakes. He and Kelley believed in us and were oh so patient with us. We became great friends during that time.
I'm not sure if the feeling was mutual, but I felt (still feel) such a kindred spirit with Kelley. We were separated by a 7 year age gap and a couple stages of life, but I admired her, loved her personality, and enjoyed being with her so much. I continually sought out as much time as possible with her. We were in Bible studies together. She was my accountability partner while Andy & I were dating. She was a dear, dear friend to me. And though time and distance has separated us, I still feel like I'd love to stay up all night talking to her every time I see her!
Kelley and Erik were both in our wedding.
I was there the night Kelley found out she was pregnant with Luke. I did some ridiculous celebration dance right there in her sister's living room.
And now that precious child is laying in a hospital bed awaiting his first round of chemo.
I realize that most of you reading this blog have never met this amazing family. But surely you can empathize with their pain to some level. If you are willing, would you please leave a comment to let met know that you are praying and/or an encouraging note for Kelley and Erik. I will be sure to pass them along.
14 comments:
Stacie,
I am part of a large group of college friends who regularly post prayer requests and victories. We call ourselves the Wrens. I plan to forward your blog to them and you may be sure that Luke and his family will be added to numerous prayer lists today.
Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking story,
I love you,
Donette
Praying for Luke and the whole family. I sincerely wish for a world without such sad situations. May Luke find strength in knowing people are rooting for him.
Del Oehms Hamilton,
New Orleans, LA
(One of the Wrens)
How heartbreaking! I can't even imagine. I'll be praying for Luke and the Shamblin family- I'm sure it will be a rough road for all of them. Our God is bigger than any sickness and I know He will show himself faithful through this circumstance.
Love you Stacie!
I'm so sorry. Praying.
Stacie,
I remember Kelly from CSU. Please let them know they are in our prayer. I believe that I don't live to far from them. If so, please tell Kelly that I can be available to them. I can watch the other children if need be. Whatever...just let her know I'm willing to help in any way I can.
Hi I follow your blog via google reader. I'm married, with two sons agd 5, and 3 and my husband and I are both pastors of a 'very numerically small on a sunday but doing amazing community work mid week' inner city in Manchester England!
I'm so sorry for the path Luke and his family have found themselves on but trust that whilst there their path will cross paths with professionals and patients and parents who receive their faith and energy for life as well as give them the courage to press on and space to work through their own aching.
praying for you as you grieve for them too.
xx
I did not realize that I have had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family until I saw thier family picture. Kind of caught me off guard. I will be certainly praying for Luke and his family.
Stacie,
Praying for Luke and his family. Psalm 71:20-21 says," Thou, who hast shown me many troubles and distresses, wilt revive me again,and wilt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Mayest Thou increase my greatness, and turn to comfort me." This scripture has ministered to me countless times. So grateful to the Lord for His faithfulness.
Love, Lisa
Oh that breaks my heart! I was always VERY fond of the Shamblin's. I will pray they feel Jesus holding them tight through this difficult time!
I said a prayer for Luke and his family. And they will be in my daily prayers from now on.
Sc friends via KY are also praying for our dear friends. Also my sister in NC at their church home there as well.
Thank you for this blog. That's all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something thats eye opening and important. You clearly know so much about the subject, youve covered so many bases. Great stuff from this part of the internet. Again, thank you for this blog.
I just wanted to say that Luke and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know all to well how if feels to be in a what seems to be a helpless situation with a child. My heart hurts for them and for Luke, but I know that God has a great plan for them and for what is going on, and however hard it is to see or believe that it's true.
Praying for this family, I can't even imagine what they are going through. Keep us posted!
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