Nothing can stop a total of 2 moms, 2 aunts, and 4 sisters when they decide to throw a prom in 5 days.
Kylie was able to go home for the weekend and we held prom at her aunt’s home. They were serenaded with the acoustic guitar by Kylie’s sister and we had Olive Garden cater. We had the MOST fun decorating. It was the most perfect day. Prom 2018 was epic. Kylie and Wade were Prom Queen and King.
Since May of 2018, Kylie’s treatments are exceeding the doctor’s expectations and they are more than pleased. Glory be to God and all the prayer warriors. She is not cheering yet, but does sit on the sidelines and cheers on #7, her favorite wide receiver. Leukemia doesn’t own her. She’s shown who the real warrior is.
Carson has been hospitalized 6 times. This is the nature of the beast with three diseases. It’s unavoidable. However, she is physically stronger now than she’s ever been. Her labs are more stable. Her pancreas is still the most problematic and we are working towards a long-term solution.
We’ve managed to make every one one of Wade’s football games. Throughout all the crazy hospital stays, clinic appointments, we get there. We may not have caught our breath, but we are there.
Wade is having a beast of a football season so far. He was honored with the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week award for his performance in week 2. That’s a state-wide award. It’s huge in Texas. He was featured on a local news station. And, not on the sports section. CBS7 in Odessa, Texas, spotlighted him. They titled the piece, ‘The Pillar of Strength.’ Yeah, that’s what he is. He’s a pillar of strength. He takes what Carson can’t do, what has sidelined Kylie, and used it to propel him.
Throughout this latest storm, we’ve witnessed heartbreak, medical miracles, we’ve shed tears of fear/sorrow/relief/happiness. Two families became one family. We’ve leaned on each other and in the center was Wade. Wade remains a rock that holds up his little sister and his best girl. He says they are his strength, and the girls say he is theirs.
He is all of 17.
The hand of God has painted all over our lives. Some see so much heartache, we see faith being restored in humanity, a community rallying behind two girls fighting HUGE battles, two families coming together to help shoulder each other’s burden, and a young man teaching all of us how to see the beauty that is all around.”
**This story was written by Courtney Orr of Wink, Texas. It originally appeared on Love What Matters. Used with permission. See more from Carson’s journey on the Caring for Carson Facebook page.
