Monday, August 8, 2011

Prayers for Ella


I've been holding off writing this post. I don't get real personal on here that often and well, by writing it where all of you can see it makes it really real. I feel lead to share this chapter in our lives here on my blog because I know that although we may not have met face to face, shared a lunch date or even a telephone chat...you, my bloggy friends have huge hearts that care and love!

In June, while Hannah was sick, our 6 yr. old daughter, Ella came to me complaining that her foot was hurting. I thought one of her brothers might have stepped on it or maybe she stumbled over something, so I said a lil' prayer, "Dear Jesus, Please heal Ella's hurt foot! Amen!", then kissed it and sent her off to play.

A couple of days later, she came back to me and said, "Mommy, my foot is hurting again and my hand is too!" This time, I thought she might be a bit jealous of the extra attention that Hannah had been receiving, I quickly repeated what had helped previously...a prayer and a kiss!

Three days passed, and one evening she sat in the floor and started crying...this time her foot, her hand and her ribs (all on the left side) were hurting and she was obviously in pain. I held her, rubbed her foot and prayed. When my husband, Eric got home I told him about the last several days and that now she was crying with pain.  He said it was most likely growing pains, told me he had experienced some intense ones as a child and reminded me that she had gotten taller this year.

A few days later...same thing happened. Being the Worry Mommy that I WAS ( I am really trying to pray against the spirit of fear and worry...it's NOT a good thing)...I immediately started thinking the worst. Eric begged me not to think the worst and to give it to God. On July 4th, we went to our favorite book store...I noticed that each time Ella would bend over to get a book she would softly & quietly say "Ow-wie!". Within 20 minutes, she was crying and saying that her back and head hurt.  We immediately, called and made an appointment for the next morning.

To make a longer story a little shorter...after several trips to the Children's Clinic and quite a few trips to the ER we had no answers other than the doctors here thought it might be Lyme Disease or most likely something Rheumatic. We saw a specialist on July 27th.  We right away knew God had his hands on this situation...for as soon as he walked through the door, Ella threw her hands in the air and with great excitement squealed "You're Chinese!!!"  I was instantly embarrassed and remained that way the whole 2 seconds it took him to throw his hands in the air and with equal enthusiasm squeal..."I AM CHINESE!".  Ella was on Cloud 9 from that moment on.  There is nothing she would like better, than to be Chinese. She asked me years ago if she was really from China...I played along and said, 'Oh Yes you are"...she now thinks she was adopted from China, that she looks "just like" any Asian child she sees and that she can speak Chinese (which mainly consists of words and phrases she picks up from Kai-Lan, mixed with many unrecognizable words).  Yes, we tried several months ago to tell her she isn't Chinese...uh well, let's just say we won't try that again for awhile.  Ok, so back to the doctor visit...He was super nice and very sweet to Ella. We really could not have asked for a better doctor, but what we were told completely came from out of left field to hit us right in the heart. Dr, Ben informed us that after studying her blood tests and doing the physical exam, etc etc...he didn't think it was Rheumatic, he didn't feel it was Arthritic (I was starting to zone out here, because I was really thinking he was about to tell us it was only growing pains as Eric had suggested a couple weeks before) however he believed we were dealing with a malignancy on, in or around the bone or a tumor. I really didn't hear much after that...my mind was racing, I couldn't believe what I thought he had just said. The devil instantly tried to make me believe the worst...I resisted and told myself I had misunderstood what he said so I began listening again. He was telling us (uhhh, Eric) that he would schedule a full bone scan and quickly see what we are dealing with. As we escorted us out the door, I stopped him and said, "I have a question...by malignancy and tumor, are you talking about cancer?"  He said, "Yes, Cancer."  I said, "Ok." then walked down the hall to leave.

I can't say I have not had moments were I have been petrified, moments that the what ifs have nearly driven me crazy, but I can say that each and every time I have felt this way...I ask God to hold us, to protect Ella's body from any attack the devil has formed against her, I ask Him to protect my mind, to take away the worry, fear and doubt, to protect my family from what satan is trying to do and most of all HEAL my Baby Girl!

Tomorrow, we will travel to Lexington to have Ella's much awaited bone scan...Eric, the other kids, our family, our friends and me are all believing that God has already healed Ella's little 35 pound body and that the scan will show NO CANCER in Jesus' Mighty Name. I wanted to ask each of you to agree in prayer with us!  Thank You in advance for caring enough to keep Ella in your prayers! I know without a doubt that prayer is powerful! Thank You for yours!!



I count it a blessing to have each of you to request prayer from!

Love, Hugs & Blessings-
LORi

61 comments:

Sharron aka Sharrahug said...

Wow..........I just stumbled upon your site while surfing some crafting sites. I am so very sorry to hear of this but do know that we serve a mighty God & He is our healer. I will keep your daughter in prayer as well as you & your entire family. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going thru right now. I pray for the Lord's peace in your mind right now in the mighty name of Jesus.
Big Hugs & Prayers coming your way ~
Sharron
btw.......coincidentally the verification word is PEESS......peace.

Unknown said...

Hi Lori, I hardly ever leave comments on blogs, just kind of a lurker but I had to leave a comment and let you know that I will be praying for your beautiful little girl and family. May the Lord place His healing hand upon her and give you all peace, comfort and strength that can only come from Him. Many blessings!

*back to lurk mode*

Tracey Feeger said...

Oh my Lori. That would have to be my worst fear with any of my beloved family members - especially my babies. I am not a religious person but feel there is a god and will definately be praying for Ella. Thinking of you all.
mwah
Trace

Jenn Borjeson said...

You know your whole family has been in my thoughts and prayers all month. I will be thinking of you all tomorrow. Sending you a giant hug. And p.s. I love the Chinese story. :) xoxoxo

The Crafty Den said...

Hi Lori, I've read your FB updates regarding Ella and now you've posted about it felt compelled to comment. I, like Tracey before me, am not a particularly religious person but I do believe in God. I am keeping Ella, yourself & Eric and all your family close by in my thoughts and will be sending healing hugs your way. Hope the bone scan goes well tomorrow. Big hugs, Denise x x

Lisa M. (aka. Lisa @ Farm Fresh) said...

Oh my dear dear Lori! I'm so very very sorry you had to hear the dreaded C word in relation to one of your precious little ones. I will pray that your family is right...that God has ALREADY answered prayers for healing and that there will be NOTHING in that scan. i can't imagine the stress this has added to your life...but know that you are NOT ALONE in this. Your crafting family is going to wrap their arms around you and hold you and Ella and the rest of your family in their heart.

Sending you out prayers for the magnificent comforting amazing all powerful peace from God during this situation.

Rhonda Miller said...

She is such a cutie. I will be praying for all of you.

Anita said...

Prayers and ((((HUGS))) are headed in your direction, darlin'! I am wishing for the best for that beautiful little girl of years. I'll be thinking of you and your family, Lori!

Rachel said...

I will be praying for Ella and your family without ceasing. I had this whole thing in my head to write here when I first clicked "Leave a Comment," but I don't know that my words will be of any comfort. I will, however, pray that the Lord comforts you as He really is the only one who can. Please keep us updated!

Unknown said...

You know I'm praying hard for you all, girl. I just love you & your sweet baby. I know God has something big in store for you through this. Don't let the evil thoughts in, just remember all the positive prayers of people that love you & Ella going up... nothing's gonna get past that.

earthspirit927 said...

OH Lori, My 8yr appendix burst last yr and it started as just a fever and belly ache and if it wasn't for a friend coming over who had just had an appendicitis I would have never have known and could have lost her. I know that fear that sets in that makes you feel so hopeless when you look at there fragile little bodies. Just know that you have all your friends and family behind you rooting for her. She is in our thoughts and we will be sending healing energy her way!!

Carisa said...

In Jesus' name I pray for His healing hands to hold Little Ella and protect her and heal her. I pray that the bone scan shows NOTHING and she will be back to her happy self so so soon. *hugs* You are a wonderful mama - what mother doesn't worry but I totally understand and have been getting down on my knees so very much lately praying for the same thing.

MiamiKel said...

God is the most amazing healer and hears your hurts, your worries and will be at hand here most of all! I'm joining you in prayer and will keep you in my utmost thoughts and prayers! Blessings xox0

Angela said...

Oh Lori, I hate reading post like this. But I am so I so glad you decided to share your heartache with all of us as I believe in the power of prayer. Prayer can and will heal little sweet Ella. I pray that with all the prayers she has already received that our Lord is healing her at this very moment.
Stay strong, but that is a hard thing to say to you when I know if I was in your shoes I would be a complete MESS. There comes a time in your life that you have to just hand it over God and let him take over and do what he does best...
My thought and prayers are with you, your family and your beautiful daughter Ella.
Hugs:)
Angela

sunghee said...

I'm so sorry! I'm sorry I'm no help at all, but please know that my prayer is with you.

Natalie said...

Lori, I'm praying for you, Ella and all the family. God has entrusted you with this and will see you through. Trusting with you for the healing hand of Jesus to touch Ella. I'll pass this on to the prayer warrior-ettes at Christian Paper Crafts. We've seen wonderful answers to prayer. God bless you and comfort you!
Philippians 4:4-7

faithnme said...

Hi Lori and Ella... Wow what a Beautiful Story.. Love Kai-Lan too.. I will keep the Ella and the Entire Boyd Family in my prayer...

Ann Kranitz said...

I will be keeping your family and Ella in my thoughts. Please keep us updated.

lavendergardener said...

I am so sorry you are all having to deal with this. I will be praying!

stampencamper said...

praying for a safe trip tomorrow, and for peace in waiting for the results of these tests, and for a full reccovery, with an answer for the achiness.

Kellie said...

Lori my heart just breaks for you and what your family must be going through, I am sending you big hugs and your all in my thoughts xxx

Jan Marie said...

Lifting you, your husband and Ella in prayer. May the Lord grant you peace and calmness in the midst of this storm. He is sovereign over ALL things and He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called by His name. May you cling to His promises and be anxious for nothing, but in all things, with prayer and supplication, giving thanks, make your requests be known to Him that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding may be yours in Christ Jesus!

Claire said...

Adding my prayers for Ella and all the family.
hugs
Claire xx

Lori said...

Praying for all of you!

Sue from Oregon said...

oh my...so much for sweet Ella to deal with at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Teresa said...

Dear Lori,
I am so sorry that you have gotten these knews about Ella but I will pray with all my heart and soul that your little baby girl will be ok and that the doctors will have wisdom in treating her for whatever this may be! I hope that you and your family will be ok and all of us will be with you for Ella!! Stay strong for her :)

heidy said...

Oh Lori,my thoughts are with you and your loveones
Hugs Heidy

Mette said...

A mother's worse fear is that one of her angels become ill - whether it be a common cold or something more serious. We feel helpless and would do anything to trade places.

Me and my 5 year old daughter will be sending prayers and light a candle for your family and your gorgeous Ella.

Hugs, Mette

Queenie Jeannie said...

Lifting your sweet daughter up in prayer!! Big hugs and best wishes.

Kim O'Connell said...

Oh, Lori! I am not the most religious person on the planet, but hearing your story makes me instantly say a little prayer for you and if couse, your sweet little Ella!

April said...

Prayers from our family to yours!!!

Angella D. Crockett said...

Sending loads of prayers for your sweet girl and for your entire family!

Little Birdie Blessings said...

I learned of this through Christian Paper Crafts. Please know that in a little corner of Maine, people are praying for your sweet Ella. ~ Abby

Amanda said...

Praying for you all!!!

Always with a Sentiment said...

Hello Lori. I have just come across your story via Heather Dennis, just had to come an pay you a visit.
Please know that I am saying prayers for little Ella, but also for you and your family. I hope that all the news will be good and your are most definately in my thoughts.
Sending loads of love and prayers.
Love Sandra xxx

CraftyMomOf3 said...

Oh Lori - I am sending blessings, white light and many many prayers Ella's way today. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and heart. Many many blessings, prayers and love your way.

Hugs-
Meredith

Unknown said...

Lori,

I will be praying for your Ella & ask our church to pray also. I know our God is greater than any Cancer. He can heal her. Know that He is holding her, protecting her, and taking care of her. Keep your eyes on God, for strength, hope, and a refuge. He will make you strong enough to handle anything that is ahead. I know that God is GREATER than anything that may go my way. Search the song "Our God" on Youtube.com I love that song because it reminds me that Our God is Greater than anything we are going through. Even as I was typing this my 2 year old feel down the stairs. Of course I went to rescue her and take care of her. But that meant I couldn't finish this till later. Know that God has a plan for you and wants to encourage you and help you through it. And the enemy will try to keep that from you, even by letting my little girl fall down the stairs so I couldn't finish this. Just know, All things work together for the good. I believe God will be glorified through all that you are going through.

Angela
Simple Creations
www.scpapercrafts.com

Jodi Collins said...

Oh Lori! Ella, and your entire family, and in my prayers and thoughts. Please keep us updated...HUGS my friend.

Pattie said...

Lori...I will be praying for all of you!
Hugs,
Pattie

VanessaB said...

Ella is beautiful! I just loved the Chinese story. Sending the very best wishes and the healthiest thoughts her way.

Barbara said...

"For where two or three [more] are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." --- Matthew 18:20

I do believe a gathering of caring bloggers (and this is an amazingly caring community!) qualifies, and Jesus is in the midst of us, hearing our prayers and especially watching over Ella. May He lay His hands on you all for healing and comfort.

Tracy said...

Dear sweet LORi, my heart and prayers are with you and Ella. I absolutely loved the chinese story. Soooo precious. Sending happy & healty wishes for today's appt. xoxoxoxoxo, Tracy

Joan V said...

LORi, I have witnessed the power of prayer. I am lifting my prayers to God that he will heal all of Ella's pain and comfort your worry.

Jonia said...

I am one who believes in the power of prayer and in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ! Praying with you for healing and for your family!

Arielle H Gordon said...

Wow, Lori! Look at how many people love you and are praying for Ella and your family... it makes me all teary eyed reading their comments. I know you guys are probably right in the middle of everything now - I've been praying all day!!! I'm hoping the anxious feeling you had yesterday is the same one I have right now - like maybe it left you and jumped on me... I know you're stronger than you think you are, just remember God strength is infinite. I love you guys so much!

Linda said...

Oh Dear Lori, Your family are in my prayers. May all your guardian angels surround you with love and healing.
Sending Hugs,
Linda

Trina said...

Lori, I pray that no matter what the outcome, your family stays strong in Christ and continues to love and support one another. Remember that The Lord sends trials that work out to some good. Just look at how many people are paying for you all now...

Debbie Pamment said...

Sweet Ella - you are in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart! As are you and the rest of your family Lori!
xXx

Julie said...

I was looking at different blogs for card ideas and came to yours... and read your post... and got tears in my eyes. I also got stirred up. I am standing with you in Jesus' Mighty Name that according to I Peter 2:24 Ella HAS been healed and her little body is receiving the manifestation. I am believing with you that you will have an AWESOME report. I also speak to you His peace that passes all understanding. I'm praying and believing with you...

:: Samantha KT :: said...

Lori, I am so sorry to hear of this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ella and your family during this extremely difficult time.

Bonnie said...

Oh Lori, I don't know you but somehow I was directed to your blog. The power of prayer and love is huge, as you know, so I am sending love and praying for you and your sweet family! May God watch over you all......

~*Joni said...

We love you all LORi! God is good, we shall not fear. Hug Ella for me, because she's too cute not to hug! :0)

Anonymous said...

I am praying and believing for your miracle.

Gretchen said...

Sending our thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and your family during this time.

Vivi Casale said...

oh Lori.. i'm so so sorry to hear that..
I have Ella and your family in my prayers and thougths!!

xoxo

Vivi

Silke Ledlow said...

Lori, Ella is one gorgeous little angel and I know God will take good care of her!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! BIG HUGS ~Silke~

Stephanie said...

I'm so sorry to hear this about your daughter. I'll be praying for your precious Ella. May the Lord give you comfort during this time of waiting.

Sparkle and Flourish said...

Lori, I have just read further down your blog and can't imagine what you are going through right now as a family. As a sister in Christ I will be praying for you and Ella. How wonderful to be part of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ. I trust that you will know His peace and his strength through this time of waiting for results and I pray that you will know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who LOVE Him.

many blessings,
Judy xx

Scrappychick said...

Oh, Lori, Sorry I missed this post honey. I know I've emailed you personally but wanted to let you now again that your family is in my prayers:)

ccroll said...

What a delightful child Ella must be. :) I read that the scans came back clear and I am so happy to hear that...I will continue to keep your little china girl in my thoughts that she continues to be healthy and imaginative. :)
Many blessings to you and your family.
XOXO
Christy

Anonymous said...

Praise God for answered prayer. I am a leukemia survivor and Ella has been on my heart and in my prayers. I had a bone marrow transplant 2 months ago and I am so thankful she is cancer free. I will continue to pray for God to heal her completely and remove this pain from her. My daughter sent me this link and know that we have many others that are praying. Blessings and health to your family. Glory be to God, our healer.