Journal History

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010 9:37 AM CST

Hello,
I am just updating this page to let you know that my mom passed away this morning. I would appreciate it if you could say a prayer for our family. My mom was an amazing person and our family has suffered another huge loss.

Monday, September 27, 2010 12:22 AM CDT

Hello,
I am just going to provide a quick update for my mom. She is still undergoing treatment, but is in for a CT scan today. Please pray for good results. Thank you.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 9:00 AM CST

Hello,
I just wanted to give an update on my mom. She finished her first three rounds of chemo, and the doctors are pleased with the results. She has seen her tumors shrink significantly. She started her next round yesterday. Please continue to pray for her and for my dad and sister who are caring for her.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:20 PM CST

Hello,
I don't know if anyone checks this page or not anymore. If you are reading this, could you please say a prayer for my mom. We found out recently that she has cancer and is preparing to undergo treatment. Any prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.

Monday, October 19, 2009 4:03 PM CDT

Sorry for the long wait between updates. We have 2 girls in school now. Eliana loves kindergarten. She misses her teacher who is on maternity leave. She just had her tonsils out and her recovery was quick. We couldn't even get her to rest on the day of her surgery. She just finished soccer and did great.
Elesha decided to start the terrible two's months ahead of time. She can climb and get into anything. She is very good at hiding things as well. She looks so much like Elijah. She isn't as friendly though. Always looking for Mommy.
Bekah is in the eigth grade. I can't believe it. She is once again doing very well in school. She just started basketball. She has only played for 1 year and she has skills. She loves it. She is also in the junior beta club and is planning on trying out for an aau team. She is growing up fast. She is already taller than us.

Julie is a warrior. She has had back pain for a year and continues to work. I don't know how she does it. She just received a cortisone injection and that helped, but will eventually need surgery. She is trying to delay it as long as possible, but we hate to see her in pain. She is such a wonderful wife and mother, always putting everyone else first.

Well, that is all I can think of for now. Have a Blessed week.

Monday, March 30, 2009 2:56 PM CDT

Hello,
I know it has been a while. Things are moving along here. school is almost over. eliana will officially be in kindergarten this fall. elesha will sure miss her when she is at school all day. bekah will be going into 8th grade. she was selected for an academic society, and is working on her basketball. DJ is ready to fly the coop. he and a few friends are going to be renting an apartment together. hopefully they will do well.
Julie and I are still in the same jobs that we both like. She hurt her back and may need surgery, so we are just playing it by ear for now.
Things are busy now. Eliana is in tumbling and soccer and Bekah is going to basketball camp soon. We still miss Elijah so much. Eliana keeps asking if she can see him.
Elesha is so cute. She is loved at day care and everyone just loves her. We continue to pray for the families we know who are still battling and trying to keep in touch with those who have lost loved ones, but haven't been doing well with that. We hope you have a Blessed week.
Love,
The Levines

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:46 AM CST

It's been a while, but time to update on what is going on. Bekah had another good quarter at school. She is in the Junior Beta Club, and also participated in Team Quest for her school. She is working hard at her basketball, she is in shooting camp this week, and is trying to get herself ready for next year. Eliana had to have her 2 front teeth pulled. One of the teeth had an abcess, and it was dead, and might do damage to one of the permanent teeth. She was very brave and makes sure to tell everyone, as well as show them her teeth. She is doing very well in pre-k and seems to know all of her letters now. She is still in speech therapy, but speaks better as well. Little Elesha is growing so fast. She is almost walking. She can almost walk across the room, but isn't quite there yet. That kid is pretty strong. Try and take a spoon or something from her hand and the battle begins. DJ is hoping to start school this spring. He is supposed to be registering this week. Julie really likes her job and the people she works with. It is nice to see her not dread going in.

Christmas was good this year. Everyone was satisfied with their gifts, which could be a first. It was quiet and peaceful, but it still felt somewhat empty without Elijah here trying to get everyone up at the crack of dawn to open their gifts. This time of year is always hard as his birthday is in December as well. He would ave been 15 this year. I try and imagine what he would be doing and how big he would be, and it is just hard. Someday I will see him again, and I cling to that. We purchased a membership to the YMCA to give the kids more activities and exercise.
Well that is all I can think of for now. Everyone have a Blessed New Year.
Love and prayers,
The Levines

Monday, August 4, 2008 11:28 AM CDT

Hello,
It has been a while, and so much has happened. Bekah is almost ready to begin 7th grade in 2 weeks. I can't believe it. Junior High. She is also playing soccer and is on the puppet team at church, as well as the Bible quiz team. She is very mature for her age. I hope she can just step back and enjoy her childhood without worrying so much about her future.
Eliana begins her second year of pre-k. She is so cute. She loves everyone and will walk up to complete strangers and give them a hug. She is also starting soccer tonight. I can't wait to see her play. She will have so much fun.
Little Elesha is growing up so fast. She looks and acts so much like Elijah that I sometimes forget that she has never met him. She is a good baby.
Julie really likes her job at the hospital. She works with a great group, and really enjoys going to work.
DJ is working and finishing up his last class. He seems to be ready to move on to college but he doesn't seem ready yet. College is a lot of work, and he thinks it will be a walk in the park.
We still miss Elijah dearly. His presence was a calming factor in our family and he brought us great joy. There is still an emptiness that just doesn't seem right. We know he is in Heaven, but losing him here on Earth is a blow we are having a hard time with.

Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:07 AM CDT

Hi,
Just checking in to this site again. The kids are already looking forward to summer. We are going to send Rebekah out to California for a visit with family and friends. She is looking forward to it. There isn't much for her to do in the summer, so this should help. Eliana is finishing up her first semester of preschool. That child is quite a little commedienne. She does the unexpected, and you never know what to expect. Little Elesha is such a good baby. She looks so much like Elijah. She is just as easygoing as him. She just takes it all in with a big smile on her face.
We are enjoying the warmer weather and can't wait until the rain slows down.

Dear Elijah,
We miss you buddy. Your little sister reminds us so much of you. It's not the same. We miss you, and never a day goes by when we aren't talking about you. You were a shining star in our lives and we look forward to seeing you again.

Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, Eliana, and baby Elesha

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:57 AM CST

Hello,
Things have been going well since we moved back to Illinois. We have readjusted to being back, and the kids are fully involved in their school. It is nice having Eliana going to preschool, so she can get a head start on her education. She is smart and quite the little jokester. Bekah continues to do well in school. She missed being able to try out for the volleyball team, but mayber she will be able to do a different sport this spring. DJ continues to confound us. He doesn't seem to have any interest in finishing High School or getting a job. Hopefully, he will wake up before he wastes too many years of his life. Julie likes working back in her old chronic unit. She knows all of the ladies there, and best of all, she only has to work 3 days a week, so she can be home for the girls.
Little Elesha is such a good baby. She smiles all the time. She looks so much like Elijah when he was a baby. I will have to get a picture of the 2 of them at this age to show how similar they look.

We hope everyone is doing well, and we hope for blessings for everyone this week and beyond.

Dear Elijah,
We miss you so much. Eliana brought a picture of you to her class and told them all about you. We miss you so much. I know you would be such a great big brother to your new sisters. The empty feeling is still there. We think about you all the time. I hope you give Ryan a big hug now that he is there with you. He loved you. We love you so much.

Until we meet again.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, Eliana, and little Elesha.

Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:30 PM CST

Happy Birthday Elijah!
We miss you so much. Another year without you. I wish we could give you a big birthday hug. I wish we had more time with you. We are always thinking about you. One day we will be together again. We love you.

Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, Eliana, and little Elesha

Sunday, December 9, 2007 10:34 AM CST

Hello,
We received a request from a friend of ours, and I wanted to get it out here as soon as possible. If you could help with this, it would make Christmas for this little girl fighting cancer, very special:


I hope everyone is doing well. It's been awhile since I've posted. I have a favor to ask, there is a little girl named Dasia who has a pontine glioma who was hoping to birthday cards from all 50 states. She heard about Katie Metz and how she ended up getting cards from all over the world. Her birthday was Dec. 3rd and her mother posted her birthday hopes on her caring bridge site. Well I read her update tonight and sadly the little recieved only 3 cards. Here's my favor, do you think we could send her Christmas cards from all 50 states????

This is her website www.caringbridge. org/visit/ dasiaatkinson

Her home address is
Dasia Atkinson
1808 Oakado Dr East
Mobile, AL 36609

Friday, October 26, 2007 10:01 PM CDT

Hello,
I wanted to introduce everyone to Elijah's newest sister. Her name is Elesha Jalynne. She is a fighter in every sense of the word. She came into this world on Monday October 22nd. She was 3 weeks early. Julie had to deliver as she was in the early stages of pre eclampsia. Since Elesha was a stubborn child and stayed in the breech position, Julie had to have a c section. She was tiny at 5 lbs 9 oz and almost 19 inches long. Both ladies came home on Wednesday. We took Elesha to her appointment, and found out she had lost 9 ounces in weight and had a high bilirubin count and had to be readmitted. She ended up getting released today. We love having her home. The kids are all getting to know her. We feel blessed to have Elesha home.

Dear Elijah,
I wish you were here to see Elesha. You would love her. She looks like you. She would love how gentle you are and how much love you would have given her. That is something I will never forget. We love you.

Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, Eliana, and Elesha.

Sunday, October 14, 2007 5:44 PM CDT

Hello,
It has been busy, but we are still trying to adjust to our new surroundings. The kids are adjusted, and enjoying themselves. DJ just turned 18 about 2 weeks ago. Man, I am feeling old. I was just talking with my friend yesterday about when DJ was little. A lot of changes. He has a job, and is about to finish his last course in school.
Bekah is enjoying the 6th grade. She is doing very well. Eliana was in daycare, and was adjusting to her new surroundings.
Julie was officially told she can't work until the baby is born. Her blood pressure was getting too high, so she is on home duty now. I don't know how that is going to be much of a break, but she likes being home with the kids.
It's not long now. The baby is just a few weeks away. Of course, this child has been the most challenging so far. She is still breech, and if she doesn't turn by next week they will try to turn her. If that doesn't work, Julie will have to get a c-section. We are hoping for an early arrival so Julie can get some rest.
We are spending more time with family now, which is nice. They got to meet their cousins and an aunt that Eliana had never seen. We do miss our family on the East coast.
Any way, have to go. Will try to keep this a little more up to date.

Elijah,
I wish you were here to welcome your sister to the world. You would be so happy. You would want to hold her. I miss how gentle you were. You always had a smile on your face. I can't wait until we are reunited.

We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, Eliana, and baby Levine

Monday, September 17, 2007 0:09 AM CDT

Hello,
We finally are settled, so I have time to update. We felt in our hearts that we needed to be closer to family, so we made the decision to look for work in New York and California,as those are the 2 states where most of our family lives. Julie was getting a lot of offers to head west, so we made the decision to go to California. It was difficult as we left many good friends behind, but felt we really needed to be near family, so the kids would know their uncles and aunts and their newest cousin. It took a while to get settled and get our stuff to the west coast. We are now settled. Bekah is in school, and has adjusted very well. Eliana is getting ready to start preschool. DJ has a job, and will complete the last course he needs for graduation. It is weird to see mountains again. Also, it hasn't rained since Julie moved out here in the middle of August. Julie is about 33 weeks pregnant and will welcome her maternity leave. She has worked so hard, and she really needs a break. As we settle in, I still feel the empty place where Elijah should be. He should be enjoying this with us. He loved the beach, and it just isn't the same. I know someday I will be with him again, and we will never be separated again. I wish everyone a Blessed week.

Elijah,
Another day closer to our reunion. Eliana knows about you, and I can see her confusion. I wish she could see you and see what a wonderful big brother you would be to her. I can't seem to shake the fact that you aren't here with us. It just feels so wrong. I will wait, until we are reunited.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, Eliana, and baby Levine

Monday, August 6, 2007 2:22 PM CDT

Hello,
We made a big decision about 2 months ago to move either back to New York or California to be closer to family and hopefully help us deal with our loss. We tried east first, and there just weren't opportunities that would make it worthwhile. When Julie applied out west, she was inundated with offers. She wanted to go into management, and was offered a management position after the baby is born. So we will be headed out west where we will be very close to my brother and my family. This was a difficult decision, as we really enjoy the people in the midwest, but just decided that this is best for us. We are going to rent our house for now, until we have it ready to be sold. We will be leaving sometime next week, and shold be there before the 20th. Everyone is excited with some nervousness. We will miss our friends and coworkers who have been with us through all of these difficult days. Our next entry will be made from the west coast. Please be Blessed and have a great week.

Elijah,
I so wish you could be here for this. We will be close to the beach where you would always be walking near and then suddenly just happen to fall into the water. Fully clothed or in a bathing suit, it didn't matter to you. I will miss seeing the wonder in your eyes as you looked out to the horizon, or the hugs you gave us just because.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, little Eliana, and baby Levine

Sunday, July 22, 2007 10:29 PM CDT

Hello,
Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of Elijah joining Jesus. I can truly say that it hurts as much today as it did the day he left us. I yearn for the day we are reunited. We didn't do anything special, but we still hope to start a foundation in his memory. I am going to keep this short as we have a major change upcoming and I will save it for the next entry. Be Blessed.
Love,
The Levines

Thursday, June 28, 2007 7:41 AM CDT

Hello,
Just wanted to pass on what is happening with us. Julie had her doctor's appointment on Monday, and we found out we are having another little girl. At least I don't have to worry about them tearing my hair out. I already am having trouble with Eliana's mood swings. Lord give me strength.
All joking aside, we are exciting about her arrival. The kids are enjoying their summer break. DJ is working as a delivery person for a pizza place. Bekah got certifed for babysitting, so she feels she is ready. Eliana is still quite a character. She is so funny. she is the friendliest kid I know.
Well, there is much more going on, but I will save it for another entry.
Please continue to pray for Lauren and Matthew. Also, please pray for the Hansen family. Rachel joined Elijah in Heaven 2 weeks ago. Oh what a time they must be having.

Dear Elijah,
We miss you so much. Please look out for DJ. He is still so angry about you not getting the healing we hoped for. Not a day goes by that we don't have an Elijah story to tell. I just wish you were here with us enjoying our family. Someday we will be reunited, and then it will be forever. We love you.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, little Eliana, and soon to be little sister

Friday, May 18, 2007 11:16 AM CDT

Hello,
It has been a while since the last update. School is almost over. DJ takes his finals next week. Hopefully he will graduate with his class and move on to bigger and better things.
Bekah is closing out on her school year also. She will be moving into the 6th grade in the fall.
Eliana is a talking machine. She will talk about anything and sometimes a few things at the same time. She is growing so fast. She enjoys meeting people and loves the playground.
Julie is doing well. She just had another doctor visit, and everything is still fine. She is about 4 weeks from the halfway point, so she might have an uncomfortable summer.
We are trying to get the pool ready for next weekend, but it has been on the cool side lately, and the water is still at the looks like lake stage. Hopefully we can get this ready before we are deep into summertime.
Please pray for DJ. He is having a difficult time and he needs prayers for protection and for blessing. Also please continue to pray for Rachel Hansen, Matthew Passarella, and Lauren Searle.
Have a Blessed week

Dear Elijah,
I wonder how happy you would be with a new brother or sister. I know you would be a great big brother and teacher. I miss you so much. The days haven't gotten any easier, and we still have so many unanswered questions. I just hold on to the fact that I know you are with God now. I yearn to hold you in my arms again. I love you so much.

Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, Eliana, and baby Levine

Thursday, March 29, 2007 8:35 AM CDT

Hello,
It has been a while since the last update, and a lot has happened.
Rebekah has been complaining of headaches and other issues for a while. For anyone who has a child with a brain tumor knows, this sends up all kinds of red flags. We were very nervous. We took her to the doctor, and he wanted her to get an MRI. He told us he didn't think it was anything, this was just for peace of mind. That was somewhat comforting. She had her MRI and the results came back. There are no abnormalities in her brain at all and her ear canals are clear. I mention this also, because Rebekah has had hearing issues since the fall when she failed her hearing test. She has had at least 5 hearing tests since then, each with a different result. She is going in for a CAT scan in May to see what her ear bones look like. They say she may need hearing aids, but they want to see if this is a progressive problem, or this is as bad as it will get.
Rebekah also was nominated for an academic camp for the
National Scholars program. She was happy, and we are very proud of her. She had another good report card, so she was pleased. She also has been dealing with depression lately, so we are trying to help her cope better. She is on medicine, and we are going to a grief group on Mondays, so hopefully that will help.
DJ is coming to the end of the school year. He is excited about senior trip. He also got a job as a pizza delivery person, so he is finally making some money again. He needs to do different things. He was stagnating the last few months, so the job will help. Hopefully we will have a graduate, but that is still up in the air.
Julie is feeling a bit under the weather lately, but hopefully she will feel better soon. We found out there will be another addition to our family sometime in November. We are hoping for another son. After 2 girls, there is so much estrogen in the house I am looking for places to hide.
Little Eliana is talking better every day. She is very inquisitive, and is not afraid of anything. That is both good and bad. She learned about a week ago, that she is able to jump from the end table on to our bed. Now she is trying this with everything. She jumped from chair to chair one night and I thought I was going to lose it. She is fearless.
Well that is about it for now. Enjoying the warm spring we are having.
Please continue to pray for Rachel Hansen, Lauren Searle, and Matthew Passarella.
Have a Blessed week.

Dear Elijah,
We miss you so much. We are looking forward to seeing your new brother or sister. Hoping for a brother as it would be nice to have a little boy in the house again. It still won't be the same. We found your picture that you drew of the US and Afghanistan that showed you understood about loving your neighbor. You never ceased to amaze me with your understanding of how to use the Word in your life. We are still struggling and taking it one day at a time. Until we see your bright shining face again.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, little Eliana, and the newest little Levine

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 10:18 AM CST

Hello,
Yesterday we enjoyed staying home and celebrating Rebekah's 11th birthday. Everyone was off due to the snowstorm. She was so happy. She is a good kid and we are so proud of her. Unfortunately, due to the snow, her birthday party has to be delayed because she wasn't able to give out invitations.
They are halfway through third quarter, and DJ is looking forward to graduating. I have no idea as to his plans, but hope that he will understand that he is going to have to work to get what he wants.
Little Eliana is so cute. She loves to play, and I think she owns anyone she comes in contact with. She is funny. She has people fighting over her. I think she knows this and plays it to her advantage.
Julie is still trying to find a management position. She would make an excellent manager. I am proud of her. She does so much for her patients. I hope they appreciate her efforts.
We are trying to get things together and figure out what our next step is. We feel that we are going in circles, and not getting anywhere. We hope that some changes may break us out of this rut. We wish everyone a Blessed week.

Dear Elijah,
I had a dream about you last night, and I couldn't stop hugging you. I just wish you were with us. I feel such an empty place in my heart without you here.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 7:33 AM CST

Happy 13th Birthday Elijah!
This will be the 4th birthday you have had in Heaven. Time sure hasn't made things easier. We miss you so much.
Please watch after your sister. We will have a cake tonight and think about all the birthdays we had with you. We can't wait until we can celebrate together.

Love,
Daddy, Mama,DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Thursday, December 14, 2006 8:10 AM CST

Hello,
Well a lot has happened since the last entry. Bekah had another Bible Quiz meet. She did well, and her team did much better. She also has had 2 concerts. I'm hoping this french horn will someday help pay for her college education. She is doing well in school, and has had a number of tests this week in addition to her concerts, so she has been on pins and needles all week.

DJ has decided to be the self proclaimed school mascot. He went and got a mohawk. He then had someone loan him a costume so he could be the pawnee indian. I hear he is a big hit at the basketball games. He is enjoying his senior year to the fullest.

Eliana is really started to talk. She is constantly verbalizing. She has adjusted well to her new day care, and seems to like it.

Julie and the kids are planning to head back to New York to visit her family after Christmas. She hasn't been back in a while, so they should have a good time.

It is almost Elijah's birthday again, and nothing has gotten easier. I miss him all the time, and want so badly to hug him and tell him how much I love him. I wonder how tall he would be, what he would be doing, if he were here.
The holidays will never be the same, and I just can't seem to get in the holiday spirit.
Please continue to pray for Rachel Hansen and Lauren Searle.
I wish everyone a joyous holiday season, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a Happy New Year.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 2:26 PM CST

Hello,
This has been a hectic month. Bekah had multiple soccer games inbetween trips to the emergency room. I told the doctor I want the first ride on the boat we just bought him with these visits. She was having stomach pains, and we were concerned she had appendicitis, but it turned out to be a virus.
First quarter ended, and the kids did well on their report cards. Bekah got 1 B and was upset, but we told her not to be so hard on herself. DJ has 3 quarters to go until he graduates.
Bekah also started band this year. She is playing the french horn. She is the only one in the entire school playing that instrument so she is getting more attention than some of the other kids.
Eliana and Bekah are both enjoying their tumbling classes. They are picking the moves up. Bekah is behind since she just started and the other girls have been doing this for years. She is doing fine, and will catch up eventually.
DJ is still working at Wendy's. He thought about quitting, but he won't make the same pay elsewhere, so he is sticking it out for now.
We are preparing to go on vacation this Friday. I can't wait. We are going to the beach to relax. No rushing around.
We ask for continued prayers for Rachel Hansen and for Lauren Searle.
Have a Blessed holiday season
Dear Elijah,
We are coming close to your birthday again, and I can't believe you aren't here with me to celebrate. I miss you so much. I long for the times we would just go out and you would ask one of the many questions you always had. Bekah misses you and talks about you all the time. She shows your picture to her friends, and tells them about her big brother. I love you.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ,Bekah, and little Eliana

Thursday, September 28, 2006 9:35 AM CDT

Hello,
It's been a while, so I figured it was time to update. The kids are already almost done with their first quarter of school, and they are doing well to this point.
This Saturday is DJ's 17th birthday. Someone told me that I don't look old enough to have a 17 year old. Are they looking at the same mirror that I am? He is enjoying his senior year. He also is working and learning to play the bass. His friends want him to be in their band, so they are giving him lessons.
The one thing I never realized about kids his age, is the vast quantities of food they can eat. No one warned me about this. Not only can they eat as much as they want, they don't gain an ounce of weight. Where is the justice. I guess as with me, that justice is called age 25 and up.
Bekah is doing well. Her soccer team came in 2nd place in a tournament they played in over labor day weekend. They are in their regular season now. She also has taken up the french horn. When we went to the music store to rent one, they said this was a class c instrument. I figured, a class c felony isn't as bad as an a, so maybe it is cheaper. How wrong I was. I found out this is one of the most expensive instruments made. Yipeeee!!!
Julie is also signing her and Eliana up for tumbling lessons which she should enjoy. Between soccer, school, bible quiz, puppets, missionettes, and now tumbling, she may have to give up some sleep.
Eliana is doing well. The doctor now is treating her as if she has allergies, and the medicine is seeming to help. She still has a runny nose, but she is sleeping better and eating better, as well as being one active kid. She also is a stubborn kid. Go(as in go away) and no are two of her favorite words. She is now going to a daycare that a friend of ours runs, and she is doing so much better. I am happy we made that change.
Julie is working a lot, and is trying to get ready to start school again. She can't wait for vacation, and I fully understand. We have been going non stop since August, and it will be nice to relax.
I hope everyone has a great week, and could you all please keep Rachel Hansen in your prayers.
Dear Elijah,
I missed taking you to school for the first day. I used to love doing it, and you always were so excited. I miss you so much. Your sister talks about you all the time. Things just don't seem right. There is a huge hole in our life that just isn't being filled. We love you so much and look forward to our reunion.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, and little Eliana

Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:18 AM CDT

Well,
The kids have been back to school for two weeks, and I can't even begin to tell you how excited they are. The fever is in the air, and they are high stepping it to every class. DJ is a senior, and has had a case of senioritis since the 5th grade. Bekah seems to be enjoying school. She is finally allowed to be in band. She is going to play the french horn. Good thing she finally has something to do to take up all that free time she has that isn't being taken up by:soccer, bible quiz, the puppet team, and her missionettes training. I think we shouldn't have any problems fitting in her practice time. She will just have to give up a half hour of sleep a night. See, that was easy enough. Speaking about soccer, she has a tournament all weekend. Can you say hooray. I told her she needs to get more agressive if she wants to get more playing time. She thought I was kidding when I told her that she has to tell the person with the ball, "That's my ball baby, and you aren't getting past me with it." So her first red card shouldn't be far off. DJ is working a lot. They have decided he has what it takes to be a manager. I don't know what that "it" is, but obviously he has it already at 16. Eliana is moving to a home daycare with a friend of ours from church. It will be good for her to get more attention, and a playmate she knows. She is a smart kid, and she will thrive on the attention she will get.
With Julie and I, nothing different on the job front. She has decided to go back to school to get her BSN degree, so she can try for a management position. All in all, it will be a busy fall, and we are looking forward to our vacation in November.
We hope you all have a Blessed September.
Dear Elijah,
We miss you buddy and anxiously await our reunion. Please be patient, and try to understand our sorrow and stupid mistakes. Keep an eye on your brother for us.
We love you,
Love Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, and little Eliana

Friday, July 21, 2006 7:16 AM CDT

Hello,
Today is the 3rd anniversary of Elijah's crossing to Heaven. The loss is still painful. I rejoice in his happiness, and him never again having to deal with the pain that this world brings. Another part misses him meeting me at the door. His everpresent hugs, and how he even at 9 still held my hand and would kiss his mom. I wonder how much joy his new sister would bring him. He loved babies and small children, and was so gentle. I am left with wonderful memories, but my heart wants so much more. I know every day is one step closer to being with him again, but time hasn't helped answer the many questions we have. Bekah still talks about him constantly. When Eliana was a newborn and would cry, all we had to do to have her stop, would be to let her look at a picture of Elijah. While still heartbroken, I know that I will see him again, and I hold on to that hope with both hands.

Now on to everyday things. Bekah is preparing to help with a vacation bible school at another church in the next 2 weeks. She then has soccer camp the following week, and school after that. She has decided to join the band, and will play the french horn. She also has Bible Quiz coming up and will try and improve upon her fantastic year last year. We are very proud of Bekah. She is growing into quite a little lady.
DJ has been working long hours all summer. We really haven't seen much of him. He has definitely gotten into the late 60's and early 70's music. He even dresses in that type of clothes. If he gets a pair of hip huggers I am out of here. He is a senior this year. Where did the time go. I still remember him as a little guy on his big wheel.
Eliana is starting to put words together. She is so cute, and everybody loves her. She will push her lips out and is always ready to give out kisses and hugs. We are trying to get her out of the corporate daycare environment she is in, and into a home setting with someone we know. We are crossing our fingers, as she has developed some habits that aren't in her character. Please pray for the right home situation to come through.
Julie has been working so hard lately. We are trying to pay some bills, but every time we turn around, something in the house is breaking. We have already had to replace our microwave oven, and also need to replace our stove as both stopped working this past week. So all the extra hours she puts in seem to go for all of this stuff. She is an inspiration to me, and I think the patients she cares for have no idea that they are getting care from one of the best nurses they will ever come in contact with. She cares about her patients, and to me that is one of the things that makes a good nurse. She is also thinking about going back to school for her advanced nursing degree so she can go into management some day.
Well that is about it for now. We are trying to get ready for Eliana's party, which is only about 3 weeks late. Be Blessed and have a great week.
Elijah,
It has been 3 years now since I have held you. I miss you. The pain of your loss is still so fresh. I hope that eternity is more than you hoped. You were such a warrior, and an example I hope I can follow. I will get your foundation started. This I promise.
We Love you,
Daddy,Mama,DJ,Bekah, and little Eliana

Monday, July 3, 2006 8:45 AM CDT

Hello,
Well, things around here are pretty much same old, same old. DJ is working quite a bit, so we don't see much of him. Bekah has bonded with one of her classmates, so she is much happier this summer. She is getting ready to start soccer, and somehow conned me into coaching. I don't know how this is going to work. I have a feeling I will be the first youth soccer coach in our league to get kicked out of a game. Oh well, I guees I will have to make sure I have an assistant. Little Eliana turns 2 on July 5th. She is so funny. We took her to an air show last week, and ask her what sound the plane makes, and she says rrrrrrrr! She moves up to the next level at her day care, which will try to make her more independent.
We have been trying to stay cool, as the temperatures around here have been so hot lately.
Julie is deciding whether to go for a job within her company that is outside of the hospital. She will work the same number of hours, just in 3 days with longer shifts. This way she won't work as many days, and Eliana won't be in day care as much.
I can't believe that DJ is a senior. I still remember him as a little boy. So many changes. Especially with me having to look up at him now.
We are coming up on the anniversary of Elijah's homecoming in Heaven. I would like to say things have gotten easier, but I have to say it hasn't. I worry that no one will remember him and how special he was. That is a part of me that I feel will never heal. I miss him so much.

Monday, April 24, 2006 11:19 AM CDT

Hello,
Another update. Since I last updated, a miracle occurred. Natalie received her new heart 5 days after she was put on the transplant list, and on the same day she was set to have an operation for a mechanical heart. Also, her recovery has gone so well that she went home last night. God is good. We would just like to ask for prayer to the family that gave Natalie the gift of their child's heart.



Hello,
I am editing this journal to ask for prayer for Natalie Derstine. She goes to our church. She is 16 years old and needs a heart transplant. Please pray for her family at this time as well for a donor match, and that the donor knows the Lord. Thank you.





I just wanted to ask that people pray for Bonita Kline, her son Tommy, and their family. Her son Alexander went home to be with Jesus after a battle with a brain tumor. This family has been through so much. Please pray for comfort and peace for them as this is the 3rd member of their immediate family to pass from cancer in the last 3 years. Her husband Tom and son Christopher were there to welcome Alexander into the Kingdom.




Hello,
We have been pretty busy these last few weeks. Bekah finished her year's Bible Quizzing, at the state meet in Naperville. She was at the B level, which is the 2nd highest level. She finished as the top quizzer, and her team came in second place. We are proud of all the kids that quizzed this year.
Of course it wouldn't be a normal month without a medical issue coming up. Eliana somehow caught hand, foot and mouth disease. She was miserable for a day or 2, but she was her cheerful self through most of her illness.
This weekend, DJ will be going to his first prom. Where did the time go. He is also working quite a bit now, trying to save some money.
We finished our foster care class, and are just doing the final things necessary to be foster/adoptive parents. We want to help a child that needs us. We know the pitfalls, but hope that we will be able to change lives.
The kids also realize they are in the homestretch in school. They have about 4 weeks left. Now to think about what they will do this summer to stay busy.
Julie is much happier doing dialysis nursing again. She has fewer patients which greatly reduces the stress level for her.
Well, we have a lot to do to get our house ready for summer. I hope everyone out there is well.
Be Blessed.
Elijah,
We were just talking about you this weekend. We were remembering the last time we went to claimjumpers, and how much you loved it. We miss you so much. We love you and can't wait until we are reunited.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, and little Eliana

Tuesday, March 14, 2006 9:50 AM CST

Hello,
Just wanted our family to know that we weren't affected by the tornadoes that went through our area on Monday. There is a decent amount of damage in Springfield, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt. Clean up continues, but things are getting back to some semblence of nomalcy, although they said in some stores the damage was too extensive to repair.
We received a lot of rain, but that was about it. The kids are a little upset that most of the schools around especially in the Springfield area are closed and they have to go to school.
Things here are moving on. Eliana is starting to say words, and her vocabulary is rapidly expanding. Everyone loves her. Bekah will be having another Bible Quiz meet this weekend, and they will announce the district winners. She is doing well in school. Julie bought her 2 hamsters for her birthday. Just what we needed, more pets. DJ is among the working class, and among the drivers of the world. He has been working about a month now. We are trying to set up a budget, so he saves money for gas and insurance. Julie starts her job dialysis nursing next week. That should relieve some of the stress she has from the extreme workload they have at the hospital. Rebekah will have her official birthday party in 2 weeks, as we had to wait for the carpet to get replace before she could have the sleepover.
Please continue to pray for Alexander Kline, as his cancer is aggressive, and the family really needs prayer for decisions concerning his care and recovery. Let's also pray for peace to surround them.
Be Blessed
Dear Elijah,
I hope you enjoyed your reunion with Grandpa Cecil. He was looking forward to eternity, and he is now there with you. He was such a wonderful person, and we will miss him yet we rejoice that he has left his tired body and is rejoicing with the Lord. We miss you so much. We love you both.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Monday, February 13, 2006 7:33 AM CST

Happy Birthday Bekah!

Friday, January 27, 2006 10:40 AM CST

Hello,
Time keeps moving on here. The kids are into their 3rd quarter of school and I'm sure can't wait until summer.
Rebekah once again finished in 1st place in her bible quiz competition. she also finished 5th in the geography bee at her school. She is trying to make sure she has as little free time as possible. She is part of the puppet team at the church, and they are preparing for a trip to Idaho to do an outreach at one of the communities there. We are trying to save up to go with her, as this will be an interesting trip for her. she is excited and should do well.
DJ just had an interview for a job yesterday. He is going to take his driver's test on Monday. So if you see a car flying down route 55 beware. Hopefully he will start working soon, and will get an idea on how to budget his time. With the amount of time he spends playing games online, I'm surprised there isn't a usb cable attached to his head.
Eliana is preparing to start day care. This should be good for her to interact with other kids. She is so funny. to hear her call for dj or Rebekah is priceless. People just love her. She loves to hug and kiss people.
Julie has a few more interviews and should decide where she wants to work soon. I pray she finds a job she can enjoy, and not have people take advantage of her. She is just too nice sometimes, and this usually costs her in terms of her working every weekend.
We also have decided we are going to try our hand and be foster parents to some young children with the goal of adoption. We want to help more children, and we have plenty of room.
We still miss Elijah terribly, and still haven't found any comfort in what happened. We really want to help others in a similar situation, but it is difficult as it brings back memories of things we would rather not think about.
Eliana loves looking at his picture still, and it brings her comfort when she is sad.
Rebekah's birthday is coming up soon, and of course she wants to invite everyone she knows and then some to this party. She has decided she wants to go bowling. I can't even imagine trying to take the number of people bowling, she is talking about. I think we are going to do some paring of her list to come up with a reasonable number. I can't believe she is going to be 10. I still remember bringing her home from the hospital. She was so tiny. Now she is almost 5 feet tall. Where does time go.
Well anyway, that is what is going on now.
Please continue to pray for Matthew and Alex.
Be Blessed
Dear Elijah,
We are having a rough time without you. I miss your smile and your hugs. I hope you are enjoying Heaven. I am happy that you are smiling all the time now. I miss you and love you so much.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ,Bekah, and little Eliana

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 6:59 AM CST

Dear Elijah,
Happy Birthday baby! Another birthday in Heaven. We miss you so much. I've been thinking about you all the time. I miss our hugs, and the laughs we shared. I miss how gentle you were with others, and how much you loved people unconditionally. You would love Eliana. She smiles whenever she sees your picture. If she is crying, all we need to do is bring her to your picture and she will stop. She is as loving as you are, and I think you would be inseparable. The days haven't gotten any easier, but I know I will see you again. I can't wait.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Bekah, and little Eliana

P.S. Please pray for Matthew, Alex and their families.

Thursday, November 10, 2005 3:00 PM CST

Hello,
I haven't updated this page recently because nothing has really changed.last month, and it showed her lungs were functioning at less than 50%. The doctors put her on some medicine and I am happy to say that when she took her breathing test the other day, she was at about 80%. She will need to be on the medicine until she can get her capacity higher. On the grades front, Rebekah received all A's first quarter. She will get to go on a field trip if she can maintain her grades.
DJ is starting to look for a job so he can get his license. It's hard to believe that he is a Junior in High School. He has a very active social life, and also has a girlfriend now from our church. I know I am definitely not ready for this. She is a nice girl, and Rebekah and Eliana seem to like her.
Eliana I think is the friendiest child I know. We were at Sam's club, she walks up to a lady and holds out her hand for her to take her for a walk. I think it made her day. It also made me walk about 2 feet behind them at all times. She also decided when we went to the movies, that everyone there wanted some of her baby treats, and was trying to hand them out to anyone who would take one. She is very happy, and smiles all the time.
We are going to be a little busy in the next week with a
Bible quiz meet, and the holidays, but it will be a good busy. Other than that, I can't think of anything new.
Please continue to pray for Alexander Kline, as well as for Matthew Passarella. They both have recently been through major surgery, and I know their families would covet your prayers.
Be Blessed,
The Levine's

Dear Elijah,
Susy's mom just joined you there in our eternal home last week. Just seeing what they are going through reminded me how much we miss you with us. It still hurts so much. I still long to see your smile, and your hugs. You remind me of how much of a light you were in this world, and I look forward to the day we are reunited. Eliana knows who you are. She always points to your picture, and it always makes her smile.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Thursday, August 25, 2005 7:13 AM CDT

I am going to update here and leave the old information out there about Alex, as he needs our prayers. Things here are pretty much the same. The kids have already received their progress reports, and are almost finished with their first quarter of school. Bekah is very busy with her church activities. She is the anchor on her Bible quiz team, and they should do very well this year. She is also on the puppet team, and they are preparing to go out and minister to the local community. DJ is almost ready to get his license. As soon as he comes up with the money for insurance, he will be on the road. So if you live anywhere near us, you've been warned. Eliana is such a good baby. She still is pretty non verbal, but she grunts and points and lets us know what she wants. She is a happy baby. Everyone loves her. She is friendly and smiles often. We also have decided to head back to NY for Thanksgiving, so we hope to spend some time with family while we are there. Well, that is all I can think of for now.

Hello,
A dear friend of ours Bonita Kline has a son in the hosptial with a brain tumor. In the last 2 years she has lost her husband to lung cancer, and her beautiful son Christopher to a brain tumor. Now her youngest son Alex has been diagnosed with a glioblastoma. No one should have to go through this, and especially not with 3 members of their family. Please pray for this family. This family is special to us, as we met them while Elijah and Christopher were going through treatment at the same time. Bonita also asked if you are praying for Alex, could you please let me know, as she has a list that she keeps when she prays, and her priest told her this would help her to know how many people are praying for Alex. Thank you.

Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:08 AM CDT

Hello,
Today is 2 years since I was last able to hold my little man in my arms. I know people say it gets easier as time goes by, but honestly I obviously haven't reached that stage. I see his smile in my little daughter. I sometimes imagine him waiting for me when I come home from work. I remember the fun we had. I remember him wanting me to throw him in the pool which wasn't easy considering he weighed almost 140 lbs. He always had a smile for anyone he met. He truly understood what God wanted him to do more than anyone I have ever known. Watching him pray was so beautiful. I know God guided his steps. He guided a classmate through the sinners prayer in the first grade.
Life has been difficult without Elijah. I know that he is with Jesus, enjoying eternity, and we are left behind to continue the work that God wants us to do. I yearn for our reunion. I love you Elijah
Love,
Daddy

Thursday, June 23, 2005 12:00 AM CDT

Hello,
Things here are pretty much the same. Rebekah is playing softball on what might be the worst team I have ever seen. The games are almost as hard to watch for us, as they must be for the kids to play. They have played 7 games, and none have gone more than 4 innings. We just try to keep Bekah from getting discouraged. Bible Quiz will be starting again soon, so Bekah will be happy about that. DJ is still learning to drive. Some days he does great. Some times though, I wonder if he is trying to see how much he can make me jump out of my seat. Little Eliana has grown so much. She is so cute. She is taking her first steps. I think she has most of our town wrapped around her little finger. She helps bring joy to our home when it is sorely needed.
We should be moving to our new house next week. That will be welcome as we feel like we are on top of each other. We need the extra room the new house will give us. The kids are looking forward to the pool, and Rebekah already has sleepovers planned.
I have been thinking about Elijah a lot lately, and the pain of his absence is so fresh. I know people say that the pain will go away with time. For me, things haven't gotten better, if anything they are worse. I just lok forward to being reunited with him again when I join him in Heaven.
Please continue to pray for Rachel Hansen, and please also pray for little Lauren Searle.

Thursday, May 5, 2005 8:20 AM CDT

Hello,
Things here are starting to settle down a bit for us. Bekah did very well in her Bible quiz competition. She is taking a break for now. She is going to play softball this summer. She looks like she will do fine. She can hit, so that is a good start.
DJ and Rebekah are both nearing the end of the school year. DJ is learning how to drive. That has been a life altering situation for all of us. I can truly say that I have seen my life pass before my eyes quite a few times when he drives.
DJ is planning on going on another missions trip this summer. This time to Mexico, where they will build a house for a family in need. This will be good for him.
Little Eliana is getting more and more mobile every day. She is trying to stand without help. She isn't quite there yet. You have to keep your eye on her all the time, because she can crawl fast when the mood strikes her. She is a happy baby, and she loves everyone. She is very friendly, and gets spoiled by all the people at church. She wants everyone to hold her. She is very affectionate. It's hard to believe that her birthday will be 2 months from today.
The closing went fine for the house. The people who owned the house are living there a little bit longer, so they can get their house ready for them to move in. We should be moving in at the beginning of June.
If you could, please add Mark Hayden to your prayers. He is the father of 2 young boys, and he was just diagnosed with AML. Well that is about all for now.
Be Blessed
Dear Elijah,
I still miss your hugs, and your smile. I miss you meeting me at the door when I come home. I miss watching you pray. I can't wait for the day we are reunited. Run, play
and rejoice in God's presence.
Love,
Daddy

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 9:31 AM CST

Hello,
We just came back from our Florida vacation. We spent a lot of time at the parks, watching the kids go on the rides, and imagining how happy Elijah would have been to finally go on the Spiderman ride. Unfortunately, we never were able to make it a reality for him. He was too sick to go on his Make a Wish trip.
The kids seemed to enjoy themselves. We also spent some time with Julie's parents, and they were able to get to bond with Eliana a little bit. She is getting so big. She just learned to crawl before we left, and she is already pulling herself up, and trying to balance her weight. She is a good baby.
DJ and Rebekah both had a decent quarter in school. Rebekah did very well, and DJ is starting to turn it around, which is nice to see. Now everyone is looking forward to moving to our new house. We are just finishing the paperwork, and waiting for the closing date to come.
Rebekah is getting ready for the state competition for Junior Bible Quiz. She came in first place in our district in the C division. Her team finished undefeated in the district. Not bad for a team, where they have 1 kid in 4th grade, 2 in 3rd 2 in 2nd, and 2 in 1st. The competition is for grades 1-6, and most of the teams are older. We are proud of her, as this is a fun way to study the Bible, and she retains information so well.
We are considering hosting a home group when we move into our new home, but we aren't quite ready to lead at this time.
Well that is about it for now.
Be Blessed
Dear Elijah,
I miss you so much. I long to see your smile and to give you a big hug. I am happy you are healed but my heart misses you so much. I love you.

Thursday, February 24, 2005 10:43 AM CST

Just a quick update. Rachel Hansen is going in for scans today. Please pray for miraculous results.

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 8:47 AM CST

Hello,
It has been a while since we updated. Eliana is getting so big. She is 7 months old now, and she is making noises, and smiles so big. I think our whole church has adopted her. She is so loved by her brother and sister as well. Sometimes I wonder what Elijah thinks of her. She does have some of his mannerisms. She smiles that same smile with her mouth wide open that he used to do. He loved babies. I would guess that we would have had to pry her out of his hands. He loved to hug and hold babies. Even when he was little he did that. We have a picture of him when he was 2 sleeping with his arm wrapped around Rebekah, who was only about 6 months old. I miss him so much.

Monday, December 20, 2004 10:09 AM CST

Hello Baby,
It's your birthday. We miss you so much. I remember the joy on your face, whenever you opened a present, only to give it to someone else who didn't have a toy to play with. I dream of you smiling and playing, and enjoying your heavenly reward. I can't wait until we are reunited. We love you.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 7:10 AM CST

Hello,
It has been a while since we have updated due to medical issues during the last month and a half. Elijah's birthday is coming up soon, his second in Heaven. We miss him so much, but know that he is enjoying the reward he has earned.
The kids are keeping busy, and little Eliana is keeping us on our toes. She seems to be growing so quickly. Everyone loves her. When we go to church, she gets hugs and kisses from so many people. She is a loved child, that is for sure. She reminds me of Elijah, in the way that she can put a smile on anyone's face, just by being in the room. I remember him running to the door to greet me when I came home everyday with a big hug and a smile. He was a child who enjoyed hugging people, and holding hands.
Rebekah and DJ are nearing the end of their second quarter of school. They seem to be looking forward to Christmas break.
Rebekah is on the junior bible team at our church. She is doing very well. In the 2 competitions they have had, the team is undefeated, and Rebekah has been first overall, and second overall in points. We are very proud of her.
DJ is only 1 and a half months away from getting his drivers permit. Pray for our sanity. Just kidding. He should do fine.
As Christmas is near, we have been thinking about what we can do to help out other families in need. Last year, we bought presents for needy families, and will probably do the same this year. A family that lives close to us, just lost their house to a fire, and we are going to help provide them with some beds and linens, when they find a place to live. Please pray for them, as this is a mother with 2 small children.
We continue to pray for the children battling illnesses, and for families who have lost a child.
Dear Elijah,
We miss you so much. Your birthday is right around the corner. We loved taking you out to dinner, and seeing the smile on your face as you opened your presents. We miss your hugs, and your laughter filling our house. Rejoice in eternity. Play, and laugh, and enjoy yourself. We can't wait for our reunion, so I can give you the biggest hug.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Thursday, October 7, 2004 7:31 AM CDT

Hello,
I've been thinking about Elijah all the time now, and I just wanted to share two stories that brought a smile to my face.
The first story was about him in gym class. They had to do a run for the presidential physical fitness award within a certain period of time. Well, Elijah didn't make it in time, and was practically out of breath. The PE teacher walked over to him and said "You didn't make it."
Elijah looked at him and said "Do you really think I care about that now."
The other story was when we were at the Ronald McDonald House in NYC. It was Halloween, and the had a group called Dream come in to spend time with the kids. Elijah saw one of them and thought the outfit she was wearing was underwear. Well, Elijah is shy, so we are sitting together, and these 2 teenagers come over and ask if they can sit with us. We say sure. Elijah then goes on to say, "Did you see the girl over there? I call her underwear girl, because it looks like she is wearing underwear." Well, the 2 girls sitting next to him were in the group Dream. When I told him, he looked down, and said "Uh oh, busted."
I put this picture up of him, because I felt it was fitting for him. On the outside, all everyone saw was an ordinary boy. Inside, was a superboy, just waiting to come out, leading with his heart, and his love for God.

Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:29 AM CDT

Hello,
Today is DJ's birthday! He is 15 today. Boy do I feel old. I'll feel older once he starts driving, but he has matured so much these last few years. I pray for great things for him and my other children. Eliana seems to be growing every time I look at her. She smiles and coo's quite a bit now. Rebekah is having fun playing soccer, and playing with her friends. She is on a Bible quiz team at church, so she is quite busy. Julie is adjusting to working in the hospital, but she doesn't seem to mind.

I will say this. Things don't seem to get easier without my precious son by my side. The realization that I won't see him again until we are reunited in Heaven sometimes is the only thing that keeps me going. I miss him so much. He was always by my side. If ever I wanted to go somewhere, I knew I would always have my little copilot with me. I yearn for our reunion, but know that there is much to do here. When I see Jesus, I want him to say well done my faithful son. I have come no where near deserving that. There are too many lost souls that need to be reached out to. I will try my best to help all I can. I continue to pray for so many families going through their trials with a loved one fighting against cancer. I pray that they receive their miracle here on Earth. I wish everyone joy and peace.
Be Blessed.

Monday, August 30, 2004 9:22 AM CDT

Hello,
It has been a while since we last updated. Little Eliana is already 8 weeks old. She has grown so much. She has started smiling, and is a wonderful addition to the family. julie is still in training at her new job. She is nervous, but hopefully once she gets acclimated, she will feel more comfortable. The kids have started school again and we are looking forward to great things from them.
Rebekah is in soccer, and seems to enjoy it. She is also participating in the junior bible quiz, and seems to enjoy that as well.
I ask that everyone continue to keep Meghan and little Rachel Hansen in their prayers. Let's prya that the Lord brings a miraculous recovery for both of these special girls.
Please continue to reach out to other families that either are struggling with a sick family member or, have had a family member return home to the Lord.
To our beloved son,
Things have gotten no easier without you here to love and to give hugs and kisses. I miss your smile and the love you so freely gave to everyone. Your sister sees your pictures and stares at them. I always bring her over to your pictures to calm her down, and it seems to help. We miss you and love you so much.
Love,
Daddy, Mama,DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 7:06 AM CDT

July 19th
Hello,
This Wednesday will be the one year anniversary of Elijah's homecoming in Heaven. In his memory I ask that everyone tries to reach out to one person or family, and do something for them, whether it is as simple as giving them a smile. Elijah always thought of others first, and I can't think of a better way to remember his ministry in this world than to serve, and bring some joy to someone else.







Hello,
Last night at 8:15 pm, little Eliana decided to join us. Julie went to the doctor on Friday, and they decided to induce her on Monday. After a brief 11 hour labor(easy for me to say), Eliana opened her eyes to the world. She was much bigger than we thought she would be. She is 8lbs 1 oz, and 21 inches long. Her brother and sister instantly bonded with her, and I know Elijah would have loved her. It still is bittersweet to know that my son will never know her on Earth. Julie and baby are doing fine. I ask for everyone to keep remembering Meghan in their prayers, and pray that her treatments minimally shrink the larger tumors, and keep everything else stable. We know however that God can cure her completely, and that is my prayer.
In church a while ago, we were talking about the ways that God can bless us, and one way was based upon the book The Kingdom Assignment. We have taken on this assignment, and have decided that we are going to try and get our ministry started, and help bring smiles to childrens faces who are undergoing treatment, either by gifts or crafts, or by giving them something to focus their imagination on, rather than on their treatments or their prognosis. We know how much this made Elijah's treatments easier. If you would like to join us in this, please let us know. We know we can reach many lives this way, as their are many scared families out there who just need to be reassured, and just need to unwind, even if for only a couple of hours. Our prayers go out to families going through the struggles we had and are going through. I don't think we would have made it if we didn't have a loving God to shelter us, and I hope that all who are reading this have that same relationship, because God does love you, even if it doesn't feel like it with the struggle you are going through. Lean on Him, and he will bring you through.
Be Blessed
Dear Elijah,
I hope you love your new sister. We will tell her all about you. We miss you so much. Run, play, laugh and smile. Until we see you again. We love you baby.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, Rebekah, and little Eliana

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 7:32 AM CDT

Hello,
I will start this by asking everyone to pray for my son DJ. He is down in Costa Rica on a missions trip, with the Book of Hope. Please pray for safe travel, and for the opportunity to impact others with the Gospel. They will be down there until June 26th.
On to other news. Julie is now 4 weeks from her due date, hoping that it happens any time now. She is uncomfortable, and would like to have some energy. Other than that, she is having no complications, and everything is progressing well. We have the baby's stuff all ready for her, when she comes home. Rebekah is excited, and DJ was concerned when he left, that the baby would be born while he was away.
Please continue to lift Meghan up in prayer, as she is going through radiation treatments.
I have to say that I admire DJ for taking time away from his summer to go out and evangelize to the children in Costa Rica. At 14, he is doing something that most of us have never done, and it has inspired me to go on a missions trip next year. A group of men at the church want to go, so I am at the beginning stages of looking into where we can go. I am proud of DJ, and the steps he is making to come closer to Jesus.
Rebekah is excited, that she will be getting baptized on June 27th. She asked if DJ and I would baptize her, so DJ will be just back from his trip, and will get another opportunity to help his sister with her declaration of faith.
That is about all that is going on here. Please also pray for the Kline family, as they have to be going through very emotional times without Christopher and Tom. Bonita, if you read this, we love you, and are praying for you every day.
Please take the opportunity to share your faith with as many people as you can.
To my dear son,
Elijah, we miss you so much. Just your presence in our home made the worst of situations into wonderful family moments. We miss your smile, and your laughter. We yearn for or reunion in Heaven.
Love,
Daddy,Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Friday, May 28, 2004 9:25 AM CDT

Hello,
I hope all is well for everyone. We had some excitement here lately. Early Monday morning our town got hit by a tornado. It was mainly confined to a small area, which happened to be less than 100 feet from where we live. There was some serious damage to some homes, and there were a lot of branches and trees down, but the best news is as far as I know, in our town, no one was seriously hurt. You can always rebuild, and people will be doing that. I didn't even realize what happened until Monday night.
Julie's pregnancy is in the home stretch. We are looking forward to having a baby in the house again. Just a month ago, her due date in July seemed so far away, yet now it seems very close.
The kids are out of school, and have already started adjusting to their summer schedule. Staying up late, and sleeping late. DJ's mission trip is less than 3 weeks away now, so he has to start getting things together for the trip. Rebekah is going to a 3 day Christian camp, that she seems excited about.
Please continue to pray for Meghan whose link is below. She is having difficulties, and needs prayers.
In the aftermath of the tornado, it once again brought the point home of we don't know when our last day will be. People don't seem to think about that until tragedy strikes, but we all should be aware of the fact that we aren't guaranteed another breath. This life is but a moment in time compared to eternity. We all have 2 choices in life. To accept Jesus in our hearts, and go on to be with him in Heaven forever, or to deny him and to understand that to be away from God's presence would be the absence of most everything we love about life, which includes love and hope. I don't know about everyone else, but I know that when I made the choice to follow Jesus, I was able to turn a page to a different life that has been more difficult, yet much more rewarding knowing that my children and wife have accepted Him as well. I know in Eternity, my family will be reunited, never to be separated again. Imagine what life would be like without your family. I don't want Eternity to be that way for anyone.
Be Blessed,
The Levine's
Elijah,
We are working on getting the foundation started that we promised to help spread God's love, and bring in the just one more that you always wanted. We miss you and love you so much. Bask in His presence and let your beautiful smile shine.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 8:17 AM CDT

Hello,
It has been a long time since we updated. We still are taking things one day at a time. We have been patiently awaiting the arrival of our new baby. Julie is 29 weeks pregnant now, and July seems so far off. Rebekah talks about the baby constantly. She is looking forward to being a big sister. We are trying to get everything done before the arrival. DJ is getting trained for the missions trip he is taking for the Book of Hope in Costa Rica. I'm guessing he is excited, but he hasn't really said much yet. We are still cleaning out our old house. Every trip down there is hard, but we need to get the house rented, so we aren't paying for an empty house. A neighbor asked us about the house the other day, so we will see what happens. Julie is starting to cut her hours at work. She needs to rest more as she is starting to feel the added weight. School is almost over, as my kids told me there are 21 school days left. They made a remarkable adjustment considering they both missed a year of school, yet advanced with their class, and are doing well this year. I am proud of them. Please continue to pray for them, as well as pray for Meghan Heisler, as she found out her tumors have grown and the family is looking into therapy choices. I also would like to congratulate Jessica and Donald Johns for the birth of their daughter Julia. She came 3 weeks early, but both mother and child are healthy.
Dearest Elijah,
We miss you dearly. We wish we could share more with you, but we will joyously reunite with you one day. Praise the Lord, and know how much we love you.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Saturday, February 28, 2004 8:44 AM CST

Hello,
I wanted to add a poem my son wrote in Elijah's memory:
Christmas Child
by DJ Stoughton
So short the Christmas song,
a song of love not explained,
a song of this special Christmas Child.
A song not shy of singing out the loudest,
a sweet melody in a quiet room,
only to be silenced
before this song was done.

Cut off
during one of the wonderful chords.
One less song
that sings of love to the world.

Only the closest
miss this special Christmas song.
But still lingering
in the spirit of many
who were touched by this child
is the song of love not explained,
the song of the Christmas Child.

And my song sings on,
as do billions of others,
but remember,
this is your song,
make it worth hearing,
like the song of the Christmas Child.


In Loving Memory
Elijah Levine
1993-2003
As for the rest of us, we are doing fine. We found out a while ago that Julie was pregnant, and she is due to have the baby in July. We recently went for her 20 week ultrasound, and all is well. The kids are really buckling down in school. DJ has made tremendous strides, and he really seems to enjoy where we are living now much more than Taylorville. Julie will be starting a new job in April, working as the nurse manager for a Christian counselor. It is only part time, but the woman she is working for, told her she could bring the baby to work, and is going to set up her own office for her and the baby. It is a great opportunity, and she will be able to take the kids to and from school every day. Julie also recently celebrated her birthday, and we went out to eat, and went with our church to see the movie, The Passion of Christ. It was a powerful movie, that everyone should see.
To our dear son,
We miss you so much. It still feels as if there is a huge hole in our hearts and lives. You made such a difference in my life. I miss your laugh, your smile, and your hugs. Enjoy Heaven baby. One day when you turn around, we will be there, and you will get the biggest hug you ever have had.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Thursday, February 5, 2004 7:37 AM CST

Hello,
My niece has a name. Amanda Abby Levine. Which is nicer than Jane Doe I think. We also wanted to wish Aunt Rosie a Happy Birthday. We remember when we went back to New York for Elijah's treatments. He loved staying at Aunt Rosie and Uncle Martin's house. He had a smile on his face, and he loved the fact that his cousins included him in everything they were doing. We just wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday, and ask for prayers for her family, as her mother passed away a few weeks ago. I will keep this short as we will be updating again soon.
To our beloved son Elijah,
I can't begin to explain to you the emptiness we feel without you. We long for your smile, and the hugs you so freely gave. We know you are happy, and healed, and yearn for our reunion. Play and rejoice. You have earned that and more. We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Friday, January 23, 2004 6:59 AM CST

Hello,
It has been pretty uneventful for the most part since the last entry. Thank goodness. It felt like things just kept going downhill. I do have a good piece of news to report. My brother and his wife just had a baby girl yesterday. No name yet, so I told him her name is Jane Doe Levine, until I hear a name. They will be wonderful parents. My kids love my brother, and he just seems to understand kids.
Rebekah's birthday is right around the corner. She has been in the planning stages for her party for probably the last 2 months. Her birthday is still about 3 weeks away, so she should have it all figured out by then. Other than that, everything is fine.
Dear Elijah,
A Day doesn't go by that we don't think about you. I wish you could see the new house, and how well you would have adjusted to your new friends. We have a huge hole in our hearts without you. I know how hard things were for you here. I know the freedom must be wonderful, as well as the reward you have earned. You taught us so much, that I hope we can pass on to others. Run, laugh and play. We miss you more and more each day.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Friday, January 9, 2004 9:01 AM CST

Hello,
The new year is here, and we are still adjusting to life without Elijah. I figured I would start telling more stories about the kind of person he was so everyone can understand where his heart was.
Last year, about this time, we were waiting for Elijah's surgery, so we could take him home. The kids received many gifts for Christmas at the Ronald McDonald house. He couldn't really play with his gifts, so he let DJ play with them. He took joy in DJ's joy in playing with the remote control cars. They ended up giving away some of the toys they received to other children, who they thought would enjoy the toys. Elijah took his Christmas money, and helped his brother buy a game system, and even bought him a game. He was looking forward to going home and seeing his kitten and his dog. He loved to do things for others. I remember him saying when his hair grew back he hoped he would get a 2 ft tall afro. He thought that would be cool.
I can't speak for all my family, but I feel him not being with us more now, than before. One of our friends whose child is battling the same type of tumor, said when they prayed the other day, they felt Elijah's presence was with them. I hope that gave them comfort. We rejoice that he is in his reward, but our loss is immeasurable. I hope one day we will be able to tell people how he changed our lives, but now the pain is still too much.
To our beloved son Elijah,
We miss you baby. We know you are with Jesus now and your work is done, but we still can't believe our time together was so short. There is an emptiness inside that will never be filled until we are reunited. Run, rejoice and praise Jesus. We can't wait to see you again.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ and Rebekah

Monday, December 22, 2003 7:03 AM CST

Hello,
Saturday was Elijah's birthday, and I know it was quite a celebration in Heaven. The kids at church got together and signed a birthday card for him. It was very nice.
Yesterday was the Christmas play, and DJ and Rebekah were both involved. DJ had one of the lead parts, and they both did very well. At the end of the play, DJ was trying to get everyone to applaud like we were at a WWF night. He was waving his hands up in the air trying to bring up the noise level.
We also had friends over last night to celebrate Christmas, before we left for a few days. They made Elijah a birthday cake. It was very nice.
We have decided to leave the area for a while, to try and make something of the holidays for the kids. It is just too hard to stay at home this year. We are leaving this afternoon, and will come back later this week. The kids should enjoy it, as we will be going to a resort in Wisconsin Dells that has an indoor waterpark.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas this year. We continue to pray for families, and will lift you up in prayer.
Be Blessed
To my beautiful boy,
Elijah,
We missed you so much on Saturday. I wanted to see you blow out the candles on your cake. To see you eat the cake would have been a happy sight for us. Know we think of you all the time, and though sometimes the pain is unbearable, we know that you are where you want to be, wrapped in the arms of Jesus. Rejoice, and praise, run and play. Until our joyous reunion in Heaven, know we love you.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Thursday, December 11, 2003 7:13 AM CST

Hello,
It has been a while since we have written, so I thought I would update this page. Thanksgiving was extremely difficult without Elijah. For one thing, he was the official food taster, so it was always nice to give him a sample of what we were having, and watching him enjoy it. We spent the day at a friend's house. We had a nice time.
DJ and Rebekah have been going to practice the past couple of weeks to prepare for the Christmas play at the church. DJ has a major part, and Rebekah plays an angel. They both seem to enjoy it.
We have also decided to go away for Christmas. It would be too hard to stay at home for Christmas this year, as knowing that Elijah wasn't going to be there to open presents wouldn't be the same. Also, Elijah's birthday is coming up on December 20th, and we have to deal with that as well.
Julie has adjusted well to her job, and she is finally not getting called in every time she is on call which is nice.
We also adopted 2 little kittens about a month ago. The kids named them Texas and Sandy, and they are female. So we thought, until we took them to the vet. Julie wasn't happy about having male cats. We also noticed that the kittens use the litter box, but also enjoy hiding their little "treasures" all over the house, especially in Rebekah's room for some reason. The kittens are extremely friendly, but the bathroom problems they are having forced us to leave them in the room with the litter box, in the hope that they will figure it out.
We continue to lean on God to get us through this difficult time, and we thank everyone who is praying for us.
To our precious son,
Elijah, we miss you so much. We know you are where you want to be, in God's presence. We can't wait until we are reunited with you. We found another boy your age with your name, and bought Christmas presents for him, like you would have done had you been here. I hope that we can do half in our lifetime that you showed us in yours. Run, play, and rejoice in His presence.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Wednesday, November 12, 2003 12:25 AM CST

Hello,
I know it has been a while since we updated this page. I changed the picture because I wanted you to see Elijah with his cat. He found the kitten soon after he was diagnosed, and they were inseparable. Two weeks ago, Licorice died. She was killed by at least one of our dogs. She was the best cat. Even people who didn't like cats liked her. She actually came when you called for her. She was Julie's comfort. Julie was devestated, and everyone else took it very hard. She used to literally hang out with DJ when he was playing his video games. She would sit on his shoulder and watch. Needless to say, the dogs have been moved outside. Last week, we adopted 2 little kittens, which the kids named Texas and Sandy.
We are heading into the holiday season with heavy hearts. This was our favorite time of the year, and it just doesn't have the same meaning without Elijah with us.
Things otherwise are fine. The kids have really adjusted well. DJ and Rebekah are both going to be in the Christmas play at church, so that should be fun. They both did ok on their report cards, especially since they both missed a year in school, yet both are in the grade they would be in had they gone to school last year.
Julie's new job is a challenge, as she is now on call 8-10 days a month, and she has days where she has to work from 7am-11pm. Thankfully, they don't happen often.
We still are praying for the direction of the ministry we feel we are being called to. We have started our preparations, and look forward to sharing this vision with others. I think God is being patient with us, as Elijah's passing, is still too raw and new.
Dear Elijah,
Baby, we miss you so much. We are heeding the call we are being given. Your life was such an example as to God's love to us. You shared, and loved as no one I have ever met. You hugs and kisses and innocent childlike faith, are things we aspire to every day. I pray that you are enjoying your rest and your reward. I will never forget how you softened my heart from the time you were born. You are my hero. Play, run, have fun. We can't wait for our heavenly reunion.
Love,
Daddy,Mama, DJ and Rebekah

Friday, October 24, 2003 8:45 AM CDT

Hello,
I am continuing telling about Elijah, and who he was.
I remember when he was young, he didn't talk. He just looked around at everyone, and was extremely curious. He always had a smile on his face. He always was hugging his brother and sister, and would play and share. We have a picture I am going to put in the guestbook of him and Rebekah, when she was a baby. He was the peacemaker between DJ and Rebekah. When the thre of them were together, they played well together. He was always looking up to DJ. He thought he was the greatest. He also cared so much about other kids and other people. I can't tell you how many times when we went to the park, where he would give children his toys or his cookies if they wanted it. He would take great joy in seeing them happy. He also loved dressing up in costumes, which is why I put that picture of him on the webpage. He loved showing that off, when we took him out. The one thing that always amazed us about him, was when we took him to church, and he went to his Sunday school class, or his clubs, that he understood so much of God's teachings, and could relate that back to people. I think he amazed his teachers with that as well. He loved learning about what missionaries were doing in other countries, and he even led a child in his class to the Lord when he was 6. I will continue with this in the next entry.
We had a prayer meeting at church on Wednesday, and the focus was on the children. We were praying for the children, and our pastor said, this is what Elijah lived for, this was his mission, to bring others to know God. He touched so many people here, and he still is. It made us feel better to know that his life is still touching others.
Dear Elijah,
We miss you so much baby. I miss you running up the aisle to jump on my back and give me a hug when I am praying. I miss your little jokes, and your funny laugh. Rejoice child rejoice, for you are in your reward. Wait patiently for us, as we still have work to do. Run, play, praise. You deserve it. We will see you soon.
Love Daddy, Mama, DJ and Rebekah

Thursday, October 16, 2003 11:50 AM CDT

Hi,
I mentioned in my last entry, that I was going to start talking about memories we have Elijah, and today will be the first.
Elijah had a rough beginning. After 12 hrs of hard labor, and 2.5 hours pushing, Elijah was born, but needed to be rushed immediately to the ICU, as he wasn't breathing. After about 45 minutes, I went to see him. The nurse was telling me he had a spinal tap, blood drawn and an xray. There was a baby screaming in there, and I knew it was him, and walked over to him. They were just drawing more blood, and he was crying. He was still completely blue, except for 1 small patch of normal coloration on his side. He had a small oxygen mask over his head. I said to the nurse, "Is this my son" because they got him out of the room so fast after he was born, I didn't even get to see him. The minute I talked, he stopped crying. He just looked at me with his beautiful brown eyes, and didn't cry again the whole time I was there. He recovered quickly, and was out of the hospital just in time for Christmas. Those eyes of his spoke volumes. As he got older, you could see the love he had for everyone, and for God in his eyes. It was almost as if he had known who Jesus was, from the minute he was born. I know it is hard to believe, but if you knew him, you would understand what I am saying. He always had a love for church, and never questioned any truths in his Bible teachings. He accepted them as if they were written in his heart. He always looked out for everyone else. He always tried to please everyone. He would buy DJ and Rebekah presents with his money, and give away his toys to others, if he saw that they enjoyed them. I will continue with this in the next entry, but I wanted to show, that even from the youngest age, he always had that servant mentality, and put everyone else first, and was always quick to tell everyone about Jesus.
I also want to relate a story someone told me last night. I hope this doesn't embarass her. She had a dream that she was shot and went to Heaven. She didn't see a tunnel, or a bright light. One second she was in the world, and the next, she was in Heaven. Elijah was waiting for her there. He spoke to her, and told her to tell everyone that he was fine and happy. He also kept telling her that she couldn't stay. She asked where Jesus was, and he told her she wasn't allowed to see Him yet. If you knew Elijah, you knew that he followed rules, and what she said, sounded exactly the way he would act. She woke up, and since that dream, she said she is feeling better than she has felt in the last year. I hope someday that Elijah comes to our dreams, but I am happy that his memory is still able to help people, as it has changed me forever.
To our precious Elijah,
We are so happy that you are enjoying your reward. You deserve it. We will continue to keep your memory alive, so people can see how they should live their lives in service to God. I only hope that when I stand before the throne, that the Lord tells me that I have done well, as I'm sure he told you. Enjoy eternity, intercede for our family, and we can't wait for our joyous reunion in His presence.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Monday, October 6, 2003 10:33 AM CDT

Hello,
We are still in the process of moving, taking it slowly one day at a time. The kids are enjoying school, and seem to have adjusted well. Julie is adjusting to working full time again, but the shorter commute time has made things easier.
Yesterday at church, DJ was baptized. Since I had the privilege of baptizing him, I can tell you all how proud I am of him. He has been a tower of strength, a supporter and friend for Elijah, and a protective big brother to Rebekah. He has gone through more this last year than any 14 year old should have to, and I am proud to say that he has matured in some ways far quicker than he should have had to. Of course there is the other side to him, that still can laugh and joke. He still has the heart of a child, which in some cases causes us fits.
He got his bike for his birthday on Saturday, and has had a good time riding it. We also took him out to his favorite restaurant for dinner on Saturday.
Rebekah was the little socialite. She was invited to not one, but two birthday parties on Saturday, so I spent the better part of that day chauffeuring her to her parties. Rebekah has also quickly caught up on her schooling, even going ahead a grade, to keep up with her class. She is doing very well, and hasn't seemed to miss a beat.
I think starting with the next entry, we are going to tell about Elijah, who he was, and how much Jesus meant to him, and how he tried to show that to everyone he met. We miss him terribly, and try to follow in his footsteps. We are trying to be obedient to the calling we feel we are being led to, and we encourage everyone, if they don't know what direction God has for them, to ask him what his will is for their life.
Elijah,
We miss you so much. We wish you could be here with us in our new house. We know you are living in a mansion more beautiful than anything we can imagine. We can see how your love and courage has changed people, and we hope your reward is more than you ever hoped it would be. Run, play give Jesus a big hug, and then give him one for us. We love you and can't wait for our reunion in Heaven.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah

Monday, September 22, 2003 9:16 AM CDT

Hello,
We have been pretty busy lately trying to get ourselves packed for the move, which should be the beginning of October. We are going to have to register the kids for a new school, so they are going to have to make another adjustment. They have friends from church who go to school there, so they shouldn't have a lot of trouble adjusting to their new school.
Julie decided to go to work full time. Since Rebekah went back to school, she was bored, and felt that working would help occupy her time. She is working in one of the regional medical centers in Springfield, and seems to like work.
We continue to look at the pages of other children, and continue to pray for a miracle for all of them. We also go to pages of families who have had their children go home to be with the Lord, and we pray for them as well.
We still have good days and bad days. Elijah was a huge part of our lives, and just about anything can bring back a wave of memories and emotions. We know we need to start our ministry. Elijah was excited as to the direction we were headed, as we felt led to our ministry for a while, but didn't have time to look into it while he was sick. We now are going to get started after we move in, and hopefully bring more people into the Kingdom, and continue with the "just one more" vision that Elijah had while he was alive.
Elijah our precious son,
We miss you so much. We joyfully think of you in heaven playing, and talking to Jesus. You did so much here in your short time on Earth. Enjoy your heavenly reward. Be that friendly ambassador that we know you will be to all your new family in Heaven. We look forward to our meeting with you in Heaven.
We love you,
Daddy, Mama, DJ and Rebekah

Wednesday, September 10, 2003 7:06 AM CDT

Hello,
We are still trying to adjust to life without Elijah. It is very trying at times, but we need to get started with our ministry to honor his life and the Lord's. We are going to start our instruction soon.
We also have decided to move out of town, to get a new start, and to be closer to our friends. On October 1st, we will be moving to a new home in Pawnee, just down the road from some of our friends. Hopefully this change will make things a little easier for us. We need to follow the call on our hearts, and this should make the transition easier.
Rebekah gets her cast off next week, and the first thing she wants to do is to go swimming. She missed that.
Rebekah also decided that she wanted to go back to school, rather than homeschooling. So last week, she went back, and seems to enjoy it.
DJ is doing fairly well with his homeschooling. We hope the change of scenery may help him to find more outside activities to do. He likes to do stunts on skateboards and bikes, which thrills me to no end.
To our beloved Elijah,
We still miss you so much. We miss hearing you laugh, and watching you play with DJ and Rebekah. We know you are having a great time in Heaven. While our hearts are broken, and our spirits are down, we rejoice knowing you sit at the table with Jesus, in perfect joy. We will continue what you started here. We will make Elijah's Hope a reality. We love you, and can't wait for our reunion. We love you baby.
Love,
Daddy, Mama, DJ and Rebekah

Friday, August 22, 2003 7:15 AM CDT

Hello,
I figured we should update the page with what has happened since Elijah went home to be with Jesus.
We started trying to get on with things, although we know things will never be the same. The kids started going horseback riding, at a friends house. The third time out, Rebekah was on her horse, she kept saying how she wanted to go faster on her horse. She got her wish. Unfortunately, she isn't strong enough to hold on, and she fell off and broke her arm. She is in a cast for 5 weeks. She doesn't mind. She has soccer balls all over her cast, and won't let anyone sign on the soccer balls. DJ rides very well for someone who had never ridden before. The kids have started their home schooling, and are getting adjusted to that.
We found out a few days before Elijah passed, that Julie was pregnant. We were happy, yet guarded, dealing with losing our son. Wednesday we ended up back at the emergency room, because Julie was cramping and bleeding. She lost the baby that night. We are having some trouble understanding why she became pregnant at such a time, only to lose the child. We seem to be in a cycle of nothing but bad news. We would like to go without emergency room visits for a while if that is possible. We lean more on God, through the trials, hoping for some peace.
Please continue to pray for these brave children still fighting cancer:Julia,Christopher,Rachel,Meghan, and so many others I couldn't possibly fit in this entry.
To our son:
We miss you so much. We hope you are enjoying your reward. Please take care of the brothers or sisters you have that never had a chance to be with us here on Earth. We miss your hugs, your laugh, your smile, the way you lit up a room with your presence. We miss watching you reach out to others, trying to bring them some joy. Your giving nature, and love for God will never be forgotten. Play, run, enjoy eternity with Jesus. We can't wait until we are reunited again. We love you.
Daddy, Mama, DJ, and Rebekah.

Monday, July 28, 2003 7:19 AM CDT

Hello,
On Monday July 21st, Elijah received his reward and went into Jesus' arms, where he can rest, and receive the reward he most richly deserves. His goal in life was to reach as many hearts for Christ as he could, and it is now our task to finish what he started. Elijah taught us that no one has a guarantee of another moment on this Earth. Now is the time to make a decision as to where you want to spend eternity. Elijah wanted everyone to live with him in heaven, and I hope you make the choice to stand for Jesus and accept him into your heart. Elijah gave his life in his pursuit, and our desire is that we fulfill his wish as best we are able.
To my beloved son. We will miss you forever. Your gentle heart and giving spirit made us so proud. The separation, is tearing at our hearts, but we know that you are in Jesus arms, and we can't wait to see you again. Save us a place at the table. We love you so much.
Love,
Mommy,Daddy,DJ, and Rebekah

Thursday, July 3, 2003 7:20 AM CDT

Hi,
Just a quick note to update. Our computer at home is giving us problems, so I will have to do this one. Elijah is doing a little bit better. He is starting to move his arms and legs, which is a change since he hasn't been able to do anything for at least a month. We have an occupational therapist coming next week, to help see if we can get him to communicate. We see his healing coming, we just hope for the "major" improvement. We trust in God, and lean on Joshua 1:9. Another verse we have come upon recently that has helped is Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me Lord and I shall be healed. Save me Lord, and I shall be saved."
We look forward to the day when Elijah is running around playing with DJ and Rebekah. This will happen in God's time, not ours. Please continue to pray for him to get over this hump, and to show the miracle of healing, that we know he will be. Please also pray for Christopher,Rachel,Lauren, Meghan,Matthew,Dylan,Chris,Patrick,Felicia,Jake and all of the children I have forgotten who are in our Protocel group.
Be Blessed.

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 8:32 AM CDT

Praise the Lord! The mri went very well. Thank you Jesus! We did not get to look at the scans ourselves, but the doctor called us before we even got home. He sounded happy on the phone which was a pleasant change. He said the tumor had shrunk on two of the three dimensions. The third was slightly larger. Even though the change was small, even the doctor said he was encouraged! God is good! No; God is awesome! He is Real, and He is in control! Craig asked about the enhancement, the doctor said it had "some enhancement", but didn't have the old scans to compare to. but is i remember the old scans, it was very bright, not what i would call "some enhancement" Well anyway we are giving God all the Praise and Glory. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please keep them coming, we have a long way to go.
God Bless!
Craig and Julie

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 8:32 AM CDT

Praise the Lord! The mri went very well. Thank you Jesus! We did not get to look at the scans ourselves, but the doctor called us before we even got home. He sounded happy on the phone which was a pleasant change. He said the tumor had shrunk on two of the three dimensions. The third was slightly larger. Even though the change was small, even the doctor said he was encouraged! God is good! No; God is awesome! He is Real, and He is in control! Craig asked about the enhancement, the doctor said it had "some enhancement", but didn't have the old scans to compare to. but is i remember the old scans, it was very bright, not what i would call "some enhancement" Well anyway we are giving God all the Praise and Glory. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please keep them coming, we have a long way to go.
God Bless!
Craig and Julie

Sunday, June 8, 2003 9:15 PM CDT

Sunday, June 8, 2003 8:50 PM CDT
The picture on this page is about a year old. I am sorry if you thought it was recent. We did not mean to confuse anyone, it was the only picture we had on disc. We are hoping to have the pictures developed from Elijah's baptism, and we will have them put on disk. We apologize for any confusion.
Well Elijah's mri is tomorrow. We have to be down in st. louis at 8:00. Yuk! I am trying hard not to be fearful, I know God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.-2 Timothy 1:7 Sometimes I don't feel like I have a sound mind, but if God's Word says I have it, I guess I do.
We went to a powerful Revival service last night. The Holy Spirit was flowing. This morning Elijah moved his left arm for the first time in more than 3 weeks. Praise God! He is real and His Word is true! Craig was on his knees for so long last night, his back was hurting him today.
We had a nice visit with Craig's sister Robin. Rebekah had not seen her since she was a baby, so she was interrogated well. Rebekah is good at asking lots of questions. It has been good to see Craig's parents also. The kids always look forward to seeing them.
I had better get everyone settled into bed, we will have to get up by 5:00 to make it down to st. louis. Thank You all for your prayers and support. A special thanks to the gang in Litchfield. I miss you guys alot! I am working back in t-ville just saturdays. I just missed dialysis so much!:)
God Bless!

Friday, May 16, 2003 9:10 PM CDT

Well, we took a few steps back this week. That's what it always seems like, one step forward-two steps back. We tried to wean Elijah off the decadron again. He started gagging and choking on liquids and having difficulty chewing and swallowing solid foods. So he is back on decadron again! Do these things make me doubt his healing? NO WAY! DEFINATELY NOT! Elijah was healed 8 months ago when we prayed for him the first time. We are just waiting for the manifestation of his healing. God works in many ways and He is NEVER in a hurry. How long did Joseph wait and how many set backs did he have while God was preparing him for his purpose. A year ago Rebekah's hands were covered in warts- under her fingernails everywhere and they just would not go away. She would also have these skintags that would grow on her lips. She had been to the doctor and had two removed already when I noticed another one starting to grow. With just her and I in the car one afternoon, we prayed for God to take away these growths. They did not go away overnight, but a year later she has no warts and the skintag that had started to grow went away too! PRAISE GOD! God also healed Rebekah's eyesight and we did not even pray for that! She wore glasses for a few months and then I noticed she was not wearing them anymore. She said, "I don't need them anymore-God healed my eyes" Well being the non-trusting mom I am took her back for another eye exam and sure enough she did not need the glasses any more! God is good!

Even though I have no doubts about Elijah's healing, there are days when I feel sorry for myself and think why me, why Elijah? If I start feeling this way I read James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith developes perseverence. perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If i feel alone or scared, I read Joshua 1:9 Have i not commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified Do not be dicouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go.

God uses our trials to strengthen and prepare us for our purpose in life, which is Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

If there is anyone out there reading this website, please sign the guest book. Thanks Rosie, and Happy Birthday Martin! a little early!

God Bless!

Saturday, April 26, 2003 9:26 AM CDT

Hello,
Well, Elijah continues to make tiny improvements. He is starting to walk better. We feel that he is trong enough now to get him back into physical therapy. we found a place that does therapy in a pool, so that will be a good place for him to start. He also is starting to look more alert. He hasn't looked this good, since before his first bout of hydrocephalus. he is happy. of course not when the subject comes to exercise and therapy. boy, he is quite an actor. he can turn on the tears, until you say something and he starts laughing. Throughout this trial, we were told to be patient. Now when we pray, I feel differently. I feel his healing is at hand, and we will see it manifested soon. It is a feeling that I can't explain. We stand on the words, and by my stripes you are healed. Those are the first words he heard, and we have believed it from day 1. Elijah is starting to inspire our neighbors. They say hi now, and come to talk sometimes. He is amazing, as is his appetite. We need for him to be able to come off of the decadron, or I am going to need to get a second job. It is nice to go to work, and not worry, that things have once again taken a turn for the worse. When Elijah was in the hospital the last time, we told him, he will see forward progress from here on out. We know there are bumps along the way, but so far, that has been true, and we thank God for that. Please continue to pray for him. Also, please continue to pray for Christopher, Meghan, Matthew, Lauren, and Rachel. Have a Blessed week.

Thursday, April 17, 2003 7:55 AM CDT

Hello,
Another week has come and went. We also have started to notice improvements in Elijah. He has stopped drooling, except when he eats. Come to think of it, I still do that if I'm hungry enough. Oh well. Also, we can see that his lips don't droop, except when he is extremely tired. His eyes are both starting to move, and the eyelashes are moving away from his eyeball.
We also started him on exercises to get the strength back in his body, so he can walk again. He is stronger than I thought. His arms and legs are both starting to respond. We also are working his back and abdomen to help him stand upright more easily. He is a trooper. He cried at first, but he understands that he wants to walk, and he needs to give these exercises 100% effort.
I know anyone who knows him won't be surprised to hear that the one thing he never lost was his appetite. With that comes good news. We also noticed for the last few days, he hasn't choked when drinking.
It has been a good week. The only thing that hasn't started coming back has been his speech. It was doing better up until a few weeks ago, then it just has been slurred. We were told to expect that at this point with the Protocel. It makes it a little bit harder for Elijah to set his menu for the days meals, but he gets his point across.
Please continue to pray for him. His recovery is coming along, but we are looking for the complete cure, and we know the day is coming. Please also pray for Matthew,Christopher,Lauren, Rachel, and Meghan.
Everyone have a Blessed Easter, and we will write as we have more news.

Thursday, April 10, 2003 9:20 AM CDT

Hello,
Another week of improvement. Elijah is still feeling well, and he continues with the Protocel. He saw the oncologist on Monday, and Julie explained to him, that we weren't going to do another round of temadar, and we were just going to do the Protocel. He was skeptical, but he accepted it. He said he knew of other patients on it, and it worked for some and not for others. Julie told him that this will work for Elijah, this was the pathway of healing that God chose for him. He made the same uh huh, uh huh sounds that we have heard from the beginning. We know God's will is for him to be healed, so we continue to do what we feel led to do. We were going to put him on Graviola again, but that combined with the Protocel seems to just be too much for him. We also were given a taper schedule for the decadron, he should take 2mg every other day. We didn't give him any on Tuesday, and Early Wednesday morning, he started having the nausea and vomiting. We know there will be some edema due to the lysed tumor cells that need to be removed, so we decided to keep him on 2mg a day for now, until his lysing starts slowing down.
Once he had the medicine, he started feeling better, and he was much improved this morning.
We continue to look forward to the day when we can finally dread the doctor's appointments, and can go on with our lives, and can give our testimony to others with proof of Elijah's healing.
Please continue to pray for Christopher,Rachel,Lauren,Matthew, and Meghan.
Have a Blessed week

Monday, March 31, 2003 9:07 AM CST

Hello,
Well we had another good week. Elijah is starting to feel a little stronger. He is able to walk with assistance to and from the bathroom now. That is a major step for him. He also is able to lift his left arm up to shoulder level. His right side is also getting noticeably stronger. He also laughs alot and is generally happier. We can't wait for the day when he is up and running. We know where are following the pathway for healing that God chose for us. We are thankful after all of the down weeks Elijah has had, he is starting to turn the corner. He has a doctor's appointment next Monday. We already have turned down the 2nd cycle of temodar, and are sticking with Protocel and Graviola(which we will switch to Paw Paw if we can find someone who distributes it). If anyone knows, please let us know. We had a little excitement last week. Julie was washing dishes, and was washing a glass, and the glass broke in her hands. She ended up needing 6 stitches to close the cut. She is due to get the stitches out this week. All in all, things are going well here. Please continue to pray for Elijah. Also please pray for DJ and Rebekah. This whole ordeal is taking a toll on them, and it is hard for them to understand everything that is gong on. Lastly, please pray for Christopher, Meghan, Lauren, Rachel, and Matthew.
Have a Blessed week

Monday, March 24, 2003 12:07 AM CST

We had another good week. Elijah is feeling better, yet a little tired, due to the medicine he is on. He is starting to show signs that he is recovering. he is getting stronger, and is wanting to be more involved in things. The night time medication administration isn't fun, but it is becoming more routine.
Elijah had his baptism yesterday. He got up there, made his confession, and when he got dunked, looked a little bit nervous, but when he came out of the water, he had the biggest smile on his face. It was a moment we will remember forever. He said that he hasn't felt better than when he came out of the water. Hallelujah!
He continues to improve, even if it is slowly. That kid is unbelievable. His smile and laugh are contagious. People just seem to be drawn to his joy. We can't wait for the day that he stands up and runs and plays.
Please continue to pray for him. Please also pray for Christopher,Lauren, Rachel, and Matthew. Have a Blessed week

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 9:01 AM CST

Well,
Another good week for Elijah! Two in a row. We started him on the new therapy(Protocel) last Wednesday. At first, he had trouble taking it because it tasted so bad. Then we bought empty gelcaps, and he is having no problems taking the medicine. The hardest part is we give him the dose every 4 hours, which means that he takes it at 10,2, and 6. We set the alarm to get up at 2. Who am I kidding, Julie usually handles most of the medicine administration, especially the late night dose. Elijah finally started to smile and laugh again which is great. He also is trying to walk, which is vey difficult for him. His left side is weak, so he overcompensates with his right leg. But he is trying. He also can eat some things on his own, and his difficulties swallowing seem to be going away. We have also decided not to keep him on the Temodar, as we have seen that Temodar is only wha they call a maintenance chemotherapy, and won't have much of a positive effect. That and the fact that it lowers his blood counts. We feel that God led us to Protocel, and that is the route we are going to take. Elijah is definitely getting stronger. He can lift his bottom off the bed, and his gotten himself to a sitting position. He also wants to try swimming again, maybe tomorrow. Elijah is looking forward to his uncle and aunt coming to visit this week, so maybe he will feel well enough to do more. He definitely feels well enough to eat. That would have to be one of the side effects of the steroids. This Sunday is Elijah's baptism. He has been looking forward to being baptised for a while. Please pray for his continued health, for him to be completely healed, and for safe travel for his uncle Jim and Aunt Joan. Please also pray for Christopher, Rachel, Meghan, and Matthew.

Tuesday, March 11, 2003 9:08 AM CST

Hi Everyone
We had a great weekend. For the first time in weeks, Elijah has been feeling better. He actually started laughing and joking around. It feels good to hear him laugh. He also completed a round of the Temodar treatment. He went to the hospital yesterday for a
follow-up with the neurosurgeon. Of course the neurosurgeon didn't see him, but he did have the stitches taken out. He is happy to be rid of the stitches. Also, something else has come back. His appetite. Being back on the decadron helped that along. I don't mind at all. He eats healthy foods, and I was getting tired of him only being able to eat yogurt. He is getting a bit stronger. While his left side is still weak, he is able to help himself stand. We are going to try and start him back with his physical therapy next week, if he is feeling up to it. Thank you Don. Also, we have been praying for Elijah's pathway to healing. Last week, our prayer was answered. We received a note in the guestbook from someone, who left their son's page. I looked at her son's page, and then called her. Susan explained to me her son's treatment, and his miraculous recovery. We prayed about it, and felt at peace, knowing this is the way that God wants us to go for Elijah's treatment. We are excited, and looking forward to the day that we can praise God for the manifestation of Elijah's healing. We know it is coming. Please pray for continued strength for Elijah, and pray that he is back on his feet soon. Also, please continue to pray for Christopher,Rachel, Lauren, and Matthew.

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 8:16 AM CST

We made it home from the hospital last night. Hallelujah!
Elijah is feeling better. He was even cracking jokes and laughing. That is a welcome relief from the last few weeks. When I went to pick him up at the hospital, I went to get the prescription for his oral chemo. Well, of course it wasn't complete, and they weren't sure when it would be. At that point I had enough, and started asking them how I am supposed to give my son his treatment, if it isn't all there. I then spoke to Elijah's oncologist, and explained to him what we have been through over the last 2 weeks. He said he would make sure we got the entire treatment on time. I really like our oncologist, but sometimes it is difficult to get a hold of him. The nurses at the hospital were great, and they fell for Elijah. If only they could see him when he feels well, they would see how truly special he is. Elijah took his first dose of Temadar last night, and was nauseous. We gave him Zofran to deal with this, and I am going to talk with his oncologist this morning. Not a big deal. Nausea is one of the side effects. Please continue to pray for his complete healing. He has been through quite an ordeal, and still has a sense of humor about it. Also pray he will be well enough for his baptism on the 23rd. Have a Blessed week.

Tuesday, March 4, 2003 9:38 AM CST

This has been a long weekend for us. Elijah has been having trouble with his walking coordination and talking. We called the hospital a number of times. Finally we took him down to the emergency room, and they did another MRI. It showed he has hydrocephalus, and a tonsillar hernia. He needed to have a shunt placed. The surgery went fine, and he was feeling somewhat better afterward. His speech still isn't much improved. I spoke with Julie this morning, and Elijah wanted to sit in a chair. After that, he started feeling ill, and thre up a little. The gave him some tylenol with codeine, and he lost his breakfast. We are waiting to hear what the doctors want to do with him. Please pray for him. These last two weeks have been extremely hard for him. His speech has definitely been affected by this. He is supposed to start his new chemo regimin today, which is temodar. We are also going to have it combined with accutane, as I have read that it increases the effectiveness of the temodar, although there isn't absolute definitive proof, I have seen enough to make this choice.
Update on Elijah. Julie just called and said Elijah is sitting up in a chair, and is feeling better. The doctor is going to check on him at 3 to see if he can go home. Finally, some good news.
We know he is healed, but it is so hard to see him go through this. He is a fighter and a miraculous boy, who knows his healing is guaranteed. Please continue to pray for him in his recovery. Also, please pray for Rachel, Christopher, Lauren, and Matthew.
I also wanted to let everyone know that Elijah has regained his appetite. For those of you who know him well, that is a big deal. Food is a pleasure to him, and since they put him back on the steroids, I need to look in the help wanted ads for a second job to pay for his enhanced appetite.
Elijah's goal is to get around by himself, but he needs to be able to stand before he can walk. We are all believing for something miraculous to happen soon. He is supposed to be getting baptised somewhere around the 23rd of March, so please pray for him to be strong enough for this special moment in his life. I will update this when more information comes my way. Have a Blessed week.

Monday, February 24, 2003 7:54 AM CST

Hello everybody,
Last week was rough, but ended well. Starting on about Wednesday, we noticed that Elijah was having a lot of trouble doing things that weren't a problem earlier. He also was vomiting, and having headaches. Friday, he hit the bottom. He couldn't hold himself up, and we called the doctor, and got the run around from the nurse. We said to each other, if he doesn't show improvement we are taking him to the hospital. Well, Saturday, we didn't give him the medicine he was taking for the nausea. His stomach started to lurch as if he was going to vomit. We immediately prayed for him, and it immediately stopped. Thank you God. He hasn't had an episode since. He also had a headache, which we prayed for and went away. He also hasn't had a headache since. We also noticed on Saturday, that he started getting some strength back in his upper body. While he still can't walk, he is showing improvement from where he was on Friday. He also is showing tension on the left side of his face, and his eyes look great. He still gets tired, but he stays up all day without a nap. This may not sound like much, but it is huge. We went to church yesterday. Before we went there, we said something special is going to happen, we know his healing is close. After they prayed for him, Elijah felt much better. We know that his healing is there. We are just waiting for the MRI on March 10th to prove it. Please continue to pray for continued healing for him. Pray for strength, as well, as his body is very weak. Also, please pray for Christopher,Meghan,Lauren, and Matthew. We know that Elijah is healed, we just wait to rejoice at the proof. Everyone have a Blessed week, and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support.

Monday, February 17, 2003 8:30 AM CST

Hi Everybody,
This weekend started out as a trial, but ended with great joy and praise. Elijah has been having bouts of vomiting lately that could be attributed to hydrocephalus. It took its toll on him on Saturday. He started acting defeated, and he was crying and was telling us that he would never be able to do things for himself and he would never get better. We prayed with him for a long time, and told him that he needs to understand that God doesn't want him to be unhappy, and God told him at the beginning that he was healed, so when a trial happened, that he could stand on that Word. He finally started believing us, and later that day was feeling better. He told us that he feels that he needs to do his part toward his healing. The more he has stepped out in faith, the more improvement has shown. Yesterday in church, he amazed me. He has enough trouble, jus getting in the church and to a pew. Not that the walking part is hard. He just doesn't have much endurance yet. At the end of the service, they went into extended praise time. During that time, he just started walking toward the front of the church. Not only that, he walked better than I have seen in months. He was trying to let Julie take her hands off him so he could walk himself. He stood up front for a few minutes, then walked to the back of the church where we were sitting. Hallelujah!!! He is much happier now that he saw that he can do it. The only thing we are dealing with now, is him trying to figure out how much longer until he is healed. I told him not to set himself to a time schedule. I don't want him to be disappointed if it doesn't happen when he thinks. He knows that he is going to be healed. He is just trying to rush the process. I told him I don't know the day or the hour, but it will happen, and he will be doing things just as he did before this all happened. Please pray for him. He needs encouragement. His healing is coming a little bit at a time. Please also pray for guidance for us as to which direction we should go with his care. We know whatever route we choose will show results for him, but we want to do this God's way, not our way. Please continue to pray for Meghan, Christopher, Lauren, and Rachel. Let's make this year a year of many miracles. We know God is in control, and we are being obedient as to what we should do. Elijah is so precious, and loves God with all his heart. Pray for strength and patience for him. Good news is on the way. We know it. Have a Blessed week.

Tueday, February 11, 2003 8:30 AM CST

Yesterday, Elijah had his first appointment in St. Louis. He got to meet the doctor and they ran him through the same battery of tests. Julie also talked to the doctor about Elijah having vomited twice last week. The doctor said it was probably due to the fact that his brain is still readjusting from the hydrocephalus. Other than that, Elijah is doing well. He is still afraid to walk unaided, probably due to the fall he took trying to raid the refrigerator. We have put Elijah on an almost entirely organic diet, to try and eliminate any problems he may have from pesticides, due to his immune system being compromised. We found an organic supermarket down in St. Louis we are going to try out. Hopefully we can get better deals than up here. Elijah is also supplementing his diet with vitamins to help his immune system. They seem to be helping. His hair is starting to grow back, but it doesn't look like it is going to be the big afro that he was hoping for. I guess he'll have to deal with his hair looking pretty much like it did before, although it is a little early to know. We keep taking him to the pool where I work. He likes it there, because it is more private. In the pool, he just seems to be more like himself. He is so much more independent. He was trying to tackle people in the pool. Now if he can just bring that confidence on to dry land. Please continue to pray for Elijah. He needs to get his energy level up, and he still has weakness on his left side. Pray for us concerning the decision we need to make regarding the next step in his therapy. Please also keep a special prayer for the Kline family. Not only does their son have a fight with a brain tumor, but Tom, his father, has been diagnosed with cancer also. Please go their page(I have a link from Elijah's page) and give them some encouragement. I know how hard what we are going through is, and I can only imagine what they are dealing with. Please also pray for Lauren, Rachel, and Matthew. We hope that everyone has a Blessed week

Monday, February 3, 2003 7:22 AM CST

Well, another week begins. Elijah is still having pain in his back from the fall he took last week in his step toward independence. Unfortunately, because of this, he is afraid to walk by himself again. When we hold his hands, he is walking much faster than he was last month. He still has his sense of humor. He was cracking jokes to DJ yesterday during church. Nothing phases that kid. We took him to the pool where I work, to let him walk without putting much pressure on his back. Plus he knew if he fell, the worst thing that would happen to him would be that he would get well. We got him in the water, and he was like a different person. He was moving all around the pool by himself, and he was trying to play with his brother and sister. He didn't even think about the fact that he may fall. He was finally able to be an independent 9 year old boy for a while. He was able to stay in the pool for over an hour. Hallelujah! We have decided to take him to the pool at the YMCA or where I work, at least 3 times a week, to help him regain the strength in his body. He loves it, so it is more fun than therapy for him. In the next week or 2, we need to get him down to St. Louis, to decide what to do for his next course of treatment. Please pray that God gives us direction as to what to do. Also, please pray for our kids. Caring for Elijah takes a lot of time, and Rebekah and DJ are starting to feel a little neglected. Elijah is trying to get himself ready for his Make a Wish trip, and we are trying to get him independent as soon as possible. We know that his body is being healed day by day. Please pray for him. This is extremely difficult for him, as he wants to do things for himself. We pray that this is just a testimony very soon. We long for the day when we can tell his story, and shout that the cure is present in his physical body. We know the day is coming, but we are just impatient. We appreciate everyone's prayers. They have carried us through some bumps along this road. Please continue to pray for Christopher' family, Rachel, and Lauren's family. Have a Blessed week.

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 08:24 AM (CST)

Yesterday, Elijah decided to test himself. He decided he was hungry at 7:30 in the morning, and he was going to get himself over to the refrigerator to get himself something to eat. He decided not to wait for someone to help him. He made it over to the refrigerator ok, but he ended up falling down, and hurting his back. Julie put him on bed rest, and we prayed for him. He was feeling better last night, and this morning, the pain is greatly reduced. I told him that the worst thing about this was that he didn't even get anything out of the refrigerator to eat before he fell. It might not have been a loss if he had managed to grab a chicken leg, or something. We told him, that until he gets steadier on his feet, to wait to raid the fridge until someone helps him. He is getting more confidence in his ability to do things, and is now able to do things without thinking that he couldn't do before. We don't want him to feel that he needs to be up and moving by a certain time frame, but we are happy that he is beginning to try. The Make a Wish people came yesterday to interview Elijah for his wish. He wants to go to Florida. Then he started kidding with Rebekah, telling her she wasn't going. They always are playing mind games with poor Rebekah. DJ and Elijah have become much closer since this started, and they spend a lot of time together. We are trying to get Elijah started with his appointments in St. Louis and his physical therapy, but there always seems to be a paper trail no matter where you go. Elijah is happy to be home, and his cat and dog have just become joined to his hip. When he is laying down, either one or the other is with him, and when he sleeps, usually both are with him. Elijah looks forward to being up and around, and based upon his latest trial, he isn't far away. He just needs to get off of the steroids(he is now down to 1.5 mg a day. Just 2 weeks ago, he was at 4mg a day). Please continue to pray for his healing, as well as continued encouragement and joy for this precious child. He is touching so many people, and he is looking for the completion of his healing which we know he will have. Have a Blessed week.

Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 09:40 AM (CST)

We are all home at last! Elijah met with the doctor on Friday the 17th, and he was pleased with the progress since the surgery. We left Friday afternoon, and made it home Saturday night. He was so happy to be home. His dog and cat took to him immediately. Elijah wasn't feeling well starting before we left New York. We figured he caught a cold. On Sunday, he was complaining of heaviness in his chest, and his breathing was labored. We took him to the emergency room to rule out pneumonia. We got there, and they had him hooked up to a monitor, and they called his pediatrician in from home. The pediatrician started telling us this could be congestive heart failure, or pulmonary edema, so he wanted a chest xray done. Julie and I agreed this was just a cold. The xrays came back negative, and Elijah was sent home for a day of bed rest. He woke up the next morning feeling so much better, and his cold had almost completely gone. God is so good! He has been making steady progress since we came home. Julie is setting up his bedroom in the dining room for now, so Elijah can be close to us. The kids are getting used to being back home, and Julie unfortunately has the task of unpacking all the things we accumulated out in New York. Please continue to pray for Elijah's complete healing. God has protected him throughout this ordeal, but prayers and encouragement are great medicine for him. We started him on a vitamin regimin, and are completely changing his
diet. He doesn't seem to mind. We found a place for him to do physical therapy in a pool, so he is looking forward to that. We know that one day this will all be a testimony, and are looking forward to it. Please also pray for the Kline family. They need prayer, and encouragement is always welcome. I am attaching their web address to ours. Have a Blessed week.

Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 06:17 PM (CST)

Yesterday we saw the results of Elijah's MRI. It showed the there was a reduction in the tumor, and it was broken up in pieces. But there also is swelling, and the swelling is closing off the 3rd ventricle in his brain, so the fluid is getting drawn into his brain, causing pressure. He needs to have a procedure done to drain the fluid. We spoke to the doctors. They said he will go in on Monday, and there is a 50-50 chance he will be out Tuesday, depending on how he feels. Julie thinks that Elijah will be put on a liquid diet the first day. We are going to hear it from Elijah about that. We are going to have to calm him so he doesn't get upset, that he may not be able to eat solid food. The positive about this procedusre, is that the doctor said he should feel almost immediate relief, and should gain a good deal of his functin back, as the swelling was causing a lot of his problems. Please pray for a great result with his procedure, and quick healing, as he wants to come home. Also pray that he continues to show improvement with the tumor, and it is totally gone. We know this is going to be the end result, but we would like to see immediate results. We have cast our cares on the Lord, and this is just a bump on Elijah's path to recovery. He honestly is doing better already, even without the procedure. Please continue to pray, and send him encouragement, as this really helps him. HAve a Blessed weekend.

Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 02:15 PM (CST)

Today is another trial for Elijah. He is tired, and this makes him not want to do anything but rest. We are trying to encourage him to get up and walk a little, to help bring up his energy level. He seems a little resistant. He wants to go home, but he really needs to get himself motivated to get moving. I want to thank everyone who is writing him notes of encouragement. They help to lift his spirits, and this gives him motivation. He still believes in his healing, but he needs to work his muscles to get them strengthened again. If you are reading this, could you please sign the guestbook and write a small note of encouragement. Elijah can't fathom the number of people who are praying for him, but he can see the notes people are sending him, and each one helps so much. When we stand with Elijah, and he can see this, he makes great strides. Please also pray for Julie. This is very hard for her to handle alone, while I am back at work. Pray for strength, and joy for her and the kids. This is a battle that God will have the victory in, and we all realize, but it is also an extremely draining one, as anyone who has or is going through will tell you. Our faith isn't shaken, but sometimes we just need others to pick us up, dust us off, and stand with us. We always turn heavenward, but it is also nice to be able to lean on others to help us through this. We all anxiously await the day the good report comes in, but until that day, please remember Julie and the kids in your prayers. Have a Blessed and peaceful week

Monday, December 30, 2002 at 07:08 AM (CST)

We are finally nearing the end of Elijah's time in New York. Elijah has been feeling a little down lately. He is starting to wonder if he will be able to walk again. We reassure him that when God told him he is healed, he means completely. Still, Elijah needs lots of encouragement. I would appreciate it if anyone who reads this, would take the time, and sign the guestbook, and just give him a word of encouragement. It will go a long way in boosting his spirits. Elijah is starting to walk better, but still needs help, and is not comfortable walking on his own. Christmas didn't go as well as we had hoped. Elijah was sick all morning. His medication made him so constipated that he hadn't go to the bathroom for 4 or 5 days, and that caused him to be unable to be able to keep food down. We did everything that we could think of, and he was finally able to go, and he started feeling better. The last few days went much better, as Elijah was able to do a little bit more than before. He is trying very hard to do things for himself, but is getting frustrated by his progress. I told him that things will return to normal, but things happen in God's time, not ours. We started turning our prayer focus, to peace, healing, and joy for Elijah. We appreciate everyone's prayers, and support. We all look forward to coming home, and getting back to a more normal routine.

Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 05:24 PM (CST)

Several people have asked us why we have not done more research on Elijah's condition. The answer is simple, It doesn't matter. For God a brain tumor is no more challenging than a hang-nail. At first I asked God why this Lord? Why couldn't it be something with a little better prognosis. God gave me the answer, He wanted me to know that this was Him. There was no other way. We would have to rely totally on Him. We have learned to cast all our cares upon Him. Some days are a struggle, especially since Craig has gone back home, but we still fall helplessly into his outstretched, waiting arms every day. We have heard what the doctors have to say, and we choose to believe the report of the Lord. His report says Elijah was healed the first time we prayed together in agreement, asking in faith for Elijah's complete healing. Isaiah 53:4 says surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows- yet we considered him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and by His stripes(wounds) we ARE healed. God's Word can not lie. We can not pick and choose what we consider to be true in His Word. How can we think John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he sent His Son so that whoever shall believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life, is God's will for every person, but Mathew 21:21, I tell you the truth if you have faith and do not doubt- say to the mountain throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done, is not God's will for every believer. If one sentence were found in the Bible to be false, it would nullify the whole thing. God is truth, He can not lie. He can not promise healing in His Word and than change His mind. His Word will never come back void. Hebrews 11 says that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. We can not always see Elijah's healing with our eyes, but it is always there when we look at him through faith. I don't know why Elijah has had to go through all this, but all things do work together for good for those who love the Lord, and one thing I am absolutely sure of is that Elijah loves the Lord with all his heart and all his soul and all his strength.

Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 08:27 AM (CST)

Well, the plans are made for Elijah's continued treatment when he comes back to Illinois. He will be going to Washington University Hospital, and will be getting oral chemotherapy. We are trying to get everything together to have everything ready when he gets home. Everyone is getting homesick and wants to go home. Christmas away from home will be hard, but we will all be together, so it won't be too bad. Elijah will be getting his walker to aid him getting a degree of independence. He was also walking a little bit on his own yesterday, and his dose of decadron is being reduced. Please pray for his complete healing as well as for the other children we spoke of in the previous journal entried. I would like to thank everyone for the support and encouragement we have received. It has truly helped when we felt a little down.

Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 05:12 PM (CST)

Elijah finished his radiation treatments today! We met with the neurologist about Elijah's coordination problems, and nausea, and he said it was swelling from the radiation. Elijah took a higher dose of steroids, and started feeling much better. He was able to do his physical therapy today also, and is looking better. We just continue to be amazed by his strength throughout this whole procedure. He has never complained once. I can't wait for him to be strong enough to do some of the things he is used to. He was given a going away gift by the people at Roosevelt hospital. They were so nice. They gave him a card that everyone signed that told him how much he inspired them, and how amazed they were at how well he handled his treatments. Elijah will get a well needed rest tomorrow, and will be back at physical therapy on Friday. Please continue to lift him up in prayer. Also please keep Lauren,Matthew,Rachel, and Christopher in your prayers. I would like to thank everyone for sending us notes in the guestbook. They have truly brought a smile to our faces, and have blessed us. We hope everyone has a blessed week, and I will update this when I get more news.

Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 04:30 PM (CST)

Today wasn't a good day for Elijah. We started noticing that when his last radiation treatments started, that he wasn't feeling well. He is starting to lose his coordination. We talked to Dr. Gliedman, and he told us to increase his decadron dosage back up to 2 to 3 mg. We gave him 2 mg at the hospital, and he started feeling better. He still doesn't fully have his coordination back. He is still struggling to walk. We have an appointment to see Dr. Jallo tomorrow. Hopefully, the increase in medication will take care of this, as this started when Elijah's treatment changed. Please continue to pray for Elijah. I was planning on going back to work next week, but it is all dependent on how Elijah is doing on Saturday. I will update this page as we have more information.

Monday, December 02, 2002 at 07:05 PM (CST)

Well, Elijah is now down to 2 radiation treatments. Thank goodness. Elijah is starting to feel the effects of the radiation. He is getting sick now in the morning, and his coordination is off again. The nurse practitioner said that was normal for a patient who is undergoing his treatment plan. Elijah went to his physical therapy appointment, and did well. They put him on a therapy bike, and he gets dangerous. The physical therapist raced him, and they were going around a turn, and Elijah cut her off. He must have learned something about how to be a New York driver with all the taxi rides we have had. The doctor now has added Zofran to his medicine list, to deal with his stomach troubles. Please continue to pray for him. He is making progress, but we still won't know how much, until the swelling goes down from the radiation. Also, please pray for a boy named Vincent. He is going through treatment, and is getting very tired. There are a few other names(Christopher,Rachel, and Matthew), if you could pray for them, that would be great.
Yesterday, we were guests to see a Giants game. We got to go on the field, and have breakfast with the families of the players. It was just too cold. Elijah got tired, and we left after the first half. He enjoyed himself, so it was worth it. There is a great story I want to add here. When we were getting ready to leave, a lady looked at Elijah and saw he was cold. She offered him her gloves. I told her we were leaving in a couple of minutes. She put them on his hands, and told him to keep them. The generosity and support we have received both here and at home have been overwhelming. We don't know how to thank everyone, so we just pray that God bless them all. Thank you for your continued prayers. Continue to lift Elijah up. He is touching people here with his compassion, and his giving nature. I will continue to update the page, as I get news. Everyone have a blessed week.

Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 12:08 PM (CST)

Elijah has now had 2 of the last 5 radiation treatments he is going to get, and is starting to feel the effects. He has thrown up his lunch after each treatment, so Julie and I think he may be suffering some swelling from the concentrated treatments. He has been able to hold down other meals. We are going to try to give him his decadron an hour before his meals to see if that helps. If he vomits again, we will increase his dosage back up to 1 mg, until these treatments are over. Please pray for him. He is a little bit weaker from these treatments, and we are letting him rest more. We enjoyed the parade on Thanksgiving. The building we were in was facing the parade route, so we even got to see a balloon hit the Trump building, and the arm deflated. Elijah and Rebekah went to see Treasure Planet with the staff in the afternoon. They said they liked the movie. Elijah is now supervising the Christmas decorations being displayed. I don't think anyone is listening to him, but he is getting a kick out of it. We are just going to relax this weekend, and give Elijah a chance to recover. I will update this, after his appointment on Monday.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 02:40 PM (CST)

Today Elijah began the last 5 of his radiation treatments. These are supposed to be more focused on a smaller area. He went for his physical therapy evaluation yesterday. They ran him through some exercises, and played with him a bit. He tried to run Rebekah and I over with the exercise bike, but we managed to get out of the way in time. He is going to get therapy 3 days a week until his MRI. We found out, that the MRI won't be done until January 10th, and if the doctor isn't in, we won't see him until the 13th. I am going to head back to work a few weeks, come back for Christmas, go back to work for a few weeks, then head back for his MRI. This is going to be a difficult separation for us, but we will be together for the holidays. Please continue to pray for Elijah. He is doing better, but he still has a ways to go. Elijah is looking forward to going to the parade tomorrow. It will be a welcome day off for him. We look forward to coming home. I will update this, when there is more news. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 25, 2002 at 11:45 AM (CST)

Elijah just talked to the doctor. He had his steroid reduced another mg. The doctor said he will still be on this dose for a while to control swelling while he is still undergoing radiation. He also said Elijah wouldn't have his final MRI for another 3 weeks, so he will probably stay here and get his blood work done, and undergo physical therapy to strenghten him up before we go home. So we may be here until about the end of the year. I am going to go back to work for a few weeks, and come back during Christmas, and staying until we leave. I don't know that this is what is going to happen, but this looks like what is most likely for now. Elijah is walking better, but we would like him to be stronger, before we come back. I will update this again, when we have more information.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 05:09 PM (CST)

Well today was a good day for Elijah. He seems to be able to do more things for himself. He was able to open the drawers and pick out his clothes, as well as get dressed. Also, for the first time, he was able to bend over and pick up his shoes, untie them, and put them on. While all of these things seem like small things, to us, they are major steps. Elijah is already making plans for his birthday and Christmas. I told him to calm down, he still has a month to wait, but he likes to think about these things, so he is making his lists, and checking them 400 times. We are extremely grateful for the signs of healing that God is showing us with Elijah. The changes are starting to show up daily, and we can't wait to see what he will be able to do next. I keep telling him that he should be able to run the New York City Marathon by next year, but he keeps telling me that he doesn't want to. Keep lifting Elijah up in prayer. There are wonderful things happening with him, and we are happy to see him get back to doing more things on his own.

Monday, November 18, 2002 at 11:03 AM (CST)

Today went well. The doctor lowered Elijah's decadron dosage another mg today. He said everything still looks fine. Elijah had a stomach ache on Friday, but we prayed with him and gave him some medicine, and he was able to eat dinner, and felt fine. Big surprise, he regained his appetite. He needs to be on medicine to help him go to the bathroom, as the steroids are making it a little bit more difficult for him. He is a trooper though. He takes great delight in torturing me every time he needs to go. It seems like it makes his day. He is completing his 4th week of radiation this week. It still looks like he will be done the first week of December, and hopefully he will be coming home fully healed.

Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 03:47 PM (CST)

Today did not go as expected. Elijah went for his treatment, but the machine wouldn't set itself correctly, so his appointment was cancelled, causing another day behind schedule. Hopefully, that will be the last one. Last night, the house provided tickets, and Julie and Rebekah got front row tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. They loved it. Elijah and I went to the movies, and saw Santa Clause 2. I miss paying 2.75 to see a movie. The theaters out here are very expensive. Tomorrow we are going to go back to the Times Square church after Elijah's appointment. Elijah is getting a little stronger evey day. Last night, he was able to walk from the movie theater to the Ronald McDonald House, without taking a break. He still will probably need physical therapy, as he developed a hitch with his left leg. He is still doing well. His right eye is starting to shift back to the center, rather than giving him the cross eyed look. His cheeks are so big right now, that he looks like he had teeth pulled. It doesn't affect his speech or cause him any problems. He is looking forward to finishing his appointments, and heading home. We are grateful for all God has done with him so far, and are looking forward to the day when this will all be a testimony. The kids have made friends with a little girl named Lauren here at the house. She is almost 2, and is going in for surgery tomorrow for a neuroblstoma. She is a fantastic, happy child. Please pray that God uses the doctors to bring about a cure for her. We are going to pray for her tonight. She is a little ray of sunshine, and the kids are going to pray for her as well. Please join with us, and pray for Lauren and her family, as her mother is 7 months pregnant, and this is a very wearing process for her and her husband.

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 03:15 PM (CST)

Well,
We are most of the way through the week. Elijah is doing well. He gets around well, and is trying to be more independent. Last night the Ronald McDonald house got us tickets to see a Knicks game. Even though the Knicks were blown out, the kids had fun. Elijah said the Knicks were so bad, he felt like rooting for the Jazz. Elijah is taking medications now for reactions to the decadron he is taking. We are going to go to the doctor tomorrow, to get him another medication they said would help. The medicines are just for reactions to the steroid, and have nothing to do with his overall recovery. He has a good attitude, and is cracing jokes to the technicians, who give him his treatments. Please continue to keep Elijah in your prayers. God is doing a work with him, and we just ask for prayers for strength, and continued healing for him, as he is touching many people here with his courage, and positive attitude.

Monday, November 11, 2002 at 03:46 PM (CST)

Well, Elijah has lost most of his hair now. Craig to show his support has also taken up a new look. he now has no hair above the neck except eyebrows and eyelashes. What a great Dad! I wish I had the guts! We are doing well. DJ stayed upstate this week for a much needed break. Please pray for him also as he is showing signs of stress. The doctor reduced Elijah's decadron another mg. this week. I got chewed out for his pants being too long. I was told I had better get them hemmed! You just don't argue with Doctor Allen. He is great! Always standing up for Elijah. Kathleen the nurse practitioner told Elijah he was full of crap, which Elijah took great delight in. It is a new hobby for him to torture Craig in the bathroom. She prescribed something for that and also for thrush as he has got a few sores in his mouth. But he is doing wonderful. He is able to walk further, and gets around on his own. He always has a positive attitude and a great sense of humor.

Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 02:56 PM (CST)

Today we decided to see how Elijah has improved with his endurance. There was a trip to the Bronx Zoo, that the house sponsored with the police department. He got around fairly well. The police were so nice to him. They got a golf cart for him incase he got tired, and they were constantly checking up on him. The great part about him making it through the zoo, was because the day before, we walked more than 30 blocks, to check out the Times Square Church. Pastor Rusch suggested it. The worship was amazing, and the church was very full for a Friday evening. We are headed upstate to see family tonight, but will be back tomorrow.

Thursday, November 07, 2002 at 07:36 PM (CST)

Today was a day for good news. Elijah needed a new mask, and a new CT scan for his treatment. The doctor told us later in the day, when he came in for his treatment with the new mask, that he wasn't looking for it, but the tumor had shrunk. He said that he hadn't expected that, this early in treatment. We realize that this is a wonderful sign, since doctors haven't told us any good news since the beginning, they are always very guarded. We were rejoicing today. God is healing him, and we are just going to stand on his word. We are extremely encouraged, and look forward to hearing more good news.

Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 03:10 PM (CST)

Today was a day that didn't go as well as we hoped. Elijah outgrew the mask they use to keep his head still for treatment, so they have to make another one. That will push his treatment schedule back 1-2 days. Not that it is anyhing bad, but we are looking forward to bringing a fully healed Elijah home. He also is losing his hair. He doesn't mind. I told him we will buy him a comfortable hat to wear, so he is fine with it. He is cracking jokes, and starting to act like his old self, which is a wonderful sign. God has his hands on Elijah, and we are looking forward to the good report. So we are back to the hospital tomorrow for them to make a new mask, and for him to get another CT scan. Then the physicist has to map out his treatment area, and treatment will start again. They are hoping for this to start tomorrow, but I don't want them to rush this for the sake of time. So we will be in a holding pattern for a day or 2, then he resumes treatment.

Tuesday, November 05, 2002 at 12:42 PM (CST)

Yesterday was a great day for Elijah at the hospital. Dr. Allen was very pleased with his progress. He lowered his dose of decadron another mg, and he said he will keep decreasing it 1mg a week. Elijah had fun giving out water at the marathon. There were many strangely dressed people there. Also, last night the people at Ronald McDonald house were taken to see the Christmas spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. It was a great show. The Nativity scene was terrific. Everyone had a great time. These activities do wonders for the kids. They walk around with smiles on their faces. As far as Elijah's treatments are going, everything is working out well. We know the Lord is in control of this, and Elijah is extremely encouraged. We look forward to his treatments being over, and him being fully healed, but that will all be in God's time. Until then we just stay encouraged by the prayers, and encouragement everyone has given us. We are very blessed and greatful for our support system. We can't wait to go home, but we still have another month to go.

Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 12:53 PM (CST)

Today has been a day of rest for Elijah. So far his treatments have gone well. He has suffered no side effects from the chemotherapy, or the radiation. He is getting around better, and the feeling in his body is coming back. We have been invited to help out giving out water for the NY marathon, which he should enjoy. The kids were all on TV on Halloween, and ABC said they would send us the tape. Elijah is enjoying his time at the Ronald McDonald house. It will be nice to see him completely healed, but we know all things happen in God's time not ours, so we are just being obedient, and doing what thedoctor's say.

Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 11:42 AM (CST)

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