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Monday, December 24, 2007 11:15 AM CST

Dear Dee,

Today is Christmas Eve and things are not the same without Taylor. We all miss her so much!!!!!!!! I want everyone to know I still go and see her at the mausoleum, and I talk to her all the time. I continue to talk about her and all the things she use to say and do. She was the most loving and caring little girl in the world. She could always make us laugh.

Mom and I continue to put new flowers on the crypt for every season or holiday. The memorial garden is decorated with Christmas lights and statues in her memory. My house still looks the same with all the pictures of Taylor and the Christmas decorations that she loved so well. I miss buying all the toys that she loved.

I'm doing well as can be, and I continue to work at the hospital. I try to stay busy, but I always have Taylor on my mind. Mom and dad are doing OK, but they still have a tough time with our loss of Taylor.

I just want everyone to know I still think of them at St. Jude and our friends and families that we were so close too. I want to wish every person to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is sometimes so hard to believe that she has been gone this long. Taylor has a new cousin that was born in October and her name is Mallory. I know she looks down on her from heaven.

Well, I guess I will go, and I want to thank all of you who continue to write on the site and continue to think and pray for us. I will never forget what everyone has done for me and my family. Take care and all my prayers to all of you.

Love,
Angie

Sunday, September 30, 2007 7:26 PM CDT

I have updated the photos in the album. The first two photos are memorials for Taylor that Angi, Mimi, and Grandad had put in the newspaper.

Angi, Mimi, and Grandad continue to visit Taylor and make sure she has flowers. The last flowers that were left for her were for her 6th birthday. The flowers were baby pink roses and baby's breath with butterflies and doves in the flowers. They also left her a stuffed dog that is white with pink spots. Everyone continues to miss Taylor and think of her often.

September is National Cancer Awareness Month. Please continue to pray for all the families that are dealing with pediatric cancer.

Here is another site that weighs on my heart. If you get the chance to visit with Lindsey, please do and leave a note of encouragement for her mom, Kristen.

http://lindseyann.net/default.aspx

Also, please continue to pray for Taylor's family and offer them your support and encouragement. You can leave a note for them in Taylor's guestbook.

God Bless,
~dee

Thursday, July 26, 2007 7:51 PM EST

Angi sent me this update today.

God Bless,
~dee




Dear Dee,

I guess that people think I have fallen of the face of the earth since I haven't updated the site. I've been doing a lot of things that I need to let everyone know about. Since the last time I had written in March I've been to Memphis for the remembrance day at St. Jude on April 13 and 14. It was a sad time, but it did bring back many memories for me. I saw the nurses and doctors that Taylor loved so much and the other families who were there for the remembrance of their child too. The Bowen's, Cole Walker's Mom and a new baby sister who is 6 months old, Helen Garner's Mom and dad and her twin brother Robert, Aaron Hunter's Mom and brothers, Hayden Moore's Mom. I wish that we had been there for a different reason, but we all had one thing in common that our child had fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. These children never gave up and were so determined to beat this.

This was a lonely and very tearful Easter for me, Mom and dad. Dee, you remember we were all at Mom and dad's house enjoying the day and watching Taylor laughing at Ryan chasing and playing with the dogs. Who would have thought that she would get so bad within two weeks and no longer be with us. I can still see her in the yard with me and wanting to play with the dogs. We placed new flowers on the crypt for Easter and then another new arrangement on the 1 year of her passing. It still is so hard to believe that she has been gone over a year. I still don't understand the reason this had to happen to her and I still get so sad and depressed that she isn't here. My life will never be the same.

During the month of May I didn't do a whole lot. Just been working and a little vacation. Mom and dad are doing OK. Hospice had a memorial service in memory of the patients they cared for that passed away in 2006 in Fairmont. I submitted a picture that was shown in a slide show during the service. It was very nice.

The first week of June I was interviewed by Rick Lord from WCHS-TV in Charleston. The TV station was doing the Dream Home giveaway for St. Jude and they ask me to do a story on Taylor. Rick and one of the camera men drove to my home and we did an awesome story on Taylor. It was shown on TV for four nights to let people know what St. Jude was doing to help all different kinds of cancer in children. All the proceeds from the tickets sold on the home go to St. Jude to help continue with their research. The home was beautiful and a family from Elkview, WV won the home. There is talk of them doing another dream home in WV again. The home was given away on Father's Day and they did a live show in Charleston. I was there with Mom and Iris, The Bowen's and the other family from VA who their son also had ATRT and is still doing well.

Oh, I forgot to mention I also was in Morgantown in May when the country station WKKW did the radio thon for St. Jude. I was there to speak on the radio and tell about Taylor, and what went on with her care, and what a great place it was. The guys from the station were all very nice and was so glad I could be present.

Well, it's July and the month is almost gone. I've been on vacation and was able to see our friends at the beach. The beach will never be the same without Taylor. She would have loved the place we stayed at this year. She loved the pool and playing in the sand. We can always see her and remember how she laughed and played with everyone. They all loved her.

Well, I guess I will go. Take care and thanks to all of you who still pray for me and my family. The first year has really been hard and I miss Taylor more and more everyday. She was my Life and it is so empty without her. One day I hope to understand all of this.
Love,
Angie

Saturday, March 31, 2007 11:11 AM CDT

Dear Dee,

Today is Saturday the 31st of March, and I'm here at home thinking of Taylor, and I can't believe it will be a year that she has passed in April. Somedays it seems like yesterday that this happened. She is always on my mind, and I miss her more and more everyday. I know her spirit is here with me, but it isn't the same. I miss playing with her and holding her close. She was such a lovable and giving child. She showed us how strong she was too. She never gave up her fight for life. I will always cherish my life with her and never forget how lucky I was to have such a beautiful child.

So, lets talk about what is going on with me and the family. I'm still working as much as I can to stay busy. Mom and dad are doing pretty good. Dad has done real well since his surgery. We also had some other good news, my cousin Angela is pregnant and due in November with her first child. She and Shane are very happy. They both were very close to Taylor, and Angela really had a hard time when Taylor passed away. We also had some not so good news about my Aunt Dreama, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about a month ago. She and her family need our prayers. They have not decided on a treatment yet, and she is living with my cousin Randy and Marti in Myrtle Beach. We are all praying that things go well for her.

Last week in Morgantown the country station WKKW had their radio thon for St. Jude and raised over $66,000.00. I was present both days, and spoke on the radio about St. Jude, and about Taylor and her care. They are a great bunch of people. They were hoping to raise more money, but things didn't go as planned. I was really happy to help out and enjoyed my time there.

Last year at Easter I was home with Taylor and the family was all at Mom and dad's house. Dee, you were there with Layne and Ryan, and we were all outside, and Taylor was laughing and watching Ryan and the dogs chasing him. It was a very special moment for all of us. This Easter will be sad and lonely without her here.

In a few weeks I will be leaving for Memphis for the remebrence day at St. Jude. This will be a special but sad time for me. I know I will probable see a lot of friends and families that day for the same reason. I hope as time passes, that the amount of families coming to this will be less and less, that they are able to find cures for all these cancers that children face today.

Well, I guess I will go and thank you to all who still check on me and my family. Please pray for my Aunt Dreama and keep her family in your prayers. I want to say "Hi" to all my friends, families from St. Jude and to all of you who write in the guestbook. God bless you all and take care.

Love,
Angie

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 1:39 PM CST

Here is an update I received today from Angi. Please continue to lift up Angi and her family with your prayers.


God Bless
~Dee





Dear Dee,

Sorry it has taken me so long to write. I've been busy with work and was really worried about dad. He did well after the surgery for the first few days, but on Saturday, January 27th he started vomiting and did not have any bowel sounds. He developed an ileus of the bowel. That is sometimes something that happens after major bowel surgery. He had to have an nasogastric tube placed down his nose and wasn't able to have any fluids or food. He was so sick and had quite a bit of pain. Mom was really worried about him. Because of all this happening dad spent two weeks in the hospital and would have probably been able to leave the next week. He lost quite a bit of weight and was weak. During the surgery the doctor was unable to connect the bowel so dad has a permanent colostomy. They were able to remove the entire mass and the lymph nodes were negative of any cancer cells. We are hoping that he will not have to have any maintenance chemo. Tomorrow will be two weeks that he has been home. He is doing pretty good and Mom helps him a lot. She has really been exhausted.

We have had some really bad weather. Lots of snow and it has been so cold. I will be glad when spring and summer are here.

The end of this month will be 10 months that Taylor has been gone. I still have a very hard time with this. I get so lonely here at home and think about her all the time.

Mom and I put up a new flower arrangement on the crypt for Valentine's Day. I always go to see her when I'm home.

Well, I guess I will go. Take care and thank you to all who continue to check on me and my family. We are doing OK but still have a difficult time with all of this. Taylor was my life and the greatest gift I will ever have. She has been missed by so many people but she will be remembered forever. God bless everyone and continue to pray for me and my family.

Love,
Angie

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 9:43 PM CST

Angi sent me this email to let everyone know how she is doing. Please continue to lift her and her family up in prayer. God Bless....Dee







Dear Dee,

I thought I would try to let everyone know how my holiday went without my "Little Angel" Taylor here. Christmas was sad and very lonely. Mom, dad and I remember the last 4 years of Christmas with her and the joy she brought to us. We will always have these memories in our hearts and mind.

Things are getting a little better, but I still have my sad and lonely days. I still get very down and cry because I miss her so much. So many things remind me of her and the things she would say or do. Taylor loved the outdoors and sitting on the porch. She was so outgoing and would speak to anyone. The winter months and the weather are a sad time for me.


I haven't been doing a lot, but working and I will be leaving this weekend for Virginia with Mom and dad. Dad has his surgery next Tuesday and I hope he does well. Please keep us in your prayers that everything goes well. I know that Taylor is telling Jesus to take care of her Granddad. She is probably giving orders to everyone and keeping them in line.

It still is so hard to think that it has been almost 9 months since she passed away. It seems like it was just yesterday, and I can still see that day she was so sick. I try not to remember her that way, I talk about her all the time. So many people that met Taylor said she was a beautiful child and was so happy. I know that because I was her mother and I will never forget all the love she gave me and the joy she brought to my life.

Well, I guess I will go. Take care and please let people know I still enjoy reading the guestbook with new entries. I miss everyone and think of all who continue to pray for me. Each day will get better, but it will never be the same.

Love,
Angie

Sunday, December 24, 2006 3:49 PM CST

I received this email from Angi. Please continue to offer Taylor's family your prayers and support to get them through the upcoming holidays. It has to be very difficult for them. Please continue to lift up the families who have children still fighting cancer.

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year!!!

Thank you and God Bless,
Dee





Dear Dee,

This is a very lonely and sad Christmas for me, my family and friends. Last year at this time we had returned back from St. Jude after a month of new chemo and Taylor was doing pretty good with it. It still is so hard to believe that she is in heaven with Jesus this year. I never gave up my hope and faith that Taylor would somehow beat the odds with this cancer. The house is so empty and the decorations just aren't the same here at home. I can still see her all the time and here that belly laugh that we loved so much.

I will be here for the holiday because I'm on call for work on Christmas Day. Mom and dad are coming up here to be with me. The weather this Christmas I guess is going to be sunny without any snow. I do like some snow on Christmas but I guess the weather has a different plan.

I want to say "thank you" to everyone who sent Christmas cards to me this year and thinking about me and the loneliness I have since Taylor is not here. I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year that is filled with love and joy.

I miss all my St. Jude friends, families and the staff and think of you all often. Just wanted everyone to know that Taylor and her friend Tori from last year at Ronald MacDonald House have a Christmas picture on their plush toys at Kay's and Leroy's Jewelers for sale and the proceeds goes to St. Jude. Please if you get a chance go and purchase one of these items so you will have a bear or a dog with their drawing. Tori and her mother Lynette lived beside us at Ronald MacDonald and Taylor loved playing and being with Tori. Her mother was a wonderful person and I really miss them.

I guess I will go and everyone have a great holiday and God Bless you all!!!!!!


Love,
Angie

Monday, November 27, 2006 6:20 PM CST

Dear Dee,

Sorry I haven't written for a while. The Thanksgiving holiday was a sad and lonely time without Taylor here. I was home with Mom and dad for the holiday. We put Thanksgiving cards on the crypt on Thanksgiving Day. I still have a hard time making sense of why this had to happen. I know that I've cried so many tears for losing her and I will never stop until I see her again. This Wednesday will be 7 months since she passed away. I know it seems like it was yesterday at times that this happened.

As for me I'm working and trying to move on with my life. Taylor is with me always and I will always have her in my heart.

We have had some pretty nice weather for the month of November. I hope that we don't see much snow this year.

Mom and dad are doing OK. Dad is having surgery after the first of the year. He finished this treatment and did well.

Well, I guess I will go and please remember to pray for all of us and for those who are lost without God in their lives. I continue to have hope and faith that life will be better for me and my family. I continue to pray and think about all my friends and staff from St. Jude and hope that their holiday was a blessing and happy one. Take care and God bless everyone.

Love,
Angie

Monday, October 23, 2006 2:14 PM CDT

Dear Dee,

Just a short update for the website. I' ve been keeping busy working and doing things around the house. I 've decided to wait about moving and stay here a little while longer. As you all know Dee's mother passed away on October 7th and we were all sad for her loss. She has been a dear cousin and so kind and giving of her time to do the website for Taylor. She has done an excellent job continuing this for me and Taylor.

My Mom and dad are doing OK. My dad finishes up all his treatment this Wednesday the 25th. It doesn't seem like it has been six weeks. I'm so glad he has tolerated all of this. We still don't know if he will have to have surgery. We are hoping for the best.

I'm always thinking and talking about Taylor. I miss her more and more as the months pass by. I can't believe it will be 6 months on the 29th since she passed away. When I was home the weekend of the 14th Mom, dad and I went to the Mausoleum and put a new fall flower arrangement on the crypt. We always place a special stuffed animal with it for the season or holiday. Taylor loved all her stuffed toys and she had so many. The same weekend I was home St. Jude had the survivor weekend. I signed up last fall and was hoping we would get to attend and see all our friends and the staff, but God had other plans for her and she is now living with no more pain and is a healthy little girl. Her life and spirit will live on and on until we meet again.

The holidays will not be the same for us. She always loved being with our family and getting love and attention. Christmas will be a very painful time for me, it will not be the same. I always loved when she opened all her gifts and didn't know what to play with first.

I hope on Halloween she can trick or treat with her family and friends in heaven.

Thank you all for your continued words of encouragement and prayers for me and my family. Please don't forget to pray for Dee's family and for their loss. I'm sorry I haven't been writing to my other St. Jude friends, but I do check on you, and keep in all in my heart and prayers. Take care and God bless you all.

Love,
Angie

Tuesday, October 3, 2006 2:05 PM CDT

Well, I was able to speak with Angi over the weekend. It was a very brief conversation, but she wanted me to give everyone an idea of how everyone is doing.

First of all, on Sept 15, Health South where Taylor received her therapies had a special ceremony and had a plaque made in Taylor's memory. The plaque has Taylor Marie Watson 2001-2006. Taylor was such a strong and couragous little girl who was very loved by all who met her, as well as those who never had the opportunity to meet her in person. She still affects our lives on a daily basis. A very special "Thank You" for Cheri' at Health South for thinking of Taylor.

There was a photo taken of John and Angi holding Taylor's plaque, but it seems the photo may have come out too dark. As soon as I get a copy of the photo, I will try to lighten it and get it posted. I'm also planning on changing out some photos within the next few days.

Angi is still doing as well as can be expected. She takes one day at a time and has good days as well as those expected bad days. She's not sure what her next step in life is right now. I think she feels a little lost without Taylor and not sure which direction to take.

Taylor's Granddad, Charlie, is battling his own health problems at the moment and could use your prayers. Taylor's family still needs your support and prayers to get them through each day. I'm certain it's difficult to think of something to say in the guestbook, but those entries really mean so much to the family. Please leave a message or send a card. They are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for continuing to check in and please continue to lift Taylor's family up in your prayers along with the other children and families fighting this ugly monster called pediatric cancer.

God Bless
~Dee

Wednesday, September 6, 2006 6:13 AM CDT

Here is the latest message from Angi. Thank you for stopping in and please don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Thank you and God Bless,
~Dee





Dear Dee,

Just a short update of what has been happening with me. I'm still working and trying to put things in storage. I went home two weeks ago and took the WaveRunner out to the lake with Shane, Angela and Wayne on Saturday, August 26th. We had a good time and enjoyed the beautiful day. After church on Sunday, Shane, Edie, Wayne and I went to another lake at home and went fishing, water skiing and rode the WaveRunner. We all had a good time. It has been 3 years since I have been on the WaveRunner. The last time I was on it was when Taylor was 2 the summer of 2003. Taylor enjoyed riding on the WaveRunner. It was like a boat to her. Everytime she looked out the car window and saw the river here she would say "boat mommy boat." I know the two days that I was out there on the water she was riding along with me even though I couldn't see her. I can imagine her saying "go mommy go."

It has now been four months since she passed away and my heart still aches every hour, minute and second of the day. I think about her all the time and what she would be doing right now. School has started, and I know she would be so happy to ride the bus, so she could go see Miss Judy at school. September of last year was a very sad and trying time for me. This was when they told me that the tumor was growing again and Taylor was having silent seizures. She was in the hospital and we had more upsetting news about the size of the tumor. This was like a major slap in the face that we were facing this all over again.

For the rest of the year Taylor fought with all she had to try and beat this terrible disease. As I watched my little girl go through all this all I wanted to do was take the pain, sickness and her fear away. I was with her from her birth until she took her last breath on earth. This was the hardest thing I have ever done to let go of something so precious to me. As I sit here I know she is no longer sick and I hope she is happy. I wish I could say that I was happy, and things were better here, but it will never be the same.

My Mom and dad are doing OK. The surgery my dad may have to have has been postponed. Right now we are hoping for a miracle. Our faith in God along with prayer will keep my Dad here. God is the only one who has total control of our lives and our future. I know we don't always like what he has planned for everyone but he knows best.

I guess I will go and thank you all for your continued support and words of encouragement on the guestbook. I always want to thank all my friends and families from St. Jude for their love and prayers to me and my family. I miss everyone from St. Jude and I hope to see all of you sometime soon. Take care and God bless you all.

Love, Angie

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:39 AM CDT

Dear Dee,

Today is a very special day to all of us, Taylor would be five years old at 5:08pm. It is so hard to believe she isn't here to celebrate with us. I remember last year we celebrated her birthday party at my house with the theme of "Baby Einstein." Mom, Dad, Dreama, Papaw, Edie and Wayne were also there. " Auntie" Iris was there also. I had a few close friends of mine and their children who were friends of my precious daughter Taylor. That was Papaw's last birthday with Taylor too. As you know he passed away on August 25th of last year.

Before 5:08pm today we will be going to the Mausoleum of Hope and putting a new flower arrangement on the crypt that was designed by Mimi with my assistance.

Today in the Register-Herald and the Times West Virginian newspapers I had a picture and poem in the memorial classifieds to let her know who much we miss her. When I get copies I will send you one so that you can put it on the web site.

Well, I guess I will go and thanks to all who continue to write and keep up with the website. The entries on the guestbook are a good form of medicine for me and it lets me know how special Taylor was to so many. I miss all my friends, families and staff at St. Jude and have them close to my heart. Please remember to keep my dad in your prayers and we are hoping that he may not have to have surgery real soon. Take care and God bless you all.
Love,
Angie

Saturday, August 5, 2006 2:26 PM CDT

I just received this update from Angi. Please continue to keep Taylor's family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for continuing to check in on Taylor's site and don't forget to leave a message in the guestbook.

God Bless,
~Dee




Dear Dee,

It is so hard to believe that we are in the month of August. Taylor will be five years old in ten days. I still feel so numb and miss her so much. As you know, my dad hasn't been doing to good. He is really looking bad and we had some news that was very upsetting to us. He will have to have surgery and I pray he will do fine. Please everyone who continues to keep in touch please pray for my dad and our family. We have endured so much these past two and a half years that I think it will never get better.

I have been working and trying to get stuff packed up and put into storage. I have no definite time I plan on moving, but I hope to in the next few months. The weather has been so hot that it is terrible to load up the car. I was home last weekend for Olivia's birthday party at Dreama's house. Taylor and Olivia played together last year at her party when she turned one. We all missed her this year and even cried about it. The 29th of July was 3 months since Taylor passed away. It seems like it was just a short time ago.

Angel continues to miss Taylor and spends time in her room when I'm upstairs packing. I know that with her keen sense of smell she can smell the scent of Taylor.

Next Tuesday on Taylor's birthday I will be putting a new flower arrangement on the crypt. Mom and I have picked out some very pretty and dante flowers to make the arrangement. We visit the crypt all the time and talk to her about how we miss her.

When I arrived home last weekend Mom surprised me. The memorial flower garden we had made for Taylor was finished and in the front yard of the house. It is so beautiful and it reminds me of Taylor and how much she loved seeing and smelling flowers. The three trees are planted in it also. We have a little girl setting on a bench and feeding a bird who is setting on a basket handle. We have the stone we found that says "I love my Dachshund," next to the bench. We have a special stone that the Price family bought me to place in the garden too. Auntie Iris had three flood lights placed in front of the garden so at night you can see the garden. It is just awesome !!!!!!!!!

Well, I guess I will go, and please continue to pray for all of us, and continue to check on us and write in the guestbook. I think of all my friends at St. Jude who have been through the same thing and hope they are doing OK. I send all my love to all my friends from St. Jude and the staff who were so good to Taylor. Remember that we only have one life here on earth and continue to praise and thank God everyday for your health and your family. Someday I hope to see my daughter again and be happy with her. Take care and God bless you all.

Love,
Angie

Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:26 AM CDT

Here is the message I received from Angi today. Thank you for continuing to check in on Taylor's family and leaving any words of encouragement.

God Bless,
~Dee




Dear Dee,

I wanted to write to you and everyone and let you know how we are doing. I'm working and things are going OK. The house is so empty without the love and laughter of Taylor. I sometimes don't know what to do with myself because she was my life. Mom, dad and I went to the beach the week of July 4th and we had an OK time. It wasn't the same at all. Taylor would have enjoyed herself so much at this place. Mom and dad paid for everything with their money they receive for retirement. My parents aren't rich, but they are very caring and try to help me as much as they can. Our friends the Prices were there also, and it is always good to see them. They are so glad they had the opportunity to meet Taylor last year and they fell in love with her too.

Mom and dad are doing OK. Dad hasn't been feeling to good. We all have good and bad days. I know how we feel and our friends and family about the loss of a beautiful child as Taylor. My life will never be the same again. I guess it may get a little better with time, but my heart will always ache for her. Next month she would have been five years old. Someday I hope to understand all of this and why it happened to her.

Well, I guess I will go and thank you to all who continue to check on us and write in the guestbook. I know I appreciate all the words of encouragement and to know everyone cares so much. I wish I was writing about Taylor and what she was doing and how she was feeling but we all know she is healthy and happy. Take care and God Bless you all.

Love,
Angie

Saturday, June 24, 2006 4:45 PM CDT

I spoke with Angi for awhile today. She stated things are a little better. She started back to work recently. She continues to have good days and bad days. Some days are definately worse than others. She's really lonesome. It just feels like she is suppose to be taking care of things that same as when Taylor was there. She feels as if she should be playing, feeding, bathing, and just being with Taylor.

Taylor's dog, Angel, continues to search for Taylor. If Angel has been to Charlie and Palma's, when she returns to Angi's she goes through the house looking for Taylor, even searching Taylor's room for her. She starts shivering when she hears Taylor's name mentioned. I didn't find out until today that near the end Taylor still wanted Angel by her side. Angi stated Taylor would request Angel to be there with her and Taylor would lock her arms around Angel and hold her close.

Palma and Charlie are about the same. They both get very emotional, especially when talking about Taylor.

Please continue to keep Taylor's family in your thoughts and prayers.

It's also helpful for Angi to read the guestbook entries. Please leave a message in the guestbook to let Angi know you're still checking in on her and you're thinking about her. If you prefer to drop her a card, her address is listed on the site.

Thank you and God Bless,
~Dee

Saturday, June 24, 2006 4:45 PM CDT

I spoke with Angi for awhile today. She stated things are a little better. She started back to work recently. She continues to have good days and bad days. Some days are definately worse than others. She's really lonesome. It just feels like she is suppose to be taking care of things that same as when Taylor was there. She feels as if she should be playing, feeding, bathing, and just being with Taylor.

Taylor's dog, Angel, continues to search for Taylor. If Angel has been to Charlie and Palma's, when she returns to Angi's she goes through the house looking for Taylor, even searching Taylor's room for her. She even starts shivering when she hears Taylor's name mentioned. I didn't find out until today that near the end Taylor wanted Angel by her side. Angi stated Taylor would request Angel to be there with her and Taylor would lock her arms around Angel and hold her close.

Palma and Charlie are about the same. They both get very emotional, especially when talking about Taylor.

Please continue to keep Taylor's family in your thoughts and prayers.

It's also helpful for Angi to read the guestbook entries. Please leave a message in the guestbook to let Angi know you're still checking in on her and you're thinking about her. If you prefer to drop her a card, her address is listed on the site.

Thank you and God Bless,
~Dee

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 12:24 AM EST

Please keep Jacob's family in your thoughts and prayers as they celebrate Jacob's Earthly life. His new life with Jesus began on Monday, June 12. Cut and paste the link below to visit his page.


http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/jacob/






I spoke with Angi and Palma this weekend. When asked how everyone is doing, Angi used the term "alright". From the tone of her voice, I'm guessing "alright" is one of their better days. Palma said it is difficult because Taylor is everywhere and she, Charlie, and Angi all continue to go through moments of extreme grief, while still trying to remain strong for the others.

Angi said Taylor's preschool had a tree planting as a memorial to Taylor. The school planted a Red Bud in her honor. The kindergarten kids went outside and sang a song and the preschoolers sang a few songs as well, before having punch and cookies. The principal from the elementary school and Taylor's teacher were both able to attend.

Angi also told me a story of a young girl in Taylor's class. Kimmi is very upset with Taylor's passing. Kimmi's family raises long haired dachshunds and Kimmi kept one from the last litter and named the puppy "Taylor". Kimmi named the dog "Taylor", this way she could give Taylor hugs.

Please continue to keep Angi, Palma, and Charlie in your prayers.

I am in the process of getting a DVD that was made for Taylor's funeral uploaded to Taylor's site. I hope to have this done within the next couple of weeks. I also should have new photos to post.

Thank you for continue to check in and God Bless,
~Dee

Saturday, May 13, 2006 4:53 PM CDT

Dear Dee,


I'm sitting here the day before Mother's Day and my heart aches so. I'm having a hard time dealing with the loss of Taylor. My life feels so empty and mine and Taylor's home isn't the same without Taylor being there. Mom and I returned to Fairmont on May 8th, and it was so hard to go inside. Mom, dad, and I both cry everyday or several times a day. Angel is even lost without Taylor. Right now I'm so angry with God, but I know this isn't the right way to feel. I knew that my time with Taylor was coming to an end, but I didn't want to lose my hope and faith. When she was so bad on April 28th I felt so helpless. All I wanted was Taylor to improve with the help of the medicines and give me more time. She was scared, and I know she was having pain, and she didn't know how to tell us. I told her that if she couldn't be here anymore, that it was alright to leave and go be with Jesus. I told her I would see her again sometime, and I knew that she wouldn't be sick anymore. She would be able to walk, run and do all the things that little girls do. I wish that she could come down here on earth and let me know that she is doing fine and that she is happy. I guess I'm being selfish, but all I want is to have her back.

Well, I guess I need to talk about something else beside myself. The services we had for Taylor were beautiful. She looked like a little doll. We had many visitors at both viewings. Randy Cook and Craig Stevens both did excellent services. My cousin Marti sang two beautiful songs that touched all our hearts. The three poems written by Randy Cook, Mark McKenzie and Aunt Edie were all beautiful and were read at the funeral on Wednesday. The white dove that we all watched fly away, symbolizing the spirit of Taylor was just beautiful too. I think this is really a nice touch that the funeral homes do now. We have been out to the mausoleum several times and placed a beautiful silk flower arrangement in the vase. Mom, dad, Dreama and I went out there to see her and tell her we loved her and missed her. It is so hard that we can not see or touch her. I know see is looking down on us and is with us all the time.

As I close I would like to thank all the families, friends and all who have been so thoughtful and caring during this difficult time. The flowers and cards were beautiful. Taylor touched so many lives and made us see that we can love everyone. She was so giving and her heart was genuine. She brought so much happiness and love to my life that I will see her again one of these days.


Dee you have done such a wonderful job with this website and the things that you have done to help us through these past two years. We have been blessed to have such a special cousin. Taylor loved you guys and all our families. We will never forget that "infectious belly laugh" and all the hugs and kisses. I know one day we will see her in heaven and be happy again. Take care and God bless everyone.


Love,
Angie

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 5:48 AM CDT

I wanted to provide an update this morning before leaving for Taylor's funeral. Charlie, Palma, and Angi are trying to be strong, their love for Taylor so apparent to all, as is their sorrow and grief. These last few days their time and energy have been spent on making final arrangements and preparing themselves to say their goodbyes to Taylor. It is clearly evident Taylor, in just her short, precious years, has affected so many other lives around the world.

As with most times in dealing with the grief of a loved one, we look back with regrets, guilt, and the notorious "what if's". It is so easy to wonder how unfair and unjust it is a child who is so loved can be ripped from our arms and hearts. It is so difficult not to question why. We were never promised an earthly life void of pain and heartache, but we were promised the chance for a new life. A new life without suffering and pain, but abound instead with happiness and laughter. I cannot help but to feel Taylor is so blessed in being beckoned to her new home so soon in her life. She has known nothing but kindness and love, extending from not only her family and friends, but to the dedicated nurses and doctor's at St. Jude's who struggle with the fight against pediatric cancer. Her heart and soul will never be tainted or tarnished by the temptations and evils offered in this life, but will remain pure and as white as the fleece of the lamb Himself.

Taylor's journey here may have ended, but her journey into a new and better life has just begun. I'm sure she is walking with her hand enfolded with the hand of Jesus as she strolls through the streets of gold, her spirit finally free to soar among the other angels...for surely we witnessed an angel among us.

Sweet dreams, little one, until we meet again.

~Dee

Saturday, April 29, 2006 7:51 AM EST

Funeral Arrangements for Taylor:

Ford Funeral Home
201 Columbia Street
Fairmont, WV 26554
304.363.3130

Monday, May 1, 2006 - Visitation: 2-9 PM

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - Memorial Services 10 AM





Blue Ridge Memorial Funeral Home
5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
304.256.8625

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - Visitation 5-9 PM

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - Memorial Services 10 AM

Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Garden

Memorial contributions can be on Taylor's behalf to St. Jude's Research Hospital.

Memorial and Honor Program
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105

If you are interested in making a donation to help cover funeral expenses, please use the 'donation' button above. Credit cards are accepted through the donation link. If you prefer to mail a check, please send it Taylor's grandmother, Mimi.

Palma Bradley
110 Christopher Drive
Beckley, WV 25801

Please sign the guestbook.

Thank you and God Bless,
~Dee






It is with a very sad and broken heart I sit here and write this update. Little Taylor passed from her mother's arms into the arms of Jesus around 7:30 AM. Angi was waiting for hospice to arrive this morning when little Taylor took her last breath while in Angi's arms. I'll update the web site as more information comes in. Please keep Taylor's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you and God Bless,
~Dee






I just received a call from Mimi. Taylor is not doing well. Hospice is with her today and has sedated Taylor and given her oxygen because she is having a very difficult time breathing. Please keep Taylor in your prayers. I'll update as information becomes available.



Please help Taylor through iGive.com. You can sign up with iGive.com for free and a donation will be given to the Taylor Marie Watson Health Fund when you join and shop online through thier web site. The donation to Taylor will be made by the retailer, not by the consumer.

Follow this link to join and help little Taylor.

Taylor's iGive Link







Well, I know there have been entries in the guestbook stating 'no news is good news', but unfortunately that isn't the situation in this case. I'm doing things different in this update in that I'm giving the present day information first.

Taylor is absolutely exhausted. She is very irritable and not sleeping well. Angi stated they don't know what to do for Taylor to help ease and comfort her. Taylor's breathing has changed, it is fast and labored and has a really loud gurgling sound. Hospice was called and the hospice nurse has evaluated Taylor's case and is going to have Taylor begin medication to try to help with her sleeping problems and the agitation. The nurse will also start Taylor on oxygen in case she is oxygen deprived to see if that will help. We don't know if Taylor's sleep trouble and irritability is due to the steroids, pain, or something else going on with the tumor.

Angi is also exhausted...mentally, emotionally, as well as physically. She went to work on Monday, but it's apparent with her exhaustion that work is not going to be possible at this time.

Now, starting back from the time Taylor came back from St. Jude's...

Taylor had developed some type of virus that was causing the nausea and diarrhea and she was able to get through the virus. Taylor seemed to overall stable and even attended preschool Thursday and Friday last week and was glad to be be back at school.

John, Angi, and Taylor have been concentrating on doing more 'family oriented' activities. John and Angi took Taylor to a couple of movies as well as the Pittsburg Zoo. All three went to church together on Easter Sunday and then Angi and Taylor drove to Beckley to visit with family. I had the chance to visit with Taylor and Angi that same Sunday before I had to head back to Kentucky. Taylor was all smiles that day. She was full of laughter and love. Taylor must have deemed me to be special because she actually sat in my lap and gave me hugs and kisses, something I was told she doesn't hand out freely. She wanted people to help walk her around and to take her out in the yard so she could walk her dog, Angel. Angel was running in Mimi's front yard and Taylor thought that was just hilarious. Taylor climbed up on the railing on the porch to watch Angel and was laughing at all of Angel's antics. It's hard to believe that was just a little over a week ago.

I will update the site as I recieve information. Please lift Taylor and her family up in your prayrs. If you able to make a donation, regardless of the amount, it would be greatly appreciated. Please follow the 'Donation' link to be directed to paypal. If you prefer to send a check, please email me and I will provide you Mimi's mailing address.

I have set up Taylor an email account. You can email her or Angi directly now if you chose. The address is TaylorMWatson@gmail.com

Thank you for checking in on Taylor and please continue to sign the guestbook. I would also like to express our appreciate for all the donations, cards, and prayers for Taylor.

Also, one last note...if you have any photos with Taylor in them, please email me the photo. I appreciate it.

God Bless
~Dee

Thursday, April 6, 2006 4:13 PM EST

Angi and John are on their way back to Fairmont. The news today from St. Jude's was to take Taylor home and enjoy her. It has been decided there are no other medical options available to Taylor and the next step is to contact hospice. The tumor has grown another 1 cm and is bleeding more. Taylor will continue to take steriods to try to keep the swelling down, but all other medication has been stopped. The tumor will probably put pressure on the ventricle to the point Taylor will stop breathing in her sleep. Angi stated Taylor's personality traits that make her Taylor are disappearing. Today, all Taylor wanted to do was to go home.

Please continue to lift Taylor and her family up in your prayers.

Thank you and God Bless
~Dee

Monday, April 3, 2006 3:10 AM CDT

Here is the latest information from Angi. Please continue to lift Taylor and her family up in your prayers. Thank you and God Bless.

~Dee




Dear Dee,

Here is the latest news on Taylor. Taylor seemed a little better the week of March 27th. She is breathing a little better, but it is still fast at times. I took her to therapy on Tuesday and Wednesday. She was glad to see everyone and did pretty good. On Wednesday she didn't seem like she was feeling too good, so we had to leave early.

On Thursday and Friday she attended school. This was her first time back since early February. The teacher and the kids were all happy to see her and she was excited about seeing them. Of course she is always excited to ride the bus. Mrs. Donaldson, Taylor's teacher said that Taylor played well with the other children. On both days of school she became tired in the afternoon and I was called because she wanted her "mommy." It is the policy of the school, if a child ask for their parents, we have to be called.

On Saturday and Sunday, she was not feeling well, and was not very active, also sleeping more, taking several naps which is very unusual for her. Taylor's appetite
has decreased despite the steroids. She has vomited several times after eating and appears to have difficulty swallowing.

We are returning to St. Jude today for a follow-up visit and MRI on Wednesday. I am hoping and praying we receive good news.

I also want to thank everyone for the cards, gifts, words of encouragement and their prayers. We continue to have faith in God and praying for a miracle. Please
continue to remember all of the children and families that are going through the same thing that we are.

I will let you know the results of the MRI, as this will determine if she will require additional treatment.

Take care and God bless all !!!

Love,
Angie

Sunday, March 26, 2006 9:18 PM CST

I received this update from Angi. Please continue to keep little Taylor in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you and God Bless

~Dee




Dear Dee,

Thought I would write to let everyone know how Taylor has been doing this past week. The weekend when Sally was here Taylor started feeling a little better. We were so happy that her appetite had improved and she was a little more active.

Starting on Monday, I noticed that she was having more difficulty breathing and her activity level had decreased. She was breathing really fast and was having periods where she would stop breathing. When she wasn't doing any kind of activity she had difficulty breathing too. At night it was even worse. The breathing at night was so loud like she was snoring. I was always trying to reposition her head or her body to help reduce the noise, and make sure she was breathing all right. On Thursday the 23rd I took Taylor to the doctor because her breathing was not improving. The doctor did a chest xray and it was clear, but she was still having problems. I asked if they could start her on some breathing treatments, that they use for asthma patients. She had taken these before when she was younger, and when she was going through treatment in 2004. She started getting hoarse on Wednesday and by Friday she had no voice. She didn't feel well and I felt so bad for her. She was eating, but really had no energy. I started running a vaporizer at night with Vicks medicine in it, I thought this would help open her up. On Saturday morning she seemed a little better, after she was getting breathing treatments every 4 hours, and using the vaporizer. Her voice was a little better on Saturday too. I was so happy that she was doing better and I thanked the good Lord above for taking care of her.

On Tuesday the 21st Taylor had bloodwork and her counts had dropped some since the last bloodwork which was done at St. Jude. Her WBC 5.2, hemoglobin 12.7, platelets 250, and ANC 2496. The chemo will cause her counts to drop but not like the high dose chemo. She will have bloodwork this week before we leave for Tennessee next week. I hope that her counts haven't dropped too much.

Taylor has been spending some time with her Daddy at Mamaw's house. I'm sure she enjoys it over there.

We really enjoyed having Aunt Sally here last weekend. She has been a great sister to me and Aunt to Taylor. Taylor loves the attention and loves to have company. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful family who loves Taylor so much.

Taylor has had some vomiting but most of it is due to when she eats too much. She has been taking all her medicines without any problems even her chemo. Taylor has been unable to attend therapy or school because she hasn't been feeling well. She really misses her friends at school and riding the bus. I hope that maybe she will be better this week and we can attend some therapy and school.

Thank you all for all your entries in the guestbook and your prayers. We always appreciate all your love and support during this difficult time. I have visited several of my caring bridge families but have been bad about signing the guestbook. I'm so happy that Louie, Easton, and Carson are doing so well. We miss you guys! I always want to thank all the friends, families, churches and school groups who continue to send cards, gifts and words of caring and hope to Taylor. I know that I still have my faith and hope that the Lord above will take care of Taylor and all of us. He has been there this far and I know he will always be there. Take care and God Bless you all.

Love, Angie

Saturday, March 18, 2006 5:59 PM CST

I just received this update from Angi. Please continue your prayers for Taylor and her family.

Thank you and God Bless ~ Dee


Dear Dee,

I wanted to let everyone know that we are now home in WV. We arrived home on Wednesday night. Taylor has not been doing too good. She is breathing extremely fast and much harder, and her speech is very hard to understand at times. She isn't playing as much and she doesn't talk as much either. Taylor's voice is very hoarse, raspy at times, and she seems to have more difficulty swallowing. Occasionally she gets choked on her food. The vomiting seems to be a little better, but she still vomits when she eats and drinks too much at one time. I have been so upset with all of this. I called down to St. Jude on Thursday to see about getting something to increase her appetite since it was so poor. I told the nurse practitioner she seemed worse since Monday before we left, and the doctor increased her steroid medicine. He felt that the pressure could be causing the symptoms to increase. He told us that we could increase her steroids to help with the swelling and keep her more comfortable. We started the chemo on Tuesday and we are praying that it will do something. Today she seemed a little better and she did eat a little better too.

Taylor enjoyed Dora the Explorer and the Grizzle game before we left. We had awesome seats. Chad Bolen who gave us tickets for the last game we attended in December gave us these tickets, which were on the front row on the court. We got some good pictures of the game and we got a great picture of Taylor with the Grizzle mascot.

Aunt Sally is visiting us from Ohio. She arrived here on Friday. Taylor was happy to see her and they have been playing together. Taylor has to be the center of attention. Mimi and Granddad were here when we got home on Wednesday and Taylor was so happy to see them and Angel. They were all upset with the changes that they saw in Taylor.

Taylor has received mail and gifts from several people. She always enjoys opening her mail. Thank you to all who continue to send her mail and gifts.

We will be returning to Memphis the first week of April for scans. The chemo Taylor is taking is given twice a day for three weeks. The last week she does not receive any and this is when we return. She will have weekly bloodwork to check her counts. We are hoping and praying that God will intervene and we get a miracle. We have been so blessed to have her here with us and we hope she will improve with the medicine and the tumor will shrink or die. We haven't given up our hope and we have faith that God will answer our prayers.

Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. We enjoy receiving new entries in the guestbook. I want to let all my St. Jude friends and families know we think of you always and hope that all are doing well. Please continue your prayers for all our Friends and Families. God bless everyone and take care.

Love,
Angie

Thursday, March 9, 2006 8:26 PM CST

Dear Dee,

We have some news that isn't too good. On Monday we were seen in clinic and Dr. Gajjar told us that the tumor had grown 4 to 5 millimeters in the two weeks since the last scan. We were so shocked and due to this he told us that the chemo would not help and we may not have much time. We were numb and we cried over this news. Taylor has been sleeping more and not playing as much. She did vomit twice when we first got here last week but has not had any more since last week. Her speech seems to be worse and she sounds raspy when talking. She scares me when she is sleeping because she breaths so hard. The tumor is getting very close to the medulla the part of the brainstem and this area deals with her vital signs. Swallowing is also a part with this area too. He showed us how much room she has between the tumor and brainstem and it isn't very much. As she becomes more symptomatic they will have to increase the steroids for the swelling.

When we returned to clinic on Tuesday we had to give an answer to what we are going to do. After talking to Dr. Gajjar we will be returning home and instead of using the Phase 1 chemo trial we will try some other chemo that Taylor took two years ago when she had her 7 months of treatment. It is an oral chemo too. We are praying that this will control the growth of the tumor or stabilize it. If this does help we may be able to do some other trial.

Wednesday and today she seems a little better. She has been more active and playing with us and her speech sounds better. We took her to the mall yesterday to make her build a bear. We enjoyed doing that. She has a new bear named Grizzley and he looks like a Memphis Grizzle basketball player.

On Saturday we are going to see Dora the Explorer on stage at the Orephum and Sunday a basketball game. The Grizzlies are playing Philadelphia 76ers. We are excited to be going to these events. We all enjoyed the game we saw in December. We will be leaving next week and I will stay home with Taylor and pray that she stays well and we get a miracle and the chemo will help.

Please all you prayer warriors and friends and family continue to pray for Taylor and ask the Good Lord above to give us more time with our daughter because we aren't ready to let go. She has been such a fighter. We have been fighting this battle for two years and I will fight and fight to keep her here. We always appreciate all the cards to Taylor. We have met some wonderful new families here at Ronald McDonald and we pray that all there children continue to do well and all our old friends from Target House are doing well too. Take care and pray extra hard for us and all our families that we get a miracle soon.

Love,
Angie

Monday, March 6, 2006 1:58 PM CST

Dear Dee,

Taylor did well with her scan on Friday but we have not been given any results. We are hoping that it has not changed in size. On Saturday we did crafts with two different churches who were here. One of the churches served lunch and the other one served dinner. Taylor has been a little cranky this weekend and she has vomited a couple of times since we arrived on Tuesday. Taylor will be starting therapy on Monday and we will begin the new chemo on Tuesday.

This past Thursday was a beautiful day so we headed to the zoo. We saw several of the animals and now they have a new exhibit with polar bears. There are three bears. The sea lions have a new area too and they were having a great time. Taylor really enjoys the zoo. We have seen some of the same families here when we were here in November and December.

Taylor has made a new little friend, his name is David. He is really cute. Taylor enjoys playing with him and giving him hugs. She gives everybody she meets a hug and sometimes a kiss.

Well, we hope that we get a good response with this new drug and we have 5 weeks left. I always want to thank all of you who continue to send cards to Taylor. We appreciate all the prayers and entries in the guestbook. We are praying that we get a miracle soon. We are still beating the odds with this nasty disease. God bless all and take care.

Love,
Angie



Taylor and her family are at the Ronald McDonald house and if things go as scheduled, they will be going back to West Virginia the first week of April.

They may be conacted at the following information:

Ronald McDonald House
Room 22
535 Alabama Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105
901.312.7422

If you are interested in making a donation to help with Taylor's expenses, I have placed a 'make a donation' button to Taylor's page for you convienence.

Thank you and God Bless,
Dee

Friday, March 3, 2006 1:37 PM EST

Taylor is scheduled for scans on Friday. She begins her new chemo treatment on Tuesday.

Taylor and her family are at the Ronald McDonald house and if things go as scheduled, they will be going back to West Virginia the first week of April.

They may be conacted at the following information:

Ronald McDonald House
Room 22
535 Alabama Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105
901.312.7422

If you are interested in making a donation to help with Taylor's expenses, I have placed a 'make a donation' button to Taylor's page for you convienence.

Thank you and God Bless,
Dee




Dear Dee,

We have good news. We are heading back to Tennessee on Monday, February 27th to try another form of oral chemo. Taylor will have tests starting on Wednesday, March 1st and we hope to start the new drug on March 7th. There is only one spot left for a child in this study. We have to pray and hope that no one else will qualify for this study before Tuesday the 28th. This study is done at several other hospitals around the country and if another child is ready to start before Tuesday we will have to cross another bridge to find something else. This form of oral chemo is for brain tumor children and we hope it will help. We will hopefully be in Ronald McDonald House again for six weeks while we are there. When I get an address and phone number I will let you know.

Taylor has been doing all right this past week. She has vomited a couple of times and occasionally gets choked on foods. She wasn't feeling the greatest this past week so she did not attend therapy or preschool. While we are in Memphis I hope that she can get some therapy. She is still active and plays and tries to dance when she sees or hears certain songs. Her appetite has decreased some but I can't tell if her weight has changed. She still feels as heavy as she has been for several months. We are praying that we get a good response with this chemo and I hope that the tumor has not increased in size. I finally got measurements on the tumor size for December and February. In December the tumor measured 2.8 cm x 2.3 cm x 2.7 cm. In February it was 3.4 cm x 2.4 cm x 2.8 cm. The tumor grew in height which was the first numbers and not as much from front to back and left to right which are the other measurements. The tumor in the temporal area was 6 mm in December and is now 8 mm. The tumor which is above the brainstem is still stable with no change. This blows everyone's mind that it has responded so well.

Well, I guess I will go and start more packing. Thank you to everyone who still continues to send cards to Taylor. She loves her mail. We can't say how much we appreciate all your prayers and entries on the guestbook. We are hoping we get a miracle soon. God bless all of you and take care.
Love, Angie

Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:42 PM EST

There is a new oral chemo study Taylor may qualify to participate in. Taylor will be going back to St. Jude's next week to have tests conducted before being allowed in the study. At this time, there is only one spot left in this study and it's important that Taylor not produce any new symptoms. Please continue praying for Taylor and her family.



I just received a call from Angi concerning Taylor's scans today. The news is not what we were hoping. The tumor in the posterior aspect of the brain has grown since December. Angi wasn't given any measurements to compare the size of the tumor to the scans taken in December. Right now Taylor is no longer in the oral chemo studies due to the tumor growth. The doctors are trying to find another study in which Taylor may qualify and should be getting back with Angi on this matter Tuesday of next week. Taylor needs to remain asymtomatic in order to qualify for a new study. Taylor has been vomitting since Tuesday and it is believed this may be cause by the tumor grown putting pressure on Taylor's brain stem.

Please continue to keep Taylor and her family in your prayers. Please also pray Taylor does not develop any new symptoms and they can find a study or protocol for her.

Thank you for checking in on Taylor.

God Bless,
Dee


*Note* I had incorrectly stated the location of the tumor as being the right temporal area of the brain instead of in the posterior aspect of the brain. Angi took the time out this morning to let me know I had the wrong information and I've corrected in the update. I hope this did not cause any confusion. Please excuse my mistake.

Dee

Monday, February 13, 2006 12:46 AM CST

Dear Dee,

Here is a little update on Taylor. Taylor has been doing pretty good and still goes to therapy twice a week and attends preschool on Thursday and Friday. She has been doing well in therapy and her teacher in school said they just love having her and she plays and participates in all activities. I hope that she learns a lot in school.

Taylor had bloodwork two more times since the last update. On January 30th her WBC 3.8, hemoglobin 12.4, platelets 129, and ANC 2052. On February 6th her WBC 4.2, hemoglobin 12.3, platelets 145, and ANC 2058. She has one more dose of chemo this evening and we head for Tennessee tomorrow for scans. We pray that they give us good news. She has been doing so good and the vomiting is much better. I hope that the increase in the medicine has helped.

Taylor and Angel are always busy playing with each other. Taylor gets a little rough sometimes and I have to scold them both like two kids. She really loves her puppy.

With the weather being so bad we haven't been able to spend much time outside. We are hoping that spring will come soon.

Well, I guess I will go and please continue to pray for Taylor's healing. Thanks to all of you who continue to send Taylor cards and gifts. She still enjoys opening her cards. Pray that we have a safe trip to and from Tennessee and we bring back good news. HAPPY VALENTINE'S TO EVERYONE.
Love, Angie

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 3:08 PM CST

Here is the latest update from Angi. Be on the look out for new photos to be added! Thank you and God Bless ~Dee




Dear Dee:

Here is the latest news on Taylor. On Thursday, January 12th the doctor from Pittsburgh called to let me know that on the biopsy of Taylor's esophagus showed some inflammation. She told me that she would be increasing here Prevacid to 30mgs in the morning and 15mgs at night. I was glad that it wasn't anything that we weren't able to take care of. Taylor had therapy on Wednesday and she had school on Friday. She wasn't feeling that well on Thursday so she did not attend school. Over the weekend she was with her daddy and he brought her back on Sunday so we could leave for Beckley and pick up Mimi and Dreama and head to Tennessee. This was the first trip that Dreama had taken since she was there in August 2004 for Taylor's birthday.

We arrived in Memphis on Monday evening and were at the Grizzlies House. Taylor always recognizes St. Jude when we get there. On Tuesday morning the 17th we had early appointments. Taylor had bloodwork and her labs were WBC 3.8, hemoglobin 13.2, platelets 154, and ANC 1600. Several of them were low but this was due to the chemo. We had appointments in OT, PT, and speech and a clinic visit. The clinic was glad that she was doing pretty good and tolerating her chemo. They decreased her dexamethasone a half a milliliter and now she is taking 2.0 ml twice a day instead of 2.5 ml. I hope to at some point to get her off of the dex. She weighed 15.7 kg and she is 94.6 cm. They also did lab work to see if her thyroid was still doing good. They do not have to increase her thyroid medicine at this time which is good. We all enjoyed our trip and everybody from the hospital was glad to see Mimi and meet Dreama. Taylor always loves seeing the doctors and nurses.

While we were there we saw Garrett Starr and his Mom Melissa and his grandma. It was good to see them and Taylor was happy to see him and she gave him lots of hugs and kisses. I was glad to here that they got a good report. We hope to see them again in three
months.

We got back to Beckley on Thursday and we came back to Fairmont on Saturday the 21st.

Taylor started back with her therapies on Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th. I worked 3-11 on Monday and Tuesday so that one of us was with Taylor. John was working dayshift and he had Taylor in the evening and all night. Everybody is really pleased with how much progress Taylor has made in OT and speech since we maxed out these therapies in the early summer. We start back with a certain number of visits for the new year. Taylor missed school on Thursday and she attended school on Friday. Thursday we had snow and the schools were on a 2 hour delay so I kept her home. It was really cold and she slept in late. Mimi and Granddad came up on Wednesday evening. Mimi help watch Taylor since I was working dayshift the rest of the week. Taylor had bloodwork on Tuesday and her WBC 4.2, hemoglobin 12.4, platelets 122 and ANC 2268. Her counts seem to be doing O.K. and she still has to get her blood checked every week.

Taylor is with her daddy this weekend and I'm home by myself. I will be working dayshift this week and John will be on 3-11. He will be watching her in the day while I'm at work and she will be with me after I get off work.

I want to continue to thank everyone who has made donations to us to care for Taylor. Taylor still loves getting cards and gifts from all of you. She has been through so much and still has a laugh, smile and a hug or kiss for all who come in contact with her. We have been so blessed that she is still here and doing pretty good. Please continue to pray for her health and for us. Prayer is a wonderful thing. Yesterday was 2 years when Taylor and I left for Memphis. It will be 2 years that she was diagnosed with ATRT on January 31st.

I know that I haven't given up on my faith and hope that a miracle is possible. Please continue to pray for us and all the families at St. Jude and all those who are there back for checkups periodically.

Love, Angie

Sunday, January 15, 2006 4:15 PM CST

Dear Dee,

Here's the latest news about Taylor. On January 4th Taylor saw the Nephrologist in Pittsburgh for a six month checkup. He did not know that her tumor had reoccurred and he was very sorry to hear the news. She was so good when he came in the room. Of course the first thing she did was hug him and give him a kiss and she told him that she loved him. He just loved what she did. He was glad to hear that she has not had any urinary tract infections. He still believes that she has a neurogenic bowel and bladder. He says that she doesn't empty her bladder all the way which is some of the reason of the infections, because the urine sets in there and because she has problems with her bowels. We still have to give her medicine to help her bowels move everyday. Taylor will see the doctor again in July for another checkup.

On Thursday, January 5th Taylor returned to preschool. She was so excited to see the bus and go play with her friends. That evening her teacher Judy called to say that she did very good at school but she was really tired and slept over 2 hours for a nap. I was so glad that she had such a good time at school. I'm so glad that she is able to learn as many things as she can to help her cognitive development. She wants to be very independent at school also. Taylor also had school on Friday but she got a little fussy and very tired so I had to pick her up.

That early evening Taylor and I left for Beckley for the weekend. We were going home to go out for my birthday that was on Sunday. I won't say how old I am I will let people just wonder. We had snow on Friday so driving home wasn't fun. While we were home we visited with Aunt Dreama, Uncle Wayne and Aunt Edie. We saw Shane and Angela and "AUNTIE IRIS." Taylor loves seeing and spending time with all of them.

On Sunday Taylor, Mimi and I returned back to Fairmont. Taylor had the EGD procedure on Monday morning in Pittsburgh to see why she continues to choke and vomit. The medicine still isn't helping. On the exam it showed that the stomach and esophagus were normal but they did some biopsies and we will not know the results until next week. I hope that the biopsies are normal but we still don't know why she continues to vomit. We think that she may have some neurological involvement due to the tumor.

This Sunday we will be leaving for Memphis for a checkup. They will not scan Taylor until next month so we are hoping that everything is still responding well. She has been doing pretty good overall, sometimes she is more tired on certain days and she vomits sometimes twice a day. She takes all her medicine like a trooper.

Taylor has had bloodwork twice since the last update. On January 3rd her WBC 4.8, hemoglobin 13.3. Platelets 161 and ANC 2496. On January 9th her WBC 5.3, hemoglobin 12.8, platelets 185, and ANC 2915. Her counts are going up. We finish this round of chemo on Monday Jan. 16th. Taylor will start her next round of chemo on Tuesday.

Mimi and Granddad are here helping with Taylor since I started back to work on Tuesday. I will have to find help again and I'm hoping that Mandi and Shelly will keep her again. I have talked to Mandi about it but no definite answer yet. I really wish I didn't have to work but I have no choice. Mom and dad have been a great help with Taylor.

Well, I guess I will go and as always THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTINUES TO PRAY FOR US. Taylor is a gift to all of us and she is still here today. It has been two years since the tumor was found and she had surgery. It is hard to believe. We pray for a miracle everyday. Please continue to pray for all our St.Jude friends and families. Thank you to all who send Taylor cards and gifts and any donations. These things are all greatly appreciated. God Bless everyone and take care.

Love,
Angie

Monday, January 2, 2006 11:39 PM CST

Dear Dee,

Taylor and I arrived home yesterday December 29th. We were home for the Christmas holiday. Taylor spent some time with her daddy and his family on December 23rd and 24th. He said she had a good time and got lots of new toys.

Taylor was able to visit with all her cousin's during our time in Beckley for Christmas. She saw Olivia, Tara and Bo. Marti and Randy, Shane and Angela and on Tuesday she saw Julie and her boyfriend Rob. We had Christmas dinner at Aunt Dreama's house and we all missed not having Papaw there with us. He really loved Taylor and wanted to see her walk again. I know that he is watching over her in Heaven and he will see her walk again soon.

Taylor has been a little more tired and cranky since we started on this next round of chemo. We had noticed that the seizures were less but she has been starring again the last couple of days. On Tuesday and Wednesday she stated that she had a headache and her pain was in the back of her head and at her neck. We are so scared to think that the tumor could be doing something else. We were so happy that the tumor was showing some response to the chemo. The new medicine that we started on December 24th for the GI system is not helping like it should. I spoke with the doctor today and she is going to set up to have an EGD of Taylor's esophagus and stomach. Taylor will be sedated so that she can place a scope down her throat and look to see if there is something that is causing all the vomiting and choking. I'm so worried about her nutritional intake because she vomits some times twice a day. The steroids make her gain weight even if she isn't getting enough intake.

Taylor had blood work on Monday, December 26th and her WBC 3.5, platelets 188, ANC 2240, hemoglobin 12.1. Her counts seem to be staying pretty good. We have bloodwork again next week and then one more time before we return to Memphis.

I just want everyone to know how much I appreciate all the cards and gifts that Taylor received for Christmas from all the people who take part with Love Letters, Audrey's Umbrella and who send her cards just to let her know you care and think of her. She enjoys them so much and always likes to open her mail. I also want to thank all who have been giving donations and was able to send us money while we were in Memphis. Ever little bit helps and counts. I know I have never set down to write a personal thank you to each and every person but I can say it here on the website and hope that it reaches all of you. We have been so blessed this year even with the news that we received in September about Taylor. She is still with us and doing pretty good and all the prayers and our faith and hope is still making a difference.

There is one thing I forgot to tell you all that during our time in Memphis we were able to attend a Memphis Grizzles's game. Taylor loved it and we had awesome seats. Chad Bolen who is from Beckley and lives in Memphis gave us his tickets which were down on the floor behind the basketball goal. Taylor was just amazed! She refused to sit in her seat so she stood with us holding her. The game was great and went into double overtime and Memphis ended up losing by 3 points. This was a great thing that Chad did for us and he even gave our neighbor that lived beside us at RMH better seats for the game. THANK YOU CHAD AND YOUR FAMILY FOR THE NIGHT OF FUN WITH TAYLOR!!!!!!!!

I guess I will go and Merry Christmas to all and have a great New Year and I hope that all your New Year resolution's come true and that we have a Blessed New Year for 2006 and we get a miracle with Taylor.



Love,
Angie

I recieved an email from Palma stating she has opened an account to help with Taylor's expenses. You can mail a check to:

Raleigh County Federal Credit Union
200 Veterans Avenue
Beckley, WV 25801


or to Palma Bradley:

Palma Bradley
110 Christopher Drive
Beckley, WV 25801

or by using the provided "Donation" button:

Thank you and God Bless,

Dee