Monday, June 16, 2008

Converging on Heaven in the Morning

WOW WOW WOW, I was telling Cate this afternoon how many people are praying for her and that she is a pretty famous little girl, she just laid there humbly and took it all in:) You really don't know how encouraging it is to Ali and I to read your messages of prayer, support, and encouragement. In the moments where we have to just sit and be quiet, both of us are at our computers just reading your words of love, usually crying, saying did you see the one from so and so, or did you see the anaymous prayer from anaymous, funny, whoever you are, and thank you for praying. Ali and I are beginning to get a pace, just beginning, but at least we are beginning, more and more people are telling me I look tired or just bad, things get real honest in the CVICU waiting room, one of the mom's even told Ali today that she noticed that Ali's hair was getting rather oily, it really is the funniest thing. Its like a common bond that you form with these people who are walking the same road you are walking. Its kinda like being at a retreat, your tired, your emotional, you sleep really close to people you really don't know to well, you eat junk that you normally wouldn't or shouldn't, you are VERY honest with people, and there is always coffee, that tastes REALLY bad by the end of the day. Ali came back to the hotel for most of the morning and afternoon, showered, to which everyone noticed when she got back, and slept. I pulled the day shift with the aid of, the mother-in-law, and I even got to take a nap at the Ronald McDonald House in the hospital, God Bless Ronald McDonald, please go by a Big Mac tomorrow and support the cause, and Ali got a room there tonight so she will be able to sleep in a bed ALL BY HERSELF!!!
Ok, so prayer request then a couple of God showed up today stories. Ok, folks, we need you to put your rally caps on tomorrow morning. We need you banging on the door of the throne room. Let's let God know that we are not going away until he hears our prayer. They are going to try again tomorrow to ween Cate off the Echmo machine. The procedure should start around 8:00am and go till about 12:00pm. This is Cate's second swing at this. She still is having some irregular firings of her electronic system in her heart so we are just going to have to see how this plays itself out. But, we need you praying and praying hard for her little heart to kick back into motion on its on. So, tell everyone you know to please be praying at 8:00am, you definitley can start early, she wont mind and we won't either, but let's focus our energy and attention on the time she is in the procedure.
God showed up big in two ways today, that we saw, he probably showed up more than that, but due to exhaustion He has to YELL in our face or we don't notice. First, a dear friend of mine sent me a text message last night, I think, days kinda bleed into each other, asking what do we need, that she was willing to bring anything, I asked for a sleeping pill and a forty ounce bottle of Old English, to which she asked if I was serious cause she had both at her house, just kidding. I really took some time and thought about what we really needed right now...the EUCHARIST! I sent her back a text message and said asked if she could make sure to have the eucharist delievered everyday to the hospital. What more could we need than the Bread of Life! So, I got a text message this morning from another friend of ours saying that he and his wife were going to bring Jesus in the Eucharist to us this afternoon! They showed up, we sat and visited and then he pulled the pyx, which holds the eucharist out of a little case. We stood and prayed and recieved our savior and calmer into our bodies and hearts, it was awesome! Later in the evening Ali and were sitting with some friends who came to visit and these two ladies approached us and asked if we were the Cantrell's, to which I replied, it depends, are you with the IRS, they said no, so we pulled up chairs for them. They explained that someone they knew in Arkansas had called them and told them about Cate and us and that they felt compelled to drive from Magnolia, Texas, which is probably about an hour away, to PRAY WITH US. These ladies did not know us, they did not know anyone who was related to us. They just felt called to come and pray with us. That sat and talked and prayed with us for probably 30 minutes. They asked us if we had any intentions that they and their Church could pray for. We had a few, but one of them was that they pray for all of you who are supporting us through your prayers, so know that you all have a Church in Tomball, Tx praying for all of you and your intentions. When we were all finished we all hugged and they got up and left. What disciples! Thank you Jesus Christ for the many ways that you are making yourself known to our family, you are faithful to us and we will be faithful to you!!!
Please remember to pray tomorrow morning from 8:00am-12:00pm. As soon as we know something we will update you all. We love you more than words for your love for our little girl and your love for us! We remain faithful to our God as we run this race!

57 comments:

The Maturin 5 said...

I will be praying for Baby Cate tomorrow morning! I also have a "Glory Story" and I hope this reaches you. I have never met either one of you but have done ministry for years with many people you know. I have been keeping watch over your blog and facebook to see how that beautiful little girl is doing. So, this is where the story starts. I am visiting my mother in Natchitoches, La with my 3 children and I have been talking about Cate all week. She has a friend that also has a blog set up because he is going through cancer and wants to give updates on his condition. My mom went on his blog today to read the latest and there was a message from a girl in Lafayette asking for prayers for Baby Cate. My mom was in awe so she messaged him back to tell him the story and just how amazing God is in getting us all together somehow, someway! I knew that it was a blessing how that little circle was made. Just wanted to share. I will continue to lift your family up in my prayers.
Stacey Maturin

Anonymous said...

Sorry, last post was a classic case of acting before you think...

Love you guys and Courtney and I will be holding Cate close to our hearts and even closer to the hearts of Jesus and His mother, Mary. Expect big things, He's a big God!!

Jeremy

ennie said...

Jeremy that is so classic.

Charlie and Ali, Know that the entire staff at St. Tim's is praying for you and our little angel.
I say "our" because we truly believe that she is bringing so many people to Jesus. This is a miracle in itself, man!
8am on our knees. that is 6am our time. thank God my coffee machine has an alarm clock.

we love y'all! wish we were there.
the hickman six

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for little Cate,asking Jesus to reach out His nail scarred hands and hold her through this journey.May God watch over your family and give you the strength you need in this time of uncertainty.

Anonymous said...

i anonymously thank you for giving Anonymous a shout out. It made me feel famous... i guess i am in spiritual communion with cate- you know, she's the most famous baby on facebook.

Anonymous said...

So, I just read that post that Stacey wrote. I don't know her but the blog she is talking about is Dad's. Her mother grew up with Dad. We have received many messages telling us they are praying for you. We love you, we miss you and we will all be praying tomorrow.

Kathryn

P.S. I'm getting back to Houston tomorrow and I'm bringing you some good home cooked cajun food. I can't let you starve Charlie!

Anonymous said...

you know your in good hands/you've made it to the big time when someone makes facebook flair that says "pray for baby cate" i mean seriously.

Team Pisano said...

We have been praying and will continue to pray for your family and Baby Cate through this marathon and long after. We will definately be on our knees tomorrow morning at 8:00 which means I should probably get to bed soon! I just want you guys to know that no matter how tired I am or how late it is I am DRAWN to Baby Cate's blog. I HAVE to check it BEFORE I go to bed just to check in on her and see if their are any updates... just like I have to check on my own 3 children in their beds before I go to sleep. It just feels like your baby girl has become such a big part of all of us. It is truely amazing how she is bringing thousands of us all together through your blog and the power of prayer. God is GREAT and may he bless all of you.

Aimee, Joe, Joey, Alexia & Matthew

Kimberlee said...

I've been praying for your family and will continue to do so. My daughter had heart surgery as an infant and your posts take me right back to the PICU, from the beeping monitors to the 'BP game' to the bad coffee and love of that clown Ronald. I even called it a 'retreat' as well because, really, have you ever been this close to the Lord in your lives? It's all 'Jesus, I trust in You', moment by moment by moment. He won't let you go. I will offer Mass in the morning for Cate.

Anonymous said...

I went to mass today for Cate, and prayed the rosary for her at 2:00, and asked the intercession of st. joseph on you and ali. I know y'all need prayers too. I will be at mass tomorrow morning at 7:30 and i will offer my prayers for baby cate. You and ali are truly an inspiration, keep on going. May all the angels and saints of God, stand with you, and hold you, and may the Triune God, Yaweh the creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, and the Holy Spirit be with you, ali and cate.

Nick Noe

Anonymous said...

I do not know you or your wife personally but I have heard your precious baby's story through friends of mine. I wish I had the right words or the magic wand to make everything okay and the pain to disappear- but the only consolation is that God is with you and your family. Through Him all things are possible and He will never let go thru the calm and thru the storm. Since, I have heard about Cate I have been praying for her and your strength. Please know the parish staff and youth group at Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be keeping you close in thought and prayer. I will say a rosary for Cate at 8 tomorrow.
Much Love & Prayers,
Shawntel Smith
Youth Minister
OLPH Catholic Church

Anonymous said...

This is a perfect example of how our church is universal! We are all family! Praise be Jesus Christ! Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful servants you have placed in our lives - Charlie and Ali. Thank you, Almighty God, for showing up. We will trust while we wait for our God is never late! God bless you, Cantrells. By your faith and yes to God, you are bringing souls closer to Him! Prayers with you and Cate...Love, Lacey Mire

Anonymous said...

You all are living testimonies of how great our God is. He is calling so many people from all around the world to unite and join in prayer for baby Cate. It is so beautiful to see that we are One body. Messages have been sent out to our Life Teeners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. LIGHT ministry from Holy Names University in Oakland, CA is also praying for Baby Cate. You are definitely coated in prayer! You are loved!

Aloha, Tiffany Ho

Anonymous said...

May Heaven converge on Baby Cate and the whole team of medical staff and every family member and friend in the morning! Love you guys. Praying you get some peaceful rest tonight.

Aaron & Kate

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Ali & Charlie,
As Cate goes into her procedure this morning, may you feel the power of the prayers that are being said for all of you.
Charlie, thanks for keeping up your blog so faithfully. It helps so much to keep family and friends connected who can't be with you.
In prayer and love, Aunt June

Anonymous said...

Romans 5:3-5 (Living Translation)

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the HOly Spirit to fill our hearts with His love."

Praying, praying, praying.

Anonymous said...

The Heavens will continue to bless Baby Cate & her family. The Potter's clay Theresians close to home are pray for your entire family.

Potter's Clay Theresians
Crowley, LA

Darcy said...

Charlie and Ali, How wonderful that Cate's story is reaching so many and that prayers are being said for her everywhere! rest assured of their power! We are praying for Cate this morning and will continue to do so! You are both being so faithful and trusting in the Lord, He will not abandon you! My kids are remembering Cate at all of our prayer times throughout the day! they are some serious prayer warriors, and they will not stop. They even remind me if I forget to mention a certain intention. We are also praying for your other 2 children. My boys were without me for weeks at a time when I was in the hospital with my daughter. I am sure they miss mom and dad and I am sure mom and dad miss them. So you are ALL in our prayers!
take care guys and thanks for the updates! God bless, Darcy ";0)

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali: 6:30 mass at St. John's Cathedral - I brought you all with me. My prayer is constant. Brenda Verret

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have been praying to Mary to hold baby Cate tight in her arms, and to Jesus to work his miracles. You are both so totally amazing. I'm so glad my daughter has you both as friends. You have been such good examples to her and her family. Peyton is praying for baby Cate and also Ella and Dude. If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to ask. Please tell Bill, Cheryl, Jenny, & Bekka they are in our prayers also.
Love,
Mona & Keith Vienne

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
You've got the staff of S&S Steel in your corner this morning!! I contacted a few people from St. Ignatius yesterday and asked for their prayers. I asked them to pass the word to Father Jim Lambert who is the pastor for our school.
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers constantly...I love you so much. It was a lot of fun spending time with Ella and Dude this weekend (Kami had a blast!!) I hope Marsha e-mails you the pictures she took so you can see their smiling faces.
My eyes are on the clock right now...Stay strong.
Love,
Wendi

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,
Y’all are such an inspirational couple! I even did some research on Father Seelos after reading your blog. I’ll be thinking of you two and your little one this morning.
Anne Laughlin

Anonymous said...

P.S. And Ali, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe is wonderful choice to read to her.
Anne

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
We, the Leger family of New Iberia, want you to know that we are praying for Cate and your family. We also want you to know that you have inspired us a great deal by your faith. You have been disciples to us. Wierd! We should be comforting you. Thanks! If you need ANYTHING don't hesitate to call.
We love you,
Nellie, E.J., and family

Anonymous said...

Ali,
I am on my knees this morning praying for Baby Cate.....her blog is beautiful and your faith is inspirational!!!!Keep strong for God is with you all and will lift you up! I will keep up with the blog and prayers everyday!
Love,
Breyan (Lambert) Freeman and family

Julie said...

Allie & Charlie,

You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all at this trying time. I know that He is with you! He never leaves us. My youngest son went through a battle of his own last year and if it were not for prayers I could not have made it. I love you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Praying this morning for Baby Cate...come on little heart...you can do it!!
Alyssa

Anonymous said...

As I read last night's entry, it is 8am and I am in tears, praying for sweet Cate this morning. I am also greatly moved by your dedication to faith and reception to all that God is doing amidst this terrible experience. What a wonderful testiment to your love; for each other, for God and for all of us. THANK YOU, Charlie and Ali.
I will be in Houston at the end of the week and will be in touch. ANYTHING you need, I am there :)
Please please please take time to rest. Self Care is so very important during this time...
Love you both, and Cate so so much.
Take Care of Yourselves.
Alison Breaux

Anonymous said...

We are with you this morning in spirit and prayer!

Love,
Fi, Blake & Christian

ennie said...

hey bro,
just found out that the prayer requests have reached lourdes, france.
our lady, despise not our petitions, but hear and answer us!
peace+

volpecircus said...

Prayers are storming the heavens this morning for your little girl and your family. May God bless you today and give you more of those "God moments" to keep you strong and focused.

In Christ through Mary,
Jim, Heather, Maryam, Isaac and Gianna Volpe

Megan Perkins said...

Ali and Charlie,

As Jason and I sit here reading last night's blog and wiping tears from our faces, I'm once again reminded how lucky we are to share this faith in our Lord with so many people. And just look at the amount of people Baby Cate is bringing together in His name! She has a story to tell, that is certain.

Continuing to pray for all of you hunkering down in Houston. Love to all of you!

Megan, Jason, Hayes, Mary Elizabeth and Samuel Perkins

Anonymous said...

Hello! Angie Dore sent me this blogspot, and I have spent the last few hours reading your posts. I was a KD with Ali at UL, and I remember her as being one strong, caring, kind, compassionate person. I always looked up to her with admiration, and now more than ever she (and Charlie) are an inspiration of faith and strength to others. Having recently been a patient myself at MD Anderson just down the street from TCH, I kind of know the roller coaster of emotions that you are feeling right now. My trial and suffering is not even anywhere close in comparison with what Baby Cate is going through. But, I know firsthand how important faith, family, and friends are when the storms rage against you. I am not a parent, but I felt the pain that my own parents and husband endured when I was in surgery. Their faith, love, and strength carried me, as I know that your faith, love, and strength will carry Cate. I too was given a relic of Father Seelos as well as medals of St. Peregrine and St. Bernadette to watch over me and protect me. They are so powerful!! I felt their presence and the prayers of the many, many people praying for me. It was so calming and comforting that I really wasn't even scared before surgery. I know that you both are people of faith, and I am a testimony to that faith. Just know that it is ok to feel different emotions, but when it comes down to it, we just have to let go and let God. I will be remembering you each day in my thoughts and prayers, as will my parents and extended family. The marathon may be long, but you will never be alone.

In hopes that Cate and all of your family have strength, courage, peace, and healing,
Anne Trahan Angelle

metrophx said...

Charlie... Matt Smith here. Candyce and I are praying hardcore for you guys. Candyce has a women's group on Saturday, and they're going to be praying too. Our baby girl (our first baby) is due August 31st. We are really excited.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for ya'll and baby cate or baby cake depending who you ask in my family...Through out the day i will stop the kids and ask them to pray for baby cate and your dramatic god daughter will look at us all and go "oh my best friend baby cake needs my prayers, oh i love her so much, baby cake you will get better" i might pull out a tape recorder today so that you can hear it for yourself....Well just a funny story, but we do love you all and we are still praying and wont stop....
love you
The Blythes

oh and did you see the small world Ali, i went to school with a girl named Lila Fox and she was in your sorority. she saw your blogs and blogsite on my facebook. I just laughed as i sat and read. I really did think wow...

Millie said...

Sweet Ali and Charlie, Sr. Aimee at the Carmelite Monastery asked about Cate by name. She said that all the sisters "we're holding precious Cate in our hearts and prayers" powerful prayer from the Carmelites! I am also asking Mother Teresa for prayers as she knows about heart conditions, having lived with one most of her life. My prayer for all of you is constant. I love you, Ms. Millie

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali
I received your link from two different people yesterday. I know prayers are being said for all of you around the world. Prayers definately work. Here is a blog that will certainly attest to that. Lola's husband Charlie worked with me many for several years. Lola's journey will definately inspire people and will provide a true testimony to God's miraculous healing!http://www.lolaspage1.blogspot.com/
Praying that God be with you today and always,
Love,
The Camps
Blaise, Myra, Joshua, Alison, Courtney & Kyle

Lila Lambert said...

Hi Cantrell family, I will offer my mass and communion today for Cate and all of you, I know how special she is to all of you, but even more precious she is to our Lord...He is there, she's in "Good Hands"...God bless, Lila Lambert

Unknown said...

Hey you guys sure hope the coffee is working,because I am a nervous wreck. We are all praying for baby Cate. I know your faith can move mountains. So do you hear the thunder. The LORD IS AWESOME. We await the good news on Cate as we pray and offer time in front of the BLESSED SACRAMENT TODAY. LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL ESPECIALLY CATE. LOVE FROM THE CROWS YOU KNOW YOUR OTHER FAMILY.

Anonymous said...

in these moments we see
in these breaths we breathe
each beat, each thump, each time
between is the prayer of life,
a cry to heaven, converging,
here now is life, here now is Love
this morning she holds on
she who is loved eternally
gently held in His hands
she shines...

God heal and bless you little Cate

Anonymous said...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philip 4.6-7)

We are praying for you in Mandeville, La.!

Anonymous said...

I had the privilege of meeting Cate at Jeremy and Courtney's wedding.
Will keep praying for your baby and storming heaven! Jesus and Mary are holding Cate, right now.

Anonymous said...

Your whole family is in our prayers and we hope that all goes well today. You have an angel here on earth who will bring the grace of God to all of you.

Anonymous said...

sending big cyber hugs & continued prayers from lafayette :)

love,
em, michael & henry

Anonymous said...

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Charlie & Ali,
Know that we are with you this morning in prayer. I can just picture our Lord holding baby Cate’s little heart in his hands and the Blessed Mother wrapping her cloak around her. We pray that he continues to give you both strength during this time. Your unwavering faith is a witness to all of us.

Love,
Nikki and Marc Bourgeois

Anonymous said...

Hey you guys sure hope the coffee is working,because I am a nervous wreck. We are all praying for baby Cate. I know your faith can move mountains. So do you hear the thunder. The LORD IS AWESOME. We await the good news on Cate as we pray and offer time in front of the BLESSED SACRAMENT TODAY. LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL ESPECIALLY CATE. LOVE FROM THE CROWS YOU KNOW YOUR OTHER FAMILY.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
I just received an e-mail from my mom which she got from Mrs. Pat. This is the first I've heard of this happening to your little angel. I am sorry that your family is going through this. Your undying faith in the Lord and strength will get you and your family through this. Just know (which I'm sure you do) that there are people who love you and who are praying for you each and every minute of the day. I have a Bible Study on Tuesdays and you better believe that we will be praying for your little girl out loud so that God can fully hear our prayer for her. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. She will be in my heart and prayers.

Love, Rebecca LeCompte Stinson

Pat Broussard said...

Good morning Ali and Charlie;

Jane and Tommy have the prayer warriors covered via email. Jane sent out a message this morning and believe me that email is being forwarded all over the country. God is great. We are one Body. Thank you for remembering to pray for us. You and Ali are amazing.


Love ya,

Pat Broussard

Anonymous said...

Ali, Charlie and family,
our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Cate sounds like such a special baby girl! We will be praying for all of you.
God Bless,
Emily (Broussard) and Anthony Morgan and children, and Jim and Pam Broussard

Anonymous said...

Hello Cantrell's,
I just wanted to let you know that everyone is praying for your family. There are so many things that I would love to say but all seem so insignificant right now. If you guys need anything let me know what I can do. Cate has been added to so many prayer list that she will be worldwide soon, if she is not already. We know what a kind God we have and I hope that you feel his love wrapped around you in your time of need.
Casey Reyes

Anonymous said...

Woke with Cate and you all on my mind! See that the procedure is now going on. Praying now, and will offer noon Mass. Love, Annette G.

Unknown said...

I'm sitting at work right now and all I can do is pray for your baby. Stay strong, I love you guys

Rose

Anonymous said...

Ali and Scott,

I just found out from Ms. Mac about your precious little Cate's latest hurdles. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you today as you wait to see if her little heart will beat on its own. The words of consolation that we all can give are only outward signs of our love for all of you. Our hearts are hurting and prayers to our All Mighty God are the real help needed for Cate. Please know that my prayers for all of you will not cease until God's work is done. Please extend my thoughts to Bill and Cherly and your entire families.

Mr. Paul Broussard

Anna said...

Charlie and Ali!
We are praying!
ALL of the nuns at The Sisters of the Visitation in Toledo, Ohio are also praying for Baby Cate!
The sister that I spoke with said that "We are going to pray to the holy innocents whose lives were not spared that God might spare the life of this innocent child." She also said, "I know that God loves Cate's parents very much."
I know the sisters here and they are prayer warriors!! Miracles have happened when they pray - I know this first hand!!
God be with you guys!
Anna and Mike

Anonymous said...

ALI AND CHARLIE

JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU AND BABY CATE ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. STAY STRONG AND FUNNY(CHARLIE),AND WE WILL CONTINUE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

CRYSTAL (LEGER) JUDICE

Msgr. Bill said...

Charlie / Ali;
Thanks be to God for His goodness. My Mass at 6:30 a. tomorrow will be for her continued healing. Each day may bring ups and downs, but He is with her all the time. Thanks be to God for the ability of doctors, nurses and techs who have developed the means to minister such little ones.
I was blessed to see you all last weekend and will see you on Saturday.
May her heart grow strong. May her lungs fill with fresh air. May her chubby legs grow firm and carry her into adulthood.
Pax et bonum,
M. Bill

Anonymous said...

I asked the Poor Clares in Barhamsville, Virginia, near Williamsburg, to pray for Cate.

Here is a great worship song to pray with. This link opens to the song "Healer"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsnC6gPG3YU