Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Ride of our Life

Warning this is kinda raw:
Greetings, I wanted to write to you all with a prayer request, again. I know that you are all praying and I ask you to continue, but today I ask for an intentional prayer for Baby Cate's mom and dad. Are we faithful, yes, are we full of hope, yes, are we tired today, yes. This has truly been the most scary, exhausting, and emotional experience of our lives and marriage. You always see commercials on TV or read article about this kinda of thing happening to people, and you never think it could or would happen to you. Its different to be the one sitting in the waiting room, waiting, waiting on news, waiting on change, waiting for improvement. Everytime the "black phone" rings in the waiting room, you throw up in your mouth a little bit out of fear of the worst. Everytime you have a consultation as you walk in the consultation room you begin immediately trying to read the face of the Doctor or Nurse who is meeting with you. It is tiring, last night I think Ali and I both hit the wall in terms of emotional exhaustion. I went back to the hotel and she went down to the Ronald McDonald House and we both had the same experience, anger, sadness, desperation, each alone, crying to Father, cursing at imaginary people who frustrated us during the day, and wishing this was all over. As a parent, you just want to see you child smile, you want to hold your child, you want to smell their sweet breath on your face, and you can't, and you don't know when you will be able to again and the possibilty is more prevelant than ever that you might not, don't mistake that as a loss of hope, understand it as when you are face to face with lossing a child, it is a horrifying experience, one that I hope you never have to experience, and if you have you understand. I don't have the energy to hear that people "understand" or "know" how we feel or make some comparison to some activity going on their life. I feel like I am incapable of "bull-" you know what, I don't have the capacity at times to be gracious and so I don't answer my phone because I don't want to say something to someone that I will regret. Please, I know this is pretty raw, but Ali and I were talking earlier this morning, and she was saying I don't won't to give people a false impression of where we are at, we are not always raising our hand and praising God, that there are moments that we are face down on the floor in the waiting room crying and begging for the little bit of comfort, peace, or good news. This is a road that I never thought I would have to walk down and one I hope I never have to again. Ali and I are a united front, but there are moments that we lose it with each other or those around us. As we sit in the waiting room this morning, waiting to hear if our child's heart will be able to work on its own, we are tired and its only day six. Knowing that we have weeks ahead of us is incomprehensable right now. We miss our other kids, we miss the day to day activities like cutting the grass, washing dishes, doing the laundry, sitting in the living room with the roar of our kids running and laughing around us. I know that this may be hard to hear, and I don't want you to take it as a loss of hope, because its not, but it is reality and Ali and I don't want to be anything but honest with all of you, because we need you. Ali asked if you, our spiritual family, could pray for her for stamina and energy. As far as daddy goes, I want peace and graciousness to those who reach out to us. We love you guys and we need you. Ali and I both felt like this needed to be said, we did not want to project any false sense of reality, but always want to be truthful with who we are and where we are at. Again, I reiterate this is not a loss of hope nor a lack of faith, it just the road we are walking and the marathon we run.

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
We prayed for all of you at our Faith Camp staff retreat. You are in our daily prayers...all of you, even the kids at home.

"Hitting the wall", coming up upon the end of ourselves, desperately wishing we could do something, anger at the situation, all of these things are part of the human condition. Frank and I have been serving the Lord for thirty five years and still the hardest thing for me is my own human weakness, my own lack of holiness when we face excruciating crises. But the scripture says that the Lord has "collected each tear we shed in a flask." He calls us and loves us in the midst of our sub-standard hope, Faith, and love. Just showing up and mentioning His name is often the highest and best thing we can do. I love you all. Continue to let Him be your refuge. Cate is Building the Kingdom of Heaven. Her suffering is the best thing going right now in the Lord's economic plan. Suffering is never wasted and God will use her precious suffering in a powerful way.

Anonymous said...

as a survivor of Tetralogy of Fallot surgery, i can tell you that my family knows of your pain. i went through the surgery at Texas Children's (in Houston) when i was three, and am now 25, so my prayers are very personal for you and your baby girl. through friends of friends of friends the Mystical Body of Christ is working together for you, even in your pain. dont be afraid of the pain and darkness you experience in these first days; they will pale in the joy and beauty of life coming to you in the future (and i can say this 23 years later :)

she will be in my prayers

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali,
Remember we are all only human and if you didn't experience what you are feeling right now, something would be wrong. Just know that we are all praying for both you and Ali and Baby Cate. It's okay if you don't feel like visiting, you have that right. Just keep praying as we know that you will and the good news will come, all that you are missing will be back, too many people are behind you. Take care of yourselves and you are in my prayers.
Sheilah

Anonymous said...

I'M GLAD TO KNOW YOU ARE BOTH HUMAN.... HANG I THERE!!! I LOVE YOU AND WE WILL NEVER STOP PRAYING FOR CATE AND FOR ALL OF YOU.
LOVE,
MONA & KEITH VIENNE

Anonymous said...

Precious friends,

Thank you for your honesty. We can't possibly know how or what to pray for you if you are not specific and transparent. If there is anything at all we can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

Love you,
The Landreneaus

Anonymous said...

Ali and Charlie,
My prayers remain with you as I know the Lord has his arms wrapped tightly around you and Baby Cate! Praying for your strength and stamina to remain steadfast as you continue on this journey.....
Love,
Breyan

Lila Lambert said...

I feel for this walk you are on and pray for you deeply, I have sat in an ICU waiting room anxious for news of my child...it's so hard and yet, as He walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus and they did not recognize Him...He walks with you....He will touch you when no one else can..He will speak to your heart(and Cate's) with comfort only He can bring and a great peace that is not of this world....Lila Lambert

Bartas in Texas said...

But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on. 2 Kings 2:6

We will not desert you, we will not leave you, Charlie and Ali. Just as we are here for Cate, we are here for you. We expect nothing of you, but thank you, imensely, for the presence you are in our lives - for exactly where you are right now, whatever struggles you're facing, whatever weakness you feel. We thank you for your incredible honesty and humbleness. We will journey this road with you. And only by God's grace will we make it - together.

we love you with all our hearts.
courtney & jeremy

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali,
There are three people who could actually know exactly what you guys are going through. You two, and God. I am humbled by your honesty and type with a very heavy and full heart.
You cannot imagine what sharing your "presence" in this whole situation means to all of us who are keeping you guys in prayer and love... certainly not that it's about us, because it very much is not, but the rawness is genuine. And when prayers are genuine they speak louder.
Your blog entries are a prayer each and every day. Be raw; be present; and know that there are so many who will stand behind you "speaking louder" as well.
love you all.
Alison Breaux

Pat Broussard said...

Thank you for your honesty. You, Ali, Ella, Dude and Cate are part of the total prayer package.
Love you all,

Ms. Pat

volpecircus said...

Charlie and Ali:
Prayers are continuing for you and your little girl this morning. Thank you for being so honest. We all hit the wall sometimes and once a counselor told me that is the most blessed place to be...depending on what you do with it, and what you allow Him to do with it. The counselor then showed me an icon of the Blessed Mother and said, "Have you ever seen a picture of her where she just looks completely happy and elated?" I said no. That is because she knew and offered up her sorrow, not sadness. She felt and accepted her path of sorrow with great faith and resolve. One of the holiest things we can do is embrace this sorrow, of course with hope looking towards the future, but with the understanding that this is the "stuff" of our salvation. This is how He is working it out in us and He doesn't ask for superhuman strength and keeping up a good face that everything is just fine. He only asks for faithfulness and if that faithfulness is laying flat out on the floor and pleading for His mercy and His peace while the tears stream down, then that is beautiful and He is grateful for your faith. Your posts have been a source of joy and encouragement for so many. You are keeping up the good fight and being such an example. May Our God, who is the author of all good gifts, give you whatever it is that you need the most today. May He walk by your side, holding you every step of the way.

Megan Perkins said...

Ali and Charlie,

Your honesty is beautiful and your pain and suffering is palpable. We now know what to specifically pray for ... and the more specific we are, the better for the big man upstairs! Still remaining steadfast for you.

Megan, Jason, Hayes, Mary Elizabeth and Samuel Perkins

Anonymous said...

All I can say is what took you so long? Your strength has been amazing and so unreal at times. You and Ali are two of the strongest people I know. I admire you guys so much. The prayers continue like crazy over here and will not stop. I love you both so much.

Cinco Owens said...

Good morning,
My name is Melanie and my friend Terri Busha asked me to pray for your sweet angel. I wanted you to know that I've added Cate to our prayer chain here in New Braunfels so our prayer warriors can begin to pray for healing for your sweet angel. I pray that God Bless you with stamina and strength in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing your faith and love of our Lord with so many. In Christ, Melanie

Anonymous said...

We have been where you are.
One Year two Months ago, a very sick baby, two terrified parents and two big sisters at home to care for.
I have been praying for you and Ali as well as your beautiful Cate.
There is no other place to be, but on your knees pouring out your heart to our Lord. He can take your pain and anger just as he hears our prayers of thankfulness and Praise.
He will see you all through this trial of agony.
Blessings today.
Todd and Julie

Anonymous said...

No, we have no clue as to what y'all are going through, but know we love y'all unconditionally. I prayed the Luminous Mysteries this morning--all of Christ's great miracles--Cate will be one too.
-Met the LeBlancs at mass yesterday; we were all there for you guys.

Jamie, Rebecca, James Charles, and Ashton Orillion

Millie said...

I am holding you all close to my heart. Ali, today is yours...every thing I do I offer as prayer for you. I love you, Ms. Millie

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

Reading your post this morning brought me to tears because I remember the very same feelings when our son had heart surgery last summer.
I thought about it as I was praying this morning for y'all and I remember a passage from a book that I read during that time at the hospital. It said that the Lord was in your pain. No matter the struggle, the pain, the frustration, the fear, the anger, the Lord is in it and can bring you through it--by embracing the pain, you embrace Him. This encouraged me and I hope it will encourage y'all as well.
As I was praying this morning I could only think of "Footsteps in the Sand". Jesus wants to carry y'all, He needs to carry y'all.
Having faith in God may not wipe away all of your fear. Just remember that God doesn't ask for a particular type of faith, just for us to be faithful--He accepts weak faith and shaken faith.
You are both so beautiful and are doing the best you can with the situation. And remember you have countless people behind y'all.

Love and prayers always,
Christie N.

TXadventureGirl said...

Charlie and Ali,

I cannot possibly know of you pain and grief or even contemplate the issues, emotional and physical, that you face but please know that my prayers are with you and your baby girl and your family at home. I am petitioning that the retreat group (Bayou Awakening) that I am a part of here in houston being praying for your family and for the hands of the doctor and above all God's will. I have also petitioned people here in Mexico where I currently am to pray for your sitiuation as well. I am sure that my words are of puny importance in the whole scheme of things but rest assured that no matter what happens I will be praying and asking all those around me to pray too.

Ashley Duran
(former Life Teen Core Member at St. Laurence)

Katherine Marie said...

Charlie and Ali,
I just so happened to see something about pray for Baby Cate and came to this site. I'm so sorry to hear about all of this but wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you. Hope that your both doing ok under the circumstances. I love you!

-Katherine Swinkey
(former life teen member @ St. Joe's)

Righteous B said...

Charlie and Ali, thank you for your honesty, it is beautiful. It does not express a lack of faith, or Jesus would have been wrong when he cried out honestly that he didn't want that cup. Suffering sucks, it's ok to say that. Only God in his amazing-ness can bring good out of something so horrible as dealing with your baby suffering. God's grace is the only thing that can save us when the "storm rages". Often other things, even people trying to say helpful things, can hurt instead of help. So just keep keepin' on, that grace is there, our prayers won't stop. When you guys are too tired to feel like praying or hoping or being a good example of suffering, that's ok. Lean on the Body of Christ who are able to do the praying and hoping for you right now. Nobody will blame you for having feelings, strong feelings about all of this. It just shows that your trust in God is real, not fake. Love you guys, Kate and Bob

Anonymous said...

A friend sent this song for you:

"Sometimes He Calms the Storm"
By Scott Krippayne

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Anonymous said...

And it was right and proper that God, who made everything for his own glory, should allow Jesus to suffer,
For in doing this He was bringing vast multitudes of God's people to heaven;
For His suffering made Jesus a perfect Leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation.
Heb 2.10, LB

Praying for your strength, courage and stamina during this time in the knowledge that one day you will have your baby safe and happy at home with you and be able to look back and see the multitudes of lives that your family has touched (and maybe saved) by your suffering and honesty. Thank you.
Cheree

Anonymous said...

We are covering you guys in our prayers. We love you and miss you.

the georges

Anonymous said...

We are covering you guys in our prayers. We love you and miss you. you guys are our heroes.

love,
the georges

Anonymous said...

For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."

Charlie & Ali,
Through your honest sharing of the events that are transpiring, you are at the deepest level of worship. That is, praising God in spite of pain, surrending while suffering, and loving him even if he may feel distant.
Thank you for sharing with all of us who love you, the experiences you are going through. May our prayers be spiritual fuel for your journey. With love, Aunt June

Anonymous said...

Your blog today was so real and somehow almost encouraging in a different way, I guess because it showed the suffering side of your experience and how human we all are even when we know God is with us and people are praying for us! It touched me more than any of your previous blogs because you just want to be real and want people to be OK with that! I am sure it renewed a lot of peoples persistance in prayer for you! It did mine! I will offer up more for you and Ali today as I also of course storm the doors for Cate!!

Teresa Clark

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

We are for you. You are entitled to all of your emotions. Just remember, the people who are praying for you will be your rock so you do not have to be strong 24/7. We will continue praying for you.

Luv you guys, Ms. Jo,

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali ... although we cannot imagine the pain you are going through we do know the two of you have tremendous faith in God and limitless support of your family and friends. We pray for Cate and for you and we treasure the reports .... You are not alone, dear ones!

Louisette and Paul

Unknown said...

I am reminded of this passage from Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved": "I recall a scene from Leonard Bernstein's Mass (a musical work in memory of John F. Kennedy) that embodied for me the thought of brokenness put under the blessing. Toward the end of this work, the priest, richly dressed in splendid liturgical vestments, is lifted up by his people. He towers high above the adoring crowd, carrying in his hands a glass chalice. Suddenly, the human pyramid collapses, and the priest comes tumbling down. His vestments are ripped off, and his glass chalice falls to the ground and is shattered. As he walks slowly through the debris of his former glory-barefoot, wearing only blue jeans and a T-shirt-children's voices are heard singing, "Laude, laude, laude"- "Praise, praise, praise." Suddenly the priest notices the broken chalice. He looks at it for a long time and then, haltingly, he says, "I never realized that broken glass could shine so brightly."

Thank you both for allowing your brokenness to shine so brightly. What a beautiful witness of what living an authentically Christian life is all about. Keep clinging to the One who loves you and knows you best. We will continue to hold you all up in prayer!

Anonymous said...

Hi Charlie and Ali,
Just wanted to let you know I added the east and west coast Baptists to your prayer circle. You are doing a great job, thanks for taking time to keep everyone up to date. Many, many people obviously love you and even those who don't know you are happy to lift you up in prayer knowing you are trusting God with your lives. God works through all situations, I know you will see this play out for the rest of your lives in the people you have been a witness to just by your faith. Please continue to ask for specific prayer requests, as that is the main thing we can do for you right now.
Cantrell cousin,
Melissa

Mary Jane said...

Just lit a virtual candle to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Today starts the
9 day novena before the feast day. http://www.redemptorists-denver.org/candle/

Blessed Seelos was a Redemptorist. Please join me in praying for Charlie and Ali's family & all the health care professionals taking care of Baby Cate. link to novena:http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/novenas/p00024.htm
God Bless,
mj in dallas

Carol Doutel said...

Abba,

We humbly ask you to protect your loving, faithful servants, Ali & Charlie, from doubt, fatigue, uncertainy, and stress.

We ask you to give them the energy, faithfulness, needed rest, love for each other and their friends...needed to continue this unbelieveable, trying time in their lives.

We all know it is not our will but your WILL be done. Please give them the strength to understand, trust in you and continue in this journey.love&prayers Carol Doutel

Darcy said...

I will not elaborate since at this time you certainly don't want someone to tell you "I know how it feels", but we have been in your shoes in every way you just mentioned in your post! God will pull you through it. There are so many praying, and if you falter and lose the energy to pray at times, or if you are angry or discouraged, the rest of us will carry you through our prayers, not only for Cate but for you guys.
God bless,
Darcy ":0)

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
I don't know you very well Charlie but from everything your wife has said you will lay your heart and trust where it needs to be. You, Ali are one of the strongest mothers I have encountered. Don't be afraid to tell others that you guys need to be along sometimes. Everyone wants to help but sometimes the best help is time alone with your feelings and your God. My family is continuing to pray for yours.
If there is ANYTHING I can do let me know. Even if it is just sitting with Ella and Dude for a while.
Casey

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, I don't know you, but God knows all of us...Don't apologize for FEELING, just be strong for Cate and let God be strong for you.

G in Massachusetts

Anonymous said...

Anger is healthly. I am glad to know that you are experincing it and not ignoring it. Bob and Kate said everything that I was going to say...so,listen to what they said. Read it again. We are with you in spirit and pray for you constantly...ALL of you...including the doctors. We love you. Betsy, Trey, and Fenton

Anonymous said...

Hey Charlie & Ali,I hear your frustrationin not being able to "do you are jobs'as Moma&Daddy which is to "make it all better'.But right now you can not do it all on your own. Ali rely on our heavenly Mother Mary towrap her arms around your little angles,Cate,Ella&Dude to comfort them as she comforted our Lord as a child.And may you and your crazy husband feal her comfort also. Charlie let the "Big Daddy"our heavenly Father God make it all better.I know I can not begin to imagine all you are going thru .The waiting must be torcher.(charlie this is as close to PMS mood swings as your going to get,HA)Once while our three year old was in surgery and we waited I felt as if I was smothering and all I wanted to do was RUN.That was just a morning not days.How many times have people leaned on you two & your families in the past:Ali you were Nick's confirmation leader,Mr.Bill was Jeremy's,Charlie you brought both of them to Rome for World Youth Day along with a bunch more.Emily & Becca have gone thru R.C.E.together and the same confirmation group.It's time now for you two to sit back and lean on allof us and our prayers for you.I also add my prayers for others who are in need and are without the support and faith you two have God Bless Ya"ll Always! The lady that used to have a hudge burgandy van,Ha!

Anonymous said...

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

You are Love

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
My name is Sarah and I stumbled upon your situation through a friend of mine. Since learning of Baby Cate and your family, I have been unable to remove your daughter's precious face from my mind. You are in my heart and in my prayers daily. Last night as I fell asleep I was praying a rosary for sweet baby Cate and I saw our Blessed Mother holding onto your sweet baby. Know that our Mother is praying over your daughter and loving you all. I pray that she would give you the gentleness you are asking for and that she would give your wife the stamina she is asking for as only a Mother who watched her Son suffer would be able to do. God bless you.
In Him,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Hey guys I forgot something if you realy miss dusting,cooking vacuming please feel free to call Jeremy he now lives in Houston and would gladly share his apartment and washing machine & dryer with you.You can even talk to someone with a cajun accent !He also comes back to Rayne nearly .every weekend if you need something hauled back & forth. Reach him at 337-258-8867.love you guys!Tricia Granger

Anonymous said...

I read about Baby Cate on the "Bring the Rain" blog today and felt complelled to reach out. I have never responded to a blog before, and I know you are tired of everyone "understanding" what you are going through...

My daughter Rachel had open-heart surgery at the age of 6 months at Texas Children's. It was the hardest experience of my life and something I don't ever want to experience again. She is turning three in July. Praise God!

If you want a listening ear from someone who knows TCH and RMH well, my e-mail is mlberens@sbcglobal.net.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't the human part of being human suck sometimes? It's okay, sometimes I don't answer my phone if I am folding clothes. People understand, and as much as everyone wants to help, sometimes the best help can be to sit back and let you go through it, stop trying to distract you, and let you DEAL with what God is bringing to you. THis is hard, and it sucks, and no one knows when it is going to be over, but at some point it will be. All you can do is beg for more grace, and we will be right here with you begging for grace for you.
THe Lantz'z
Job, Madalene, Emily, Wendy Brayson

Anonymous said...

Hang in their bro. We love ya'll and are grateful for your honesty. I know you know, but Laesha nd I and all the boys back home got your back. We're praying constantly for you, for Ali and for Cate!

John Ray

Anonymous said...

hey...hannah, gemma ani i just prayed our rosary (aka on decade...i'm pacing her) for baby cate and family....she knelt and held her hands and head in such a deep prayerful way...a blessing of a child...we love you...we have been away from the computer but a few people have kept us in the loop...praying always...loving your honesty and heart!!

Anonymous said...

What a blessing you are as parents and siblings of Baby Cate's.....God has given her the very best.....and his grace will sustain you.....never will you receive a trial without the grace.....it is there for the asking. Don't despair over the thoughts or actions of others.....they understand your pain and just don't know how to respond in an appropriate manner even if their experience is similar b/c everyone's emotions are unique gifts from God.
We will place you all gently in Our Father's hands through prayer.
"where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name...."

God Bless,

Anonymous said...

Nobody is perfect. My favorite Bible verse has always been John 10:1-10 "The Shepherd and His Flock" SMILE!

♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie and Allison,
Days on end without proper rest, etc. can cause anyone to "crash and burn". And, that is without the heart-wretching agony of seeing your precious baby girl in the fight of her little life! Remember St. Paul's words, "It is when I am weak that I am strong. For God is living in me." God is with you all. You are human, and there is nothing wrong with you. Your faith in God, and His faith and Life in you will get you through this. Fred and I admire your love for each other and the way you relate to each other. God is in you two, more than your tired minds are letting you see. We continue to pray....God is good!
Baby Cate is fortunate to have you for her parents!
Love, Annette Gossen

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie and Allison,
Days on end without proper rest, etc. can cause anyone to "crash and burn". And, that is without the heart-wretching agony of seeing your precious baby girl in the fight of her little life! Remember St. Paul's words, "It is when I am weak that I am strong. For God is living in me." God is with you all. You are human, and there is nothing wrong with you. Your faith in God, and His faith and Life in you will get you through this. Fred and I admire your love for each other and the way you relate to each other. God is in you two, more than your tired minds are letting you see. We continue to pray....God is good!
Baby Cate is fortunate to have you for her parents!
Love, Annette Gossen

Anonymous said...

We love you all and have and will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.

Love,
The Fruges and Coltons

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali:

It is heart warming to read your blog and experience your strength and courage through your writing during this unimaginable difficult time. Ali was a grade under me at RCE and Notre Dame. I have 2 young children of my own and will not pretend to know what you are going through. However, I will offer my prayers for you and your family because as a mother, I know how much you adore your children and only want to see them at peace and happy. May God continue to be a great force in your life.

Blessings to you!
Danielle Cramer Ronkartz and family

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali!!

Peace and everything good! We want you to know that we, Franciscan LEAD at the Steubenville South conference, are praying for you & your precious family. We read your blogs daily looking for updates & progress reports. We love yall!!!

+Franciscan LEAD
Steubenville South

Anonymous said...

We are on our knees. Your faith is incredible and inspires us. We love and miss y'all.
Chris, Mary, and Hindelang family.

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie and Alison,
Just want to let you know how much my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. You may not even remember us, Charlie, since it has been so many years since our paths have crossed. I am Ragan Borbas' mom. We all have been checking your blog quite a few times a day and praying for you and your precious Baby Cate continually. In prayer this morning, I received a vision of Jesus tenderly cradling Cate with His arms cupped underneath her out in front of Him. He was gently swaying her from side to side as she rested beautifully in His arms. What struck me was the sense of care in which He held her. In that moment, I sensed Him so pleased to be caring for her in this way and the love He was offering her was nothing short of amazing!

"Thank you Lord for what you are doing." His love for all of you is extravagant!

We continue to pray and check in for the Good News.

In Jesus through Mary,
Gina and Deacon Tim Borbas+

sumi said...

I am praying for the divine empowerment of God's grace to rest on you two, and for healing for Cate. May he hold you all close under his wings.

Thanks for your honesty and openness.

Many hugs,
Sumi

Anonymous said...

Just checking in to get an update. Thanks for your honesty, for your genuine heart's expression. Know that we ARE praying for all of you, for your kids not with you, for Cate, for life's return to normalacy. It is a great gift to understand (in a new light) through you what it means to treasure your blessings. Love that little girl, cling to Christ and in that we will be with you. There is a beautiful story of a little girl that grew up and later recalled having been held to Jesus' chest while she was fighting for her own infant life. Christ IS holding all of you. Thanks be to God we don't have to do anything but ask and then trust that it is being held in His great hands. God is good. You are faithful and you are carrying your cross with grace. Thank you for witnessing to us! Our love and prayers, Nathan & Sara Boster

Anonymous said...

We may not have seen each other every day but just knowing all of you aren't in that blue house across the street really leaves a sort of emptiness and reminder every day of what you both are going through and I cant wrap my head or heart around it. I have never in my entire life met a family with so much faith and endurance and I pray every day that God just keeps filling you up. Ali you know you have an extra special angel in heaven working his hardest.... We love you. Mandie K.

They call me the boss said...

Cate is in my prayers and so are you and your wife.
christi chaisson
Lafayette, La

Anonymous said...

Dear, you wouldn't be human if you didn't feel tha way you do! I was beginning to think that you two were actually supernatural! thanks for being honest and forthright! I'll keep you ALL in my prayers!! Remember Footprints, but in your case, it's not your faith but your strength and atamina. God will take over at those times and carry you!
Love you guys,
Mimi-Adam's mom

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
As with many people on this blog, you don't know me and I don't know you. We have many mutual LIFE TEEN friends- Paul and Gretchen, Darla, Ennie, Eric, just to name a few. My husband and I are the directors of the LT camp in AZ. As a mom and a grandmother, I felt such love and such pain for you this morning as I read today's blog- I just wanted to reach out and hold you. I felt compelled to go to the chapel immediately to pray. I opened the tabernacle and disolved into tears before our Lord, praying for Cate, for you, for your other children, your parents and all your family. I hadn't heard this popular song for a very long time, and yet it almost immediately came into my heart and I found myself singing it aloud over and over. I knew the words were not meant for me, but for you. Such peace came over me, I will send them on as a gentle reminder of God's love for you all.

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
From the album Passion 06: Everything Glorious

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
You guys have held up so many people over the years through your faith and prayers. Now it is our turn to hold you up. We will not stop until you have returned home with Baby Cate. God Bless now and always.
The Melancon and Landaiche families

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

Your entire body and soul is in our prayers. Thank you for such honesty and courage. Please know that our prayers are with Baby Cate and ya'll. Prayer will be the answer. With love and prayers many things can be done.

Jerry & Susan Bergeron

Anonymous said...

I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your faith is such a wonderful thing and thru God, we can make all things happen. Ali,
please tell your mom if Becca & Jenny need anything, I am across the hwy. I can be there in minutes.

We will continue to pray for all of you and we can't wait for Baby Cate to come home.

Karie M.

NET Ireland said...

Thank you so much for you humble honesty. I am sitting here holding my little baby and crying, i wish you werent going threw this, i'm so sorry! I dont know how hard this cross must be for you, and hope i am never in your place, my heart breaks... /i am crying, weeping and praying for you!!!

Anonymous said...

We offer this child to the Holy Trinity through our most beloved Mother Mary.

Pray the prayer of the Hail Mary each day. If possible, have a statue (blessed) of Our Lady of Lourdes in Cate's sight.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
When we watch Cate's channel from our mansions in heaven, we will be astonished at the miracles that Cate's little heart caused by God's Grace. Cate has a global community of prayer warriors. You are all my heros. I love you.
Genie