Good evening all!  Jennifer sent me two pictures today that I want to share with you.  Jennifer and Beau met many children during Beau’s time on 2 West.  Most of the kids they met had some form of cancer or other disease that brought them to the hospital on a regular basis. We told you recently about Tadecia.  Another child that Jennifer and Beau became close to was Aaron.  Aaron was older than Beau but they hit it off from the start.  They would play together in the playroom and later in the clinic when they saw each other.  Aaron was always so good with Beau.  Aaron was a precious little boy who had cancer in his lung.  He had part of his lung removed and is now doing great.  Aaron touched our hearts and we are so glad we got to know him and that we have pictures to remember him and the time he spent with Beau.  Mathew 18:5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.  When a newborn comes into this world, we are all so excited and welcome this precious gift from God with open arms.  We have great hope for this little baby – God’s child – a new life.  We bless these newborns.  We pray for them. We nurture not only their bodies but their minds and souls as they grown.  We hold them tenderly in our arms and give them all our love.  These babies our children are our future and they will impact our lives in ways we would never imagine. Some children like Beau and Tadecia will be with us for only a little while but the impact they have on us will last a life time.   Say an extra prayer for your children tonight and for any child you feel needs that extra nourishment.  Then give them a big hug and kiss.  God Bless.  Love Grammy

Good evening all!  Tonight I would to pay tribute to two amazing young people that recently lost their battle to the ugly “cancer beast “.  If you’ve been following Beau’s Business from the beginning you probably heard me mention Robert Earl and Tadecia.  Robert Earl was 21 when Beau was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma.  Dr. D told us that Robert Earl had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 4 yr. old and he had been treating him for the last 17 years.  He said, “Robert Earl left today to go back to work driving his candy apple red mustang”.  Robert Earl fought a long hard battle and had many good years but he finally lost that battle in February.  Dr. D told me back in November he knew that Robert Earl’s time was getting short and he was dreading that inevitable day.  His words were “I’ve raised that boy and it’s going to be hard when the time comes”.  Tadecia was one of the first patients Jennifer and Beau met on 2 West. She was 14 and she fell in love with Beau.  Tadecia was from Kinston and lived with her aunt.  Her aunt had to work and couldn’t stay day and night like Jennifer was able to do so Jen adopted her.  Tadecia had Jen’s phone numbers and they stayed in touch when they were away from the hospital.  Sometimes Tadecia would be there when Beau wasn’t and if she needed anything or wanted something special to eat she would call Jen and she would get it for her.  Sometimes Jen would just take her something special. Tadecia kept telling Beau she would wait for him to grow up because she wanted to marry him.  They both loved McDonalds and she said they would have McDonalds cater the reception.  She was a wonderful young lady.  Tadecia had leukemia and had gone into remission but recently she relapsed and it returned with a vengeance.  It put a lot of strain on her heart and she was admitted back into the hospital last week and Jen went to see her.  Tadecia lost her battle Monday.  Two more wonderful young peoples’ lives cut short.  Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  My first thought when I heard the news why God, why did we have to lose two more young people?  Then immediately the thought came to mind I must trust God because he had a plan for their lives just as he had a plan for Beau’s life.  At all times, in all places and in all circumstances I trust God even when I can’t see or understand why something has happened.  I know without a doubt that God treasured and cared for these young people just as he did Beau and just as he does all of us.  Without fear and doubt I meet each day head on trusting in God, knowing that he will guide me thru the known and unknown of that day.  I stop, take a breath and remember that God is always good, always present and always right on time.  The one thing I know for sure is wherever I am God is always right there beside me.  Please remember Robert Earl and Tadecia’s families in your prayers tonight.  God Bless!  Love, Grammy

Happy Easter everyone!! I hope you have a very blessed day today.  Today is a very special day as we remember that day thousands of years ago when Christ rose from the grave.  And, just as the rising sun pushes away the darkness of night Christ’s love for us lights the way for us each day revealing to us all the possibilities of life that we may have thought were hidden from our view. Our precious Beau is spending Easter with Jesus and I am sure he is looking down on us all with a huge smile on his face and sending his mommy and daddy a big hug and a kiss.  The pictures we share with you today are from Beau’s first Easter.  Grand-dad and Grandma Miller had everyone down to the river for lunch and an Easter egg hunt.  Eggs were hidden everywhere even up high but daddy made sure Beau found them.  A great time was had by all.  That started a tradition which continues today.  I’m sure Kayla and Brianna will find some eggs for Beau today and will be sending all their love to him.  Luke 24:5  “The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.’   I know we all have plans with family today but take a few minutes of quiet time with just you and the Lord. Experience Christ Presence within and thank him for the many gifts and for the family He has given you.  Life, love and family are just a few of the gifts God has given to us. Beau may not physically be with us today but he is with us in spirit in our hearts and memories.  Today at the river everyone will talk about him and laugh about him hunting eggs the last 2 Easters.  They will remember the good times with him and thank God for the precious little boy God blessed us with and sent to be with us even if it was for just a little while.  Beau’s family would like to say once again, thank you for all the prayers that have gone for us over the past 1 ½ years.  Thank you for the love and support you continue to show us and for allowing us to continue to come into your home via Beau’s Business.  Words will never be able to express to you how much you all mean to us and how thankful we are to have you in our lives.  God Bless!   Love, Grammy

Good morning everyone!  It’s looks like it’s going to be another beautiful day out now if we could just get rid of the pollen.  I was reading my devotional for today and the title of it was “Flourish”.  It talks about growing into the fullness of our divine nature.  As I read it reminded me of Beau.  He may have only been here 2 short years but he grew into the fullness of what God had planned for him.  The devotional said we each have our own way of displaying the beauty that God created within us.  As I’ve said so many times, God had a plan for Beau’s life before he was born.  And, while we had no clue and couldn’t see it in the beginning, Beau was God’s little ambassador of peace, joy, and love.  He was a precious little boy with huge crystal blue eyes and an infectious smile that reflected God’s love and everyone that met him saw God’s love shining there even though they may not have realized it at the time.  God’s love was reaching out to them thru our little Beau.  It was a subtle thing but isn’t that how God works?  Kids are so adorable and can reach people when adults can’t.  God knew that and He used Beau to show them what God’s love looks like. Beau had an inner soul that was kind, sweet and loving.  Yes, Beau was God’s little ambassador and still is.  God isn’t finish using him yet.  If God could use a precious little one like Beau, He can certainly use all of us and all we have to do is allow Him too.  Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.  Will you let God use you today?   God Bless!  Love, Grammy

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!  We were looking at some pictures and found some from last St. Patrick’s Day.  Mike, a good friend of Jennifer’s from work dresses in scrubs to match whatever holiday it happens to be when he’s working.  Beau was in the hospital last year on St. Patrick’s Day and Mike came to see him.  He showed up with a big green hat on and Irish looking scrubs.  We all had to take turns trying on the hat.  I think Beau thought we were all crazy.  Some other co-workers of Jen’s stopped by that day and brought Beau the cutest glasses. They had two turtles on them and he looked so cute with them on. Of course, we all had to try them on too.  We got some cute pictures of Beau with Mike and of Beau with the glasses on.  Beau wasn’t feeling his best this particular day but we finally got him to laugh and smile.  It’s hard to believe a year has come and gone since then – a year that turned into a journey – a journey of faith, patience and discovery.  Discovery you might say.  Yes, discovery because we all learned so much not only about neuroblastoma but also about ourselves. Yes, I think we all learned a lot over this past year.  At times the journey’s path was clear and at other times we weren’t sure where we were going or what was happening.  But the one thing we always knew was God was with us at all times showing us the way to go.  Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.   God Bless!!  Love, Grammy

Good morning all!  I was reading a short devotional this morning about “Changes”.  Our family went thru a lot of changes this past year.  We all go thru a lot of changes every day.  Jennifer and Parham’s life changed with Beau was born.  It changed again when Beau was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.  It changed daily as Beau fought this “beast”.  And, their lives continue to change daily as they move on without their precious little Beau.  Not only did Jennifer and Parham’s lives change all of our lives changes – family members, close friends, the doctors, nurses, caregivers and many staff members at the hospital that cared for Beau, people that read Beau’s webpage daily, etc.  I think you get the picture.  God used this precious little boy Beau and the beast of an illness that finally conquered him to change thousands of lives all over the world.  God created us to be flexible and to learn something new in each new day.  Changes can cause us to be anxious but only if we let them.  We must accept that wonderful possibilities are awaiting us within these times of changes.  I heard about and have seen changes that have taken place in the people that come to know and love Beau.  God used this difficult time and was able to work thru this beautiful little blue eye boy with the infectious smile to touch peoples’ lives.  People that hadn’t prayed in a long time fell to their knees and prayed as never before.  People that never had a close relationship with God sought and found that relationship because of the anguish they were feeling in their heart watching our little warrior fight a gallant battle with courage and determination.  Parents that were caught up in the daily life of working and raising a family suddenly realized there is nothing more important in this life than your children and began to spend more time with their kids.  Cousin David became more determine to reach his dreams/goals of being a college and then a professional football player.  He wanted to do it for Beau to honor his memory by showing Beau he could be the best he could be.  He realized part of that dream a few weeks ago when he was offered and accepted a scholarship to UNC to play football.  A non-profit foundation was started because a doctor who had a personal experience with cancer wanted to give back to the community and help others who were affected by cancer.  He and his friends saw how courageously Beau fought his beast and decided the name this organization “Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund”.  They saw how God used Parham and Jennifer throughout this ordeal and asked them to be a part of this new organization.  This opened the door for Jennifer and Parham to become involved in a wonderful endeavor and now they can help others who are going thru what they went through.  Changes, so many changes that started way back on November 17, 2006 and continue today.  The world around us is continually changing and we are continually changing.  Do we grab a hold of this opportunity to change and grasp the realization this could be a golden opportunity to use the change to better not only our lives but the lives of others?  Do we feel a sense of gratitude for this change or say “why God, why has this happened to me?  God created us to be flexible and to be able to learn something new every day.  We may not like the change that is taking place and it may be scary moving into the unknown and unfamiliar.  Yet, we can welcome this change because God is with us walking beside us in every moment and thru every change.  Psalm 46:2  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.   Don’t be afraid of the changes in your life.  Use them to learn something and maybe even to help those around you.  God Bless!!  Love, Grammy

Good evening everyone!!  Over the past year, you’ve heard us mention the childlife specialists on 2 West and at the clinic.  March is Childlife month and we wanted to recognize these wonderful people and the important service they provide.  ECU is one of the few universities that offer this special program and we are so fortunate to have them at PCMH.  The childlife room is one of the most important rooms on 2 West and in the clinic.  It’s hard for a child to be in the hospital especially if they have cancer or some other disease that causes them to spend a lot of time at the hospital. The playroom is a refuge of sorts and allows the child to go be a child for a few hours.  They can play with the many toys and games they have available. They even have a separate room for teenagers with video games.  They have books and videos the kids can take to their room.  The childlife staff plan special activities each day for the kids and during the holidays events are planned to coincide with the holiday.  The staff will sit and play with the kids and give the parents a break.  There may be times when a parent can’t be there with their child for a few hours.  A childlife specialist will play with child, bring them to the playroom and take care of them.  There are times when procedures are done in a child’s room like drawing blood, doing xrays, etc.  Children don’t like tests and sometimes they will cry and it’s hard for the parent to calm them down.  A childlife member will bring toys to the room and try to help calm them so they can have their procedure done or help distract them so they can be given their meds.  We were so blessed to have the childlife staff on 2 West and in the clinic in our lives. They not only helped with Beau but often looked after Jennifer as well.  They gave Beau a birthday party this summer with a cake and toys.  They also had a Christmas party in the last few hours before Beau went home with Jesus.  They had a Christmas tree and made sure Santa was there. Beau had his Christmas and we have special memories that will never be forgotten.   We had spent so much time at the hospital and at the clinic during that year.  It didn’t take long for us to get to know all of the staff members.  They became part of our lives and our family and we will forever be grateful to them for all they did.  Several of them were there with Beau until the very end and they grieved with us.  A special ceremony takes place each year to honor the memory of the children that received their angel wings and are now in heaven.  The Childlife folks asked Jennifer to be a part of the planning committee this year.  She was honored to be asked and it’s been a blessing for her to be able to work on this.  2 Corinthians 8: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  14-15  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!  Thank you Lord for the wonderful Childlife staff that work on 2 West and in the clinic.  They are such a blessing to so many children and their families.  Please be with them each and every day as they provide such a special service to so many.  God Bless!  Love, Grammy

Good evening all!!  If you have visited Beau’s webpage in the last few days, then you read the story “Brave Little Soul” and have heard about Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund and know that a golf tournament and banquet will be held later this year.  How awesome was that story.  It sounds like the author was writing about Beau’s life.  Beau was God’s little miracle.  And, Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund – can you believe that news!!  What an honor for our little warrior.  I know Beau is in heaven saying – yeah thank you thank you for doing this!!   Please stay tuned for more information about this organization and up-coming events.  How appropriate that the first fund raiser will be a golf tournament.  Beau loved golf.  I know that sounds kind of strange for a 2 year old but he did.  He had his own golf clubs – real clubs not play ones.  His Grand-dad Miller and his daddy both like playing golf.  There is a small 9 hole (I think) golf course close to Grand-dad’s house at the river.  You have heard in past updates that Beau would go with Grand-dad and daddy and other family members to the course to play golf on the weekend when they would go to the river to visit.  The girls would ride in the golf carts while the guys played.  Beau had to be right out there with the guys.  Sometimes he would right in the cart and then get down when they got to the next hole.  Other times, Parham had to carry him while they walked.  Sometimes Beau would get out there with his clubs and have to hit some balls.  You could also find Beau hitting golf balls when he was at Ma and Hodgie’s house.  Kayla and Beau would get out the play clubs and hit plastic golf balls around Grammy’s den.  They would get kind of crazy at times so you had to watch out or you would get hit in the head with a flying golf ball.  Beau loved to watch golf on TV as well.  Now if you aren’t a golfer then you know how boring watching golf on TV can be.  You wouldn’t think a 2 yr old would sit still and watch golf but Beau would.  He would fuss until he got the TV changer then sit there and run thru the channels until he found the golf channel.  Then he would settle down and watch golf.  More fond memories of times spent with Beau. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).  God gave Jennifer and Parham this “precious little brave soul” to come to earth to “unlock the love and goodness” in so many peoples’ hearts - all over the world.  Thru Beau, God was able to help heal differences in our family and to bring the blended family together.  God used Beau’s story which we were able to share thru his website - to touched peoples’ lives.  I’ve heard numerous stories about how Beau’s journey of courage, determination and faith helped bring people back closer to God and helped some gain “faith” that had been wavering.  We gained new friends – doctors, nurses, caregivers, Childlife specialist, etc. that we came to know while Beau was in the hospital.  These people became our family and will always be dear to us.  People, thousands of people prayed daily for Beau and these prayers lead to other prayers for extended family and friends.  Little miracles were happening everyday and often we didn’t even see it.  Only now that we look back do we see the miracles that were happening every day.  God had a plan for Beau’s life before he was even formed in his mommy’s womb and what an awesome plan it was.  We had no idea the night Beau was born and we stood looking at him through the nursery window what God had in store for him.  What an awesome journey that 2 years turned out to be.  Yes, it was sad in so many ways because our little one’s time on this earth was so short.  But, when we look back at all God accomplished through our “brave little soul” we can’t help but stand with our mouths hanging open and say “what a plan you had God and how awesome it was” and “thank you for allowing Beau to be part of our family and for the time we had with him”.  Our lives will forever be changed by Beau Stanley.  Thank you God!!!   God Bless!!  Love, Grammy