Good evening all!!  A year ago today we lost our sweet Beau.  In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday and in others a life time.  We miss him so very much and as Kayla told me yesterday “Grammy I just wanna play with him – I can’t play with him anymore.”  We love him as much if not more today and while our hearts grieve and we wish we could hold him and kiss him once again we know he is in heaven with his elder brother Jesus and his Heavenly Father.  No longer does he hurt; no longer does he have booboos or ouyies.  He’s completely healed and healthy.  He’s our little fireman angel watching over us every day. I want to share with you once again the letter my brother-in-law, Buddy Collins, wrote to Jennifer and Parham last year on November 28.   

BEAU LIVES!

              O Grave Where Is Thy Victory ….

O Death Where is Thy Sting….

                                                1^st Corin. 15:55

       Some time ago I attended the funeral of a dear friend – an old man, who died after a bout with cancer.  He was a robust and active soul – someone who never met a stranger and whose presence was immediately missed by many.   The minister began the service with a prayer, the exact words I am sure I no longer remember.  But I think it went something like this:  “Lord teach us today that the horizon need not be the limit of our vision.  Help us to understand that just because we cannot see beyond the horizon does not mean that there is nothing there”

       We all understand the sting of death.  We are in pain over the death of little Beau. We long for his gentle smile and silly giggle.  We miss his warm embrace.  Little boys should not die and neither should they have to battle cancer.   But little boys do die and   cancer afflicts them.  How totally inadequate we must feel in the face of the death of someone so young.  How hopeless must it appear?  How do we muster faith enough to believe that this is a part of some divine plan? How do we face the guilt that we feel when we somehow feel blessed that death did not visit our child but instead visited yours?

 The sting of death is real today.  The victory of the grave seems so certain.  This we cannot deny.   Corrie Ten Boom survived the holocaust.  She watched her friends and family die and suffered unimaginable times of horror.  As she grew old and reflected over her life, she observed: “I’ve learned that we must hold everything loosely, because when I grip it tightly, it hurts when the Father pries my fingers loose and takes it from me.” Yes, we understand the sting of death.  For over a year little Beau Stanley has been in the thoughts and prayers of hundreds of people across this land and throughout the world. Folks that you will never know have stopped and offered prayers for his health and the comfort and protection of his family.  This week, people that you will never know stopped and shed a tear for little Beau.  Yes, we all understand the sting of death for we all held on to Beau with tightly clenched fists.

       There are but two instances in the New Testament that we see Jesus cry.  The first is at the tomb of Lazarus.  Remember the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35 – “Jesus wept!”  Curious isn’t it?  It is ever so curious that Jesus cries. Yet, standing in the arms of two dear friends, Mary and Martha, Jesus weeps.  It is curious because Jesus already knows what is going to happen.  In a few moments Lazarus will rise again.  The man dead and laying in the tomb for days, wrapped head to toe in a funeral garment, will literally hop out of the tomb into the arms of his dear sisters.  Still Jesus pauses and weeps with his friends.  Do you understand what this means? Do you understand what kind of God we serve?  You see we serve a God who understands how much the sting of death hurts.  He understands how our hearts break when death takes the life of someone we love dearly.  As we cry out in anguish He hears us.  He embraces us. He shares our mortal grief. He takes us in His arms and He weeps with us. For as we weep for Beau, so does He.

       One of my internet email friends who grew to love Beau commented on how appropriate it seemed that Beau did not forsake his little wagon for a hospital bed.  She observed that it seemed to symbolize a journey of sorts.  The way she saw it Beau and his little wagon were traveling through the world embraced by love.   Love is a funny concept.  It is ever so misunderstood. Most of us consider it a feeling and lament the fact that when the feeling wanes, we are unloved. But love is not a feeling.  No, love is a verb.   Love is not something that is done for you; rather it is something you do for others.   Beau understood love.  He gave his love so freely to so many.  To know him was to be loved by him.  Without pretense and most importantly without any expectation of receipt of anything in return, Beau loved. And as Beau loved, we learned to love as well.  Your family set aside their busy lives for Beau.  They surrounded him with warm, caring love, given freely not only to Beau but to each other. Total strangers were moved to tears and fell to their knees in prayer because of their love of Beau. Acts of kindness and compassion that emanated from the love of this sick little boy from folks throughout the world is simply miraculous.  More importantly Beau loved you and you loved Beau.

       There is  a Sunday School song that we all know by heart  which tells us that “Jesus loves us…this we know….for the Bible tells us so….Little ones to Him belong….they are weak but He is strong”   It is a promise we cling to today but do we really understand how much Jesus loves us?  You see the second time the New Testament records that Jesus cried is as He stood on a hilltop overlooking Jerusalem. There He lamented over the fact that so many having been offered His love still rejected Him.   Jesus weeps.   He weeps for those unwilling to reach out and take hold of his outstretched hand.   He cries for those whose vision is limited by near sighted eyes.  Myopia is the curse of mankind. Our world is so often the limit to our vision. There is more to this life than what we see.  There is a relative perspective with which we must come to grips. Life is a journey, a spiritual journey. We travel in an earthen vessel not capable of bearing us to our final destination.  As Dr. Scott Peck observes: “We live our lives in the eye of God, and not at the periphery, but at the center of his vision. It is probable that the universe as we know it is but a single stepping-stone toward the entrance of the Kingdom of God.”                   

       This is why I believe that Beau lives.  He is more alive at this moment than at any time in his life on earth with us. Cancer may have taken his body but it never came close to extinguishing his indomitable spirit.  In my mind I can see him with his tousled  hair sticking out from an oversized fireman’s helmet, tilted to the side…..with blue eyes sparkling and grinning that big grin just like he had when he was riding in Fireman Jake’s red fire truck….and yes….Beau is pulling his wagon…eagerly walking to the horizon and just as he is nearly out of sight….he turns and waves to us in the distance….and by such gesture he encourages  each of us to follow him when we can….for you see little Beau can see something that we cannot  see… for faith is the direction our feet start moving when we know we are loved…...there is something there beyond the horizon…. it is the outstretched arms of Christ our Lord…..

Yes, Beau lives! 

A year has come and gone since we last saw those infectious blue eyes and that huge smile of our little warrior fireman.  A year has come and gone since Jesus took him home to be with Him and his heavenly Father.  A year has come and gone – I can’t believe it’s been a year.  The year has flown by – never thought it would last year at this time.  It’s been a blur of activity for Jennifer and Parham – getting Beau’s Buddies off the ground then Beau’s Buddies dinner/golf tournament among other endeavors they’ve participated in honoring Beau.  I reflect back on the night he was born – little did we know what the next 2 years and 5 months would bring.  Little did we know that he was God’s little miracle and little did we know how mightily God would use him over the span of a year.  Little did we know how many thousands of lives Beau and his story would touch over those 12 months?   God doesn’t show us things upfront – in the beginning because He knows we might not understand it and probably can’t handle it.  Often, He reveals little bits at a time.  Beau’s Bible verse was Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   It never crossed our minds on June 19, 2005 that God had put Beau here on this earth to serve Him and that He would use him to minister to thousands of people around the world.  I don’t think we realized until the end what a miracle Beau was and what an impact his life was having/had on all those who came to know him in person and through his website.  This was so evident in all the messages left on Beau’s website during those last days and the weeks that followed.   As Uncle Buddy so eloquently stated “Beau's life was a miracle....and death does not eliminate miracles...as Beau Lives...so does his miracle.  Not only did God use Beau He used Jennifer and Parham as well to touch the lives of those that knew them and came in contact with them.  As Amy Tripp, one of Beau’s nurses stated, Words just can't express how Beau and you guys have had such an impact on our lives. I realized where Beau found all his courage, his strength and bravery. He found all of that from you two Jennifer and Parham and of course his Heavenly Father.  Jennifer and Parham you have so much love, devotion and strength that you showed Beau and that was why Beau was able to have fought the battle he did and touch so many people lives along the way.  As Pastor Gene said, God gave Beau the parents He knew could handle the plans He had for Beau.  God had big plans for Beau – now you might say but he was just a baby – a little boy so why would God have such big plans for such a little one.  God uses the little ones, the least of us so that His glory and light will shine through and so that people will know it is God’s work not that of the person He was using. Luke 18:16-17 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.  Everyone loves little children and Beau was no exception.  Those big blue eyes were the first thing you noticed and then his smile – he was so precious.  God knew he could use Beau to touch the lives of more people in that short period of time than most of us could touch in our lifetime.  God knew that Beau’s strength, courage, bravery, and determination would radiate out to all those that met him and to those that read about him in the daily updates.  God knew people’s hearts would be touched and valuable lessons would be learned and that some people’s lives would forever be changed.  God gave Beau to Jennifer and Parham and to our family because He knew we could and would carry on throughout this journey with strength, courage, love, faith and trust in God. God used the whole family and Beau’s website to tell his story which in turn ministered to others. I’m so proud of Jennifer and how she met this challenge head on – never wavering – always keeping the faith - always being there for Beau and taking care of him daily with such love and compassion.  I am so proud of Parham as well and how hard he worked for his family and for spending every single night in the hospital with them and for his quiet strength and courage.  The strength the family has shown me...no words can describe. That shows what faith in God can do for you. (Ashley Bonner) I wanted to personally thank you for sharing Beau’s journey with all of us. This website is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational, peace-giving, and uplifting tributes I have ever witnessed. I am one of countless people who visit this site every day. It helps me to reaffirm my spiritual strength and re-establish my peace of mind in the goodness of others. I just thank you for allowing me a window to such remarkable strength, faith and grace me to reaffirm my spiritual strength and re-establish my peace of mind in the goodness of others. (Kelly Covington)  Beau was God’s little missionary. God used Beau’s journey day after day to reach out to people and touch their lives.  What greater legacy could you have especially for a 2 ½ year old?  God works in wondrous ways!!  In this season of thanksgiving, take a moment to stop and give thanks to God for all He has done for you and your family.  Our God is an awesome God.  Let us give thanks to Him and Praise Him!!  Thanks to everyone that has been there for our family over the last 2 years. Thanks to everyone that followed Beau’s journey and grew to love him as much as we do.  We love you all and your wonderful messages that you continue to leave.  We will continue on with Beau’s Business in the year to come sharing stories about our little fireman and keeping your updated on Beau’s Buddies and all that is taking place there.  If you have any stories about Beau that you haven’t shared with us please send them to me. millermfm@embarqmail.com      Thank you God for giving this family such a wonderful little boy to love and cherish.  He will be forever in our hearts.  We Love you Beau!!  God Bless!! Love, Grammy

Good evening all!  You’ve heard me mention over and over how Beau and his story have touched so many lives over the last couple of years.  Once again that has happened and I want to share that story with you.  Let me start at the beginning. One of the lives that were forever changed by Beau and his fight with neuroblastoma was David, his only boy cousin on my side of the family.  David was so excited when Beau was born.  He was tired of an all girl family.  David didn’t get to see Beau much but he loved him all the same. When Beau got sick, it hurt David more than any of us would know at the time.  But when Beau left us, David was devastated and it brought him to a different place in life.  It hit him hard and only his closest friends realized just how much David was changed by Beau and his journey with neuroblastoma.  The Winston-Salem journal ran an article in the paper on Friday about David and Beau.  You see because of Beau David decided to do his senior paper on neuroblastoma and to create a fundraiser for local families in the Forsyth County area whose children are suffering from the disease.  He hopes to solicit businesses for support and identify families in need, splitting any proceeds he raises between the families and research efforts.  David saw how hard Beau fought.  He saw how he never gave up and met each day head on with strength and courage beyond that of one so little.  Beau was David’s inspiration and David re-evaluated his life after Beau left us and started getting up an hour earlier each day for additional workout time. He changed his eating habits and really started working on his strength and conditioning.  Not only did he work harder toward his football goals, he worked harder in the classroom.  He was not only doing this for himself he was doing it for Beau because he would never get the chance to accomplish these things.  Every time things got tough, David would think “why back down?”  He would see Beau fighting for his life and would once again gain the strength to move on.  Because of Beau, David became very focused on his athletic opportunities, resulting in an offer from UNC-CH and them making the NC Shrine Bowl.  Beau is on the field with David during every game.  Beau is David’s hero. The story doesn’t stop there. Someone posted the story about Beau and David on the message board on CarolinaBlue.com.  As a result, Beau touched one more life and gave strength and courage to one more stranger.  Uncle Buddy received an email from a Carolina fan and here is part of that email. 

Mr. Collins, I just read the article in the Winston Salem journal about David and I am not afraid to say, it made this grown man break down and cry. I started coaching again 5 years ago. I did not work for the school system, but my job allowed me to coach. I was making great money as a residential project manager for a builder. Suddenly, in Feb. of this year, I was laid off. I put my resume out for work, but no one was hiring for what I did although I was well versed in sales as well. I tried to start my own business, but it was hard, because of no startup capital, and I was the only one working, my wife had been home for 2 years with my little girl. I used everything I saved just to pay the bills. I am a tough man, so I told no one of my personal trials. I had to file bankruptcy, because I had no job. Well now after some bad advice, I am going to lose my home. I do have a job as a sub teacher in Johnston County now, but it is not close to what I used to make. Point of all this is, seeing David's determination, and the way that little boy Beau fought may have reignited a fire in me to succeed again. I was feeling like a useless man because of doing things I never thought I would never have to do. Now, I will get up brush myself off and get back at it.  Beau inspired David and together they inspired a gentleman that has hit rock bottom.  God continues to use Beau to touch people’s lives.  How awesome is that!!!!  Beau lives on the hearts of so many.  1 Chronicles 28:20 ….”Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you…. God is with you every single moment of every single day.  You are never alone – God is always there walking beside you and when you can’t make it another step, He will carry you.  If you find yourself feeling a little down or discouraged, remember Beau and how he fought so gallantly everyday for 12 months. He never gave up until Jesus called him home.  Now he’s home with Jesus, healthy and happy, playing and watching over us all each and every day.  As Auntie Nay said recently, I bet he is the busiest little angel in Heaven.  God Bless!!  Love, Grammy

Good evening all!  I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful day.  Today’s update is actually an update on Beau’s Buddies and the latest that is going on with them.  To date, Beau’s Buddies have purchased the following for the hospital:  three Chemo Chairs for the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, a scale for the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, a Golf Cart for the Children's Oncology Department and they are in the process now of paying Gas Cards, Gift Cards, DVD players and DVD's for the Adults and Children going through Chemo.  This has all been possible because of the generosity of so many in Greenville.  There are four fundraisers coming up in the next few weeks that I would like to tell you about.  Rod Emory will be running an Ultrathon (50k or 31.6 miles) (Saturday, November 29) in Derby, NC to help raise money for Beau's Buddies Cancer Fund.  Rod will be taking donations for each mile that he completes in the race. As we all know, Santa is very busy at this time of year; however, he and his elves will be taking time out from their busy schedule to hold two fundraisers for Beau’s Buddies. Santa will be making his famous chocolate fudge again this year, with all proceeds going to Beau's Buddies Cancer Fund.  Fudge will be available in 1/2 pound and 1 pound decorative containers (plain chocolate & chocolate w/nuts – 1/2 pound $10 & 1 pound $17.50). This fudge melts in your mouth – I ate the whole pound by myself last year. The containers of fudge are great for Christmas gifts!!  If you would like to place an order for some fudge, go to www.beausbuddies.com and download an order form.  Santa will be in the lobby of the Brody School of Medicine on Saturday, December 6th & 13th, doing "Pictures with Santa". As you know, Santa was Beau’s very special buddy – he even came to the dinner (dressed in red not his Santa suit it was too hot for that).  He hasn’t set the times yet but they will be posted on  www.beausbuddies.com  as soon as we have them.  Please bring your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews and have their pictures taken with Santa.  He will take as many pictures with you as you want.  Donations will be accepted and will be given to Beau's Buddies.  The other fundraiser is being sponsored by Rob’s Hydraulics. They wanted to do something for Beau’s Buddies this year so Debbie suggested a toy drive for the Children’s Hospital.  They were so excited about this so toys will be collected up until December 4. If you would like to donate some toys to this drive go to www.beausbuddies.com    where you will find a list of toys and other items that are needed. You don’t have to spend a lot – there is a list for the Dollar Tree.  That is one of Grammy and Kayla’s favorite places.  We will be checking out all the goodies there and Kayla will pick out some things for the Children’s Hospital.  I thought that was a good way to teach her about sharing and she loves to shop at the Dollar Tree. The toys should be dropped off at David Vaughn Construction Co. office.  All the toys collected will be loaded into the scoop of a front loader and Jason Wainwright of Rob’s Hydraulics will drive it in the Christmas parade.  Once the parade is over, he will drive it straight to PCMH and deliver the toys to the Children’s Hospital.  The staff in the Childlife room will receive the toys and make sure they are distributed to kids in the hospital during Christmas.  Some toys may be used in the Childlife room.  When I heard about these fundraisers my heart was filled with such joy and tears came to my eyes.  People continue to think of ways to help Beau’s Buddies who in turn will continue to help so many in our community.  What a blessing Beau’s Buddies has been to our community in such a short time.  Ephesians 4:2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Tis the season of love and giving and so many have showed that love by giving so generously to Beau’s Buddies. Rod is running for Beau. Santa and his elves are taking time out of their busy schedules to cook up some scrumptious fudge and spend time with kids taking pictures.  And, Rob’s is collecting toys.  I know our precious blue eyed fireman is sitting in heaven saying “way to go”.  I know he is so proud.  Thanks to all for continuing to check in with us here at Beau’s website.  It means so much to know that you continue to think about our little angel.  God Bless!   Love, Grammy