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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Beau Our Precious Angel - We MIss you  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. Hello everyone! Once again, I start out by sharing this
Bible verse with you. But, how else could I start my update about Beau and his family. After
all, this was the Bible verse that became “Beau’s” verse four years ago on November 17 when we found out
he had neuroblastoma – the rare childhood cancer for which there was no cure. That day will forever
be the day that changed Jennifer and Parham’s life – that day forever changed our family and the lives of all
who came to know Beau over the next 12 months. We will never forget that night nor do we want to forget
it. That night was the start of a 12 month journey filled with tears and sadness yet on the other hand
filled with many wonderful memories and moments spent with our precious Beau – “Beau Diddley” as I called
him. Our precious blue eyed little boy with the infectious smile who was filled with love and compassion
for all that came into contact with him. Beau was a special little boy. My sister and
I have no doubt God sent him here as His little missionary. A missionary you might say – how can
a little boy who was 17 month old when he became sick and was 29 months old when he went home to be with the Lord (November
29, 2007) be a missionary. First and foremost Beau was God’s child – lent
to Parham and Jennifer for a short time here on earth. Little did we know that fateful night that Beau’s
story would literally reach around the world over the next 12 months and people from every corner of the world would be praying
for him daily and following his journey with the beast known as neuroblastoma. But God knew!!
As many of you know, Jennifer setup a website (www.beaustanley.com) and we updated it on a daily basis
sharing news about his health, telling about our adventures in/out of the hospital, sharing our faith and how God was helping
our family through this time. Beau and his story became a testimony to how God was working in all our lives.
Over and over people would leave messages on his website telling us how Beau had impacted their lives – how he
had changed the way they looked at life and their children – how his story brought them closer to their families but
most of all to God. You see – this was all part of God’s plan. God’s
plan you say? Yes, God’s plan. Why would he use such a small little boy –
why would He have him suffer through so much – Why? Why? Why? I don’t have the answers for
the “why’s” but I know God had His plan for Beau and Beau was God’s little missionary.
Who would have ever thought that such a little boy – a little boy who had the most penetrating big blue eyes
and the sweet spirit of an angel could have touch hundreds of thousands of lives like he did – but he did.
Beau touched the lives of more people in those 12 months that we will ever be able to touch in our lifetime.
And, today, Beau is still touching the lives of so many through his website that still exists. People
still visit his website and read about his journey and it continues to touch their lives. Beau’s
continues to touch the lives of those that are helped through Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund (www.beausbuddies.com) God KNEW!! God had a plan!!As many of you know, Beau loved his little red wagon.
When Jennifer and Parham left the Ped’s floor for the last time, they left behind Beau’s little red wagon
that his grand-dad Miller had specially outfitted with an IV pole. Beau’s Buddies donated five other
little red wagons specially outfitted with IV poles. Beau continues to touch the lives of the children
that come to the Children’s Hospital and use that little red wagon. God Knew His Plans!!Those of you that followed Beau’s story know
his constant companion was his cousin Kayla who was a year older than him. They loved each other more than
words could ever express. She and I spent every afternoon with him – didn’t miss very many
during that year. Even if he didn’t feel like playing or going for a ride in his beloved red wagon,
she would just sit beside him. He knew that she was there. She learned more about medical “stuff”
than any 2 then 3 yr old should know. We explained things to her the best we could in child terms.
But she also learned a lot about God. We talked about God a lot during that year. Kayla
came to know God and Jesus that year. She still misses Beau so much. Her sad times are
a little further apart now but we still talk about him all the time and I try to help her remember all the things they did
together. Just recently, she said “Grammy, I wish I could go to heaven for just a little while and
see Beau. I wouldn’t stay long I just want to see him and hug him”. Kayla
gave her heart to the Lord a year ago and then witness to a child that had been bullying her. God
Knew His Plans!!!Beau touched the life of his cousin “Big David” as Kayla calls him. David was devastated
when he found out Beau was sick. Now mind you, David is 6ft 8” and around 300 lbs. but
he has a heart of gold and he loved his little cousin. He watched Beau over that year and saw the strength and courage Beau
had. He saw how valiantly Beau fought the fight against that “beast”. Beau
never cried a lot. David saw that and how he handled the daily routines of all the “medical”
stuff he had to endure. It inspired David and he told his mom (my sister) Beau will never graduate from
high school, he will never play football (David’s passion), he will never go hunting or to college. David
told her everything I do from this day forward will be for Beau. Today, his is at Carolina and is an offensive
lineman. Beau is with him every day in all he does whether on the field or in the classroom.
David’s life was forever changed by Beau. God Knew His Plans!!!Jennifer was a respiratory care practitioner at PCMH
when Beau became sick. She spent every single day in the hospital with Beau – very seldom leaving
his side and when she did it wasn’t for very long. One of the grandparents or his daddy was with
him if Jennifer had to leave. Jennifer always had a smile on her face – talking to the nurses, aides,
housekeepers and other staff that came to care for Beau. The way she carried herself during that year and
the way she handled the daily rigors of “living” in that small room at the hospital spoke volumes to all that
saw her and heard of her through Beau’s website. Parham spent every single night with them sleeping
on that hard hospital chair and never once complained. The Stanley family witnessed to so many people over
those 12 months. God Knew His Plans!!!When it became apparent that the end was near, word began to spread
and family and friends were notified. So began the endless stream of family, friends, doctors, nurses,
and hospital staff coming to tell Beau good bye – coming to share fond memories of this precious blue eyed little boy
– coming to comfort his family and share their pain. This in itself was a testimony to
the short life of Beau Stanley – to the little boy who had touched the lives of so many. It was hard
to fathom the impact this little boy had – had on so many lives. God Knew His Plans!!January 9, 2010 - God blessed Jennifer and Parham
with twins – Maddux and Miller. Two precious little boys so full of life and love and they have brought
so much happiness to their parents and family. They are doing well and growing like little weeds.
They are bright and smart and sometimes I see a little of Beau in them. They see pictures of their
big brother all the time and one day when they can understand, they will learn all about Beau. God
Knew His Plan!!Jennifer didn’t think she would ever be able to go back and work at the hospital. But by
the grace of God, recently she returned to PCMH and is working in Pediatrics. She worked on Thanksgiving
Day and spent it with many of Beau’s former nurses, care partners, etc. They are all so excited and
happy to have Jennifer back with them. Parham took the boys over to have lunch with her and then to visit
the Ped’s floor where their brother spent the better part of a year. Everyone was so excited to see
them. Jennifer will now be helping the children that come to the Children’s Hospital and will be
sharing a part of their life with them. When the new Children’s Hospital is finished and opens there
will be a “Beau’s Playroom” for the kids to visit and play in. God Knew His Plan!!Once again, our family would like to thank everyone
that was there for us during that difficult year. But most of all we would like to thank God our Lord and
Savior for bringing us through that year, for never leaving us nor forsaking us and for carrying us when we couldn’t
take another step. It was by the Grace of God that we made it through that year and came out on the other
side better people – a better family. Thank you God for your precious love and for watching over
our Beau until we are all reunited with him in heaven. Blessings, Grammy
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Beau - We love You!!!!!
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. As many of you know, this Bible verse is very special to our family.
It became “Beau’s” verse three years ago and still today it is a verse we cherish and live by.
November 17, three years ago, our world was turned upset down – or so we thought. At the age
of 17 months, our precious little Beau was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – a childhood cancer for which there is no cure.
None of us will ever forget that night – the night we received the call from Jennifer. The
next few days were a blur – a time of trying to grasp what we were hearing – a time of riding the emotional roller
coaster. It was during this time that God brought to my mind Jeremiah 29.11. I made
Beau a small bulletin board filled with many Bible verses but this particular verse became “his verse”.
It became the verse we repeated over and over – the verse we hung on to on a daily basis. The next 17 months – what can I say about that time?
How can I begin to tell you what these months meant to this family? As so many of you know, Jennifer
setup a website (beaustanley.com) and so begin the story of Hugh Parham Stanley, III. The world (literally)
would come to know Beau thru the daily postings. We updated this website every single day for 12 months.
We shared Beau’s journey with this horrible beast – neuroblastoma - thru this website. Daily
we would let people know how he was doing, what kind of procedures he was having, etc. But we also shared
the joyous moments family and friends spent with Beau. We told of his adventures on the days he was feeling
good and could go home or leave the hospital for a short walk. Like the time Jennifer, Kayla and I took
him and walked from the hospital to Kentucky Fried Chicken. We signed him out of the hospital and away
we went – Jennifer pulling his beloved little red wagon with Beau situated comfortably inside among pillows & blankets
with his little safari hat on. Grammy was following behind pushing the IV pole and Kayla was walking beside
him talking up a storm. When we got to KFC, Jen went inside while we waited outside. A sweet little lady
came by and stopped and talked to us and laid hands on Beau and prayed right there on the spot for him. When
we got back to the hospital the charge nurse told us they had received a call from a passerby saying they saw two women with
a child in a wagon with an IV pole and a little girl leaving hospital. They wanted to be sure that a child
had not been abducted. The charge nurse said no it is fine we know they are out there. Another
time, Jennifer and Parham were out walking with Beau – once again in his little red wagon and a car passed by –
pulled over and stopped up ahead in a parking. An older gentleman got out of his car and approached them
saying I am Pastor so and so from this church (in another town) and when I saw you God told me to stop and pray for this little
boy. Beau was a very special little boy. Now you might say, well of course a Grammy
is going to say that about her grandson. But everyone that knew Beau and came to know him through his website would tell you
that he was a special little boy. He had huge blue eyes – eyes that could touch your very soul when
you looked into the. He had an infectious smile that would melt your heart when he decided to smile at
you. And, he was so full of love and compassion. Love and compassion you say –
how can a little boy that is just 2 yr old be full of love and compassion. Let me give you a few examples.
Jennifer was a respiratory therapist at PCMH at the time. They have a bake sale each year to raise
money for a respiratory scholarship. Beau was in the hospital during the sale so Jennifer, Grammy and Beau
took a trip down to the sale to see what goodies they had. Beau saw ham biscuits and he wanted some.
Nothing we could say to him would change his mind. He was determined to have those ham biscuits
so of course mommy bought them for him. He had to hold them too and wouldn’t let them go.
When we returned to the pediatric floor he wanted the nurse. We assumed it was his current nurse
so we found her but he was no - no I want nurse. We kept getting different nurses to come to his room but
over and over he kept saying no I want nurse. Finally, Felicia Nicole came into the room and he broke into
this huge smile and he handed her the biscuits. We almost cried. Another time
it was candy he wanted to share. He had been out of the hospital for a few days and during this time JH
Rose had their homecoming parade. Jennifer, Beau, Kayla and I loaded up the beloved red wagon and set out
to watch the parade. We found a spot on 5th street and waited. We all know
that the thing the kids’ love the most about the parade is the candy they throw out all during the parade.
Beau couldn’t chase down the candy that was being tossed out but Kayla and I did and he loved watching us run
around and all the excitement of the parade. A few days later he was back in the hospital.
Jennifer had a bag of candy and Beau wanted to give the candy to everyone that came into the room. One
of his favorite things to do when he was in the hospital was to ride in his wagon – around and around the nurses’
station – sometimes for 30 min at a time. You didn’t stop until Beau was ready to stop.
On this same day we decided to go for a spin around the nurses’ station and Beau wanted to take the candy with
him. He started throwing the candy out to the nurses and anyone else that happen to be standing in the
hall. Then he started saying doctor, doctor. At first we didn’t know what he wanted
then we realized he wanted to give them candy. One of the nurses had to go hunt down his doctors that were
on duty and when they finally came Beau gave them the candy – then he was ready to go back to his room.
Beau was full of love and compassion.That night November night – the night that will live in infamy for our family – Jennifer
told me “mom I can’t do this, I don’t have enough money to fix him”. I told her
– yes Jennifer you can do this. Beau is God’s child - first and foremost he is God’s
child. God lent him to you and Parham and He will give you the strength, courage and grace to deal with
whatever is ahead. You can do this with God’s help. (Phil 4:13 4:19)
Little did we know at that moment how God was going to use Beau, Jennifer and Parham? Little did
we know that over the next 12 months Beau’s story would reach around the world and that people from all corners of the
world would be praying for him and following his story! As I said earlier, we posted daily updates sharing
news about his health, telling about our adventures in and out of the hospital and sharing our faith and how God was helping
our family through this time. Beau and his story became a testimony to how God was working in all our lives.
Over and over people would leave messages on his website telling us how Beau had impacted their lives – how he
had changed the way they felt about their kids – brought them closer to God. The stories went on
and on. We experienced the same thing within our family. Beau’s situation healed some things
within our family that we never thought could be healed. And, until Beau came along, there was one boy
in our family (on my side) and that was David. David was so excited when Beau was born and was devastated
when he found out Beau was sick. Now mind you, David doesn’t always say a lot – doesn’t
always share his feelings. Kayla calls him Big David – He is almost 20 now, 6 ft 8 and 300 lbs but
he has a heart of gold. He watched Beau over that year – saw the strength and the courage Beau had.
Beau never cried a lot. He became use to the daily hospital routine to the point that when he saw
his nurses/aids/doctors come into the room with certain instruments/needles/etc. he knew what they were going to do.
He would hold out his little arm for them to put on the blood pressure cup. He knew when they were
going to clear his line and the nurses would let him help, etc. David saw how Beau handled this daily routine,
these procedures, things that a small child should never have to deal with and it changed his life forever. He
told his mom (my sister) Beau will never play football (his passion); he will never go to high school/college.
I am going to do all this for us – for Beau and me. He buckled down at school, worked even
harder in the classroom, on the football field and in the weight room. He worked hard and pushed himself.
His grief was beyond words the day he got the news that God had finally taken Beau home with Him. He
continued to work even harder after that and his hard work for Beau and himself paid off. The day he signed
with Carolina (to play football) he wore his “Hope for Beau” wrist band. Beau may not have
been physically in that room with David that day but his spirit was there with him. Today, David continues
his hard work in the classroom and on the field at Carolina. Beau is still his motivation – the angel
that is always on his shoulder with him wherever he goes. Jennifer spent every single day in the hospital with Beau – she
only left his side a few times and that was for just a few hours. One of his grandparents or his daddy
would stay with him until she returned. She was always caring for Beau. She always had
a smile on her face – talking to the nurses, aides, housekeepers, and other staff that came to take care of Beau.
The way she carried herself and handled the daily rigors of “living” in that small room at the hospital
spoke volumes to all that saw her and heard of her thru Beau’s website. Parham spent every single
night with them sleeping on that hard hospital chair never complaining. The Stanley family witnessed to
so many over those 12 months.When it became apparent that the end was near, family and friends were notified and so began the last hours of this
journey for Beau and his family. For
hours there was a steady stream of family, friends, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff coming to tell Beau good bye –
coming to share fond memories of this precious little boy – coming to comfort the family and share their pain.
This in itself was a testimony to the short life of Beau Stanley. This in itself was a testimony
to the impact this little blue eyed boy had – had on the lives of all that had come to know and love him.
It was hard to fathom – to realize that he had touched so many lives – that so many loved and cared for
him. Yet, you only had to look into the faces of those that came to see him over those last few days to
realize just how much he was loved. People from all over the world (South Africa, Australia, Sweden to name a few) were leaving
messages on his website. It blew us all away. Beau loved his Kayla and she loved her Beau.
Kayla was a year older than Beau and while they were cousins in reality they were more like brother and sister.
They loved each other so much – there are no words to explain the bond that existed between those two.
Because of Beau’s illness, he never got to spend a lot of time with other kids. Adults were
his constant companions. I picked Kayla up from daycare each afternoon and we would head to the hospital
to see Beau. It became our regular routine. We didn’t miss many days and on the day’s his counts
were too low for her to go in to see him we would go stand outside the hospital. Jennifer would bring him
to the window and Kayla would wave to him. She still had to see him. We tried to prepare
Kayla for what was coming – the best you can prepare a 3 yr old. We knew his time was short and that
evening Kayla went in to see her Beau – to say her goodbyes. They had just left the hospital parking lot when Beau started
calling for Kayla. It was an urgent calling so I called Julie and said you’ve got to bring Kayla
back. Beau wants her. I met Kayla in the hall and knelt down to her and said, “Kayla,
Beau is calling for you. You go in there and tell him you love him and tell him it is ok for him to go
with his angels now – it is ok to go home with Jesus.” She went in there and in that soft sweet voice of a 3 yr
old she told Beau. He quieted down. A short time later Jennifer got him settled in the
bed for the night. There were a few family members left in the room. My sister
and I were standing at the foot of his bed talking. And, for some reason, we stopped and looked at Beau.
We saw his little lips moving and he smiled the biggest smile you could imagine and a peace came over him.
We looked at each other and smiled. We knew his angels were talking to him – were telling
him what to expect. We knew that Beau was ready to go. My sister said, “All this
time we’ve been praying for a miracle for Beau. What we didn’t realize was Beau was the miracle. He has been God’s
little missionary. God sent him here for a reason. God sent him here to work for Him
– now that work is finished and God is ready to take him home.” The next day the Childlife staff gave him a Christmas party. Santa made
a special trip to see Beau and read him "Twas the Night Before Christmas" They had a Christmas tree and lots
of special elf’s were there to help. Beau received so many nice Christmas gifts and he even let momma and daddy
open them for him. He would say daddy open that or momma that one. Of course, once they were all open he had to have
them all in the wagon with him. He wanted to “go ride” so he and daddy took a few trips around the
nurses’ station and headed back to his room. Beau had the most perfect day today. A day filled with
wonderful memories. He had his hero (fireman Jake) come riding up on the hooker and ladder truck - right up to his
window on the 2nd floor and they waved at each other. He had spent the day before and today with his family saying his
goodbyes and now he was ready to go home with Jesus. He spent the next few hours with his momma and daddy then
his angels took him home – November 29 - what a blessing that day had been. Auntie Nay was right – Beau was the miracle.
He ministered to and touched more lives than you and I could ever touch in our life time. God used him in a mighty
way. God continues to use him today thru Beau’s Buddies and thru Parham and Jennifer. I think the
message Amy and Chris Tripp left on Beau’s website sums it up and I want to share that with you now. Jennifer and Parham, Words just can't express how Beau
and you guys have had such an impact on our lives. After seeing Beau at the funeral home lying there like a sweet little angel
sleeping, I realized where Beau found all his courage, his strength and bravery. He found all of that from two of you 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. He is not
here with you physically anymore because God needs a little helper. So now he is staying busy until we get there in heaven
and be able to see him in no more pain and running around. He is up in heaven making rain to help the flowers grow, shining
the sunrise sunshine and making the biggest rainbow for us all to see. We know he will live on in our hearts forever. Chris
and I will continue to keep you Jennifer and Parham in our prayers. I really want to tell you Thank you both Jennifer and
Parham for having this wonderful little angel that I had the honor and pleasure to take care of on 2west and he will always
hold a special place in my heart. Love, Amy Tripp,RN
We love you so much Beau. We miss you more than words can express. You blessed our lives in the short time
you were here and we will never forget you. You will live on forever in our hearts. God
has blessed your mommy and daddy with two precious little brothers – Maddux and Miller. They are
so sweet and wide open – all boys. A part of you lives on in them – thru them. You would be
a proud big brother. Kayla misses you Beau. She said she didn’t want anything for Christmas –
she only wanted to see you. She loves on Maddux and Miller just like she loved on you. She will tell them
all about you – about the fun you two had – how brave you were. Merry Christmas sweet Beau.
We’ll see you again one day in heaven. What a joyous reunion that will be. Until then, hugs
and kisses!!!! Love, Grammy
Monday, November 30, 2009
Two Years - We love and Miss You Sweet Boy!!
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" Hello everyone!! It has been a while since I posted an update
and I hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying the holiday season. Two years ago, November 29 at
6 pm, our precious little Beau went home to be with the Lord. In some ways, it seems like yesterday and
in other ways an eternity. We miss him so much and we love him more with each passing day.
He is forever in our hearts and on our minds. We talk about him all the time and remember all the
fun things we did with him. Aunt Nay (my sister) and I talked about him the other day. We
both believe that just as Beau’s Bible scripture above says God had a plan for his life. God sent
Beau to Jennifer and Parham to serve this world as His little missionary. Now, you might say, what can
a little 17 month old boy do to serve God? Well, all you have to do is look at his life and all the peoples’
lives that he touched during those 12 months he was sick and how thru Beau’s Buddies and this website he continues to
touch the lives of so many. He was a very special little boy. I want to share with you
some of the things I wrote in his update that night after Beau went home to heaven and again the next day. Thursday,
November 29 - While we are sad that our little warrior is gone we rejoice knowing that he is now with Jesus in heaven.
Over this past year Beau has shown us all what strength, courage and determination is. He has touched so many people
and their lives will never be the same. Yesterday and today, there has been a steady stream of doctors, nurses, respiratory
therapists, caregivers, housekeepers, friends and family coming to see Beau, Jennifer and Parham. His doctors,
one of his residents and three of his nurses stayed with him all afternoon making sure he was comfortable until his angels
took him home to be with Jesus. Mommy and daddy had their special time with him and then they let Kayla have her
time with him to tell him goodbye. For the next few hours his family and friends surrounded him with love and said
their goodbyes. Beau is at peace now. He is running and playing in heaven and we'll see him again one day. Beau
had a very special day today. As you read in my early update he had a special visit from fireman Jake and his
buddies. Fireman Jake came back later and brought Beau his own fireman's hat. Not a play hat a REAL fireman's
hat with his name on it. So not only is Beau God's newest angel his is an honorary fireman. I told fireman Jake how
much all he had done had meant to Beau and his family and he told me Beau had greatly impacted his life - forever.
All day today I kept hearing this same thing, "Beau has made such a difference in my life". The Childlife
staff gave him a Christmas party today. Santa made a special trip to see Beau and read him "Twas the Night Before
Christmas" They had a Christmas tree and lots of special elfs were there to help. Beau received so many nice
Christmas gifts and he even let momma and daddy open them for him. He would say daddy open that or momma that one. Of
course, once they were all open he had to have them all in the wagon with him. He wanted to ride so he and daddy took
a few trips around the nurses’ station and headed back to his room. Beau had the most perfect day today.
A day filled with wonderful memories. He had his hero come riding up on the hooker and ladder truck - right up to
his window on the 2nd floor and they waved at each other. Then Santa came, read him a story and we got to
have Christmas with him. He had spent the day before and today with his family saying his goodbyes and now he was ready
to go home with Jesus. He spent the next few hours with his momma and daddy then his angels took him home.
What a blessing today has been!! There are no words to express how I feel right now. We all loved him so very much and
he will forever be with us in our hearts and the wonderful memories that we have. Friday, November 30 A
long time friend, Emily Rouse, came to see us at the hospital yesterday right after Beau's Christmas party. She
and her husband wake every morning to the music of a Christian radio station and normally turn it off and get
up. But, yesterday morning for some reason her husband didn't turn it off. Emily spent her time in prayer and
went back into the bed room and she heard a pastor talking about the 23rd Psalm (this was read at Beau's baptism ceremony)
so she sat down and listened. He was talking about how a good Sheppard will place the little lamb on his shoulders
and carry him out of the thickets back to a safe place before he puts him down. She said a vision came to her - a vision
so clear and real that she could see every detail. She saw Jesus carrying Beau on his shoulders (like a daddy
would carry his son) and he was walking him through these troubles and when they came to the end there was the most beautiful
green grass and a playground and Beau got down and ran to play. It was so real and vivid to her. She prayed about
coming to tell us and prayed that she would see Grammy or Ma if God meant for her to tell us what she saw. As soon as
she arrived on 2 West there was Ma and Grammy. She knew she was meant to come tell us the story. She told Ma and
me the story and then Jennifer came out of the playroom and she repeated it to her. Jennifer was so glad she came and
it helped her to know that Jesus was carrying him through this time and what Beau would see and do when they arrived
at the end. Little did we know what the remainder of the day would hold but God knew and he sent Emily to give
Jennifer this message so Jennifer would know that even as she heard the story Jesus was carrying Beau. She would
also know that when the journey was over Beau would be at the most beautiful playground and he would be playing
and having fun. We hadn't see Emily in the longest time. Why did God choose her? Only God knows that.
Emily has prayed for Beau from day one. She told us she felt like she had helped raised Beau. She told the story so
eloquently and with such passion and it helped Jennifer and I think after the next few days are over and Jennifer has
time to reflect back she will realize God had a plan that day. Every moment from the time the clock went off in
Emily's bedroom that morning until she told the story to Jennifer was planned by God. He knew what that day
held and he knew Jennifer needed to hear this message Our God is an awesome God. We may not
always understand His ways or His plans for our lives but we do know God loves each and every one us. He is always there for
us and He never lets us down. God knew when he sent Beau here on June 19, 2005 that He was going to take him back home with
Him on November 29, 2007. God also knew back then that He would bless Jennifer and Parham with two precious
little boys in 2010. Beau will be their big brother watching over them from Heaven – their guardian
angel. We love you sweet Beau!! As Kayla say, you are always right here with me in my
heart!!God Bless!!
Love, Grammy
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Boys - Double Blessings  Good afternoon all!! I hope you all had a wonderful summer and have gotten back into the routine of school
and work. Beau’s family has wonderful news to share with you today. Jennifer went
in for her ultrasound last Thursday and they are having boys - two precious little boys. Needless to say, they were ecstatic
we all were. Miller Parham and Mattox Lee are growing and are right on schedule with their growth.
Of course, there were many phone calls and text messages sent out last Thursday. I called my niece
and she said “I bet Parham is on the way to buy them hunting licenses”. Actually, Grandpa Hodgie
(Parham’s stepdad) went out and bought Beau his hunting license when he was born. I guess Grandpa
Hodgie will have to go buy two hunting licenses this time. Jennifer was so excited. As she said, she already
knows what to do with boys and if she needs a girl she can borrow Kayla. They are well prepared for boys.
They have so many toys for boys – all kinds of vehicles they can drive and ride on. Kayla
said Beau told God to send them boys. I know he is one proud big brother. You’ve
heard me talk about Beau’s cousin – Big David. He was so excited when Beau came along then
so devastated when Beau went home to be with Jesus. My sister called and texted him last Thursday to give
him the big news. He’s a freshman at Carolina and is on the football team. As
Rene was sending him the text about the twins, he was finding out he was on the traveling team and would be able to take the
“old Well Walk” with the team on Saturday before the game. He called Rene and said, “mom,
this has been the best afternoon ever – I have just found out I have 2 more boy cousins coming so that make 3 new boy
cousins and I made the traveling team. This is the best day ever”. God continues
to bless our family. Beau is with us each and every day. He is always in our thoughts and we remember fondly
all the wonderful times we had with him. He is with Jennifer and Parham as they prepare for the twins.
I know he will be watching over his little brothers – be that angel keeping them safe – as Kayla says.
We will tell Miller and Mattox stories about Beau and show them pictures of him and all the fun things we did with
him. Beau is with Kayla each day at school – according to Kayla. You can hear
her laughing sometimes and when you ask her what is so funny she will say Beau is tickling me. I believe
he is. David believes Beau is with him each day as he goes to class and when he suits up and heads out
on the practice field each day. Beau was with him on the “old Well Walk” and he was with David as he ran thru
that tunnel and onto the field for the first time this past Saturday at Carolina. Beau was and continues
to be David’s’ inspiration. Everything he does he does for Beau because as he said Beau won’t be here to
experience going to college and playing football so I’m doing it for both of us. Beau will forever
be with us. We love him beyond words and we continue to see God using him daily to touch the lives of so many.
Beau taught us all so much about love, about strength and courage, about determination. He taught
us about laughter, happiness, giving and sharing. Beau taught us to never back down but to face life head
on with strength, courage, faith, trust and determination. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens
me. Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell
God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. The picture today is of a painting that my sister, her husband and daughter
had painted for David for his graduation. It’s titled “Never Back Down”.
It’s a tribute to Beau and David. God Bless!! Love Grammy
Monday, August 10, 2009
Good News  Good afternoon everyone! I’m so sorry it has been so long since my last update. This
has been a busy summer for Grammy. Family things have kept me busy and on the go. I
come to you today with a heart bursting with happiness and joy. Many of you already know this but for those
of you that don’t, Jennifer is expecting TWINS. Yes, Twins. God took Beau home
to be with Him and now he is blessing them with twins. Needless to say, the family is happy beyond words.
Jennifer is 15 weeks tomorrow. She had her doctor’s appointment and everything is great.
I think she said the babies measured 14 weeks and a few days. On her next visit in 3 weeks
we will find out what they are and if they are identical. My sister, Aunt Rene or Nay as we call her and
Pastor Gene (their pastor) had been praying for twins ever since Beau went home with Jesus. Grammy prayed
that prayer more than once and I know there were others that were praying for twins as well. God heard
all these prayers. I had told Jennifer what Aunt Nay said and she told me once she felt different this
time so I believe Jennifer felt like it was twins. When she had her first ultrasound and they said it was
twins the girl performing the ultrasound asked Parham if he was ok. He said, “I’m a little
woozy!” What a wonderful surprise it was for them. When Pastor Gene got ready
to announce it to the church he told them, “I have good news for you but first let me tell you if you ask me to pray
for you be sure you really want what you are asking for!” Jennifer has done well – she’s
had some morning/all day sickness at times but she figured out if she eats on a regular schedule and doesn’t let her
tummy get too empty she is ok. She is still working at least for now. I know Beau is
rejoicing in heaven and Kayla believes Beau asked God to give his mommy and daddy two babies. Aunt Nay
said it will be a girl and a boy but I guess we’ll just have to wait 3 more weeks to see. Kayla
is going to be very busy come January. Her mommy (Julie - my youngest daughter) is expecting as well.
We will find out what she is having tomorrow. Jennifer and Julie’s due dates are 3 weeks apart
but most likely Jennifer will go early (they plan to do a C section) so they could both end up in the hospital at the same
time. We’ve told Kayla she will have to be a big sister to all three of them. She
is ready to take on that roll. She said, “Grammy I will help you change diapers but I’m NOT
gonna change no poopy diaper.” Then she said, “Grammy did you know that boys will pee on you
when you change their diaper?” Kayla is anxious to see if the twins look like Beau. She
misses him so much and talks about him constantly. The twins will learn all about their big brother from
the stories Kayla will tell them. Kayla will make sure of that. She may be almost 6
yr. older than the twins but she will love them as much as she did Beau and she is looking forward to being their big sister
too. Needless to say, Grammy will be very busy come January but I am so looking forward
to seeing and holding three precious new babies. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. It’s been almost 2 yr since Beau left us. It was difficult
at times to understand why this all happened but we continued to have faith in and trusted God. Jennifer
and Parham worked for the Lord and others during the last 2 yr. all the while remaining faithful to God and His promises.
God knew when he called Beau home He would be giving them the twins one day. Jennifer and Parham
love Beau more with each passing day and he will always be their first – their oldest child. And,
they will tell the twins all about their big brother and how mightily God used him to touch the lives of thousands of people
all over the world. And, the twins will grow to love their big brother. Jennifer and
Parham (and our family) thanks God everyday for the blessing of these two precious little ones. God is
good all the time – all the time God is God. The pictures today are some of the 1st ones they took of Beau.
Blessings!! Love, Grammy
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