Grayson Paul Everaard

October 19, 2010 in Uncategorized with 10 Comments

Now that Gray is…bald…he will need to wear hats more often. Not because we don’t like his little shaved head but simply because the skin on the top of his head is sensitive and could burn easily when he is outside. So, today Gray was trying a few different hat options and I think THIS was his favorite!!!! What does everyone think!?!? As you can tell, Gray is as awnry as ever!! He’s been pretty much himself lately except that he’s been a bit mean or maybe angry is a better word. He’s been very demanding the past couple of days. I guess we can’t really blame him. I mean, honestly, we’ve all had those feelings over the past few weeks so I guess it’s just Grayson’s turn. Please continue to pray for Gray and our family as we spend our last week at home before we begin another five day round of outpatient chemo next week. Each chemo treatment lasts for about 6 years each day and the chemo makes Grayson tired and cranky. Please pray for minimal side effects for Gray and for patience and peace for us, as his parents, and for the rest of our family.

We wanted to share this picture of both of our boys, Grayson and Seth. Seth has been coping pretty well with all the changes in his life. It hasn’t been all easy but we’re very proud of him. He loves his baby brother very much!

This coming weekend the state of Oklahoma holds a statewide youth event called Convergence in Tulsa, OK. If you are attending, then please make plans to visit the Pray4Gray booth where our friends will be selling Gray Gear, giving away sweet treats for FREE and also sharing Gray’s story!! We truly appreciate all your thoughts and, more importantly, your prayers.

October 17, 2010 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

We want to say thank you to Miami First Assembly Church in Miami, OK and a group of the students within their Connexion Student Ministries who planned and organized a bake sale in honor of Gray! Through their bake sale they raised money to help pay for Grayson’s medical bills. We just can’t say it enough…the number of people who think of us and pray for us each day is more then humbling. It’s definitely not the easiest position to be in to receive rather then give but we are truly thankful for not only the monetary donations coming in but, more then the money, we’re thankful for simply the thoughtfulness of our state and those who know and love us all over the country and world! There are some of you out there who we’ve never even met in person who are praying for us each day. Thank you to Miami First and thank you to you all!

October 17, 2010 in Uncategorized with 18 Comments

I thought it looked like Gray’s hair was beginning to fall out during this past week. I’m not sure if it was denial but I just kept pushing the thought from my mind. I would tell myself that I was just paranoid and looking for hair loss and therefore “seeing things” but then Gray would come around the corner and I would see his little head and just KNOW that he was losing hair. By the end of the week I was so confused as to whether or not this was actually happening that I called on a friend for a second opinion. When she confirmed that Gray’s hair was looking a bit thinner and patchier then normal I finally knew that it wasn’t “all in my head.” We had plans to go to church Sunday morning but when we woke up Gray had lost even more hair overnight and there was no denying what it was time for. We had to shave Gray’s head. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t ready. It was a hard morning. Like I said yesterday, it’s not only difficult to come to terms with the fact that your baby has cancer but then to add to that the fact that, at such a young age, he has lost his innocence. He has lost his opportunity to be a carefree two-year-old boy who truly believes a superhero can save the day and that evil is something that only exists in comic books and movies. He has come to the sudden realization that the world can be scary, that bad things really do happen to good people and that life isn’t always fair. Reality slapped me upside the head this morning and I just wanted to get it over with.

It was a shock to see little Gray with no hair, shock being an under statement! But he still looks so cute! He still has those big blue eyes and that awnry grin! He’s still Gray! Honestly, I think all the “grown-ups” in Grayson’s life have had a harder time with this newest developement then he has! Really, I think he kind of likes it! While we mourn the loss of Gray’s innocence, the loss of his hair and the now obvious signs of his cancer Gray doesn’t have a care in the world! Some of his friends even came by this afternoon and Gray ran around the backyard with them, played with toys all the while laughing and smiling! Yet another lesson from our tiny two year old. While we adults cry and plead hoping that our tears will somehow compel God to work faster in healing our baby, Gray simply goes on with life. He rolls with the punches and doesn’t let too much bother him. It’s amazing how God can teach us so much through a tiny little person. God truly does work in mysterious ways. We’re certainly proud of our little boy. He was so brave while we shaved his head. He’s quite the little trooper! Please continue to pray for our family as we cope with the daily changes in Grayson and in our family routine. We still need rest too. We also begin another round of outpatient chemo treatments in a week and so we would appreciate your prayers for Grayson to handle his treatments well and to not suffer too many more side effects. We, as his parents, also need prayers for strength and courage during this time.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  -Psalm 34:17-18

October 16, 2010 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

Grayson has actually had a good couple of days!! Yesterday, we were able to visit daddy’s work and help out a bit with some upcoming youth events. Grayson napped most of the time but it was nice to be able to actually leave the house! There are times in life when you would give anything to stay home and just hide out but then when you’re completely prevented from leaving your home you wouldn’t believe how eager you are to just GET OUT!! The cabin fever sets in way quicker then I would have thought. We were also able to get the boys their halloween costumes! Aren’t they cute!?!? We’re all excited for the upcoming holiday and, of course, the boys are excited for all the candy!! Even something as small as shopping for halloween costumes or simply taking the time for an impromptu family photo in the bathroom mirror mean so much more today then they did in our “old life”. Every smile is another moment for a memory!! Please pray for us as Gray’s starts another round of chemo in just a week. He has five straight days of out patient chemo which is six full hours each day. We have alot of family who are willing to help sit with Gray and entertain him while he’s receiving treatment but it still seems overwhelming. Recently, I overheard a friend talking on the phone updating the person on the other end of the call on any news about our family and how Gray has been doing. As she spoke, it hit me, she’s talking about us. Sometimes it’s still unbelievable to me that we’re a family with a child suffering from cancer. I think it’s even harder to comprehend, at times, because Gray is still so much himself. He doesn’t even seem sick. It was almost like an out of body experience to hear her talk about…well, us! Almost eery. Also, please pray for me and my family as Gray will soon begin to experience side effects from his chemo. I know that once we begin to see physical signs of his cancer it will seem all that more real. We just need strength during this time.

We do want to give a big shout out and say “thank you” to the Mustang High School Student Council for hosting a carwash today that was dedicated to Gray and helping raise awareness for childhood cancer! It never ceases to amaze us how far reaching Gray’s story is and it’s even more humbling to see the outpouring from such a wide range of people. Even young people are finding their own way of pitching in and showing that they care! We really appreciate what you all did today!

“You said you’d never leave or forsake me, When you said this life is gonna shake me, You said this world is gonna bring trouble on my soul, This I know. When everything falls apart your arms hold me together. When everything falls apart you’re the only hope for this heart, When everything falls apart and my strength is gone, I find you mighty and strong, You keep holding on, You keep holding on. When I see darkness all around me, When I see that tragedy has found me, I still believe your faithful arms will never let me go. Sorrow will last for the night, But hope is rising with the sun, It’s rising with the sun, There will be storms in this life, But I know you will overcome, You will overcome!”  -Fee (Everything Falls)

October 14, 2010 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

Please check out our “Gray Gear” page and show your support for Grayson and the Everaard family by purchasing Pray4Gray t-shirts, wristbands and necklaces!! 100% of the proceeds from the t-shirts and wristbands goes directly to the family and $10 from the purchase of each necklace will also be donated!! The cost of Gray’s medical care and monthly prescription costs is overwhelming so every little bit helps!! Thank you for your continued support and, most importantly, your prayers!!

October 14, 2010 in Uncategorized with 18 Comments

Gray had another blood test this afternoon to check his white blood cell levels. It seems as though Gray is becoming so used to all the pricks and pokes in his day to day life that when he even sees a nurse he holds out a finger and says “Ouchie!” Sigh. Sometimes we wonder if that’s a good or bad thing! Sure, it can make it easier that he knows the routine but it’s a bit sad to see our tiny two-year-old so brave and so smart. He’s lost a bit of innocence, the innocence any toddler has the right to have, and that can seem unfair. Gray was a bit nervous for today’s blood test and so daddy let the nurse prick his finger first to show Gray that it would be okay! Way to go dad! After daddy, Gray worked up the courage to let the nurse prick his finger too. Such a brave boy we have! In the end, both big boys had matching ouchies and matching Toy Story bandaids!!

When the blood tests came back we got some AMAZING news!! Grayson’s white blood cell count is 7,000!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you heard me right…7,000!!!!!!!!! SEVEN THOUSAND!!!!!!!!! I just can’t stop saying it! We were beyond excited! The nurses told us that a normal, healthy adults white blood cell count is usually around 1500 and so, technically, right now Gray could fight off infection better then any of us! Daddy even joked that he could loan US some of his white blood cells! The doctor explained that Gray’s white blood cell count is so high because of the shots that we are giving him everyday. That’s exactly what the shots are supposed to do and they’re definitely working! We were told today that we have to give him shots for at least four more days. Gray goes back to the doctor next Wednesday for another white blood cell count check-up. Please continue to pray for restful sleep in our home. Gray is extremely restless during the night and there’s nothing we can do. If we try and touch him he pushes us away and even sometimes becomes violent. Of course, when morning comes, Gray wakes up bright eyed and ready to go while mom and dad are dragging. Another huge thank you for all the meals that have been brought to our house! It’s a true blessing! Also, thank you for your continued prayers! We saw the result of those prayers today in Grayson’s blood test results and we look for more good news in the coming days and weeks! We love you all!!

“We will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony!! Everyone OVERCOME!!!!”                  -Worship Service at The Bridge

October 12, 2010 in Uncategorized with 11 Comments

Gray was his normal happy self today! It was a different story for mom and dad, though. We had some rough moments today, just feeling like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. It’s been emotionally challenging to say the least. While we know that tomorrow is a new day, and we hope for better, it doesn’t make the weight of today any less difficult to bear. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We do want to say thank you to everyone who has given of their time to bring us meals during this time and also thank you for all the gifts! Your support is both felt and greatly appreciated!

“I’m down on my knees again tonight, I’m hoping this prayer will turn out right, See there is a boy that needs your help, I’ve done all that I can do myself, His mother is tired, I’m sure you can understand, Each night as he sleeps she goes in to hold his hand, And she tries not to cry as the tears fill her eyes. Can you hear me? Am I getting through tonight? Can you see him? Can you make him feel all right? If you can hear me, Let me take his place somehow, See he’s not just anyone…He’s my son. Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep, I dream of the boy he’d like to be, I try to be strong and see him through, But God who he needs right now is you, Let him grow old, Live life without this fear, What would I be living without him here, He’s so tired and he’s scared, Let him know that you’re there. Can you hear me? Can you see him? Please don’t leave him. He’s my son…”  -Mark Schultz

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…”  -Psalm 91:1-5

October 11, 2010 in Uncategorized with 4 Comments

From the very moment we got the news of Gray’s diagnosis our friends and family have been there for us in more ways then we could have imagined! Not only have they been there physically to help out in any way we needed and not only have they been there fighting on their knees in prayer for a complete healing in Gray’s body and for any other need we ask of them, but they have also been there creatively! So many of our friends have come up with different ideas and different ways that they are helping both bring awareness to Gray’s story and help raise money to assist in paying our ever growing medical bills and monthly prescription costs. Among other fundraising ideas, our friend Rachel Jenkins came up with an idea, along with another friend of hers, to sell these super-blingy necklaces and give a portion of the proceeds directly to our family! The necklaces have big and bold beaded chains with a pendant promoting our cause saying, Pray 4 Gray! The blessing of the funds raised is overwhelming but the very fact that, simply by women wearing this necklace they will be able to share Gray’s story and invite others to fight in prayer for him, is almost just as overwhelming! If you are interested in purchasing one of these Pray4Gray necklaces you will soon be able to find purchase information right here on our website! A page will be added in the coming days where you will not only be able to purchase this necklace but you will also be able to purchase Pray4Gray t-shirts and wristbands! We truly have some of the most thoughtful friends in the world and although it’s difficult to accept money from family, friends and even strangers it truly is helping our family! Thank you to you all for not only donating money but also for continuing to pass along Gray’s story and most of all for praying!!

October 11, 2010 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

This last weekend Josh Drew, of Drew Maintenance, put together a clean up crew from our church, The Bridge, in Mustang and they came over to our home and did a variety of outdoor chores for our family! They trimmed trees, hauled away debris, fixed our gate, cleaned up flowerbeds and planted new sod. It was a HUGE blessing to us! We really wanted to be able to take Grayson outside and enjoy the backyard as a family and this crew halped make that possible! A big thank you to Drew Rodgers, Riley Porterfield, Jacob Johnson, Mike McGinty, Brandon Groves, Doug Wyatt, Roy Davidson, Bryan Donnley, Johnny Shepard, Carlin Neece and especially Josh Drew!! The yard looks great and we can’t wait to spend time outside with both Gray and Seth. It means so much to our family to have such a willing and self sacrificing church family who are there for us in our time of need. It’s sure humbling to accept all the offers coming our way but we know that through this time in our lives others are able to use their gifts and talents to minister to us! Thanks again to all the guys who showed up to help out!!

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Love your neighbor as yourself…”  -Galations 5:13, 14b

October 11, 2010 in Uncategorized with 9 Comments

This afternoon Gray had yet another dreaded blood test. He doesn’t like them. Can you blame him?? Dr. Baker also did a quick check-up on Grayson and listened to his tummy. When it was all said and done we got some pretty good news! Gray’s white blood cell count came back at 408!!! Last week it was 22!!! We were very happy with the increase but the doctors would really like his count to get back up to 1500. So, needless to say, we still have a long way to go but he’s making progress!

Grayson’s days are somewhat “normal”, if there is such a thing anymore, but he definitely gets worn out by the activity of doctor’s visits, medicine and simple playtime. He has been able to have some visitors though! These are Doug’s parents, Ron and Carol Everaard! It was nice that Gray got to spend some time with them!

As the days come and go, over and over again, and we continue to process our new family routine, the daily care for Grayson and even still just his diagnosis, it is sometimes difficult to not let your mind wander and consider all the “what if’s” of Gray’s future and our future as a family. It’s nearly impossible, no matter how strong your faith, to not at moments consider all possible avenues and paths that the coming months could bring. We pray daily and do our best to put our faith in God and while we know that ultimately God is in control it’s never easy to watch your baby go through something like this. Please continue to pray for our family to get more rest have peace that passes all understanding and also if you would please pray that we would take every thought captive. We fully trust our Lord and know that His ways are higher then our ways but some days these verses are much easier said then actually applied to our human emotions. Please pray we have the emotional and mental strength to maintain our faith throughout the day to day mud and mire.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.”  -2 Corinthians 10:5