A little over a year ago, we moved into our home in the Fieldstone Farm neighborhood in Indian Trail, NC (just outside of Charlotte, NC). When we were looking for a home, we were looking for a place that had a good community, with lots of young kids for Cole to play with one day and other couples who we could become friends with as well. We also didn't mind that there was a neighborhood pool and playground too. :-)
Since we have moved in, we have had little chance to meet many people in our neighborhood. We have met some. An occasional meeting outside or during our neighborhood yard sale and some through our Fieldstone Farm Facebook group. Most only know about our family through our blog and us sharing the blog through Facebook.
As Kaitlyn's disease progressed, we basically go nowhere, not even outside, other than to go to the store or a doctor's appointment. Kaitlyn can't tolerate her medical stroller anymore without choking so we don't even hang out on the porch. This obviously makes meeting neighbors and making friends extremely difficult.
With all that being said, many families in our neighborhood decided to help us. Even though most haven't even met us in person. They have set up a meal calendar to bring us meals 3 times a week for the next month and last night, they did the most amazing thing. They had a candle light vigil in front of our house for Kaitlyn.
We have all heard the message "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself". What they have done is a TRUE example of this message.
I can't even begin to describe the feeling of looking out our window and seeing so many of our neighbors standing with candles and feeling their pure and selfless love. Kaitlyn was laying asleep the whole time but she was completely peaceful and we told her all about all the people outside that love her and are here for her, even though she was asleep. I can't thank you all enough for doing this for us. We are so blessed to live here and have such a supportive community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a loving act, we could definitely feel the love from all of you!
Here are some photos taken by Lawrence Cook (Lawrence Cook Photography).
 |
Since we have moved in, we have had little chance to meet many people in our neighborhood. We have met some. An occasional meeting outside or during our neighborhood yard sale and some through our Fieldstone Farm Facebook group. Most only know about our family through our blog and us sharing the blog through Facebook.
As Kaitlyn's disease progressed, we basically go nowhere, not even outside, other than to go to the store or a doctor's appointment. Kaitlyn can't tolerate her medical stroller anymore without choking so we don't even hang out on the porch. This obviously makes meeting neighbors and making friends extremely difficult.
With all that being said, many families in our neighborhood decided to help us. Even though most haven't even met us in person. They have set up a meal calendar to bring us meals 3 times a week for the next month and last night, they did the most amazing thing. They had a candle light vigil in front of our house for Kaitlyn.
We have all heard the message "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself". What they have done is a TRUE example of this message.
I can't even begin to describe the feeling of looking out our window and seeing so many of our neighbors standing with candles and feeling their pure and selfless love. Kaitlyn was laying asleep the whole time but she was completely peaceful and we told her all about all the people outside that love her and are here for her, even though she was asleep. I can't thank you all enough for doing this for us. We are so blessed to live here and have such a supportive community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a loving act, we could definitely feel the love from all of you!
 |
| Our candle in our window |
Here are some photos taken by Lawrence Cook (Lawrence Cook Photography).
What. a Beautiful act of love!! Brought tears to my eyes. Your family I's truly loved by so many all over the US & definitely her in so CA. Kaitlyn has touched my heart so deeply & I pray for peace love & hope for her. She Is the Princess Angel!! Love to you all & especially sweet, precious Kaitlyn.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful community. You are so blessed. Your special angel has been a magnet for love. Sending special prayers for peace.
ReplyDeleteNanci & Mike Glassman
You guys are loved, by neighbors far and wide! Prayers and peace always!
ReplyDeleteKimberly Donathen
Your angel has deeply touched so many. Agreed - she has been a magnet for love and a reminder to all of us of the power of the gifts of love and faith. My prayers continue for peace for Kaitlyn and healing for all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing act for an amazing family !!!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love xoxo
Seeing something like this gives me hope for humanity. Prayers be with you all
ReplyDeleteThe outpouring of support and love from your local community as well as your virtual community is amazing! I know you can all feel the love and prayers we are sending your way. Praying continuously for peace, comfort and love for your family.
ReplyDeleteEven though we haven't met, our family always has yours in our thoughts and prayers. We watch the beautiful youtube video you made for her before we left for the vigil and asked our son if he would like to go light a candle for Kaitlyn. He was so excited! Last night, I struggled to keep my own candle lite, but as I looked down at my 4 year old son's candle I noticed his flame was strong. I never had to relight it and he stare up at the window into your home with such intensity. I don't think I've ever seen him stand so still and calm before. His candle stayed lite almost all the way home, too! Let Kaitlyn know she has a special little friend at 3007 Gray Farm Rd. who truely cares about her. I asked Alex what he would want to say to Kaitlyn if he could meet her and he said, "I know you are sick and I Love You so much!" (he is holding his arms out wide to show "so much!")
ReplyDeleteDeanna, we hope you felt the light from Coppell... we lit a candle during dinner and prayed and talked alot about Kaitlyn and you guys. Sending you peace today. Sara, Joe, Elle and Emme
ReplyDeleteIt is so great that you have such wonderful support from your community! Amazing! I am still keeping Kaitlyn and your entire family in my thoughts daily!
ReplyDeleteAli Reardon
That's beautiful and amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis post made my heart happy for y'all! What an amazing thing for them to do. It goes to show you that there is still a lot of good in the world and people who are truly caring and kind. I'm so glad you all found that in your community...it's like an extended HT :) Continuing to pray for Kaitlyn's comfort and peace each day and for y'all, too. Love to you all! Chris, Amy, Rilee & Brody
ReplyDeleteHow special,your family will be in our thoughts & prayers everyday!
ReplyDeleteYour family is loved more than you know. We have never met, but I feel we have a bond in motherhood, sisterhood and through Christ. May God bless you and grant you everlasting peace. Hoping to get to know you soon in person here on the Farm.
ReplyDeleteIn Him, Tina Brantly and Family
That is so special! Tears streamed down my face reading this. Praying for you all...
ReplyDeleteSending love and prayers from Ft. Worth Texas.
ReplyDeleteMy children do not have the same disease, but both have special needs, and I have been in difficult spots such as yours. My heart goes out to you and your family in this long and difficult journey. May you encounter love beyond all bounds and peace. You are being held up in prayer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to Kaitlyn! Your little girl has touched so many people that have not even met her or your family. There really are some great people out there in the world. Love, peace and prayers to your family
ReplyDeleteI had to go to a Bible study last night, but I brought a candle with me to light it for her. We had a moment of silence and a prayer for her.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers your way.
ReplyDeletePraying for your beautiful angel and your family constantly, may Jesus hold you all.
ReplyDeleteBristol tn
Wow! What an amazing and peaceful blessing. What a supportive community! God is good all the time.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading this...cannot even see as I type do to tears inside and out. My heart is breaking for all of you. I feel completely blessed to have heard about you from Kristen and Chris and to have met all of you at Emmett's birthday. Kaitlyn is such a beauty and she will adorn the Heavens. Continuing to pray for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteLinda Dietz
We will light a candle tonight in Midlothian, VA for Kaitlyn and your family as we remember you in our prayers and our thoughts. God Bless
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful I am at a loss for words. God has blessed you with wonderful, caring neighbors. We will continue to pray for Kaitlyn and your family.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post, I could not stop my tears. It is so great to know that through social media your story has touched so many lives. It also is such a wonderful feeling that people still care about their neighbors. I am sure that this vigil will hold a special place in your hearts. I have always believed that God will bless those who serve and have continued faith. Your family is a true inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless and watch over your family.
Kim
What an amazing gesture of love and support! Thinking of all of you and praying with all my kids for sweet Kaitlyn. She looks so peaceful sleeping there:) let me know if you need me to come out and get some more pics of her and Cole. They are both changing so fast! Lifting prayers for all of you always :)
ReplyDeleteFaith
Prayers for your little girl. You have an amazing community and it brought tears to my eyes to see them do such a selfless act. An act of the Lord no doubt. God bless your family and your neighbors, you are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers strength and comfort to your whole family and to sweet baby Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has touched so many people
ReplyDeleteWe are glad you could feel the love last night. Praying! The Russells
ReplyDeleteYour family is in our prayers daily. May the grace, peace and love of God flow through your home during these difficult times.
ReplyDeleteDebbie & Daryl Johnson
I just became aware of your family struggle this evening. I am the father of two little girls (ages 2.5 and 7 months). I understand how much children change our lives as parents, and I could not imagine the difficulty you have experienced from diagnosis through today. I am speechless as I read your little girl's fight and your strength through this process. Your lives have been touched by an angel --- one who after such a short time, God realized he couldn't live without. May your faith and strength assist you through this difficult time. I will pray for all of you. - Jon
ReplyDeleteI have never met a child or family filled with so much strength and love, it is God's will for her to be with us to teach us how to love better, harder, kinder and just be grateful for each moment we have with each of our loved ones here. I thank God every day for having the miracle of having Kailtlyn been brought into my life for a reason. Thank you precious angel, you have made my life and many others so much better. Hugs, kisses and prayers, Adriane Hirsch, Giant Genie Pharmacy~ Remember don't sweat the small stuff in life, that will waste the little time we have to be loving one another~
ReplyDeleteI started reading your blog 2 days ago after seeing it on a friend's facebook page. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you all. My heart aches for what you are going through. She is and always will be your angel.
ReplyDeleteI read about your family on facebook about 5 days ago. Your family is beautiful.I have been praying for you all ever since. Please know that your courage and strength inspires me. I have cried for your pain. I have smiled at the pretty decorations hanging above her bed in the pictures. I thought how pretty her curls are too. What a gift from God that he chose you to be her parents. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are incredibly strong parents and Kaitlyn has been a blessed little girl to have been given such awesome parents. She is beautiful and I am touched by your story as well as your strength. I have shed my own tears and can only imagine the strength it takes as a parent to carry on everyday. You appear to do an awesome job at this and I pray that your strength carries you through this time in your life. I pray daily for you and your little angels.
ReplyDeletePeace be with you!
What a touching post, very glad to know the community is offering support during such difficult times.
ReplyDeleteYou do not know me but my cousin Wylder Laffoon also has this horrible disease. Not a day goes by that my family is not praying for him and keeping him in our thoughts. Please know that Kaityln is in our thoughts and prayers as well, as are you and your entire family. We know the impact this horrible disease has on everyone that is close to it and while there seems to be so many questions with so few answers, seeing acts of humanity such as the community candlelight gesture can restore a sense of goodness in the world that may seem to fade when such an unfair challenge is put upon an innocent child.
Peace to you all,
Mike, Holli and Little Michael Branam
Your family in my prayers.
ReplyDelete