This is one of those situations that a mother can not put into words. We all want nothing more then for our children to be healthy and happy. Happy Caitlyn always has been, healthy well not for the last 2 months. I know they say God does not give us more than we cant handle but this will never be fair in any way. My husband and I say every moment let this be one of us but not our sweet Cailtyn. Caitlyn is that type of child that just touches your heart. She is loving, and kind, a worrier like her mama, and the BEST BIG sister that her siblings could ever ask for her. Just yesterday she came home to share with Matt and I that she donated a book to her teacher for the class. She bought the book with her recylce money that she made on Wednesday after her MRI. 1 month of recycling made her $10.51 and she was so proud. Caitlyn said, "1 book for me and 1 book for my 4th grade class, sharing is caring Mom!" At 10, she really is an old beautiful soul.
The most important gift are your prayers, and positive thoughts. We need a true miracle right now. As hard as things are we still have to wait another 6 weeks. Due to where the vein burst in her brain 2 months back there is still alot of blood surrounding the area. The location of her brain in which the tumor is located is a very critical place to preform surgery. I cant go into the details any more than that because I am still trying to wrap my own mind around it all. This whole situation is beyond scary, confusing, and although we have to stay strong for her, and we will. Right now I/we are still feeling every emotion possible. Today was just heart wrentching trying to explain to a 10 year old child what a tumor is. Her looking at us with big tears in her eyes, asking us "Will I ever talk again after surgery?" For the last 2 moths she has been such good sport, a strong, and brave girl, a true survivor but all she wanted today was to be told that she could ride her bike again, and be a normal playful 10 year old girl. Unfourtantley that was not the news we recieved. We are a very strong family, and we will get through this I know. My hope remains strong.
We thank you all for your love, and support. Words can not express the gratitude we feel.
All of our love,
The Granik-Neely family
P.S, Heidi Melton and Katie Avilla: A special thanks to you ladies for putting this very special website together for our sweet Caitlyn. I am speechless, and I love you very much!
We love you all very much and you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Caitlyn is a very strong little girl with the strength and will to pull through anything!! Remember we are right up the street if you ever need anything! I love you all very much and not a second will go by without my prayers and healing thoughts sent out to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with all of you while you go down this road of uncertainties. Remember that the power of positive thoughts, spoken words, etc., can go a VERY long way! You are in the best hands you could possibly be in at Loma Linda... they are miracle workers up there! I will continue to check on how she is doing!!! All my best! :)
ReplyDeleteMike, Callie, and I pray every night and morning for all of you. She has also been put on the prayer list here at Sacred Heart School. We love you all and know that God can heal! There are many guardian angels looking over Caitlyn! We can bring dinners, watch the kiddos, and just be your friends. Let us know what you need.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Jenn, Mike, and Callie Jane
I am so sorry to hear about your little girl, if there is something I can do to help you guys please let me know. I am at home during the day and if you need someone to do errands etc. please do NOT even think twice. My heart and prayers are with your family. Please Email me or call if you need anything. nicolevfarmer@aol.com 880-1670.
ReplyDeleteCaitlyn....I just want to tell you I love you and I miss you so much! I'm thinking about you every day! You are so strong and such and amazing girl...I know you can get through anything!! Especially with the amazing amount of love and support you have surrounding you and your family! Keep smiling and I hope I can come give you a big hug soon! xoxo Heidi
ReplyDeleteWords can not express the love and respect I have for you guys... You are and have always been one of the most strongest families I have ever known... That is how I know that together we will all get through this... WE are here for ABSOULUTLY any thing... I love you so much...
ReplyDeleteWe will be saying our prayers daily for your family!!! You are an amazing family with great love for everyone,you are surviors. I admire the stregth that you all have. I love you all... Please know that I am here if you need anything..<3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the book you bought our class. I'm waiting to read it aloud until you come back. We're all hoping that is soon. Stay strong and positive. Love Mrs. Preston
ReplyDeleteP.S. Everyone says HI!
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ReplyDeleteWe love Caitlyn. She is amazing. Elly and I will pray for you. Prayers work! We hope to come and see you soon. If anyone deserves a miracle Caitlyn and her wonderful family do. We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteCaitlyn, I am making you something special to hang in your room! You are such an amazing little girl and are loved and touched by so many people! We love you and know that everything is going to be alright, there are so many roads in our lives that we have to journey across this is a huge road but you will cross it and come out even stronger! Love to you and your family
ReplyDeleteWow, I can only say that god puts us in situations to step up and appreciate everything in front of us. Children are perfect and we thank god for everyday together and I pray that everything gets better for Caitlyn and her family....God Bless!!
ReplyDeleteHey guys, just wanted to say that I had a lot of fun hanging out on Saturday night. Caitlyn, we will go bowling/putt-putting/skee-balling very soon!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Phil
Todd and I send all of our thoughts, prayers and love! Caitlyn is such a joy to be around. She is always sweet and loving toward everyone that she comes in contact with. We all need to be strong, sweet and loving for her now! Love you all so much!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kristen Tanner and my family and I live here in Palm Desert. Like your daughter, our daughter Natalie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007. A friend of mine through MOMS Club named Amy Haven (her mother in-law teaches at Wash. Charter), informed me about Caitlyn. I just wanted to take a minute here to reach out to you and offer our support to you during this very difficult time. Natalie's brain tumor was removed at Loma Linda and we have spent quite a bit of time there during the past couple of years. We have a foundation called the Natalie Tanner Foundation the website is www.nataliesfoundation.org
ReplyDeleteYou can either contact me or my my husband, Andrew, through that website or you can email us at aktanner@earthlink.net. My cell number is 760-898-5193 Please feel free to call any time- we would love to help in anyway we can.
I remember how painful this time was for us.
~Kristen Tanner
Love you Caitlyn!
ReplyDeleteWe are praying everyday & night for Caitlyn. Please call if you need anything, we still live in Indio. 275-9692xoxoxoxoxoxox's Guy & MaLia
ReplyDeleteTo my wonderful neice and family,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOU ALL TERRIBLY (yes ky-ky you too)! We are going to hit alot of bumps in the road but we have too.... buckle are helmets, fluff are booties, grip tighter and pedal through this to recovery.....I know it sounds easier said than done and it is but in these special years I have seen Caiters do it time and time again. Just like when I taught you how to ride that bike you were not very sure but with some positive coaching we pulled through and now LOOK we can't stop her. She has amazing strengh but then again look where she gets her genes...YES Caiters you will be riding that bike again and I know uncle Craig promised the waterpark but I really want to ride Tour de France with you! Mouse we love you thank you for always being a great neice, cousin, sister and daughter. You are smart, brave, strong,caring and loveing. Kay-kay we love you, thank you for being a great neice, cousin, sister and daughter. You also are very smart, brave, loving and caring. Brady you are just so darn cute monster we all love you and thank you for being a good nephew, cousin, son,and brother. Matt thank you for being such a good friend, dad, and husband. Steph I love you, thank you for being such a true, loving, smart friend, mom, and wife. Your strengh and love always seems to amaze me!! SHE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, LOVE YOU THE CLYDE'S
My name is Noelle and I went to school with Matt. Although I have not seen him in a very long time, the desert is a "small" town. We always look out for eachother. I just heard about your precious daughter through mutual friends and got on the website to learn more. I felt compelled to send you a message. Please know that my family will be praying for all of you. I have two children of my own and I feel as parents, we all must support one another. God is Good even during these difficult times. We will continue to ask for His blessings upon your family, to continue to give you strength and to Heal your beautiful daughter. IT looks as though you have many friends and family that are walking through this with you and will be praying as well. That is wonderful. Many blessings, Noelle (McQueary) Johnston
ReplyDeleteStephanie and Family,
ReplyDeleteI just heard from Ash at work, Catlin's status. Please know Caitlin is in my prayers. From a mother to a mother, I am so sorry Stephanie. You all are the sweetest family in the universe, we love you all! I too am home during the day, so please feel free to call me 989-3638 if you need anything at all. Caitlin, you are such a strong positive angel!! You HANG IN THERE Sweetheart! Remember, laughter is healthy, so do it often :) With our love and prayers,
Jessi, Isaac and Charlee Sue
(from Ruth's Chris)
How can I ever forget how special each Granik girl, starting with Jeanette, have been to me. Caitlin is so blessed to have been born into this most amazing family!! You are all with me in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs,
Ginny Foster
I have to agree with the above post.. This is an AMAZING family!! You all are so strong, loving, caring, funny, beautiful and above all FIGHTERS!!! I love you guys so much!! And love having the time we do together!!! We cant wait to play again soon, The kiddos all laughing together is the best medicine ever.. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Love you
ReplyDeleteI just came upon Caitlyn's site. I will spread the word for prayer for her. She is God's child. Caitlyn you hang in there sweetie, you have an army of people praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMajor.
www.rockers4kids.blospot.com
I have to tell you that Braydon found a new source of toys -- our dog Stoli's. He pulled all of them out of her basket and brought them to show us. He had all of her balls outside and tried to fit them through the umbrella hole in the table. It was so darling! After he left, Stoli decided that it was her turn to play with them, some of which she hadn't seen in awhile. We took both he and Kayla on golf cart rides. Please tell Caitlyn we owe her a ride, along with a milkshake and grilled cheese sammie!! And, please tell Caitlyn that the movie "UP" is waiting for her to see. Maybe she'll invite me over when you watch it!! We think about you, pray for you and wish you only the best. Love you!
ReplyDelete