Some Photos

Standard

Place
PHoebe and Aunt Cindy

Phoebe anc Averic Snuggling

phoebe and grandad

Music Therapy

Phoebe and Mammaw

Phoebe and her brothers

About Amey Fair

I am Amey Fair, wife to Nathan, and home-educating Mom to Benjamin (9), Averic (7), Deacon (4) and Phoebe (2) . Phoebe was diagnosed with a rare childhood malignant brain cancer called Atypical Teratoid Rabdoid Tumor on January 1, 2012. She had complete resection surgery to remove the tumor on January 4th and began chemotherapy using the Dana Farber protocol on January 26th. A few weeks ago I was sleeping in the chair next to Phoebe's bed in the hospital when I heard her little voice drawing me out of sleep. It was 3 am and it took me a minute to shake off the slumber. "Mommy I'm a mean girl" I thought she said. "No Phoebe, you're a nice girl!" I replied. "No Mommy, I'm a MIRACLE!" Phoebe said. "I'm a MIRACLE, I'm a MIRACLE, I'm a MIRACLE!" she continued on. My tears welled up and spilled over as she made her declaration. Phoebe doesn't know the word "miracle" nor the concept, she's only 2. It was as if the Lord was speaking through her like a prophetic utterance. She fell right back to sleep and I sat there awake, lingering in the magical moment. Less than 40 children are diagnosed with Phoebe's type of cancer in the U.S. each year. This is why it's called "ATYPICAL Teratoid Rabdoid Tumor". So, I have titled this blog in honor of Phoebe, our "Atypical Miracle". We are YWAM'ers, serving in missions through Youth With A Mission since 1998. Before returning to the states 1 year ago, we lived near Guadalajara Mexico for 3 years. It was during our year of agricultural missions training in Waco, TX that Phoebe began exhibiting symptoms from the pressure of the tumor on her brain. Weight loss, lethargy, extreme thirst and vomiting were her symptoms. We have been granted sabbatical during this time to focus on Phoebe's intensive chemotherapy treatment and are renting a home in Dallas near the Children's hospital where Phoebe is being treated. Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' robe in Luke chapter 8, we cling to Him, knowing that He is Phoebe's healer. If we can just touch Him, be near Him, bring Phoebe to Him each day, we have hope. He is our hope. Thank you for coming along on this journey with our family. It's therapeutic for me to write it all out, and in so doing, I hope God will use it for His glory.

41 responses »

  1. Beautiful pictures, yet heartbreaking at the same time. My prayers continue for you all, and I know our Heavenly Father will be by your sides through the days to come. God’s peace to you all,

  2. Thank you so much for sharing your precious phoebe and your family with me. I struggle myself daily with my faith, my questions for and about god, my beliefs, my surrendering myself. Amey, u inspire me so much. I wish I had an inch of your bravery, faith and the understanding that you carry during this unimaginable journey. I have a 2 year old and she doesn’t even know who god is. I’m not even sure how to introduce or talk about Jesus/God to her at this age, but phoebe is my inspiration. I do pray often, just do not go to church or has she. Thank you phoebe for helping me see more clear and the joy of wanting to introduce god and my faith to my 2 year old. Still working on figuring out how to start, but u have taught me to first ask for guidance and pray for the perfect way to show my beautiful daughter the light u have opened me up to. Forever grateful. Love and light always! Praying daily ~ Shannon Sprott

    • Dear Shannon, you could begin by just pointing out all the wonders around you that God has made: a flower, the trees, warming sunshine ~ and rain to water the earth. There are indications that little ones actually still remember what Heaven is like, and if we’ll speak of God, His Love for each of us, and what He created for us, it will bring that deep memory into the present. Blessings to you as you begin this journey for yourselves.

  3. Beautiful heartfelt pics…amazing family! I don’t know you little Phoebe but you are now part of my heart and I think of you often thru out the day! You are an amazing little girl allowing others to see god thru your little soul even thru this awful sickness you have to endure! Prayers for this family!

  4. She’s such a beautiful and precious child. Thank you for sharing these pictures. Always in my prayers. Always. God bless all of you.

  5. Sweet phoebe! We continue to pray from California for Phoebe and her family. Although we have never met, we have prayed for Phoebe nd your family since the beginning of this. Your family has made us stronger in our faith and has taught us so much. Prayers for and atypical miracle to happen for that precious little girl!

  6. THANK YOU SHARING THESE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES. IT LOOKS LIKE PHOEBE IS EATING SOME WHICH IS GOOD. HOW VERY PRECIOUS ALL OF THESE PICTURES ARE. I CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR PHOEBE AND ALL OF YOU GOD BLESS IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS

  7. There’s nothing more comforting than being held in someone’s loving arms. The healing power of touch is so amazing. Those pictures brought instant tears to my eyes. They are just beautiful moments of a beautiful family.
    I have no more comforting words other than you are all on my heart and in my prayers all the time.

  8. Thank you for sharing such touching photos…..my heart just breaks for precious little Phoebe. Looks like she enjoys having all of you around her though and it makes me happy that she’s eating a little bit too. So much love surrounds your little girl and I know she can feel all the love. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your boys are adorable too! Hugs to you all!

  9. Sweet baby! I remember when I was part of the Pet Therapy team at Dell Children’s in Austin and we had a speaker come to one of our volunteer events. She said that the most important person in a terminally ill pediatric patient’s life was a sibling. They had done a study and apparently the siblings had the most healing impact on the sick child. It’s such a special bond…like no other. I’m so glad they are there with her and loving on her like that. How precious love is.

  10. Sometimes (most times) I just don’t know what to say, yet I want you to know, you who do not know me, that I care so very much. I read all your posts, look at all your photos, and pray for you all.

  11. Oh, what wonderful photos!! Such memories you are storing up and how precious those photos will become. I feel so sad for Phoebe, with how the steroids have affected her, and for how her poor emotions are all over the place. Praying for our Father in Heaven to hold you close in His arms as you enjoy these moments in time.

    Lord, keep everyone strong. Lord, let every moment be brilliantly remembered on film or in memory so these days can be treasured forever. Lord, be with Phoebe as you have already – she knows without a doubt that You are real and that You are with her. What an amazing gift that is for her. Thank you Father. You are love. Amen.

  12. EL señor es mi pastor, nada me falta.

    I keep praying for the best for Phoebe. i hope God gives you the strength and the wisdom you need right now. Love is the only thing that can help now.

  13. Although we have never meet, God has heard my prayers from Minnesota. Even though Phoebe is so young, she has touched hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives. May God grant you the strength you need. Hugs and continued prayers for all of you.

  14. Dear Amey and family,

    I am sending lots of love and support from Massachusetts. I have never met any of you, still your story pulls me in and fills me with such deep sadness, but also hope. May you spend as much time with Phoebe as you can, and remember her with every detail. I cannot begin to imagine the journey you have been on, nor is it one I hope to ever experience. I am a mother to a 6 year old boy, who as we know of, is healthy. I do think daily to myself, what would my world be without him? The only comfort I can take is knowing that there are things I can control, and then there are things I cannot. Also, to experience and love him and truly live for each day – is all any of us can really do. You and your dearest Phoebe, along with the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers each day. My best, Silvia Cummings

  15. Thank you for sharing photos! Sweet angel girl. . .love that you are consciously soaking up the moments. . .you are wise and wonderful parents. Praying for each of you as you lean in. Praying God’s hand of grace and peace over you. May you have sweet moments today. Please give Phoebe a hug for us!

  16. Dear Jesus please heal Phoebe take this cancer and all illness from her and let her live a full life in your name! Let her be your medical show everyone what you can do Lord and in your sweet name Jesus I pray Amen!

  17. Love them, thanks for sharing with us. I especially love the Hello Kitty make-up bag on her bed. It warms my heart. Love to all, Elaine

  18. Heavenly Father,
    We do not understand your ways. We know your power is almighty and infinite. You have authority over every cell in our bodies. Lord, we plead to you for complete restoration and healing for Phoebe. Her family has been your faithful servant and surrenders to you. Let thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Allow those who love phoebe to be in the present with your strength.
    Amen

  19. So very precious photos. Thank you for sharing with us. You have my continued prayers and thoughts. God be with you in your time of need. I know He is sustaining you through this very trying time. Try to keep your chins up.

    Here is a little prayer that My Dad wrote down for me when I was going through a very bad time. It is written by Patience Strong and I believe it is very appropriate.

    “Every day we need Thee Lord, but this day find we need some extra strength to face whatever is to be today. More than any other day, we need to feel Thee near, to fortify our courage and overcome our fear. By ourselves we cannot face the challenge of the hour. There are times when human creatures need a Higher Power, to help us bear what must be borne, and so dear Lord, we pray, hold onto our trembling hands and be with us today.”

    God bless you all.

  20. Your family continues to weigh so heavy on my heart. So helpless we all feel.
    This morning I had a moment or thought of something I could potentially offer your family. I have a friend who makes family documentaries with just her and a video camera. She edits it beautifully. Lasting memories. She is strong in the spirit and has had experiences filming a child on his journey with Leukemia. Typically she will spend a day with your family filming and capturing. It’s just her (not a crew). She’s never intrusive and always soft spoken and has a special gift connecting with children.
    If this is something you would be interested in just respond and I will help make arrangements on your behalf. We live in Dallas so you’re very accessible. A small but lasting gift I would love to share with your family.
    I continue to raise Phoebe in prayers too many times to count in the day!
    Jkseely04@tx.rr.com

  21. Continued prayers for Phoebe and your family! Prayers for comfort and peace. Prayers for strength. She’s on my heart and mind everyday. I pray for you all regularly. So glad to see she’s finally able to eat and that she seems much better from her stomach bug.

  22. Phoebe I miss you and hearing sounds you and your family make. You have brought more joy than you know. Hope to see you and your family soon. “Sufficient is the day” Love Jan Gray

  23. BIG, teary smile as I studied each picture and the import each holds!!!!!!
    The odds have been surpassed ~ 9 weeks now… Praise God forevermore!

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