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Celtic Radio Community > General Discussion > Prayer Request For Aaron McGrady


Posted by: Muircheartach 26-Jul-2007, 08:38 AM
Hi all,

Not too long ago you might remember one of our Celtic Radio members, Robert McGrady (alas, I cannot remember his CR name) wrote to all members requesting prayers for his son, Aaron, since he had just been diagnosed with cancer. Not too long after that, Robert found Caringbridge.org and moved his posts to their site.

I have been keeping up with Aaron's condition and it seemed like all was running well - the doctor's apparently seemed pleased. However, Robert's latest post tells a different story, which I am copying here, along with the URL for the Caringbridge site.

What I request is simple - for those of you who would do so, please keep Aaron, Robert and Dawn in your prayers that God's will be done, whatever it may be, and that especially God provide the wisdom and guidance at this important time.

Blessings to you all, Robbie

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=reload&scrollPage=1&ec=109

There are so many wonderful people that have followed this journal over the past months, and I wanted to personally tell as many as I could the news we got today. So I have made several phone calls, but it was simply not possible to get to everyone.

The doctor called in the early afternoon. He said the results of the bone marrow sample were positive, meaning that the cancer has spread to the marrow. This likely accounts for the leg pain. What followed was the conversation I have dreaded all along. Without going in to some of the deeper areas of discussion, the simple fact is that Aaron's cancer cannot be cured. The large tumor in his abdomen is not operable, and since the first two phases of chemotherapy have been unsuccessful, the likelihood of any further chemo having the needed impact on the size and degree to which it has infiltrated the organs is so scant that it brings into question whether the results of the treatment are worth the side effects. To be more direct, the science surrounding the type of cancer Aaron has states that at this point, Aaron has effectively lost his battle. The doctors say that the chemo drugs next in line will do little more than prolong the agony. Also the doctor was quite emphatic that regardless of the treatment, the tumor will not be shrunken to a point where it is possible to be removed. His words were that it is no longer a question of if Aaron will die from cancer, but when.

What has to happen now is to decide whether it is worth putting Aaron through further treatment and all the pain and discomfort that accompanies it, or to do whatever can be done to keep him from suffering while nature takes its course. Dawn and I have discussed this, and we both feel this decision should be up to Aaron. After all, he is the one who has dealt with the pain and sickness of the disease.

We told Aaron about all this when Dawn came home from work. It was the hardest conversation I've ever had to have with anyone in my life. It was also the first time my son has ever seen me cry. I think that kind of startled him. He seemed less concerned for himself than he was for me. He did cry a little bit himself, but as always, he managed to pull himself together rather quickly. In fact Aaron appeared to be somewhat relieved. I can't explain it, but I suspect that he's felt it in his heart for some time and having it confirmed allowed him to stop stressing over it. He didn't, however, give me or Dawn any indication whether he wanted to try the other chemo drug or not. I suppose he wants to wait to hear what the doctors tell him on Friday. Regardless, this sweet child of mine has just been though so much in the last eight months that whatever his decision, Dawn and I are prepared to support him. Right now (nearly 2 a.m.) Aaron is sleeping on the love seat next to me. He has been there for over 36 hours with the exception of going to the bathroom and riding with his mom to pick up his grandmother.

I don't know at this time what to expect in the immediate future. I will, of course, post anything of substance as soon as I can. That said, let me just share this thought. I am an unashamed believer in God. I know He is there and in control. I also know that he has a plan for Aaron. What I don't know is what that plan is. But regardless of what happens with Aaron and any treatment he may or may not have, it is God's will that will be done. If He wills that Aaron live, then Aaron will live whether he gets treatment or not. And if He wills that Aaron pass on, then he will pass on in spite of treatment. That, plus the fact that I want to honor and respect my son as much as I can, is the reason we are so willing to let Aaron decide what is best for himself. He is the one suffering from the disease and the treatment, so he should be allowed to decide if he wants to tackle even more drugs that will diminish his quality of life. When the hope of a cure is gone, there's really not much left. But if he does want to give it a try, then we are behind that decision too. I'm not sure when we'll get his final answer, but it should be by Monday morning. I'll make an entry in this journal when I do know. Until then I will continue to pray for a miracle, and ask any who read this to do the same.

Posted by: Lady of Avalon 26-Jul-2007, 07:51 PM
My heart goes out to your friend Muircheartach and my prayers as well.
Life sometimes seems unfair in our eyes but like your friend (Robert) I do believe in God and that whatever happens in life there is a reason for it. I really do hope the best for him and his son.

Thanks for sharing this story with us.

Posted by: gaberlunzie 27-Jul-2007, 02:37 AM
This is a situation when words just fail me though my heart is overflowing with feelings. As a mother of two sons I can at least get a bit of an idea what this all means for Aaron and his family. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed tears while reading this.
My heart is going out to them. Whatever way they will be walking, whatever decision they will make; I will be praying for them been given all strength that will be needed, arms to hold them and shoulders to lean on when it all seems to become to hard to bear, hands reaching out for them.

Thank you for your post, Muircheartach.

Posted by: Gwynhwyvar 27-Jul-2007, 07:49 AM
Thank you so much for posting this update on Aaron. I willl be praying for Aaron and his family that God will be merciful during this time. It's amazing that Aaron was more concerned with his father than he was for himself. I saw my best friend go through cancer treatment for an agressive form of lymphoma this past year. One of the last things she told her family was that she would go through it all again if it would bring one person closer to the Lord.

Posted by: Monarchs Own 27-Jul-2007, 11:14 AM
Word seem to be lost to me at this time. I was so hopeful.

I can only keep continue to keep Aaron in my prayers and hope God will be with all of Aaron's family to get through this hard time.


Posted by: maggiemahone1 27-Jul-2007, 01:00 PM
my heart and prayers go out for this family...I believe in the power of divine healing. I know that God is Great and can do all things...

maggiemahone1

Posted by: ballydun 28-Jul-2007, 10:57 AM
I. too have been keeping up with the progress of Aaron. I was so saddened to hear of the lasest update. I can't believe how aggressive this cancer has been in his little body!

Last year on St. Patrick's Day we hosted a Children's Cancer Fundraiser called "St. Baldricks" I was inspired to do so because of Aaron's story. Our little group of 50ish people raised over $11,000. Hopefully we will so better next year.
I am always so amazed by the strenght families have During these times. I know that their family are very storng Believers and that they know that God's will will be done...althought that doesn't make it any easier.

God Bless them all!

Posted by: Muircheartach 29-Jul-2007, 10:23 PM
Hello all,

All I have to say is "Thank you so much for your prayers and kind thoughts"!

Here's a link to the latest post that Robert put up tonight:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=aaronmcgrady

Please continue your prayers, and God bless you!

Posted by: sisterknight 30-Jul-2007, 10:58 AM
from our lips to god's ears & heart...special people like aaron deserve to be able to live life to a ripe old age, i hope that the doctors may still find some miracles of their own.

Posted by: Rindy 30-Jul-2007, 11:36 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Slainte

Posted by: stoirmeil 01-Aug-2007, 06:10 PM
I've just been reading the last post that Rob made today, and the series of them that he's made over the last several days. (He calls himself "SCShamrock" on CelticRadio). Sorry if this gets messy but I can't see the screen very well for tears.

Here is the link to the journal. Please take the time to be with our friend by reading it.
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit

We (yes, we, although I am not typically what you call the praying kind, and some of you will remember what tussles Rob and I have had over politics in the past) are all praying for the boy. But I would say it is time to also pray for the dad, our friend that we know, who is confronting the unimaginable with everything in him, and what a fortress of faith and honesty about his own feelings that is turning out to be. I am awestruck witnessing how he is moving himself through this, and especially at how much compassion and understanding the boy and his dad have for each other.

Hold on tight to each other, Aaron and Rob. We are with you the best way we can be.

Posted by: Muircheartach 16-Aug-2007, 11:05 PM
Hi all,

Here's the latest post from Robert concerning his son, Aaron's, health:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=aaronmcgrady

Robert, Dawn and Aaron truly appreciate your prayers - please go to the CaringBridge site if you can and read the latest post tonight.

Thanks so much for your prayers and kind thoughts - they are very much cherished by God, especially now.

Love and blessings, Robbie

Posted by: haynes9 16-Aug-2007, 11:15 PM
Read the post earlier. They surely do need the prayers of all their friends. May the Lord grant them peace and wisdom.

Posted by: Monarchs Own 18-Aug-2007, 03:08 PM
Prayers send towards the family all the way from Germany!

Posted by: ballydun 18-Aug-2007, 03:23 PM
My heart is breaking. I cannot imagine what the entire family must be going through. I pray that the Lord makes this as easy on them as possible...not that it could ever be easy.
God bless them all.

Barbara

Posted by: Muircheartach 19-Aug-2007, 09:42 PM
Hi all,

Just wanted to quickly let you know that prayers do work! Here's the latest from Robert on how Aaron's feeling:

"I have no explanation for Aaron's condition over the last few days. It was just Friday that I was sure Aaron would be gone soon. He was in such a fragile state. Today and yesterday he spent more and more time awake and alert, talking some and eating a little. He has watched TV several times today, and for whatever reason has gone almost all night for the last two night without the use of pain medication. Of course the pain patches are a constant source of medication, so he is never completely without."

"I went to York, SC and picked up Aaron's sister, Heather. She will be staying until next weekend. When I got back Dawn told me Aaron wants me to give him a Mohawk haircut. I will be doing this in a few minutes. What a funny guy. He knows he will have to sit up in a chair for this and then get a shower afterward to remove any of the small hairs that will be on his neck and so forth. Still he wants it done."

"I mentioned before that Dawn and I have not asked for any help in the months Aaron has been ill. However, necessity forces us to change that fact. Our families have offered much help, and that has been a tremendous blessing. But more help is needed."

I'll let you check out the rest of Robert's post at CaringBridge: www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronmcgrady

Again, thanks for your prayers and well-wishes - they really do work!

Best cheers, Robbie

Posted by: Rindy 19-Aug-2007, 09:55 PM
This is wonderful news Robbie. Aaron and his family will continue to be in my prayers..

Slainte

Posted by: sisterknight 20-Aug-2007, 11:41 AM
i'm so glad to hear this!! you'll have to show us how he looks in his new hairdo!!

Posted by: Muircheartach 24-Aug-2007, 11:10 PM
Hi all,

Even though I know most of you that are following Aaron's progress are doing so from the CaringBridge site, I'll still try to post most of Robert's journal messages here. I just received this post from him tonight, so here it is - if you'd like to go to the site, please follow this link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronmcgrady

"Where are we now? I wish I knew. Aaron has made another slide toward the negative. He is not having any awake or alert time, but is not necessarily sleeping either. He lies in bed with his eyes closed in a semi-conscious state. I can't imagine what must be going through his mind. The hospice nurse visited again today, and said his blood pressure and breathing were good, but his pulse was somewhat elevated. I see him like this and can only think that it won't be long. For reasons of his suffering, I can accept sooner than later. One of the doctors at the Cancer Clinic told me I would likely feel this way, but at the time I truly believed God would heal Aaron. As a woman told me today, however, yes God will heal him. Either in this life, or the life to come. I know these things without having to be told. But I don't want to be too accepting right now. I still believe that God may heal Aaron in a miraculous way. Regardless, we are all trying to become prepared for the worst, which seems to be looming over the horizon.

We have had several family members and friends offer financial help lately. I want to say a heartfelt thank you. This is a very difficult time in many ways, and thanks to the love of some generous people, we are able to concentrate on more important matters. To anyone who reads this and wants to reach out but cannot, let me assure you that your prayers are among the greatest riches in the world. I speak for my entire family when I say that I am utterly humbled to know just how far and wide the body of Christ is with Aaron's name on their lips each day. Thank you is not enough.

I hope tomorrow shows some sign of direction. It is agonizing, not only for my son, but for the entire family to see him in this state. Pain rules the day, and now I fear that the pain he feels is not being voiced. Please pray for comfort."

Again, thanks for your prayers and outpouring of love!

Blessings and love, Robbie

Posted by: gaberlunzie 25-Aug-2007, 04:33 AM
I was afraid this would happen because this is part of that awful disease so often - times when all seems to get better - and then it's getting worse again so rapidly.
I can only try to imagine what this means for Aaron and his family; I have no idea how it is possible to bear the unbearable - but seemingly we do when we have to.
I stand in awe of the way they have been handling it so far.
But how hard that must be...
So my prayers go out for you, for all the strength and comfort and anything needed in this time for all the family McGrady.

Posted by: ballydun 25-Aug-2007, 10:56 AM
It is so hard to believe that less than a year ago Aaron was playing football! sad.gif
What a terrible disease. God will know what is best for Aaron, although we may not agree.
My prayers are always with the family.
God Bless them all

Posted by: ballydun 31-Aug-2007, 08:03 PM
Just checked in on Aaron's website. Aaron passed away today. sadwalk.gif
Thought I'd pass along the latest entry. rip_1.gif




Aaron's fight is finally over. My beautiful son passed today at 3:54 pm. He didn't necessarily go quietly though. For nearly an hour Aaron was suffering cardiac distress. His feet had begun to turn blue, and he complained of chest pain accompanied by rapid breathing. Dawn had called the hospice nurse because of this, and soon after she arrived asked if we had any baby aspirin. Of course we did not, so Dawn pulled out of the driveway to go get some. While she was gone, I sat with Aaron and tried to soothe his aches. For well over a month Dawn, my mother, and I have massaged Aaron's back, legs, and feet to help with the pain. I was not able to bring a bit of relief. Then I knew. So while Dawn was gone....no more than 15 minutes, Aaron went into cardiac arrest. He went fairly quickly at that point. But about a half hour before he passed, I asked Dawn to leave the room. I looked at Aaron and told him that Jesus wanted to take him by the hand and bring him home. Aaron did not respond, but I know he heard me. I told him not to tell Jesus no, and that his mom and I would be ok. At one point, through the chest pain and difficulty breathing, he spoke to someone not in the room. I could not understand what he was saying, but then he said, somewhat wide-eyed "no, no, no." In a few seconds he said simply, "yes." In less than five minutes he was gone.

I cannot express all that I am feeling right now. One emotion I can express is great relief. People will tell me things over the next days and weeks letting me know Aaron is no longer in pain, or Aaron is in a better place. I know these things, and that is what consoles me now. My sweet child suffered so bad for so long. He is right now, and this moment, in the loving arms of Jesus. He is seeing all of God's splendor, and the wonder of His presence. So I will close this message with a couple final thoughts. God has not slighted us. He is wonderful and awesome, His plan for Aaron is without imperfection. God is with me and our family. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will be by our side always.

I think it goes without saying that Dawn and I will likely not be able to work for a while. So if anyone can and will help us financially, I set up an account at BB&T bank. I think a person can go in and ask to deposit to the account of Robert and Aaron McGrady. We will need help for at least a few weeks. I will update this site when I know I am either in good enough shape to no longer need help, or otherwise working again. I do hope anyone who reads this understands.

One final note. Some of the members of the USC Gamecocks football team visited Aaron today. It was about an hour before he passed. I want to include a photo of my baby's last day on earth, and notice the bravery in his smile. I love you Aaron. I know you have gone to be with Jesus, ushered in on angel's wings. I will miss you.

Posted by: haynes9 31-Aug-2007, 08:12 PM
Though my heart is heavy for the loss the family feels, I am so glad that Aaron is well and whole now. May God grant comfort and grace in the difficult days ahead. We love you folks and we are praying for you.

Posted by: Donajhi 31-Aug-2007, 08:26 PM
My prayers are with you.

Posted by: TheCarolinaScotsman 31-Aug-2007, 10:27 PM
Robert, I rejoice in Aaron's release. It is more than we can understand, but our trust in Him is not misplaced. May you, Dawn and the rest of the family find peace.

Posted by: Muircheartach 31-Aug-2007, 10:55 PM
Hi all,

Thanks, ballydun, for posting the last update from Aaron's CaringBridge site. I am on business travel and did not get the CaringBridge e-mail in time to post it, but I appreciate you doing it, as I appreciate your prayers as well as the prayers of all the others who have visited this post.

My prayers are now for Robert, Dawn and their families during this time of grief - truly may God grant them peace. I know that Robert has the right perspective (at least to me as a Christian), but I've been involved with many memorial services as a minister and know that the hardest part that people have is in trying to fill the void after the death of a loved one - especially an only child.

Again, thanks to all for your prayers and kind thoughts - may God bless you! angel.gif

Posted by: gaberlunzie 01-Sep-2007, 05:55 AM
Aaron is in peace now. Robert, I can't say anything here you would'nt have heard already. My heart is bleeding and goes out for you, Dawn and all who love Aaron.
We'll keep up praying for you; for all the strength and support you will need.
May you find peace.

Posted by: stoirmeil 02-Sep-2007, 12:20 PM
Here is part of yesterday's CaringBridge entry:

Things here are o.k. Dawn and I are learning to cope after only one day of our son having moved on to the next life. It is hard. I have expressed to my wife and mother that I am in "Aaron Mode." It is a way in which I learned a new alertness to his needs. I learned to be conscious of his moods, his physical problems, and the needs of his spirit. It is very difficult to get out of Aaron mode. I have to remind myself as I walk through the house that I don't have to be so quiet. I don't have to be careful when opening doors not to alarm the dogs. It seems every minute of every day has been spent in thought of what effect I might have on Aaron with all my action. So now I have to remind myself. I'm sure in time this will change. After all, this is a whole new world for us all. But humans adapt. And God is merciful. Dawn and I have talked about this and she said she feels the same way. So we now have to learn a new way of living. One without our precious son in it. It will be hard, but God is merciful.

Rob, my heart is full with things I hardly know how to express. But I know what you mean about "Aaron mode." Many people have seen this as a gift of the spirit, for those who have been left behind, to take leave of each little thing one at a time so that you won't be engulfed by the sorrow. There is a lot of sorrow in the process, but also sweetness in memory, even in the way you and Aaron grew so close right to the end, and of course in his courage. As astonishing and strong as all your insights have been through the whole hard journey, I know you will be blessed with all the sweetness he has left for you.

Posted by: Rindy 02-Sep-2007, 02:52 PM
Peace be with you all

Posted by: Muircheartach 06-Sep-2007, 05:31 PM
Hi all,

This was just posted by Robert and I would like to share it with all of you - I, too, appreciate your prayers and kind wishes for Aaron, as well as all his family!


"The McGrady household owes thanks to so many people, and those will be coming. Without our friends and families the past weeks and months would have been incredibly more difficult. The past week has been made easier by those living close to us, and their gifts of food and household items are so very appreciated. Today, however, I want to talk about Aaron's memorial service and those who made it so beautiful.

First is pastor Beale. He is my neighbor, and just an awesome person. He is a man who I believe God led us to in this neighborhood, and one I have found to be a great inspiration. He always seems to know just what to say and when to say it. I was honored that pastor Beale agreed to conduct Aaron's service, and his message was powerful, comforting, uplifting, and grounded in the word of God. I thank you so much pastor Beale.

Pastor Beale's son, Dan, offered us a wonderful gift. He is an electronic media professional and without charge, printed seven photos and did a video presentation using our photos and home movies so that others could see the little boy we all knew and loved....before he became ill. This was an absolutely fantastic and touching addition to the service...one which stirred the emotions of all who attended. Thank you Dan. We will cherish this gift ALWAYS!

Aaron's good friend, ET, who is a former R.N., and who is currently on the administrative staff at the children's hospital, agreed to sing during the service. I was fortunate enough to hear him sing a cappella during last year's Christmas holiday. I have spoken about ET before, but words could never do justice to the gift this man has been granted for singing. His voice is just phenomenal, and knowing how Aaron felt about him made his voice and the words to "How Great Thou Art" more moving than I have ever heard before. ET, my dear friend, I thank you from the depths of my soul. You will always hold a special place in the hearts of the McGrady family.

One final thanks. That would be to all the friends and family who came to show their respects for Aaron. I would guess there were nearly 300 in attendance. Guests included Aaron's school friends and family members, teachers, teammates, coaches, and other family members from Lexington Youth League football, Aaron's karate Sensei and his wife, co-workers from Dawn's workplace...the Babcock Center, our family members...including four generations of folks from Dawn's side of the family, plus a fifth generation expected to be born in December. We had personal friends who came to show their love, and I'll say that the showing of support and respect was very humbling. Thank you everyone for giving Aaron such an outstanding farewell. When Dawn and I sit to write our thank-you's, I hope we do not miss a soul. I can't imagine we could remember everyone, but we will try very hard not to. In Christ's love."


Blessings and love, Robbie

Posted by: Muircheartach 11-Sep-2007, 05:38 PM
Hello all!

As a last follow-up, I am posting Robert's last journal posting from CaringBridge. I certainly appreciate all your prayers and kindness over the months - I know that the entire McGrady family does too!

Blessings! Robbie



This will be my final entry in this journal. I could probably keep writing for some time. There are so many things going through my head, and it would be easy to just peck away at this keyboard. However, I think it's time to start thinking in new directions. For nine years my life revolved around Aaron and what I wished for him. As a parent you envision what your children's lives will be like. What mistakes will they make? What triumphs will they have? Will they be successful? Have kids of their own?

Then for nine and a half months my life centered on other questions. Will Aaron survive? If his cancer goes into remission will it recur? How long will I have with my precious boy?

Now all those questions are no longer relevant. Some were answered, and some remain to be known. But I have faith that God will leave nothing unrevealed on the day I am reunited with my son. So it's time to think differently. I must look up. But I will never forget. I will be writing something. Maybe a book, maybe not. But I will write something. Anyone who reads this who feels Aaron and his story made a difference in his or her life, please email me with your story and the permission to use it. I have plenty already, but too much is never enough.

In closing let me once again thank all the family and friends who have shown incredible love and support over the past months. Your prayers reached Heaven, and God has granted Aaron's healing in addition to showing us all the mercy we so needed. We will survive, and I know that time will reveal the many ways in which Aaron's life was used to glorify His kingdom.

Goodbye.

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