Help Us Hold Onto Hope
We received word today that Odette’s oldest daughter Grace (12) has been diagnosed with TB. You can read more about TB here. Grace had undiagnosed malaria earlier this year–we moved mountains to get her hospitalized and treated, and have the kindness of strangers to thank for that little miracle. After that, we thought Grace was on the mend, but her malaria symptoms started coming back late last week and her overall health has not improved. This time around Odette found a way for her to go to a different hospital where she received a more thorough evaluation, revealing that she not only had TB, but that one of her lungs was severely damaged. She is very, very sick, as you can imagine, and afraid.
I have never seen Odette this sad or scared. Some of you have asked what it would take to bring the girls here. Please know we are aggressively and actively working on this right now (as we have been for some time) and have every reason to believe the proper papers will come. Odette has been asked to stay here for the interim in order to ensure this process. If I could say more, I would, believe me.
I am trying to remain hopeful, but I have to be totally honest and say that I am very scared, too. Please light a candle for Grace that her life would be saved, for Odette that she would be okay in her heart and for me that I will be however I need to be. I’m not sure if that’s a rock of strength or a flow of tears. I am so worried. Odette is asking me if I think Grace will be okay and I don’t know what to say.
I’m sorry to be such a downer, but this is what’s happening right now. We appreciate you all more than you will ever, ever know.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Prayers going up now.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Sending loving prayers of healing for Grace. Peace and hope to Odette and to you, Jen.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
you got it. thanks for letting us know.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Could I offer some possibly trite advice I’ve been given regarding praying?
If you’re going to worry, don’t pray. If you’re going to pray, don’t worry.
Sure, the Worrying Gene is inherent with mothers, much more on Odette who is a world away from her babies. I will pray nonetheless and thank you and her for that opportunity to lift her up.
xoxo
April 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to be so far from my child when sick. Loving thoughts in the direction of mama and daughter. Here’s hoping.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Odette and Jen,
Thank you for your blog and for giving us a small window into two powerful, fruitful lives. I only stumbled onto your blog recently but am continually touched by your compassion, activism, and love for those who have less means than yourself.
I’m very sorry to hear that Grace is so ill and will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. I just wanted to offer you a few verses that have been an encouragement to me in times of trouble - I hope you don’t mind. I am very glad that you will have the opportunity shortly to visit Odette’s daughters yourself, and am sure that is bringing her some comfort.
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2-5)
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
April 30th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Jen, I will be praying for Odette and Grace today. For peace, for healing, for wisdom for the doctors, for swift action in immigration and the higher political powers that be, for rest, and a blanket prayer for everything I don’t know! I love the way you have allowed them into your life and your heart!
Melissa (BeeDiva)
April 30th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I’m moved to tears. These situations are no fun. Live in the certainty that you are exactly where you need to be right now. There is hurculean strength found in the comfort of weeping with those who weep.
I do not weep as one who has no hope. I believe in hope. I believe in prayer. I’m standing firm in both with you all today.
Peace to you,
Danny
April 30th, 2008 at 10:49 am
good thoughts and karma headed your way. reach down deep and find your strength it will carry you through. and when odette asks you if everything will be ok, tell her yes…because it will be. truly, it will.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Grace is my daughter’s name, too. My stomach and heart are aching for you all. Prayers and candles for you, for sure.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:01 am
lighting a candle this morning and sending prayers for strength, hope, and whatever you need…
April 30th, 2008 at 11:06 am
sending prayers to all, and sending another army of Joans for you
April 30th, 2008 at 11:08 am
i’m praying. Odette, your story capitivates me. you are such a gift to this world, your strength and grace are simply remarkable. sending huge amounts of love and healing to you and grace.
lighting that candle!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Dear Jen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Odette and Grace. Miracles happen all the time, and this will be no exception.
Much love,
Josefina
April 30th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I’m am with you in spirit, prayer and hope.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I refuse to believe that you and Odette have come this far only to have tragedy befall you now. REFUSE. Grace is in my prayers, darlin’.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
beside me candles are burning bright and in my heart i am holding you all so close in thought and prayer.
sending love and hugs,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
April 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Mir says it all. You’ve come to far to have anything happen now. I’m sending you thoughts, prayers, hugs and lot’s of love.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Praying here and will add Grace to the list at church too.
Love and blessings
April 30th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I am praying hard for you, Odette, and Grace, too.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I’m lighting a candle, saying a prayer for healing and comfort, strength and whatever it takes for those girls to be with their Mum.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Many prayers for Grace, Odette, and for you.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Oh Jen. I am so sorry–for you, for Odette, for both of her daughters. Candle’s lit and prayers have started. I’ll think of you all throughout the day.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Jen and Odette,
Eden, Cate, Paul and I are lighting candles and saying prayers. Sometimes darkness comes where light is burning brightest. We are holding on to hope for you that the light of all our souls will blind this illness. Miracles happen. We love you.
Rachelle
April 30th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Odette, Grace, and Lillian are in my heart. With so many of us sending our love across the ocean she must get better. I know that you will be whatever you need to be.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Sending all good thoughts and prayers for healing and calmness to prevail. How wonderful that Odette has you to lean on for support.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Sending healing vibes and good thoughts out
April 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Prayers for all of you…
April 30th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Each one of you is in my thoughts and prayers.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Jennifer,
How excruciating this must be for Odette not to be able
to hold her girl when she is so sick and frightened.
I will pray with my daughters tonight. A friend of a friend
April 30th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
So much good and bad to hold on to, all at once.
Lighting a candle for all of you.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
You’re all in my prayers, Jen.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
a friend sent me your little altar kit complete with tea candle (expect a miracle) that I have been saving for just such a moment..going to light it now.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Dear Odette:
I did some pendulum work and was told that Grace would have a rough time, followed by recovery. I hope that you will take some small amount of hope from this. And remember, positive thoughts are far more helpful than panic and worry.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Candles lit. Prayers said. Tears in my eyes. Holding on to hope and believing in grace.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Right here praying with you!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
we’re sending you so much love, and praying that you’re all wrapped up tight in comfort and hope.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
As your banner says, “Hold your heart(s) in all tenderness. Something healing this way comes.” Take heart, dear heart.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
More prayers coming for the whole crew: Odettes and yours.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Prayers being offered now Jen. Give Odette a big hug for me.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Jen and Odette,
Odette your story has captivated me. Jen you’ve told it so beautifully. I think about all of you every day. I will pray and light candles. Thank you for telling us.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Rosaries are clicking in Silver Spring tonight.
Love and health to Grace.
Peace to Odette.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Healing, positive loving thoughts to you all
April 30th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Thanks for sharing this news with those who carry you in our hearts; we are here to lift you up even higher at times like this. All of you brave and beautiful women will be in my thoughts and prayers. May healing and strength and peace come in abundance for Grace, Odette, and all who care for them both.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
You need all the courage you can muster right now. Let me give you some of mine, along with the 43 people who arrived here before me.
Standing in the gap with you.
xo
April 30th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Sending out my prayer for Grace, Odette, and you.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:50 am
Sending up prayers of love and healing.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:53 am
No! This cannot be true. Grace must absolutely come here now… it’s just so ridiculous to not be with one’s mother that I can’t stand it and can’t stand that some “powers that be” or “circumstances” are in the way. Argh…Sorry for the rant but I had to say it.
Following up that outburst with many, many prayers that Grace can find some good antibiotics and care soon. I wish that your trip were sooner, Jen, as I’m sure you and Odette both do.
Good wishes and thoughts for all of you,
Cate in Cal
May 1st, 2008 at 7:35 am
I’m not sure they let TB patients into the US–have you looked into that yet? I wish they could meet up in a neutral country while she’s being treated. How heartbreaking this is!
May 1st, 2008 at 7:55 am
there is a candle burning bright in Australia… my heart breaks for Odette and her daughter..
May 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
We too offer prayers. Each week in our synagogue we pray for the sick; I will add Grace to those and my own as well. I assume you have UN/health type connections. If not, I MAY (not at all sure but MAY) be able to help. Let me know.
Can you see her when you go; take anything with you that would help that you need help acquiring in the meds department etc?
Let me know that too.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:10 am
My love bleeds into this one big love. My prayers are right there with Odette and Grace, mother and daughter. May she heal and recover.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:35 am
candle lit. prayers being said right now.
thinking of you all and sending you and Grace healing light, glowing bright.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:42 am
I said a prayer for Grace and am sending good thoughts as well. I hope things go well for Odette and her girls.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Prayers, love and light going out to Odette, Grace, you and your family/community. Keep your hearts light and full of hope.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Prayers coming over, candles being lit.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Jen, when I first learned of this I was so without words. I had a million emotions with no words. I offered up my prayers but I didn’t know what to specifically ask for, other than “anything but this”.
If… no… not if… WHEN Grace comes out of this… malaria and TB free with healthy full lungs… we will all know the power of hope, love and strength in numbers. Because I can’t imagine it any other way. You once told me that the universe doesn’t give you more than you can handle, but I can’t imagine being thrown this after everything Odette has been through already. It’s just not right.
I’m with Cate on her rant… this shouldn’t be this way. It can’t be this way. There must be someone with the power and connections to get Grace and her sister here. Does anyone have Oprah’s email? <3
May 1st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
a candle and reiki for Grace and all of you, her family lit and sent tonight and every day until i hear she’s on the mend.
i’m working on a hope-card and will try to get to you before you leave via Krysyn.
*hugs to you and Odette*
Lil xo
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:13 am
Jen, have added my prayers to those of all these your friends. And can’t help thinking how wonderful it is that you are going out there so soon after this diagnosis - that’s no coincidence. I’m sure Odette’s instinct is to rush to be with her girl - perhaps the next best thing is that you’re able to go out there and take her love and hugs in person.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
Candles are burning, prayers are non-stop, Odette and her daughters are walking together in my dreams. Help is on the way. In the meantime - Here’s a link to Oprah’s Angel Network Message Board. Don’t know if she reads them but who knows. http://www.oprah.com/community/community/ophilanthropy/difference?view=discussions
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Prayers for Grace and Odette, and for you, Jen.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
sending you so much love and prayers and strength!!
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Prayers for Odette, Grace and to you too Jen.
Veronique
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Like Mocha I will light a candle in my heart and pray for her. It isn’t positive news, but hopefully it will be eventually. Sometimes things happen that are sad.
As my mom, who is a very hopeful old Catholic broad would say, I will lift her up to God.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Sending you warm hugs, comforting thoughts and healing prayers from Portland.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:22 am
Lighting candle now and praying for Odette’s daughter Jen, and also for you to be there for her in whatever capacity is needed. I am so very very sorry to here this sad news, poor Odette I can only imagine how terribly difficult it must be to have to be here while her daughter is in another country needing her desperately, oh I am crying to think of it. She will be alright I am sure of it, they have been through to much for anything so awful to happen now surely…lots of prayers tonight and a candle staying lit as long as need be. Love to you and Odette and peace and strength be yours through this vigil. xxxJen B xxx
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
What Veronique said. With love…
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
[…] is a collection of kindnesses that you offered us over the last few days. Because of these words and your love, our load has been […]
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Prayers spoken with love, in community and sisterhood…..
peace,
anna : )
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
[…] of emotions here. The high of the party was followed this week unbearably sad news about my housemate’s daughter having TB and the hopelessness that comes to all of us when we realize there is nothing we can do but pray […]
May 6th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
[…] community and help. Recently, when Odette’s daughter, Grace, became gravely ill, the need to hold on to hope became the greatest need of […]
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
[…] It is with so much happiness and joy this morning that I’m writing to let you know that Odette’s daughter Grace is officially TB free. For those of you who have been following along from the beginning, you’ll recall that Grace almost died twice last year–once from undiagnosed malaria and once from undiagnosed tuberculosis. […]
April 30th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Odette
I thank God your daughter is TB free. I understand you your suffering. I myself am in a similar situation. I am from Guyana S.A I have 14 year old daughter with full blown sickle cell disease. 4 years ago in August she had a stroke, all my friends chiped in some and I able to visit her in November then. I could not eat or sleep. Earlier this year she had sever headaches again and was in the hospital. Thank God no stoke this time. I could not go to see her. I want to bring her to the united states. I files the petiton for an alien relative form 130. I am currently waiting to hear from INS about the next steps. They did reply and stated they recieved my application. Everyday I pray God will keep her healthy and strong and make it possible to get her here so she can receive the help she needs.