Miracles Happen, Right?
I’ve spent the past 10 months praying for God to heal Layla’s body and rid her of this cancer. To restore her to good health and allow to live a long and happy life. I’ve spent the past several weeks praying for, EXPECTING, a miracle. Miracles happen, right? I’ve had people email me telling me of their miracles. I’ve read about miracles. I’ve even witnessed miracles.
Our time frame for miracles is running out. Layla’s PICC line (IV that is inserted in her arm and runs to her Vena Cava to administer meds) stopped working Sunday night so she spent Monday at Texas Childrens having it repaired. Thankfully, they were able to get it working again without surgery. Praise God! While there, they did an ultrasound to see what’s going on with the tumors in her little body. I’ve been praying all morning for some good news like “They’ve stopped growing”. Instead, we got news that there are new tumors. One inside her liver and another on the right side of her abdomen, where her kidney should be. The existing tumors are still growing.
This cancer is invading her body. NOW is the time for a miracle! She is very tired and lethargic. She is down to 18lbs. Her eyes are bruised and she can hardly pick up her head. We need a miracle NOW. Her breathing is becoming soft and labored and her heart rate is declining. She is sleeping more and more.
She still likes her own bed, so Ryan and I are working in 6 hour shifts sitting in her room watching her sleep. Her dog is planted at the foot of her bed. Amazing how animals know these things. Her 2 sisters told her goodbye tonight and went to my mother’s house for the night. I didn’t think Layla was going to make it through the night. Once again, she proved to me that she is stronger than I could ever dream of being. She is still with us and sleeping peacefully.
I take comfort in a few things. First, I know there are angels watching over her. I know they are sitting right beside her; that she is never alone. Her angels will usher her into heaven. Second, I know her death will not be in vain. She has done what God sent her here to do. She has gone above and beyond. I receive hundreds and hundreds of emails every day from people telling me their faith is stronger because of her. She has managed to do more Godly works in her short 2 years on earth than most people do in 80. I take comfort in the fact that when she returns home, she will be greeted by the Lord and hear “Well done good and faithful servant”. She will instantly be renewed and have a perfect heavenly body. There will be no more tears, no more pain and no more sorrow. She will see glorious things we can’t even begin to dream of. Revelation 21:18-21 says The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.d 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
I’ve spent all this time praying for her to be healed. AND SHE WILL BE. It just might not be in the way I want. Within a few short days, one way or another, Layla will be healed and absolutely perfect.
A received this poem that was written for Layla. It is so beautifully written and conveys exactly what is on my heart.
Layla Grace, Layla Grace, with your sweet sweet smile and your angel face
You have moved many while running your race, darling Layla Grace
Though you are young and your years be few
God’s doing wonderous things through you
In present times we don’t understand
It can be hard to see His hand
But we know it’s part of a greater plan
We believe this to be true
For those on the outside looking in
We see a giant girlish grin
It’s hard to fathom endurance so great
And the fiesty fight of this featherweight
In the midst of suffering and enormous pain
Your parent’s steadfast faith remains
What a testament to all who view
The trials you are going through
We pray for a miracle, Lord once more
Pray more fervrently than we’ve ever prayed before
Have mercy on your witness small
Bring healing, peace, and rest above all
Lord, you alone know what’s to come
Bring peace and healing to everyone
To all of whom this girl did hear
Whether distanced far or nestled near
You’ve blessed us with a heavenly light
Her courage shining bold and bright
Bring her family peace tonight
Steady their ship and steer
And if you call this wee one home
No longer on this earth to roam
If her moments left are fleeting, brief
Comfort us admist our grief
Remind us of your perfect will
Hold us firmly, planted still
Let our hearts remain aware
That she is in your loving care
You will hold her tiny hand
And guide her through Your glory land
No more need for her to cry
As you sing her heaven’s lullabies
And rock her gently in your arms
Untouchable to hurt or harm
What a special treasure made in You
This precious child with eyes bright blue
A shining reflection of your glorious face
Lord, Thank you tonight for Layla Grace.
For each measured moment before family may part
Make sweet cherished memories to keep in their hearts
She’s made this world such a brighter place.
Lord, Thank you tonight for sweet Layla Grace.
You’re not alone. so many people are praying for a miracle for baby Layla and your family. Hopefully you can gain comfort from that in some small way.
Praying with all our hearts in West Virginia!! Layla & your family have become such a huge part of our family!! We have been praying for all of you daily!! The 1st thing my children ask each morning is about Layla…and as soon as they walk in from school they ask about her again. If they see tears in my eyes…they ask if she is alright!! Layla has touched our family SO much!! Thank You for sharing her story!! It is SO hard to understand why a child has to suffer & return to GOD before we are ready for her/him to do so. I lost my baby brother when he was 5 months old!! It has been 18 years…it still hurts but it is easier now. Whatever happens, stay close to GOD & pray often for comfort!! We are still praying for a miracle and will do SO till she is healed completely!! We pray with ALL of our hearts for the possibility for that to be here on earth with her mommy, daddy, & her sisters!! Families are Forever!! Tell sweet Layla how many people love her & how many she has touched in her sweet life!! My 2 year old Madeline sings Layla I love You….Layla I do!! She also prays all by herself…please bess yea-ya gaase. God Bless your beautiful family!! Love, The Satre Family in West Virginia
Thank you for sharing that poem. It is beautiful!
I was up at 4:30 a.m. to check on sweet Layla. My heart is so heavy for you. I am praying so hard for your miracle. Layla has truly touched my heart.
One of the angels waiting to play with Layla is my son, Justin. I just know he will take good care of her when the time comes, whenever that may be. No pain, no suffering…nothing but joy and love.
Praying.
I pray every morning and evening for your little one…and for you both and your daughters….have you heard this beautiful hymn -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCXynTjZsSA – Father, I Place Into Your Hands?
Do listen if you can – my love to you all.
Mom, you are an amazing person and seem so strong during a time like this. I admire your courage to share your story and to find words during this time. I lost my sister unexpectedly at age 14 and didn’t have time to say goodbye, I’m not sure which is harder. I have been praying for your family and I know the angels are with her and will take good care of her. God bless your family and I am praying for all of you, and those 2 other angels in your family. May God guide them and all of you in the coming months.
P.S. What an amazing thing the dog is laying with her too, so sweet!
Layla grace has touched so many lives! I have never met your family but pray throughout the day as if you are my own. I lift Layla up in prayer
Praying with tears for you and Layla. Your steadfast faith is encouraging to me. May you all be reminded of the riches of the grace and mercy of our loving God. Blessings to you…
Little layla grace has touched my heart since I read about her fight. Layla and your family are in our prayers. She is a precious angel and a gift from God and will be welcomed into heaven by my little angel son Jaden. We hope for the best. And praying that God would guide you and to help heal your hearts.
My heart is breaking. I am still praying for our miracle. And either way, we’ll get it. Healing.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you throughout the entire day. Layla Grace has touched so many lives and she has done a job well done. What pride you must feel when you look into her eyes.
Thank you for sharing her strength, courage, and faith with all of us. Layla Grace will LIVE! ANd thank you so much for sharing your strong faith and the testimony of your life. Through these trails, MANY are brought to the Lord. Thank you.
Praying without ceasing,
Lindsay Manfull
COle’s Prayer Team
http://www.colesfoundation.com
Sorry there was a typo above…
Praying for your sweet Layla Grace. May the Peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding dwell in your hearts richly!
My heart aches for all of you! God give you strength,peace and comfort right now. Thinking of you every moment and know we’re here if we can do anything.
Shanna, I pray for you Ryan, Jenna and Claire. I pray for Layla to be peaceful and pain free. I pray for a MIRACLE, STILLand will not stop. I try to understand but it is beyond my understanding, and is a true test of faith to me and my family. I love you guys and wish that there was something in my power to make this better. ANYTHING! I know in my heart that God has bigger and better plans for her and if he needs to call her home, then have faith in his will. I can see her with her beautiful angel wings! Wanted to share this with you also:
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
And whispered “Come with Me.”…
With tearful eyes we watched you suffer
And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Laying loving hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
I cannot begin to tell you how your story has effected me….I have kept up with Layla’s journey for awhile now….and am awed and humbled by how much strength little Layla has…..
I have prayed everyday for peace for her and you….I am so sorry that the toughest time still seems to lie ahead….as a mother of a 23 month old…I cry just imagining the strength and faith you have to hold on too….
Please know that Layla is helping so many others with her life….she has touched me in a way….I have a boutique Baby Business….and am starting this month donating minky lovey’s to children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia…..in honor of Layla!
She is truly an amazing child!
Thank you for sharing her with us!
your layla grace has caused moms and dads everywhere to reassess our priorities. because of your amazing daughter (and your ability to share your beautiful heart with us), loads of laundry have sat longer, dirty dishes have remained in the sink and beds have stayed unmade… we’ve jumped more on our trampoline together, played on our swingset together more, played on the floor constantly, gotten out our old dusty board games that we haven’t played in a long time, hugged more, prayed more, laughed more…
your are exactly right, layla grace has had a purpose in this life and she’s done it beautifully! i will continue to pray for her healing, knowing a miracle is in store for her. your faith is beautiful and i appreciate your transparency that allows those of us on the ‘outside’ looking in draw nearer to our Savior.
i know we’ve not met, but i love you. praying a blanket of peace to cover you and your family… and peace that you cannot even explain.
bless you, sister.
~kristen parks~
Shanna,
I’ve been crying with you for the last 6 weeks and praying very hard for Layla every day. My 15 month old daughter and I lit a candle for her at mass on Sunday and it was a very special moment for us.
I can’t explain to you how much you and Layla have touched my heart. I will forever be changed because of your sweet Layla and am a better parent for hearing her story. Your beautiful little girl will never, ever be forgotten.
I’m still praying for her miracle. But I am beginning to think that Layla herself was a miracle!
We’ll be with you, sending as much love and prayers your way in these next few days.
With love from Buffalo, NY
Layla has really touched my heart. I am still praying for a miracle for her. As I have a little one my own I can’t imagine what your family is going through. You are staying strong and I am so glad your keeping everyone posted. I am one who is up all the time checking your site for news updates and hoping for the best. Layla is a trooper, you didn’t think she would make it till morning and she sure did.
I have actually lost a daughter about 9 years ago and I said I would do anything to keep her here, I wanted her to be with mommy. But then when I walked in I knew it was time and God had a different plan for her. And that is what I believe today God has a plan for everyone of us, sometimes we don’t understand why but God knows. And some day we will know why God chose that path for them.
We are still praying for a miracle for Layla!! She sure is a precious child and really has touched so many lives.
I am without words. I continue to pray for this amazing, beautiful, sweet, darling child and her unbelievablly graceful family. As your post said “Layla Grace – a perfect name for a perfect little girl.”
This story has brought me to my knees so many times I cannot count. Yes I am closer to God in so many ways. Her journey was not in vain.
May God Bless you ALL and keep you close during this very difficult time.
I will continue to PRAY WITH ALL MY HEART for a blessed miracle for this amazing little girl. Somehow I know her love, spirit and amazing GRACE will stay with all of us until the end of time.
May God’s Peace surround you all.
praying for Layla, praying for you all ((hugs))
Praying with all my heart as is the rest of my family. May MIRACLES never cease to happen!
We had our angel one week short of ten years. I spent a lot of time thinking that at any time God could choose to bring and earthly healing to Megan. He chose to bring his earthly comfort and healing to the rest of us. It hurts more than anything in this world. But, I know that I will see her again if I press on. It makes life worth living but I also know that one of my biggest earthly fears will bring immense joy when it is my turn because my angel will be there to greet me.
Spend all your time holding, kissing, talking to, singing with, taking pictures, and sharing your precious daughter with others. We had a birthday party on Megan’s last full day here to celebrate. It was wonderful!
Omnipotent and eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, Layla Grace, for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy, that, with her bodily health restored, she may give thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Your family is never far from my thoughts, and always in my prayers.
~Michelle from Cincinnati, Ohio
I have prayed for Layla & your family for awhile now… For the longest time I prayed for a miracle. I felt guilty this morning when I prayed for your comfort instead. As a mom I could not imagine the pain you must feel. So this morning I prayed for your comfort and hers too… I prayed for peace and for her to have no more pain. I believe what you said. Miracles happen just not always in the way we expect them. When you see her in heaven she will be whole, free of pain, and so happy. She has worked miracles in so many lives. Layla is on our small group prayer list, as well as the nursery team prayer list at my church. And everyday I pray for her and you and so does my two and a half year old, when I pray with her we say and Layla after she prays… You are an amazing woman of God. Dont ever forget that God’s vision doesnt always make sense to us but it sure makes sense to him.
Dear God,
I pray again this morning for your comfort and peace on Layla and her family. I pray that you squeeze them and remind them that you are there. Help them to trust in your vision.
Amen.
I just recently found your blog through Kristine, and have been praying for you nonstop since discovering it. May God watch over and bless all of you in this journey. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Layla with us. I will take her smiles with me in my heart wherever I go.
And I agree with a previous poster…this blog has definitely helped me reassess my priorities as well.
(((HUGS)))
It hurts my heart to know that she is in such great pain. I have prayed and prayed and prayed. I will continue to pray for your miracle, but honestly Layla has been the biggest miracle for me. I will never take anything in life for granted again. I have never witnessed faith like yours and Ryan’s. I hear people talk about faith and I know that I have faith, but your strength is on a whole other level. It is no wonder why God chose you guys to be Layla’s parents. You are two of the angels that she is surrounded with. May God be with you for all of your lives.
Keeping Layla close today and hoping/praying for a miracle and peace. Love you all! XOXO
The poem is beautiful. I woke up several times last night & immediately thought of & prayed for Layla. I cannot tell you how heartbroken for you I am. I wish there were words, but nothing seems good enough. I will continue to pray for a miracle, for beautiful Layla’s comfort — and for you & Ryan, Jenna & Claire to be held in our Lord’s Arms. Only He knows why & I pray that He will put some peace in your hearts. You are an amazing family…My heart has never, ever been so “taken” by anyone as it has by your precious child with eyes that speak volumes & a smile that could only have been made in heaven. I will be praying for all of you all day. Love to you dear sweet people.
I have been praying for Layla and for your entire family since I first heard about her. I have sobbed while reading her story. I have 3 kids and my baby is about 22 months. It hits so close to home knowing they are close in age. Her story is still hard to deal with even if you do not have children. I am praying for a miracle. I want her body to be healed but I would like it happen before she went to Heaven. Like another person said this has made me reprioritize my life. Lot of love and prayers are being sent your way.
Roxanne Oswalt
Virginia.
Dear Marsh Family,
I sob hysterically everytime i read your blog/Twitter.My name is Rebecca Striesfeld And I’m a close friend of Sarah Tucker. I have been praying fir your precious daughter and amazing family since December. I can’t agine what you are going through and i won’t even pretend like I could comprehend, HOWEVER I CAN say through your pain, I am more dedicated to my children and I HAVE had more of a loving relationship with GOD than I have in 15 years. I pray several times a day for Layla and for all of you. I know you don’t know me, but if there is anything i can do ,along with my prayer, please don’t hesitate!
God Bless you and your wonderful family!
What a testament to faith you and your family are. You are right. She might be healed in a way we didn’t think. How awesome to witness heaven…to see it. She HAS done so much work in her 2 years. I’m still praying for a miracle. I believe God can heal her.
Layla is in my thoughts and prayers, I do truely hope you have a miracle happen! Layla is such a beautiful little girl who has touched so many through your blog. I find myself looking for your updates on how she is doing, then I find myself praying you have good news. You’ve made me try not to take every day for granted with my 13 month old daughter. I try harder to make everyday count. With each extra hug and kiss I give my daughter, I think of you and Layla, and hope you are all okay. Take more pictures of her, of you holding her, and of your husband holding her, rocking her…I’m sure you will hold those pictures dear. You can never have too many pictures.
I hope beyond hope she gets her miracle! I’m praying for her!
~May God Bless you all.
Meredith from MA.
In the days before my mother passed away, she spoke of 3 nurses who stood by her bed, said they never spoke, just stared at her. She said once in a while, they’d leave and go outside and dance on the river, but they’d come back and stand next to her again. Of course, we were there, and never saw these nurses.
My brother was critically ill once, too, and he spoke of three men who were in his room – who nobody could see.
I truly believe Layla’s angels are by her side, protecting her and ready to take her home, when her time comes.
She is not alone, ever. Believe that. She is surrounded by the most immense love she’ll ever know, that of her parents and of God and his angels.
Bless you little Layla. You’ve touched so many so immensely.
What a beautiful poem. I am continuing to pray for Layla and today my heart is heavy for Claire and Jenna. I will pray for them as well today. I watched the slide show of your family portraits and cried. They were so beautiful. All of your girls are gorgeous and I can’t believe how grown-up Jenna looks. Sending you much love!
I’ve been following this page for just about a week and Layla has really touched my heart. She is amazing little girl and she has an amazing family. Your entry about regrets has reminded me to take time to “smell the flowers” with my daughter Lindsay Grace. Although she is so young, she is truly changing people’s lives. I’m praying for a miracle for sweet Layla. May God give all of you strength and peace.
I am holding you all in my heart and in my thoughts. Praying hard for the miracle you search for and deserve. Layla is the sweetest, strongest little thing, she has inspired a lot of people in their faith.
I am praying for you guys today…..
Beautiful poem
Angel’s Wings by Marisa (Album: East of Everything)
I dream I have angel’s wings.
That fly all over town in the sky.
This world used to bring me down until now.
I fly.
I dream I sleep upon the clouds.
So warm as I wrap the cotton blanket around.
This world couldn’t really bring me down now.
Cause I fly.
And you have made my life.
Yes, you and I will never die.
I dream Jesus takes me to the Father.
And I kneel before Him with humble heart.
This world doesn’t bring me down anymore.
Cause I fly.
And He has made my life.
Yes, He gave me, you and I.
Is there more I could ask for?
Is there something I’m missing?
Why doesn’t everyone feel the same as me?
Is there something I’m blessed for?
What am I missing?
Cause I dream I have angel’s wings.
And I fly all over town in the sky.
This world used to bring me down until now.
I fly fly fly fly fly. I fly fly fly fly fly. fly fly fly fly
Enjoy your angel wings sweet Layla Grace.
We are still praying for a miracle.
I’m new to your story, and that of Layla, but I am joining with you and lots of others in prayer today. I sit here wanting to type so much but knowing that my words would seem shallow and meaningless, but I wanted you to know that even in just knowing this story for a few days, you and Layla have touched my life. 10 years ago I watched a woman who is now my close friend go through something similar, and then, at the age of 17, I was deeply affected by how his little life changed so many lives. The way she and her husband and their family lived during that time profoundly impacted my faith and shaped my life. I can tell, just from this one post, that you and your family are going to (and already have) done this for many, many people. Praying for Layla and you today, and know that however God chooses to heal Layla, that she will be happy and healthy. Love you.
I am praying so very hard for your family and Layla here in Pennsylvania.
i’m still praying for a miracle.
Layla change my life in so many was, she made me a lot more stronger.
i’m praying for you and your familie.
« a esperança é a ultima a morrer »
all my love for all you
carolina
Praying for you and thinking about your family constantly.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter. Praying for a miracle. Having been a NICU nurse for the past 5 years I have seen a few!! You have touched more lives than you can imagine by sharing your family with those of us who have not had the priviledge of meeting you. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your entire family and especially precious Layla.
Thank you for sharing your journey with Layla. You’ve opened parents’ hearts everywhere. I’m praying for peace to be upon your family.
Praying everyday for Layla! Hoping so bad for a miracle and for her to heal. She has truly touched my heart.
We are all with you– praying for Layla’s Miracle and if that is not God’s will, then peace and comfort for this sweet, sweet baby Layla Grace we have all grown to know and love. Her life is a blessing- it has been an honor to share all that Layla has taught us!
I am hoping that you and Layla and your family can feel the hugs from South Florida today. Your baby girl is just too beautiful for words and clearly an inspiration to so many people, me included. We are praying praying praying for you.
May God give all of you strength and peace. I’m praying for a miracle for sweet Layla.
With tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I pray for Laya to be healed and for peace….
We are praying for your sweet baby. Nio one knows why god chooses who he does. He must know that Layla is a true angel. She is beautiful & we will keep your family in our prayers.
What a beautiful poem for a beautiful little girl. My thoughts and prayers are still going out to Layla and y’all. It’s true that Layla has touched so many lives, including mine and for that, I am blessed. I lost a brother to Cystic Fibrosis when I was a teenager and I know how devistated and angry I was but I also knew that he was no longer suffering. Still, I selfishly wish that he was with us here today. I continue to pray for a miracle for Layla for I know that through God, a miracle is possible.
My thoughts and prayers continue for your family today. I am truly humbled by your faith and your courage during this most difficult times in your life. Layla is your miracle and God is using her and your family even today. You will never know the lives that she has touched. I am still praying for healing. Thank you for sharing Layla with us.
I can’t even try to imagine what you and your family are going through. I started following your story about two weeks ago. My husband and I have been praying for Layla and your family. You are such a strong person. I would not be able to handle what you are going through. I am praying for Laya.
Kristen said a lot of what I’d been thinking after finding your site- about spending more time with our babies, and less time on stuff that, in the long run, doesn’t really matter and won’t be remembered. After being introduced to your site about this time last week, I was convicted about being short with my 21month old daughter, not being patient, and being easily frustrated. I definitely wasn’t exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, that’s for sure.
I could go on and on, but I’m sure I’d just be repeating what others have already stated.
I don’t know how to pray for you, or what to say, but the Holy Spirit does, and it’s awesome to know that He expresses that to our Heavenly Father.
I am praying for your family. Layla is a strong little girl. It breaks my heart reading your story. Lots of love and hugs!! Mary
I am praying for a miracle!!!!
Praying peace and comfort for your family.
I just found about your daughter last evening and have been praying for all of you since then. I am not sure of which faith you are, but since you are asking about miracles, have the elders anointed her with oil as in this verse: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15, NKJV). Our church does this, but not sure of all faiths in regards to anointing. Still praying for Layla…
I agree with the previous comments that God has already performed a miracle through Layla’s life. You will probably never know how much of an impact your family has had on those close to you as well as strangers you will never meet. And while this miracle may not necessarily be the one you have prayed for, I can tell you that in my own life, talking about Layla and your family enabled me for the first time to have a real conversation with my own children about God’s deep and abiding love, the power of prayer and the importance of a close relationship with Him.
My boys and I prayed last night for peace and comfort for Layla, for her sisters and for you and your husband. Know that we are lifting you up here in Arkansas and are so grateful to you for sharing your story.
My heart is breaking for you and your family, and I was up several times during the night checking on you and praying for you. Echoing what so many others have written, my daughters ask about you upon waking, pray during their days, and you are the first they ask about at carpool in the afternoon. They have dedicated their sports events to Layla, and they have shared her story with their friends.
Another song that should be of comfort to you is “I Will Rise”…when HE calls MY name. NO MORE SORROW, NO MORE PAIN. I will RISE on EAGLES WINGS. BEFORE MY GOD, FALL ON MY KNEES….
We all want a miracle for Layla so that she can live a long life here on Earth with all of us. I believe that no matter God’s will for her, SHE IS the miracle…she has brought many believers to their knees, and she has shown many non-believers how to use their knees. She has taught young people about faith and given faith back to others. She has lit up your world and brightened the worlds of others. She has brought mothers and fathers closer to their own children, and she has shown them that dirty dishes, mounds of laundry, toys that aren’t ever put away when or where they should, and missed naps are “the small stuff” that none of us should sweat. Through her illness, you have been a witness for God to so many other parents whose children are sick–chronically and terminally–and you have shown them that no matter how many cups of coffee you have to drink and no matter how many credit cards might be maxxed out, God will give them the strength to keep going as long as they are willing.
It is scriptural that “Faith without works is dead”–James 2:17. You have been faithful, and you have worked to support that faith in many ways.
When Layla walks through the gates of Heaven and is swept up into His loving arms, he WILL say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” You and Ryan can also rest easy knowing that on the day that you join her, you will be greeted in the same manner.
As I have said again and again, we will pray for you and your entire family for the rest of our lives. We may not ever be fortunate enough to meet you face to face, but that will never matter. We are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ, and my family and I are honored to be YOUR brothers and sisters!!
All our Love,
Marc Stephanie Maggie and Libba Muzi
Metro-Atlanta, Georgia
You are so strong for Layla. She know’s she is loved . . . she is at peace. Your beautiful Laya is amazing, she is so strong. She has shown such grace, patience . . . love. She truely is a blessing. My heart grows heavy with each new post and tweet you share. I am lifting Layla in prayer today . . . may you feel the warmth of God all around you, may you feel his calm.
Shanna-
Thank you for so openly sharing this journey. I fell in love with layla and your family as soon as I read about layla’s awesome fight! My boys and I have prayed for her everyday since! We continue to pray for a miracle even if that miracle isn’t exactly what we would expect it to be. You are such an amazing mother and have made me strive to be a more patient mother and has encouraged me not to sweat the small stuff, but just enjoy every moment! I pray for comfort, peace and strength for all of you during this difficult time! Sending lots of love your way-
Stephanie MN
I am still praying for sweet precious Layla Grace and her family. She WILL be healed, as you say, Shanna, maybe just not the way we want. I love you all.
We are praying for Layla Grace and your family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us.
Praying for your sweet Layla Grace and your family.
Sweet Layla and your family are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
There’s so much more I want to say to such a strong mother like yourself, but when it comes to typing it, I just can’t find the right words. You and your family are such strong wonderful people. I feel blessed to have known an angel like Layla through your thoughts and stories. Thank you for sharing Layla with all of us and for showing me how strong a mother can be.
*tons of big hugs sent your way*
Sending prayers your way from Charleston, SC.
Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives His people strength.The Lord blesses them with peace.”
Our family is on our knees praying for your precious daughter and family. Whether God takes her home or performs an earthly miracle we pray for peace and strength. (((hugs)))
Praying for Layla and your family.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
- Bible – Numbers 6:24-26
Praying for you and your family at this time. Blessings, favor and grace to you all.
Your Layla is constantly in my thoughts. God is with her no matter what. I just recently found your Journey with Layla, but I am so glad I did. You are a very strong amazing mother, and Layla is a strong amazing little girl! I’m the mother of a two year old little girl, and twin 10 month old boys (one who is fighting Neuroblastoma) and reading your entries and sharing your thoughts, has given me more strength, more courage to be able to help my own son.
God Bless you!! God continue to give you and Layla strength now and forever. God has a purpose, a plan for every one of us we just have to listen to his will!
Many thoughts, prayers, and virtual hugs being sent to you and Layla tonight.
Praying for Layla Grace and all of you in Arlington Heights, IL
Praying for your family. For sweet Layla Grace. For peace, comfort and healing. That even amidst these last few days you would continue to see how the Lord used this precious girl to touch the lives of others and draw them to Himself. Praying all day for you today.
I shouted, cried, begged and pleaded last night with God.. Asking for a miracle.. In some way I got peace knowing he heard me. I’m not sure what that means, but for the first time since I initially read your story I could sleep… I woke up this morning with and urge to read this again.. My kids too like to ask about Layla everyday, and even sometimes out of no where stop to pray too! Don’t give up Marsh Family!
XOXO ALWAYS
~Jenn~
My daughter and I are praying for a miracle, we sent all our prayers on behalf of Layla, stay string for your Princess, it will happen, God will save her so she can grow with her sisters. I believe!
My heart is heavy and my tears are plenty – and I pray now that they may all find peace, comfort, and love in knowing that people all over the world are embracing ALL of you with a giant hug of prayer and support.
Layla has certainly strengthened my own faith and I am thankful everyday that she has touched my heart and the hearts of those around me.
The power of prayer is miraculous – my prayers continue and I am pleading with the Lord to not only show us His example of unconditional love and faith but that He PLEASE show us His divine power of healing; that He guide us in His light. God Bless!
We pray for Layla multiple times a day! Our prayer has been that she will have “no more suffering”!
There Will Be A Day -Jeremy Camp
I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel your walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone
Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting
I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.
I am praying for strength and peace Layla and for the whole family.
You are in my prayers and your strength amazes me. My 11 year old daughter is so touched by Layla and her story she asked her coach if they could host a softball tournament to raise money for all the kids that have been stricken with this disease. She wants so badly to bring Layla a little hat so that she can feel like a princess. Just know that you story and little girl has touched so many of us. I cherish EVERYDAY I have with my children now more then ever. Your family has truly inspired me!!! God Bless you all.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Layla is such an amazing little girl. I believe in miracles and I know they are not always what we expect them to be. I am sending prayers and hugs and smiles for Layla!
Brittany
Many prayers to your family and your beautiful little girl!
God Bless Layla Grace and her family! I am so humbled by your faith. You have an amazing family and I feel like I know you. I pray every day for Layla and all of you and know that God is taking care of her. What a beautiful child. I will continue to pray for peace and healing.
I woke up several times last night and checked your twitter updates to see how little Layla was doing. I can’t fathom the strength you have, you have more courage and faith than I would ever be able to find in your situation. Every couple minutes I say a prayer for Layla in hopes of improvement and a miracle. But reading your post today, made me realize she is a miracle in herself. The peoples lives that she has touched in her 2 mere years is beyond any most will touch in a lifetime. She is truly amazing. I will never have the opportunity to meet you and your family but I wish for the best and thank you for helping me become closer with God and teaching me not to take any second with my daughter for granted.
To Layla Grace and Family,
I dont know you personally, but have only heard your story from a friend and it breaks my heart. I am praying desperately for Gods comfort to blanket all of you and hold your hearts in this time. Miracles happen. People are praying for you all over the world right now.
In His name,
Your Prayer Warriors
Praying without ceasing for your entire family. Sometimes our miracles come in unexpected forms. You have touched thousands of hearts and changed thousands of lives by courageously sharing your story. Your sweet Layla will not only be whole again, but will live forever in each of those hearts. May you, your husband, those two precious big sisters, and the rest of your family feel the comforting arms of our heavenly father around you in the days to come.
Sweet precious friend –
I really have no words – nothing more than what everyone has already written – I am holding Abby and Luke So tight today ! Just know that I <3 you and <3 your family and LOVE LOVE LOVE that little Layla ! Everytime I think of her I don't think of her sick – I think of those days that were good with her. the times we played peek a boo on the couch and the day we went to pick up Evie. There are many small memories I have – and i will hold tight to them today ! I am here always – if you need me!
LOVE YOU !
Sarah
I am keeping up through Twitter as I have given up facebook for lent. I have been keeping your sweet daughters, you, Ryan, all of Layla’s family and friends, and everyone who knows and loves her that they may all be comforted that like you said God does work miracles… It just may not be in the way we as humans may want or understand. Through my faith, I know that we all endure pain and suffering, and I know that the great deal that Layla has had means her rewards are that much greater in heaven that await her. God bless you all and God bless Layla grace!
You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I have been moved to tears many times while reading about Layla, and it’s been amazing to see God’s work being done through her.
I’m praying for this sweet angel every minute. Ever since I have grown to know about her she had been on my heart abd mind. Layla Grace wr love you and send the comforter to bring you peace!
Layla Grace & your family are in my prayers & thoughts. I wish I could do more.
Your strength just never stops amazing me. I have never met your child, yet she is pressed on my heart every moment of the day from the second I heard about her. Following your tweets last night I was heartbroken and cried for you and your family. What a precious angel she is. I watch your FB page daily and see that DAILY hundreds of more people are made aware of your baby girl. She is touching countless lives. I pray with everything in me that God will grant a miracle for this little girl. She is beautiful. Truly beautiful. My heart and prayers are with your family now. Continue to be strong. God is holding you all very near to him.
i am no good with words, but i can say that im praying with all my heart for Layla. Everything is possible if you have faith. Everything is possible. Im a realy religious guy, and im dedicating all my prayers to her.
God bless you and never lose faith!!
Love from Brasil
Gabriel Coutinho
I know there’s nothing that can be said or written to comfort your pain, but please know there are fervent prayers going up to heaven on Layla’s behalf and on behalf of your family as well. I have a little girl about Layla’s age, so to read your story really hits home for me. I pray the LORD will comfort you and give you the strength you need to keep fighting with Layla. I pray HE will strengthen her little body and give her peace and rest. And yes, I am praying for a miracle!
Continuously praying for your sweet Layla Grace. I pray that God wraps His arms around Layla and your family and gives you all comfort. Your strength and your faith are such an inspiration to me and I know to many others. This beautiful little girl has touched many lives and one day you’ll be able to see exactly how many. Thank you for sharing that beautiful poem and thank you for sharing your heart with all of us.
Praying for your entire family and sweet Layla Grace.
I check on Layla numerous times through the day and I am still praying for a miralcle for your sweet baby girl. I am praying for your family and what you have gone through as well. I hope God brings peace to everyone and I will continue to pray each day for you guys. God Bless!!!
Layla Grace is a miracle. Her strong will to be here shows through her fight.
Praying for you and your family and for Layla.
Praying for y’all. Layla Grace is such a doll. You are right that SHE WILL BE HEALED. What a comfort that we serve a God who has something for us beyond this world! How miserable we would be if our only hope was this life. I am so blessed by your faith, your constant clinging to the Cross. May God give you peace and strength.
In John 11, Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” We know now the miracle God would do with Lazarus. But, as my pastor pointed out, for the believer, every sickness leads to the throne of God. We must pass through death, but it is NOT WHERE WE END UP! Death has no hold over us! What a God we serve!
Thank you for sharing your journey, your struggles, your victories, you pain, your faith. I will learn to be more grateful. I will value all my 10 younger siblings for the blessings that they are, even when the sheer volume of their voices overwhelms me. I will see my youngest sister Sonya, who has Downs Syndrome, with new eyes. She is the picture of health, but she belongs to God, not us. Sonya Grace would love Layla Grace. One day, though perhaps not for many, many years, they will enjoy Heaven together.
Clinging with you to our only Hope,
Sara McFerren
I have been sending HUGE good thoughts and prayers your family’s way. It does not have long to travel as I sit here in Austin.
May your family continue to be strong through this heartbreaking time. I have no words to express my feelings for you and Layla Grace… I just will continue to hope for a miracle and wish I could be there to hug you, wonderful Mama.
From on Texas Mom to another,
Kim
I have found you today and Layla has touched my heart in so many ways. Your faith has encouraged me so much and I am joining in the prayers for Layla and her family. I believe in miracles, and I believe with you for a miracle for your precious child. And, for you precious woman of God, I pray Isaiah 40: 38-31.
I just recently started reading your story. You and your family are in my thoughts.
thoughts and prayers for all of your family.
Sorry about the typo, that is Isaiah 40: 28-31.
I am sobbing as I read your post and I’m praying so hard for a miracle to save your beautiful little girl. She truly is so special and she has helped me remember the importance of cherishing every single moment with my family. Thank you so much for sharing her story with us.
Shanna,
You are SO strong. I know God has known what was in store for Layla all along. I trust God, but this is NOT what anyone wanted. I have always been a positive person in the toughest of situations. I haven’t yet got my heart to accept what my mind is telling it with Layla.
Layla is the luckiest child! She has been loved by so many people. She has spread God’s love and she will get to be with God and watch over us all. She will get to thank God for giving her two wonderful parents, loving sisters, and a little fluffy dog who made her smile.
As time goes on my prayers will change, but Shanna, your family will be in my prayers forever more. Give ALL your girls a big hug from all of Layla’s prayer warriors.
I was up a couple of times during the night, and I always checked your twitter feed. I am praying earnestly for a miracle, along with that miracle peace and comfort for your entire family. As previous posters have said Layla has done such great work here on Earth in her short life – she had made me stop and spend more time with my daughter, and has restored faith in people. {{hugs}}
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Have you contacted Cancer Treatment Centers of America? I am not sure they could be of assistance, but it is another place to turn to.
I wish I had seen your story earlier than this. I am glad she has spread so much joy to so many people.
My heart aches for you as I read through your posts. I just came upon your story this past weekend, and at times I almost wish I hadn’t, as I am so heartbroken. But even more so, I am so glad to have gotten to “know” Layla and the rest of your family through this site and twitter. I thank you so very much for sharing your precious daughter with me, and the rest of the world. Our purpose on this earth is to honor and glorify God, and I believe little Layla has done that in a way that most of us will never be able to do. I have cried many tears, and prayed many prayers over your sweet baby, and for your family. I will continue to do so.
Praying for your family that Gods peace reign over each and every member. Praying that lil Layla feels comfortable-she is a fighter indeed. Your life has touched mine very deeply. Thanks for sharing and God Bless
For your family and for Layla Grace,
living from our first breath,
to the wonder of our body’s death,
we walk together not always understanding but knowing
our God has been perfectly planning.
every beautiful moment,
every heartbreak and sorrow,
what we see this moment and
wonder for tomorrow.
the way has been prepared,
the songs have been sung,
every action has already been done.
in every season love is there.
in the most joyous of times,
to our deepest despair.
our gift to each other is love and grace.
our gift to God, trust and faith.
the seasons unfold easier with the love of friends.
the beginnings sweeter
as well as the ends.
all in between is learning,
what i know for certain is our world is yearning
so i make this promise
first to God,
then to all.
To Love every day,
not looking back or running away.
instead giving all the love i can.
for every season,
that is my plan.
May you all feel God’s presence holding you gently in the palm of His hand as you weather this season.
God bless Layla and her family….he is watching over all of you.
Layla and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers ALL DAY LONG and that has been the case for quite a while. She is being lifted up by our prayers and has done such amazing things in her time here. I hope you can find comfort in how much she has touched so many people. I know that I am a better mother because of her. You are an amazing family and I pray that you find peace and comfort. WE ALL LOVE YOU SWEET LAYLA GRACE.
Last night, I felt a sense of urgency in my spirit to pray and uplift Layla Grace to the Lord. The urgency has me seeking the Lord’s face on behalf of Layla in prayer and fasting.
I believe in Miracles and I know “Nothing is Impossible for God – He makes the impossible – possible!”
I have been praying for Comfort and Peace for all of you, especially Ms. Layla Grace.
May Jehovah Shalom the God of Peace surround you and your family today!!
I cannot imagine what you are going through right now and have been going through for the past 9 months or so. It is a testimony to God that you can post this particular post. You are bringing Him glory in the midst of going through a terrible ordeal. I’m thankful that you know the Father, who knows exactly what you are going through. I’m glad you know the Comforter, who can comfort your spirit in ways that people can not. May He bring you peace, strength, grace, healing, and even joy in the midst of this huge trial. Many people have been blessed already, and I know more will be blessed through Layla and your entire family in the future. I’m praying for a healing miracle for Layla’s earthly body and lifting each person in your family up to Him, who is able to keep you from falling.
Praying for all the family!!! May the Lord surround you with peace as you wait for Layla’s miracle…the miracle of her healing on earth or the miracle of her entrance into God’s Kingdom.
Praying for Layla and your family. I have been touched by your journey.
May God grant you His peace during this time. In your journey!
its hard to find the words to say, beacuse i know nothing i say will take the pain away. I want to let you all know i have been praying so hard for sweet Layla. I pray for her healing, her comfort, and for her peace. I pray for You and Ryan, and for Claire and Jenna. I pray that you all find comfort and peace in this time. And i Pray that i may have the same strength and faith that you all do. Your Faith has inspired me. Layla has inspired me. Because of her, i want to know christ again, beacuse of her i am learining to pray again, because of her i want to live a more christian life. Layla grace has made me slow down and take a look at my own life, and my children… she has made me a better person, and a better mother. We tend to get so caught up in the day to day things and take so much for granted. Thank you. Thank you Marsh Family, and thank you sweet Layla for inspiring me, for changing me. I will remember you for ever. God Bless you sweet Layla Grace.
I just found your website and I am so sorry that you and your sweet little girl are going through this. It saddens me but keep faith. I had a friend whose 3 yr old son had the same type {he was stage 4 and in his bone marrow}. Miracles can happen because he is a healthy 5 yr old now! I am praying for you and your family.
May God Bless You for being so strong and for sharing your amazing story.
As I was sitting here this morning worrying about so many really UNIMPORTANT things in my life, I came across Layla Grace’s story through McMama’s blog. I cried and cried and asked God to forgive me for being so selfesh with my own greedy trials. I thanked God and I also thank you for reminding me that I am prefectly fine, healthy and Blessed. I would like for you to know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Layla Grace is an amazing little girl with true strength and “Grace”. She has inspired me to be thankful to the Lord ALWAYS!! Thank you for the amazing grace that your story has filled my heart with. Whenever I feel down, I will always think of Layla Grace and know that true strength comes from the Lord himself. God Bless Layla and God Bless your entire family.
I woke at 3:00am ECT, thinking of Layla and you.I wanted to come and hold Layla and give you a break and I have never met you. How I found your website, I do not know.Without sounding cruel, God sends us here to learn something and touch others’ lives.Some of us who are perfect and need to learn only a very few things, are here for only a short time.This is Layla.She is perfect.She has learned what she needs to.She has changed and touched those she needed to.It is time for her to return to her Heavenly Father, where she will be glorified and rewarded.
Time in Heaven is not the same as time here. In five minutes Heaven time, Layla will be waiting for you, like you were never seperated.
This doesn’t make transition easy for the ones that love her.But, you were blessed to be chosen has her parents.
I would love to send you a basket of my products for your family to use.Please don’t think I want anything from you.You and Layla have given me more in two days, then I could ever return.
God Bless You and Layla,
LaVerne
Miracles can happen!!!!! Praying for your miracle!!!!! What a testament it will be!!!!! God PLEASE bless LAYLA GRACE!!!!!! Make her WHOLE!!!! God PLEASE hear this prayer!!!! Prayers from New Jersey
I have been silently following your blog. Every night, when I tuck my daughter into bed, who is only a few months younger than sweet Layla, I say a prayer for your family. Now, reading todays entry I pray even harder that you will have your miracle. You have made me appreciate my own children more and more. And you are very right, Layla has brought the peace of God to many people. I am stronger in faith because of her.
May the angels carry u to your home. U r a miracle…god’s miracle. U remind us all how to love…how to sloe down and treasure each moment given by God himself. Thank you for allowing me to share in your miraclous two years. God bless your family
Sweet Layla, you have been on my mind, heart and soul for several weeks now. You are truly a blessing from above and I thank God for giving me the chance to have heard your story. You have strong and beautiful parents who have shared you with us and I know many people are very greatful for that. You have moved so many people and have already performed so many miracles here on earth for so many others. Thank you Layla Grace!
We do not know your family personally, but have mutual friends and have been praying and praying for not only sweet Layla Grace, but you all. Please know you are and will continute to be in our prayers. You and your whole family are a shining example of love, faith and hope. Your sweet baby’s story has touched so many.
Sweet Shanna,
How glorious that our Lord and Savior chose Layla Grace to be your precious angel here on earth. You are THE perfect mommy for her. You and your family are simply amazing. Please know that Layla Grace has changed a nation. I read posts from all over the world and people are transformed. I am one of those people. Layla Grace has taught me to have a stronger faith. She has taught me to be more loving. She has taught me to be more patient. Layla Grace has taught me to be more bold. She has taught me to be more Christ like. Layla Grace has taught me to get on my knees and stay there. Please kiss her and tell her that we all love her and are thankful, beyond words, for her life and legacy. Praying for your family to feel the endless love being sent your way and to find strength in our Lord’s mercy and grace. We love you.
I’ve been following Layla Grace for the last 6 weeks and have been praying for her since. As the mother of a 17 month old little girl, I can’t begin to imagine what you are experiencing. My heart is so heavy for you. Layla Grace has help me appreciate my daughter and the time that I have with her. I will continue to lift Layla Grace and your family up in prayer. You are such a strong person and have a strong faith. God will see you through this. Hugs from S.C.
My prayers are with you and little Layla Grace. I’ve recently been following this blog because someone sent it to me, with prayer requests for your family. I don’t have my own children yet, but two years ago I took care of my Dad 24/7 – who was my best friend – as he fought a rare liver cancer that snuck up on us and took him within a year….Your blog reminds me much of those times, torwards the end. Where I also prayed and prayed for the Lord’s miracle and expected it daily. I just wish I could reach out and hug you and your family and little Layla because I know so many of the feelings you’re having right now… I’ll keep you all in my prayers….One way or another, The Lord is going to see her and you all through this and work it for what He knows is best.
Shanna,
What a beautiful poem for such a beautiful little!! As I lay awake last night I was praying for Layla and your family. Layla has touched my heart with that big smile and beautiful blue eyes. I do believe in miracles and I’m praying hard for one! God Bless, Stacy
Shanna,
I am at a loss of what to say, I have been begging the LORD to give Layla the miracle she needs to stay here on earth with you and your family. I can’t begin to explain how your daughter has changed me. I am a better parent b/c of you sharing Layla with all of us. I thank you for allow us to pray and love your daughter from a distance during this time in your life.
She will never be forgotten! I will keep PRAYING that the LORD heal her little body. I can’t help but cry everytime I read something you write or think of her.
My heart cries for you and your family. Through all this you remain so strong and such an amazing servent to God. My he wrap your family in his loving arms and comfort you during this difficut time. I can not imagine what you as a mother or her sisters are feeling, please know that you are all in my thoughs and prayers.
I came across your blog a few days ago, via MckMama’s site. I immediately started crying. My heart hurt for you and your family and I am praying that God really gives you strength through this incredibly hard time.
I live in the Cypress area as well and so it hits even closer to home knowing that you are not too far away from me. I am praying so hard for your little girl.
I am new to your blog, but have gone back and read parts of your journey, and I just want to say God Bless you and your beautiful family, I too will pray for a miracle for this beautiful little girl…My heart aches for all of you.
i just heard about your situation yesterday but your beautiful baby girl has been constantly in my thoughts since then. My heart is so heavy for you and your family as I can not imagine what this is like for you all.
I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you all- that God will continue to glorify Himself, bringing about healing in whatever way brings Him the most glory, and that He will give overwhelming peace and comfort for your precious baby girl, her sweet parents, and her sweet sisters.
My heart is bursting for a darling little angel I have never had the priviledge to meet. And for her family who have to go through such heartbreak.
God is unfurling her wings for this little angel to fly to his arms.
My heart is so heavy for you and your sweet family. As a mom of three small children, I can’t fathom what you are going through. I don’t know how you find the air to breathe when your heart is so broken. I DO KNOW that God alone is sustaining you. And it is God who is holding Layla in his arms. I am praying fervently for a MIRACLE!!!! Thank you for sharing this journey with us all! You have no idea what your faith means to me and so many others! Peace to you and your family…especially Sweet Layla.
Many continued prayers for your family at this time…
Praying for Layla Grace. Please know she has touch my life.
I just wanted to say I’m still in prayer for Layla & all of your family. Layla is such a gift. That’s all I can think right now, she’s such an amazing, beautiful gift…and you are amazing parents too. Praying for comfort, peace, God’s mercy & grace for Layla and you all. Much love to you & God Bless.
You are remarkably strong and full of faith at a time when most of us would question the existence of God. I’m moved to tears with each blog post and tweet and I pray for this beautiful girl to be without fear and pain. Most of all I pray for her family who will soon miss this little angel with every once of their being. God bless you all.
God Bless your weary soul! I know you are tired but yet you remain so steadfast. God will bless you and your family. He has a plan for everything! Layla has been such a blessing to read about, as well as the rest of your family. I pray He will ease her suffering, whether it be through a miracle of healing or to take her home. As a parent of a child that suffered from Neuroblastoma I understand the heavyness of your heart. I pray for peace above all understanding for you, your husband, and your 2 other beautiful daughters. Your family is a LIGHT that thousands of people are witnessing. My family will continue to pray for yours. May God’s peace, grace and many blessing overflow upon your family. Much Love!!!
I’ve been giving some thought to Jenna’s birthday tomorrow & my heart breaks for her as it also does for you & the rest of your family. I don’t know if this will help or not but I was thinking that Layla Grace’s earthly journey coming to a close so to Jenna’s birthday may be Layla Grace’s greatest birthday gift to her sister – becoming her big sister’s own personal Guardian Angel.
Our small group has been praying for Layla Grace. May HIS peace, mercy and comfort flood over all of you today!
i just discovered your bog – and story – about a week ago. my heart aches for your family and for your precious layla – i’m so very sorry this is all happening. i am sending all my positive thoughts to you, your family, and especially your precious layla.
Thank you again for sharing your sweet little girl with us. Praying for continued strength when you feel weak and for true rest in your weariness. God loves you and is doing a beautiful work through your family; I am just sorry it has to hurt so much.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. You have touched our family so much! I am sorry you must go through this! I have held my babies tighter in recent days and continue to think of you and your sweet daughter. I prayed for your miracle and I am sorry that your prayer for a healthly little girl didn’t happen! God bless you and your family and may God continue to shine down on you with His glorious grace!
I am at a loss for words to say but wanted you and your family to know that my family is praying for you all and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I drove past St John’s a week or two ago and saw a sign for Layla Grace’s vigil and said a prayer not knowing what was going on. Then last night, I stumbled across your blog that had been reposted on a Houston friend’s facebook. I couldn’t stop reading and praying for you all. I then ran across someone’s Twitter feed from a friend in Michigan asking for prayers for you all. I don’t know why this has been presented to me so frequently other than to demonstrate just how precious every life moment is as well as to let you know that far and wide many people are praying for Layla Grace and your entire family. I am so sorry for what you all are going through.
I think you hit it on the button, miracles do happen but they just done happen the way we wish them to sometimes. Layla has really made me pray and I mean pray. Something that I haven’t done in a long long time and it feels good! Layla is a fighter, but I beleive she got it from her parents along with your two other girls…they are fighters too! as a mom, you have really touched my heart. I couldn’t even imagine what your thoughts are…all the emotions you have felt. Don’t want to imagine either. I have lost both my parents (one to cancer), but it isn’t the same as a child. Layla is an angle and touched many – many hearts…I think the whole Marsh family has touched them as well. I know I am rambling, but God does have a plan…we just need to trust him. Today I pray for comfort. I pray for your daughters. I pray you and your husband.
I haven’t prayed like this in a long time either. My heart is breaking for you.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Your strength and faith are awe-inspiring. I don’t know what else to say, except that this perfect stranger sends you and your family much love and many prayers.
I am visualizing God’s healing grace pouring down onto and into Layla, healing her from the inside out, shrinking the tumors and bringing her life and comfort. May she have a quick and full healing.
Praying, Praying for a miracle for your sweet Layla Grace.
Keeping tabs on you today and sending prayers and loving thoughts. We can do all things through God, who strengthens us.
God bless and keep you all.
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. We all love your beautiful girl and pray for all of you, throughout our days.
May God bless and keep you.l
Shanna,
I’m completely speechless….I read your blog this morning and am truly inspired by your strength, courage and your amazing FAITH!!!! I will pray without ceasing for your family!!!! Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified for the Lord is with you ALWAYS!!!!
You are an amazing family and are in my prayers every day. I’m so sorry that you are having to go through this pain…it breaks my heart. I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to read about and see pictures of this sweet girl. She has touched my life and made me a better person and mom in just the few short weeks I’ve been privileged to learn about her. Stay strong and know that many are praying for Layla and for all of you. God bless you all…
I have cried and cried for you and your sweet family. Layla has been a blessing in my life in ways that I can’t begin to describe. Thank you for sharing her with us and know there are countless Mommys and Daddys praying for you during this time. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Shanna –
I, alongside thousands of others, have fully committed to praying continually and fervently for sweet Layla and the entire Marsh family. Last night I was up almost the entire night lifting you all up in prayer. The verse that continually comes to my mind is Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Thank you for sharing your heart and faith as you walk through this tough journey. As many others have told you, Layla’s fight and your faith has strengthed my walk with God and helped me to stop and appreciate each moment with my children. May God comfort you and speak clarity, peace, calmness and rest into you and Ryan’s hearts. May the angels wrap their arms around Layla as she continues to fight. We know that God can still turn this and perform the ultimate miracle – if that is in His will.
I will not stop praying for you -
Covering your entire family in prayer today. You have an amazing perspective. You are a blessing to so many. Layla is an angel already. That poem is amazing. Hugs to all of you!
Our family prays for physical and emotional peace and comfort for your family. If little Layla’s body must succumb to this disease we will conitnue to lift you up in prayer. How precious she is and what a loving family she has.
What an amazing poem! It is so true and so beautiful! I am praying for a miracle, and I hope God grants you one! But if it be God’s will that little Layla come home to him, I pray that she is blissfully peaceful and happy. The other night as I was taking a shower, I started crying thinking of little Layla and her fight. She has made such an impact on my life and I am sure the hearts of many more. She has done so much in her few short years. She is proof that God is here and he is watching us. I kept invisioning Layla talking with Jesus and him comforting her. And if God decides that it’s time for her to return home, I can just see Layla and Jesus walking hand in hand into heaven. What a beautiful gift she is! Although I have never been graced with her presense and although I just learned of her story a few weeks back, she has forever taken a spot in my heart. She has shown me God’s love and peace. She has shown me that I should not take for granted each day that God blesses me with and to not get so upset about the little things in life. Thank you so very much for sharing the story of your daughter with all of us! I am eternally grateful! You are such an inspiration yourself! I will continue to pray and share Layla’s story with as many people I know!
I haven’t stopped praying since a friend of mine introduced me to your blog.. and I will continue until she is healed, whether it be through a miracle or through Heaven’s gates. You are my hero. How you continue to be so strong for Layla & your family is absolutely incredible. There is still a window of chance for a miracle to come through. We’re all rooting for you & your family, and especially for Layla.
We are praying for little Layla, you, and your entire family. She is absolutely doing God’s work, keep the faith! I have my customers praying for you guys, know that you are thought of and prayed for every minute of the day.
God Bless You!
Praying for precious Layla here in Beaumont, TX.
I just found out about Layla this morning. A dear friend of mine posted your blog on her facebook page asking for prayer for Layla. (we’re in San Diego)
I just pulled a meditation card and her is what it says:
“Peaceful”
“The Holy Spirit has descended upon you and the situation that you’re inquiring about. Get in touch with this Diveine energy by focusing upon the peace that’s deep within your heart. This serenity is like the gemstone at the core of a boulder, and you may have to dig deep within yourself to find it. This might require that you spend some quiet time alone in stillness.
Rest assured that the Holy Spirit’s peace is prevading this situation and opening the hearts of everyone involved. It brings aobut compassion so that everyone can see each other’s point of view. This engenders forgiveness, which then opens and smooths the path to peacefulness.
Allow the Holy Spirit to melt away the ice of anger and fear by shining a warm beam of Divine love upon you and the situation. Trust that this can reach deep into everyone’s being, evoking a positive change of heart for you and others. As gentle and pure as a dove, the Holy Spirit heals the situation in a harmonious way.”
I send you pure peace and love.
Blessings.
Lane
As a fellow mother of a young daughter, my heart bleeds for you. As a fellow Christian, my heart rejoices for you and your family. I pray that Our Heavenly Father will hold you all close during this very difficult time. I pray that Jesus himself will be there to greet seet Layla Grace and tell her what an amazing servent of the Lord she has been. Please know that her spirit will live on though the many of us that her life has touched. You have both taught me many things over the short weeks that I have known of your story and I thank you for that. Your faith in Christ, so steady and unwaivering is admirable. You have taught me to be a better Christian and a more patient and over all better mother. Thank you for introducing your angel to a nation of people who have had the chance to learn and grow from her. I do not know you, but I love you. I wish there was something I could do to take away your pain and sorrow. It’s in God’s hands now.
God Bless,
Natalie
We are still praying for a miracle for sweet Layla Grace. She has changed my life, as a mother, as a person, and as a Christian. I could not sleep last night, I kept getting up to check on swee Layla. I have cried so many times for her, the thought of her in pain breaks my heart. She is such a precious gift from God. I have fallen in love with her, she reminds me of my sweet Emma who is just a little younger than her. So happy with their beautiful smiles and big blue eyes. My heart aches that she is going through this as much as it possibly can without this being my own child. I pray that she is not afraid and has no pain. I hope that my children have angels just like Layla watching over them every day. I pray that your family finds peace in the fact that she has changed the world and so many lives. Like you said our prayers for her to be healed will happen, just maybe not like we would like them too. Layla i so lucky to have parents like you. She will always have a special place in my heart! May God comfort you during this time and I know there are angels sitting right next to her waiting to wrap their arms around her precious sweet body and heal her. I will not stop praying for that miracle. Peace please be with you all!
My heart aches for you and your family. Keeping your beautiful Layla in my prayers, with tears in my eyes. I admire your strength and courage to share your family’s journey with the rest of us. You are an inspiration, and Layla is so blessed to have such a loving Mom!
(((Warm Hugs)))
God’s peace, which passes all understanding. And love, lots and lots of love.
I just learned about your beautiful daugther last night and i prayed for her and all your family, miracles can happen and i wish you get yours.
i will keep praying for Layla Grace.
I pray that your precious angel finds comfort & peace. She is truly an Angel on Earth that was brought to all of us to show true strength and courage. God Bless her precious heart. I will continue to pray for your angel.
I just learned about little Layla today via Twitter. I lost my grandfather in January and my grandmother in February. Please know that when it is Layla’s time they will take good care of her in heaven until you get there.
Prayers from Ohio.
First, my heart just breaks for you right now because I know how hard this must be for you and your family. Second, I want to thank you for your faith during all of this. Seven months ago my husband and I lost our 1-month old son. He was born at just 24 weeks and lived so strongly for 33 days but got an infection and passed away. That day, holding him as he passed, was something a parent should never have to go through. I will keep praying for Layla’s miracle so that y’all don’t have to go through that.
While our hearts were so broken, my husband and I knew it was all part of God’s perfect will and plan. But in the dark days of this grief, when it seems like I can’t find my next breath, my faith that was so strong before seems a little shaky. Then, I read your posts and I’m reminded that our God is so good, and like you’ve said, heaven is such a greater place than this earth where so much hurt and pain exists.
I pray that God surround Layla, you and your family with His loving arms and that your faith remains strong. Your family and your beautiful and stong little girl have forever impacted my life and I thank you for that.
Dear Layla Grace and Family,
My dear friend Melissa shared your blog… And I thank her.
Today is the anniversary of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli’s death. February 23rd. He was a pioneer priest who is on the road to Sainthood within the Catholic Church.
I believe in miracles and that they can happen everyday. And have received miracles through prayers of intercession of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli. I have also received many good Graces from God.
Today I pray for Father Samuel’s Intecession for Layla Grace.
A Miracle of a complete recovery!
I am forwarding this also the Dominican Sisters of the Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin. They pray 24/7 in chapel for the many on the novenas and in need of prayers, recovery, health, and happiness.
Layla, To your mom I can say “I know how you feel”. I have a medically fragile son. A premie, he lived 6 months in the NICU. He is a 9 time Med Flight patient. We have rescued him 13 times at home. When we brought him home we were told he would never walk or talk or live to see 5. He is 16 years old, walks, talks, and attends public school. He has many health and learning challenges.. but he is alive and happy! He brings joy to our lives everyday. For the first year of life he was trached, hence could not make a sound… When he cried, it was an apnea moniter that let me know his heart rate was elevated due to crying. I loved it when he could cry with a trach in place, crawl, etc. The little things of children then had such great importance. My older three children learned how to care for him and appreciated the time with him. We never knew and still do not know how long he is to be gifted to us. Many days, weeks and months of preparing for death… I understand. And the elation of recovery is wonderful, yet cautiously accepted. But I also know that today could be the last day on earth. So I treasure every day, moment, breath he takes and is with us!
While my heart aches for your family, I believe a miracle can come.
But I also believe that Heaven is our reward. And that the lessons your family is learning in this experience with Layla is for you to share with others and to help your soul grow in God’s Love and prepare you for another path in your life’s journey!
Enjoy your day together!
Have Faith, Only Believe,
Susan
I’m so sorry that you and your family are going through this. I can’t imagine your pain at watching your baby suffer. You are incredibly strong and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you. Get well Layla.
I believe our Father in Heaven is a healer of all sickness. I was reading your story last night and thinking, God I know you will and can heal this little girl. I know she has a special mission here on earth, her time is not done yet. So I don’t think that it is any coincidence that you wrote this post today, I believe it a confirmation. I don’t know everything about healing, but I do believe that God’s glory will shine so bright through it. I know that when He heals big things happen. He is a God that does the impossible….and that will never end. My prayer is that through all of the noise I am sure you are facing that you are able to be still and let God speak to you. I don’t doubt your faith at all, but sometimes God just needs our attention. Sometimes there is that little something we haven’t quite handed over yet, and He needs that. I would encourage you to get by yourself for as long as it takes, and just wait on God to talk to you! I will prayer for a revelation this day for you!!
I always believed that I never took life for granted but after reading some of your recent posts it’s become very clear to me that I have. GOD BLESS your entire family & will be praying harder than I ever have for Layla.
I BELIEVE in miracles & I pray that Layla will be blessed with one.
I only became aware of Layla’s story just a few days ago. Each entry gives me goosebumps. You are an amazing family, and people from all over are praying for your family. God Bless you for your strength and courage. You are an inspiration to me! You have our prayers here in Missouri.
I know the Lord and all those angels are keeping you wrapped in their arms.
I continue to pray for Sweet Baby Layla Grace and your family….She has touched my heart in so many ways…..
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Layla’s presence on earth has touched me immensely. With deepest of love to your family – Jonathan
What an amazing family! I have been and will continue to pray. Layla and your family have touched so many. Praying hard and sending hugs.
No prayer goes unanswered. Sometimes the miracle is there. Could it be your faith? The few extra days your allowed with her? Maybe, the strength to help others who are not as strong as you. My ex passed away Christmas day and has come to visit the kids many times. She will never be far away. Your grace and faith will help you through. Prayers to you and your family.
I just wanted to let you know that my family, friends & I are all praying for Layla and your family. I wanted to let you know that Layla story has touched me in so many ways I just can’t seem to find the right words to describe it.
I have never know of a 2 year old that could lead so many people to Christ like your little Layla has. What a glorious job she done.
May God Bless you, your family and friends!
I woke up in the middle of the night last night, completely consumed with prayer for you, your family, and especially for Layla. I think I was praying in my sleep, and was so overcome that it woke me up! Layla is an angel on earth by bringing so many people together in prayer.
I am praying for you and layla and you family I am hurting for you and Layla so much. I am praying for complete healing for Layla and if He chooses not to I pray for peace and strength and love for your family an Layla
You are not alone, when you are rocking little Layla in the middle of the nigh, I’m awake asking God for a miracle counting the minutes until the morning to see if she is any better, today I can’t stop the tears, my heart really hurts. I have been dreaming of meeting those big blue eyes one day.. And I refuse to believe I won’t. I will keep asking God with all my heart, and if he decides that the miracle won’t be as I asked for… then I will do my best trying to be good the rest of my days so I can meet her in heaven. there is a miracle already there, your Angel have changed the life of many people.
God bless your adorable little warrior.
Thank you for sharing Layla’s story. She has touched my life and inspired me to be a better person. I also am sending prayers for your family.
Layla Grace has been constantly on my mind and in my heart since first reading her story awhile back. I cannot begin to tell you how this precious little girl has changed me & my perspective on life. She is my hero. And your family is absolutely amazing. I am still praying for Layla’s complete healing and will continue to pray for her comfort, peace and to feel God’s loving arms wrapped around her whatever the outcome may be.
Thanks you for having the courage and faith to share your darling girl’s journey with all of us. Prayer is so powerful, God speaks to us every day in such amaziing ways. My family will be praying for yours, asking for healing and peace.
Continuing to have you on my mind and in my heart here in MA… may the Lord bring you peace in your time of need…
Praying for you and your family. I think of you guys often since I learned of your site a couple weeks ago. I too am amazed at the Wonders of GOD.. we are not to know, the why or the when. We just have to trust in HIS WILL. Loving and Praying for your Family and LYLA..
(((HUGS)))
Love and prayers
COLE Prayer Team
Love you Layla Grace. How my mother’s heart aches for you…for your mom. God is steadfast…he is with you.
My little boy and I are thinking about you and praying for Layla Grace every day. I check on her daily, sometimes more than once a day now. You are continually in my thoughts and prayers and as a mother so strong in your faith, you have renewed mine and taught me so much. I pray that God rids her of pain and fear and that he wraps His arms around her in every moment. I pray that He lifts you up, and your family, close to Him at this time and if a miracle can be given, that it’s granted. I don’t know why these things happen, I really don’t, but I can tell you that little Layla Grace, and you, have made me a better mother in just the short few weeks that I’ve followed her story. Thank you for sharing her with us.
In Christ,
An Austin Mom
Hi I’m Susan and I’m from the Netherlands. I just want to let you know that I’ll be praying for Layla and her parents to get true this rugh time.
I hope she will get better and I believe she’s a strong girl who will fight her way true all this.
Lots of love and I’ll be praying!
xoxo Susan
Every time I look at Layla’s sweet pictures, I smile. Then I beg Jesus to heal her. I am praying here in Houston. I want to just come over and hug each of you. If there is anything your family needs, I would help if at all possible.
Lisa
Dear God,
Please watch over Layla as she dances toward Heaven. Please bring comfort to her parents and siblings, and other family during this difficult time. Help them to remain confident in your love. Please take care of Layla and comfort her body and mind.
What a beautiful child. I know everyone is praying for her and your family.
Looking forward to a time of no more suffering:
Revelation 21:4 “And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more. Neither will mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
Hello, I don’t know you, but I have been following Layla’s story. She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Her smile is so sweet, I can’t help but smile when I look at her pictures.
I am praying the deepest prayers for you all. For Layla, may she be at peace, pain-free.
God is with you all every step of the way, guiding and holding your hearts.
As a mother I cannot fathom what you are going through. You give me so much inspiration and are so strong though all of this. Thank you for the renewal of my faith. Thank you for sharing Layla’s story, she truly is a gift from God!!!
I just heard about little Layla and reading your posts brought me to tears. Your baby girl is absolutely beautiful and I am so sorry that she and your family are going through this ordeal. I will be hoping and praying for this precious angel…get well soon sweet girl!!! Big hugs from my family to yours!
First let me say I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. Your story has truly touched me. I will pray for your sweet Layla Grace and family. Please remember God will not put more on you than you can bare! Weeping my endure for the night but joy will surely come in the morning.
God Bless!
you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You should share this poem with Layla while she is with you. though her little mind would not be able to comprehend all the words, Children love poems and this would be something she could enjoy with you. Many prayers sent your way-happy healing!
I posted links to your twitter and this page on my online diary and my facebook, to bring in more prayers. i hope you don’t mind. i’ve been thinking about you all since i woke up and had hoped she was still with us. i’m glad to know she still is. she’s a little fighter that one. she’s not going down easy. not without a fight. i have a lot of people praying for her and for you. and i am too. always. God bless your sweet family.
Lord in Heaven, please hear our prayers, hear our cries…Please Lord, we pray for healing for sweet Layla. Please Lord, we pray for this miracle on earth for this precious baby girl who has touched my life and so many other lives, this precious child who has brought so many of us to our knees before You.
I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1
oh sweet Layla! For being such a young child you have touched so many! You and your family continue to be in our prayers! Praying for peace, comfort and a miracle for you and your wonderful family!
My husband and I have been keeping up with Layla’s story for a while and would like to help. We own Orion Satellite Inc. in Spring. We Are an authorized dealer of Dish Network. We will donate $10 for every home or business installation through June 30, 2010. The customer just needs to be sure to mention the “Layla Grace” promotion when they speak with the sales person. The number for residential customers is (281) 651-7200. For commercial sales it’s (888) 393-DISH (3474).
Become a Fan of RuffleButts on Facebook! They will donate $1 to Layla’s medical expenses for every fan!!! Tell everyone!
I am so touched by Layla and her story. I am grateful for you as her parents being real and honest with this fight against cancer so that those of us not living in this reality can learn from it. I have 7 children and can’t imagine how you do it day in and day out. I am a firm believer in God and now He can heal and create miracles. But as you said, sometimes those miracles don’t come packaged the way we expect. I lost my father very suddenly 7 years ago so I know how hard it is to grieve for a loved one, but still can’t imagine how much harder it must be when it’s your child. Your precious little Layla is a blessing and special gift from God and I know the bible says the Heavens rejoice and the Angels sing when one of God’s children come home. I believe there will be a quite an uproar in Heaven when Layla arrives and we may just hear down here on earth. I also know my father will be there to watch over your sweet little baby girl when she arrives in Heaven and he will love her like she was one his own. He never got the chance to meet my 4 youngest children, 3 of which are his only granddaughters, so I know he will be happy to see a beautiful little baby girl with pretty blue eyes. I pray you keep your faith and find peace in knowing God will not give you more than you can handle. He knows you are the very people He needed to endure this trial for you will be the ones that can make a difference to children who may suffer from this horrible monster in the future. Your treasures are being stored in Heaven and you are a light in a dark world. I am praying for you and am so blessed by your life story. Much love to your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful little girl.
i do not know you personally. i can not even begin to imagine your pain. i could not stand the thought of loosing a little one. i just wanted to tell you to pray for her peace. i know thats hard to do, but you must let her know its ok to go be with jesus. you see i work for hospice. i see people suffering everyday that are hanging on for their loved ones. the pain is unbairable,but theyhold on to comfort their family. your little one is a precious gift that is ready to return to God. make sure she knows its ok to take that journey. they are hard words to say, but must be said. it will actually comfort her to know that you will be ok, that you will go on and keep her in your heart and that you will be ok.we will all keep her in our hearts. peace to you and your family.
Layla will be healed! And she WILL live, but only if you BELIEVE and RECEIVE that blessing. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but your faith is more than just asking for. It’s receiving as well. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he defeated Satan and sin then and there. So, when you pray for and believe for a blessing, you have to receive it “in Jesus’ name” and speak it. You have to speak the blessing over your daughter. Your words hold more power than you realize.
Matthew 21:21-22 is the proof of this. ‘Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”‘
God speaks to me frequently, and as I was praying for your daughter last night, I heard the words, “She will be healed.” And He didn’t mean in Heaven. He meant right now, on Earth! It excited me so much! I truly believe and I receive that for your daughter. She will be healed.
So, when you rock your child, as you believe in your heart, say to her, “By Jesus’ stripes, you are healed, Layla Grace.” The scriptures that support this statement are Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24.
The Holy Spirit does many miracles even today. It was given to us so that we could perform great works with its power. It enables us to hear God and see things change in our lives. Never lose faith. Don’t give up hope.
God is moving.
Your little girl is so beautiful! God Bless Layla Grace as well as you and the rest of your family! Prayers from Alabama!
I believe in miracles. Layla Grace isn’t the only one touching lives! Your beautiful resolve to glorify God NO MATTER WHAT is inspiring and life-changing.
Praying.
Keeping your family in our thoughts. It is so obvious the love and affection that you have both within your family and with your “followers”. Have you ever heard the song “Love never fails” by Brandon Heath?
Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside
Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you
Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time
Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you
When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life
Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you
Love is what you all need right now and love is what you are getting. Love knows no boundaries and no ends.
This has been a tough week in general with battling the unknowns. This week I have recieved more calls for prayer requests than usual it seems. Because of the heaviness in my heart, Ben and I have done a lot of talking about spiritaul issues after these calls. THese families are entering the battle field against Satan because of illness or death. This morning I came across this scripture and wanted to post it to give some of Christ’s hope…
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
26-28 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I took out just the key verses. We have no idea how all this works during our lifetime here. We will never understand our present day sufferings, but thankfully so it doesn’t even compare to the GLORY that will be revealed to us when we reach our salvation in heaven. We are given an avenue of prayer to “storm heavens gates” and though we don’t always pray the right words or the right outcomes the Spirit interceeds in accordance to God’s will. His spirit stands in for our words and allows Him to be glorified and His will to be perfected! And the promise ringing loud and clear is that His plan will be carried out so that good will WIN!!!
My heart aches for many families because I know what the days ahead will mean. We have gone through a serious illness, we have looked death in the face, we have battled demons of great portions, and we have come out victorious!!! Not because of us but because of HIM! The days have held darkness and tears and sorrow but with JESUS Christ our savior and the Promsises of GOD our father we have been able to be filled with Hope and Joy and Faith.
Just yesterday I met a stranger and the subject of how many kids came up. I always very proudly say 3. I mention my pride and love in Emily. Next, I mention Malachi and his battle and ultimate victory. And finally, I mention the blessing of Krystal and how she is a direct gift from our loss of Malachi. In every istant like this one, I get a sympathy statemnt of some sort. I know their heart hurts for me, but I cannot let them leave with that feeling of sorrow. I always end every converstaion of this sort by pointing out that God’s plan is perfect and His joy fills us with the blessings he has given us because of Malachi. He is Lord and knows what He is doing. And oh how I long for the day when the GLORY will be revealed to us!
I am praying for Layla Grace’s Fmaily, the Ross/Bizaillion Family, The Johnson Family, The Webb Family, The Kalokowski Family, The O’Malley Family, The McEndree Family, The VanDyke Family, The Gray Family, The Osbourn/Huffman Family, and so many more that are hurting from pains of illness or loss. May the Spirit groan for them so that God’s will be done and the GLORY of Christ be revealed soon!
God is mighty to SAVE!
My friend Jennifer stumbled across this websight shopping on-line for a new bed. She has not stopped praying and thinking about sweet Layla Grace. I am a big believer in angels and miracles and the grace of God. I too am praying for your beautiful family and I am inspired by your faith and endurance as you journey on…thank you so much for sharing yourself with the world.
I’m praying for a miracle for Layla!!!!
Lord God, I thank you for honoring Your daughter’s faith for her daughter, Layla. Lord, she is doing what You have taught us to do in Your word….”walk by faith and not by sight”. “believe, and do not doubt”. “Do not fix your eyes on what is seen but fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith”. Lord, Your daughter is trusting You, trusting Your word, and I stand with her, and believe, and do not doubt You, and I am looking for You to move in these lives, in this precious family. Just as we stood for our son, we now stand for Layla.
We love You Lord. “Honor Your word to Your servant for she has put her trust in Your word.” Thank You for Your neverending mercy. Thank You that “with God all things are possible”, in Jesus’ name.
My heart cries out for all of you. God bless Layla and her dear family. Peace be with you.
I came across your story last night and dear sweet Layla has been on my mind ever since. After I read her story I dropped to my knees in prayer for her, something I am saddened to say I do not do often enough. I prayed to our heavenly Father to heal her and free her from pain. I prayed that he hold her in his arms so she will feel only comfort. I prayed for your peace and comfort during this time. When my daughter awoke this morning I held onto her a little longer and tighter for I know I too am only on borrowed time with her, as we are all here for a purpose and only He knows how long that will be. I am so touched by your beautiful daughter who I have never met. If her time is near to exit us and go home, know she has served her purpose here and touched so many lives. Layla and you will continue to be in my prayers.
I read what you wrote and wept. I wept your family for you for Layla. The unfairness of it all. The pain and suffering that I can’t even get my mind around. All I can say is I’m so so so sorry. You are so strong. I wish that Layla could have stayed with you forever and with her sisters forever. What a heavy heart!
You keep asking for a miracle, but you continue saying, “when God takes her home…” You are expecting that she won’t make it. This is the one thing that will stop the miracle from happening.
God never made Layla to suffer and die. God has great need of her here. God’s reflection is incomplete without her. God is omnipotent supreme, on earth as he is in heaven. Since when do diseases have more power than God and his everlasting power? –Since we have believed they do. All we have to do is be willing to change the thought. Look away from the body and matter into infinite Spirit which is the source of Layla’s life. Matter cannot take Layla’s life away. Layla’s life is in Spirit, God. Open your heart to this, and amazing things can happen.
Read Science and Health with key to the Scriptures. It has the power to show you how your daughter can be healed. Just start reading even if it is a little. I can save your daugther’s life. You can read it here: http://www.spirituality.com/dt/toc_sh.jhtml
There are so many healing of cancer and other incurable diseases in the last chapter, “Fruitage.”
You can do this. Your daughter has the right to life and God is supporting this, but blind faith – pleading for a miracle – will do little to help Layla.
If you have any questions, you can email me. I would be happy to talk to you more about this. ian@gudger.org
Layla Grace was the last thing on my mind last night as I fell asleep, and I have thought of you and her all day today. I do believe in miracles, and I pray that is what God plans for her. I am a mom of 2 young boys and my heart aches for you.
God bless your family.
We are praying with everything we have for a miracle of sweet Layla..
I am SO, SO glad to hear that she is still stable & that she has allowed you to hold her all day! I will NOT stop praying for: a miracle – healing, for peace, comfort & strength for Layla Grace — and your whole family. God Bless you all.
I will NOT give up the fight for Layla! May we all have the strength and faith to continue praying and believing!
I’m praying for a miracle for your sweet girl. Many thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
I can not even imagine how you are dealing with all of this. Your little precious Layla Grace is just such a LITTLE FIGHTER! May GOD touch you and your family through this extremely difficult time. May HE keep his LOVING arms wrapped around your precious BABY until all is healed. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers! PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE!
You don’t know me and I don’t know you. I just accidently came across your website. I am from Vaughan, Mississippi, a very rural area. But I want you to know that this website has really touched my heart! I will be praying for sweet Layla Grace and all of you! It’s aweful what cancer does. At the end of 2009 our church lost two very special people due to cancer. I pray that the Lord will wrap his wings around y’all and hold y’all while you go through this trying time. Praying for you! Amy
My heart goes out to you, your family, and Layla! I am speechless and have no words that seem adequate to offer you comfort in this chapter of your lives. Layla and your FB page have changed mine. I too often wish for the quiet times, the early bedtimes, etc. After reading your post of regrets, my thoughts have changed, that I thank you for! We have waited years and years to add to our family and have been blessed with 6 children, and I will not worry so much about the everyday household chores after hearing your words.
My heart is heavy. We will pray for you and Layla. She is such a sweet angel!!
Praying for a miracle in Connecticut for your sweet Layla!
I pray every day and night for a miracle. God Bless Layla. She is aways in my heart and most certainly yours too. She will look down on you to see all the wonderful things you have done for her and I will never forget her. This 2 year old little girl has made me a thousand times stronger in life. I wish you and your family the best. Lots and lots of love and prayers. I know God can work miracles <3
It is hard for me to read all of this without crying. I just saw your site through twitter. and I am so upset. I used to believe in God until it took the ones I cared for. Three people in two years. And my faith was struggling to stay with me. But you are right God needs them for a reason and has sent them here for a reason. I will pray for you Layla and your amazing family. I remember doing those shifts everyday for months & I was so proud when they didnt leave me when the doctor thought they would. I will pray for you everyday. I wish more people knew this story.
you are in my prayers, constantly. hugs to you all.
i am in tears for your little girl. this has been a long journey for her and for yall! The reason i am in tears is because I’m soooo delighted to hear good news! SHE IS STABLE! I have been following your story for months and have never commented on anything, but I KNOW God is going to heal your little girl! God is using her story like wild fire! On my knees and trying to spread the word any way i can
Praying praying praying for a miracle praying for healing.. For God to hold and comfort Layla and your family. Sending so much love!
praying for your sweet baby. . .
Debbie
On my way out of the office to pick up my 2 year old from preschool…then home to say prayers for Layla and sing for her, Jesus Loves (me) Layla, Jesus Loves All the Little Children…and Luke will want to sing his favorite for her…You are my Sunshine! PTL that she is staying stable!!! Thank you LORD! Still praying hard for a miracle!!
The poem is beautiful as is Layla Grace. I believe in miracles as I received mine a few short weeks ago. I am now praying for yours. May God comfort you as His will is done.
((HUGS)) to all of you…
nothing makes a parent feel worse then feeling helpless with a child you can’t make feel better… good luck…
I’m so, so sorry…
I am praying for your family and your beautiful baby girl.
We are praying for you in Cleveland, TX. Such a beautiful little angel..
Praying for Layla in NYC! She is an angel!
i prayed for Baby Layla last night and to find out she’s doing better lights up my day. I’ll continue and pray for her.
Love,
Kayla
I just wanted to let you know we pray for Layla all day long!! She has touched my life so much. Your faith is amazing. God loves you and Layla!! Let us shine the light of Jesus through the darkest night!!
I’m praying for you all!
You are an amazing parent. Your story and faith have touched so many. I am praying for your sweet baby and your family.
Your story has truly touched me. I pray everyday for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story, and beautiful daughter with all of us. Blessings
there is a song “temporary home” i cry every time i hear it because all I can think of is Layla and you. I mean balling blow my nose tears running down my face crying. I do not know you personally, I can not even begin to imagine what a day in your life must be like and I will not pretend to either. I just want to say that from the bottom if my heart with all my sole I am so sorry for what you are going through. I have prayed for Layla and your entire family daily. I have always been told that we are put here for a reason and once our purpose is fulfilled we are called home to be with God. Maybe her reason is to bring the thousands of people (strangers) together to reunite them to their faith that has been lost, to each other, and to you. You are not alone and though many of us do not KNOW what you are going through we are all here for you to cry on, scream at, and hold you up in this time of need.
“”This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passin’ through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home.”"
May our merciful and generous God hold beautiful Layla Grace and your entire family in the palm of his most gentle hands. My prayers for peace, healing and strength.
I’ll be praying for a miracle, either here on Earth, or in Heaven. She’s changed my life and made me appreciate the small things. May God comfort you during this time and if it’s Layla’s time to go, may Angels lead her in.
Hello I’m Katie and I’m in mrs. Manfulls math class at medina valley middle school. Layla has been in my prayers since mrs.manfull first brought her up. I’ve seen pictures and she is a gorgeous little girl!!! My mom tells me that God has a reason for everything whether we think it was necessary or not… I think God sent Layla here to make us all stronger in our faith and know that we can do anything!! And although it will hurt us badly if she goes he needs her up there to do more marvelous and wonderful deeds!!! Layla is in my prayers and forever will be…I hope that one day I am as strong as her and her family!!!
I have been praying for sweet Layla. I am so exicted she is witnessing some snow and you are able to be together. God please hear us and allow this sweet girl to get better. She is so strong!
You’re in my thoughts all day.
I know you are not reading this because you are with your gorgeous girl as she holds onto life to be with you and your family. I just saw the slideshow of your beautiful family and am now sobbing at the unfairness of life. I know God has put your beautiful daughter on this Earth for a reason but I pray I pray so hard that the reason she is here we have yet to discover and she will be able to show us in the years to come why she was brought to life. She is quite possible the cutest little girl I have ever seen and my heart and prayers are with your family during this time. Hold her, hold her soooo tight!!!
I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through but your hope and faith are so moving. I cry so hard reading about what Layla is having to endure and I wonder how God could ever let such terrible things happen to a beautiful little girl. Keep your head high because miracles DO happen when you believe they can. My family is praying for you…
Wow….this blog brings back so many memories……2001-2002…when our nine year old first was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in August of 2001. We fought the fight, layed awake at night, prayed and consoled, hugged and hoped, and spent the days living at Texas Childrens. We were not one of the many who win this unimaginable battle but from it I learned of the strength of children to endure what most adults could not. My prayers are with you. God is great and merciful and our children know and recognize this. Whatever the outcome you must know HIS hand is on you and your child. It is His decision and he never makes a mistake.
It may be of little consolation right now, but sometimes God’s greatest miracles are the peace, comfort and strength He gives us to continue trusting him when we don’t get what we expect, or think is fair. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bring physical comfort to Layla.
Checking in and continuing to pray….
I found your blog through a friend on Facebook a few weeks ago, and I’ve sat here in tears reading about your precious little girl and the fight she has put up. I’ve prayed for her to be healed, and I know that God will heal her in the way He sees fit. Her time here may be short, but she has fulfilled a purpose God set her apart for. I know she will hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” And I strongly believe that you will too. You have been an inspiration to me, and I can truly say that my faith has been strengthened because of you. I know nothing that I or anyone else can say will ease the pain you feel, but I will continue to lift you and your family up in my prayers.
WITH HOPE,
Randi
You have love from Los Angeles. My husband is originally from Houston and learned about Layla Grace from old friends still in the area. Thank you for sharing your strength. Please visit http://www.thespohrsaremultiplying.com when you get a chance. Madeline lost her life at 17 months and her mama has done an amazing job of memoralizing her.
As you mentioned angels in your post, I’ve asked on this site
http://www.integratedenergytherapy.net/earth_angels.asp
for angelic support for your family.
Praying for you all, especially little Layla Grace.
Keep fighting Layla Grace!
Praise the Lord she is stable!
Praying for her healing!!!
Layla does have all of us on our knees. When I saw that she is stable, I prayed a prayer of thanks and relief. Every time I get a break, I continue to envision God’s healing grace upon her and within her, shrinking her tumors and giving her the strength to beat this.
You are a very strong family and I hope the best for you whatever that will be. I see my wife cry daily for you and little Layla Grace. You will always be in our prayers and thoughts. You all are truly amazing. May God bless you.
Your little girl’s story brings tears to my eyes. I look forward to meeting her in heaven someday. I am praying God would grant a miraculous spontaneous healing. If she leaves for heaven soon, instead, it doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a miracle because she IS a miracle. God bless little Layla Grace and all of you!
My girlfriend is doing this for Layla. God bless the family and her.I also have a child with special needs so I know how bills can pile up because of it. But also because of this I do not have money of my own to donate, but I would like to help! I just wrote a book about my son and will donate 3.00 from each sale of it. I can do this from now through March. April is Autism awareness mo…nth and I am doing a simmilar thing that month- but after that if more assistance is needed I am still willing. Moms have to stick together, it really does take a village.
Sweet Layla is never far from my thoughts and prayers…..sweet beautiful girl…
Sending you so very much love and support.
Praying for a miracle for your sweet Layla. I am amazed at your strength and your ability to count every blessing.
You, Layla Grace and your family are in my prayers. Your story is that of beauty and God’s complete and total plan for your baby girl. The tears shed for her as I read this are those of rich joy, peace, solemness and love for all of you. You are a family of faith and Layla’s testimony is one that will be forever remembered. Thank you for your perspective on her ultimate healing. I pray for God’s grace, His comfort and His strength for your entire family.
While on Facebook I noticed a link to your blog on a friend’s page and decided to check it out. I am blown away and humbled by your strength and faith in the midst of this storm. I am praying for a miracle for your beautiful Layla!
Praying for you and your sweet Layla Grace.
Layla Grace has made my faith in God even stronger than it already was. I am praying for a miracle for her each and every day. God bless.
Ann-Marie Keller
Please know that I am praying for your sweet little girl. We have a 6 month old little boy and reading your blog has really given me a reality check. I need to take advantage of every moment with him. Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for a miracle.
We are praying for Layla… and believe in miracles!!!
What a beautiful and courageous little girl. I am saddened as a parent for you and your family but inspired by her strength. I Dont pray often but I will say a prayer for Layla Grace and your family.
I’ve been thinking about your little Layla all day (((Layla))) I’m so move by your little one’s strength and courage and how she has clearly touched so many lives!!!
What an amazing little girl you have!
Sending love and prayers to all of you!
Nancy
My heart cries out for you!!!!
Miracles do happen. Every day. Praying for your beloved daughter and all of you at this time. That poem is amazing.
I watched my good friend’s son battle neuroplastoma for two years. He was so brave just as I’m sure Layla is. Just know you are not alone. Layla is a gift from God and he has his hand on her. She will be in our prayers!
You are the strongest and most couragous person I think I’ve ever ‘met’. You amaze me how strong your faith is. I just pray that God works one last miracle…but if Layla is to go home, I pray that you and your family find peace in knowing that she is ‘home’.
My heart just breaks for you! I sob every post that I read. I have three young children, and I jsut can’t imagine! I SO wish I could do more for you…but pleae, know that I am praying for you all and for sweet precious Layla Grace!
Hugs!
I found out about Layla through twitter and have been thinking of her all day. She will be in my prayers. I am a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Irvine. I am surrounded by researchers studying drugs that have been found to help fight cancerous cells. It pains me to know that these drugs are working in the lab but will take years for them to get approved. Wish something could be done to speed up this process and at least be given to people at their final stages. Miracles happen all the time and will be praying for Layla’s miracle. I just don’t understand why God’s plan has to be so painful at times.
I just found your story through Facebook and want you and your family to know that I stopped right away and said a prayer for you and your little girl. I will keep Layla in my prayers and pray hard for the miracle that you need. Thank you for sharing your strong faith and the love that you have for your little girl. Thank you for reminding me to stop and just love on my daughter a little more every day.
I’m soo, terribly sorry.
Layla Grace, No matter what happens will be with Jesus sooner or later, :]
It makes me smile, to know, that such a young girl, can bring smiles joy, and happiness, and bring people closer to God. Just with ehr story,I prayed for a HUGE miracle last night to God, i told him let me have something bad, but please give LaylaGrace a miracle.
I did that for Ellie Potvin to, and I’m continuing to support Pedatric Cancer patients, I’m only 15, haha. but, I really really, believe with God, anything is possible:]
so I will deffinatly, keep prayign and encouraging you guys through everything, no matter what. Keep up the good work; with your littl emiracle:]
God bless you!
Have a wonderful day, and remember my prayers are with you and LaylaGrace! <3
(her story made me teary)
My heart broke while reading about Layla Grace. She is such an adorable little girl who shouldn’t have to go thru all that she is but we have to believe that God doesn’t make mistakes and she came here and did what she was sent to do. I applaud you for your courage in coming to terms with this as I can’t imagine having to go thru something like this. I will continue praying for little Layla and your entire family.
My dil brought Layla Grace to my attention several weeks ago. You and your family are true soliers of the cross! Please know there are so many lifting Layla GRACE in prayer. She is a powerful child of God who is influencing so many around the world in their relationships with God and Family. You and your family are in my frequent prayers throughout the day and I only pray that you each feel our love and compassion.
What a moving story. I only wish I had read this sooner. I go to a Chiropractor/Naturopath in Friendswood, Tx. His name is Dr Patrick Massie. He is a wonderful natural Dr, has a beautiful family and has such a world of knowledge about the body. He uses biomeridian testing as well as other diagnostic testing and treats with homeopathic supplements. It is a very effective treatmeng but as advanced as Layla’s cancer is I really don’t know…but they are very gracious and as I said very knowledgable and can guide you with any questions you may have. I personally see him for testing about 2 times a year just to try to keep on track. Last year my husband was diagnosed with a tumor on his kidney. We immediately went to Dr. Massie for testing so we would know what in his body needed to be strengthened. You can look up his website, Massie Chiropractic, and it will give information about his practice. You will be in my prayers…God bless you!
I am so sorry to hear about Layla. Your family is in my thoughts. I said a small prayer for Layla asking god that if it is his will, that he take her in peace. May god be with you all. ♥
Asking God for a miracle right now for your little Layla Grace. Please God bless you & yours!
I’m continuing to pray for sweet Layla. Hugs to you and your family.
Remember…”impossible” is only an opinion! We love you, Layla!
we were told our Evie Jayne would live minutes to hours after she was born, and is now 5 months old. Not without health difficulties, but we battle those battles with joy and hopefulness in the Lord. As a mom, my heart just aches for you.
Just found Layla’s blog tonight, there couldn’t be a better time for me to be on my knees for her. And I will be.
Love from Omaha Nebraska.
I really hope you do get your miracle. I read your last two posts and I began to cry. My daughter had surgery on her 3rd birthday for what seemed to be a benign tumor…well, it wasn’t. Three doctors told us that the tumor felt soft and was most likely benign. Luckily, it was only 1 tumor sitting on one of her muscles in her abdomen. I thought I had lost her once, after a surgery….i saw her flat line, doctors were running into the recovery room as soon as they walked me in. They walked me right back out and I was a mess. I totally understand what you’re going thru…except, my daughter is now 11 years old and healthy. I still worry ALOT tho. Whenever she gets really sick, thankfully not too often, is when all sorts of things go thru my mind. I don’t think I’ll ever get over all we went thru….even tho her chemo/radiation went super well. She was hardly sick. But I cried every night for her, during her treatment. She had a rare cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma…and she got the worse of the two types.
There still is hope, and I am definitely going to pray for Layla, and your family. The things you wrote about the regrets….oh my goodness…..my 2 year old drives me up the wall sometimes, but I will forever think of the things you said. They make so much sense.
We shouldn’t take things, or precious moments, for granted. But we all do.
I also saw some of her pictures. Layla is a very beautiful little girl…and she looks to be a happy child, daughter, and sister. You must be one of the strongest persons I know. The way you write, almost makes me feel as if I can see her sleeping myself…resting. I think that’s what hit me the hardest. I can only imagine you and your husband sitting by her side wishing for a miracle. I’m so sorry.
I always think of how my younger daughter would be without her sister, it draws me to tears when I think about it…they’re best friends. (they’re 9 & 11)
I will pray for your children….you, and your husband.
Please Get Well Layla.
I just learned of Layla’s story from my mom’s group. You do not know me. I am on my knees and have been broken. Her precious smile brought me tears. God must be there with you and with sweet Layla. God hears all of these prayers. God sees His love being spread. He is pleased by Layla’s work. She opened my heart as I read her story. I am obviously not the only one.
I pray for comfort, for peace, for rest, for more time, for more smiles, for more pictures, for healing, for repair, for another day, for another hug, for strength, for grace, and for mercy. I pray He will continue to hold her in His arms.
Thank you for your story. Thank you for Layla. Thank you for being a witness to God’s love.
Just looked at your fav photos on Flickr — you truly have the most beautiful little girl…but it’s not just an outer beauty, an amazing beauty shines & radiates from within her. She is such a gift. She is so loved — that is so obvious in you photos. I am happy that you have had a good day with her, watching a rare snow together must have been special and peaceful. I am praying for a good night and another good day tomorrow…and of course, still…for the miracle of her healing here on earth. Blessings to you dear Marsh family — you are a special family.
Once again, I read your words with tears streaming down my face and marvel at your strength. There are not enough words to express how much “knowing” you and Layla has changed me. My faith has grown stronger, and you have made me realize how precious time with my children really is. Thank you for your words, and the beautiful photos you shared today. I smiled at your courageous, beautiful girl through my tears.
What can be said that you haven’t already heard a million times? I too send up prayers for Layla and your entire family. Stay strong in your faith even when you feel like it has been tested to much to hold onto, it will be a great comfort to you in the future. Our hearts are with you and you never pray alone.
My family and I are all praying for a miracle for sweet little Layla
MIRACLES ARE POSSIBLE! Psalm 77: 14 says, ” You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Anything is possible with God on your side. 
Today I read about Layla’s story for the first time, and my entire heart, mind, and soul pours out to sweet Layla and your family. My 3 year old Son David is a Neuroblastoma cancer patient here in Houston as well. And for so long I just wanted to meet others that knew exactly what I was going through. But the truth is no one can understand what you go through except for you. And I also know that no matter how many times you hear people tell you how strong you are, you feel like the weakest being on this planet because you cant heal your child. But God hears every single prayer, and sweet little Layla WILL be healed. Layla is the strongest little girl and the most beautiful baby I have ever known. I pray that God’s Hand Heal her and comfort her and your family. God Bless You, The Marquez Family
Ever since I followed you on Twitter earlier today, Layla has been constantly on my mind and will for many days to follow. As I went through my day today, I realized that Layla was put on my mind for a reason. I am a child care teacher at a local daycare and I care a lot about my kids. But the kids that I care for are healthy. God has told me to put Layla on my heart and on my mind in order to help raise awareness. I am also involved with a church ministry group and the leader of my group has breast cancer. We are currently raising awareness and praying for her now. My own grandmother died of cancer 7 years ago and I can easily understand how painful the process can be in having to sacrifice every moment of happiness and in your little girl. I will pray for hope and healing for Layla and your family and spread the word to my christian group.
From Austin, Texas, we’re praying for you and your family, Layla.
My heart breaking as I read about little Layla. I can’t hold back the tears as I look at the pictures of your beautiful baby girl. Miracles do happen and I will be praying for one for you and your family.
“Lord, Thank you tonight for sweet Layla Grace.”
Praying for you all.
Thank you for sharing these photos of Layla. She is beautiful, precious … and has obviously lived such a loved life. I am still praying for an Earthly miracle for her.
That poem in your post today is beautifully written. Thank you to whomever wrote it for her. It is perfect.
I hope that Layla sleeps comfortably tonight, and that you can hold your angel even longer. Hugs.
Praying for “This precious child with eyes bright blue,”. Sweet Layla Grace!!!!!
Was connected to your site through MckMama Community. I am so sorry to read about your struggle. I hope that you will feel the comfort of the Lord during these difficult days.
We lost our little boy many years ago…the support of family, friends and the LORD is what got us throught it.
In Christs Love,
Ali
Praying for your sweet Layla Grace.
Your story truly touched me. ((((hugs Layla)))
As a mother myself, I cannot begin to imagine your pain. But as a christian who watched my mother battle cancer and eventually go home to be with the Lord, I can say that there will be a miracle in the end. It may not be the healing one you and so many of us would like it to be, but the miracle of peace. Little Layla will have peace and no pain. And the miracle of how many lives she has touched will continue forever. I thank you for sharing your story, and I hope that you too will find peace knowing how many people hit their knees for you and your family. We will continue to pray for Gods will to be done.
I’m so sorry that you have to go through all of this, but I do know that God brings all things together for His glory. I believe little Layla was meant to bring people together in a way that they might come to know the Lord.
She is a brave girl and while many question why such terrible things could happen to such a young, precious litte girl, I believe it is through times and circumstances like these that remind us to cherish each day, live life fully and become more present. Even through reading your story and last post, it makes me realize that when I have children of my own, I never want to feel frustrated with having them under my feet. I’m sure I’ll feel that way sometimes but then I’ll think of little Layla Grace. Each day is a blessing and I pray that each day with your family will be everything that you dreamed it would be.
I pray that God will give your family peace, strength and courage during this time. When we are weak, HE is strong. I also pray that the Lord will heal her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet, and that He will work a miracle in her, regardless of the doctors’ diagnosis.
God Bless You,
Karla
I’m praying for your baby girl, Layla! She IS the miracle.
Precious baby Layla. I pray for you and your family daily. You have touched me and so many others with your strength. You are the true miracle. May God watch over you and your family. God bless you little one…
You have such strength and courage. I have prayed for Layla all day. I pray that there is a miracle for her. I pray that God puts His loving arms around her and your family during this difficult time.. my heart is so heavy after hearing Layla’s story, but it’s also given me new found faith in the Lord. Not only that, but it’s made me a better mother to my son. Thank you for sharing your story. I will continue to pray for you, Layla, your husband and your girls!!!
this little girl shows me how strong a person can be. I will pray every single night for her, I just light a candle for her. Your family is in my thoughts. God Bless.
claudia – from Peru.
I just found out about your angel and your brave family last week. My daughter whose name is Candace found out through Lindsey Kincey. My daughter and I have been praying for all of you and though we don’t know you, we love you and are hoping and praying for a miracle. A few years back my aunt had tumors in her lymph glands and she was covered with the cancerous tumors all over her neck. Thanks to one of our relatives, she recovered with the aid of prayers and an herb called cassie tea. She drank it like a tea and soon the tumors dried up and she is doing well now. I think she drank it with a little honey or brown sugar and it is a little bitter, but she had dramatic results and is doing fine now. My sister is a cancer survivor and she is on alternative medicine and I will be glad to get you in touch with her . She is doing well now also. Anyway, I will close for now and if you have any questions, just email me at ireneiboyd@yahoo.com. Love in Christ, Irene
I just found your blog through Birni at All the Little Ponies. I feel honored to have read Layla’s story and will be fervently praying for her healing and for everything you all need to get through this time.
Always praying!
Psalm 71:14-16: But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Dear Marsh family,
I have no words which are exceptional. It’s all been said, but I want you to know there is another person here in NY state who has been praying and praying for Layla and for you. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve gone through and read and reread your journal and felt my heart breaking as the tears flowed. I cannot imagine what you’re going through. You are living every parent’s nightmare and showing grace & strength through it all.
I’m praying for another good night and a good day with Layla, and many more to come. May our loving God wrap His arms around you all, comfort you and give you the miracle of healing.
I sit here 9 months pregnant myself and listen to my 23 month old daughter chatter in her sleep from her crib and I pray and cry for your family. Hold fast to your faith, as God will hold you close through this storm. Your Layla Grace is getting my prayers, and through her, I also remember to pray for all the other nameless children and their families who suffer and who perhaps don’t have your faith. May God lift you and them up and help you to remember that life is full of comings and goings, but those who love Him will meet again all too soon. Bless you all.
Sending every prayer and ounce of love that we can gather from here in Washington.
Layla Grace will be in our thoughts and her name on our tongues.
Praying for Layla and your family all the time. Losing a loved one, especially so young, is never easy. Cancer is an ugly disease that always seems to take the best of people. In 2008 my 23 year old fiancé was diagnosed with leukemia just 2 months after our engagement and lost his battle 6 months later. I know he is in no pain now and that he’s always looking over me. The grief process is hard but I can tell you it does get better! So many happy memories take over and remind me of him everyday. I can now
smile instead of cry. I pray that you and your family will find peace during this very difficult time.
Miracles happen and I still pray that one will!
Sending all my love from Boston,
Hally
I just heard about your story last week, and can’t help but check your daily updates on how little Layla Grace is doing. This truly is a heart-breaking story, and pains me to hear all the pain she has and continues to go through. With that being said, we cannot deny Layla’s strength throughout all of this, and it is remarkable to see what a fighter she is.
Just know that she is in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you as well as your family the strength to cope during such a difficult time. There will be a light at the end of this tunnel.
Prayers come to your from my family to yours from Bamberg, Germany!!!!! I check everyday to hear updates on your story. The poem made me cry. And her dog laying there only beings more comfort to her. It is amazing how animals know when somethings wrong. With lots of love, Kyle Family!
Prayers and love from Nashville for beautiful Layla.
Happy Birthday Jenna!!!!!! You are a beautiful,blessed little girl.
Your post was so incredibly sad and yet so incredibly uplifting at the same time. It made me cry when thinking about what you are feeling as a parent watching your child battle like this. But your faith and trust in God is so uplifting, it really makes me take a deeper look at my faith in the Lord, I can only imagine how many lives Layla has touched and how many people she has brought to the Lord or strengthened their faith. What an amazing feat for such a sweet little angel. I can only hope to one day have the strength and courage of Layla. You are all an amazing family. We are continuing to pray for that miracle as well as comfort and peace for you all.
In Christ’s Love,
C.O.L.E. Prayer Team
Mark Manfull
Praying for Layla Grace! Healing, strength, peace, comfort, love.
And yes, prayers & wishes for a blessed birthday for your beautiful Jenna today!!!
I read your earlier post about quiet and wishing it would take 45 min to unload because of helpful hands… it touched me… I am sorry that you are having to endure such heartache. No mommy should ever ever have to go thru this… no child should either. I pray that you will feel our arms around you as you comfort your sweet baby girl!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Layla is an Angel that has touched so many. Thank you for sharing her with the world. God Bless!
Praying for your sweet little girl.
Our prayers and thoughts are with your precious Layla and your family, I’m so very sorry you are all going through so much pain with your baby girl, May God heal her little body and bring the joyous news to you all… we’ll be praying for that Miracle…
Heidy, Joe and Madison, Florida
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
From “Word of God Speak” – by Mercy Me
I struggle to find the right words to say to you and your family. My 2 year old has leukemia, and while I know it is different than what your daughter has, it is the same beast.
What I do know is that cancer changes you, it changes your views, your ideas, your love, your everything. It makes you see the little things in life that are beautiful that you missed before. It opens your heart to possibilities that may have not been there before. I hope in your journey you keep helping spread the word about childhood cancer, because so few know so little, and we really need to find a cure for these sweet babes.
Light and love to you and Layla.
My prayers and thoughts go out to Layla and family. May you all find the strength to get through this time. God bless.
I am praying for a miracle. I believe in miracles & I believe in you. You are such a strong and beautiful person and I admire your strength and I admire you. My heart breaks for you and I am so sorry for your pain. All our love to you & your family. Love to your sweet baby Layla Grace.
many many thoughts and prayers are coming your way from Clarksville, TN.
I only heard of Layla Grace today. I am so sorry for you all. You are in my thoughts.
Our Prayer are with you and your family. Layla Grace’s Story will forever touch my life. What a testament for God you and your Family has been .We are so grateful that you have shared your up and down with us. I know that it wasn’t easy for you, as a Mother I feel your pain and I am praying for you often. Praying God Grace and Strength for all.
God Bless,
Leatha Jones
Houston,Texas
Shanna, you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you in this terrible time.
Love,
Mandie
Praying for that sweet baby and for you!
I am so touched by your courage and strength and will continue to pray for you and your family.
God Bless!
May God continue to strengthen little Layla, and your family. Our heartfelt prayers go out to you during this time. Praying for peace and wisdom as well.
Praying for your sweet Layla today and everyday. Praying for comfort and healing. Layla and your family have touched my heart to the core. I am forever changed by her story.
Prayers are being sent every hour from Atlanta. God bless
PRAYING so hard for Layla & for you Shanna, Ryan, Jenna & Clarie.
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray still LORD for a miracle here on earth – Please heal precious Layla’s body. Renew her Lord, give her strength, peace & comfort.
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
i just wanted to say that your faith and strength is amazing to me…i cant even begin to imagine what you are going through but i dont think i could be anywhere near as strong as your family if i was in the same position…i really admire that and i will def keep your family in my prayers…
I am praying hard for comfort for sweet Layla and Family!
Myself and my own little Layla are praying for Layla Grace and your family. I do believe in miracles and I pray the good Lord graces sweet Layla Grace with one.
your sweet angel has touched my heart and pulled on heart strings that i didn’t know existed. because of your precious baby girl, i have realized to not take any moments for granted…especially with my little boy. i pray for healing for little Layla, in whatever way God has planned. Warm blessings to you and your family.
Praying constantly for a miracle – and if not that, that you will be comforted in your time of grief… this is hard.
GO LAYLA!!!
Love from Colorado,
Charity
and – I love that poem – so special! Is there anyway I can contact you guys? email maybe?
Layla’s pictures are so precious, you can see her personality in her pictures. I continue to pray for Layla for her comfort and healing.
I am so sad for you Shanna a mother shouldn’t have to go through this, nor a sweet innocent child. I cry everyday for you and your little Layla. I have 3 daughters as well an almost 9yr old, a 2 yr and 4 month old. I just can’t fathom what you must be feeling.
I will continue to pray and beg the Lord for her to be HEALED!!!
Bless her little heart. Layla has touched my heart and I have been praying for her all day. God bless!
Sweet baby girl. I am praying for a gentle release to the Lord.
Father – I have been sitting here begging you the question why? This seems so senseless to me, yet in your sovereignty there is still a plan. But Father we BEG YOU please deliver this child. You have the ability to in one whisper make those tumors go away! Show us and the world how Mighty You are! Show us so we might proclaim your name throughout the Earth! We are in desperate need of some miracles here! This world is becoming increasingly darker and You are our light! So we beg you to heal Layla. We beg you to remove all signs of illness from her body. We beg you for a miracle Lord…We BELIEVE You can.
Marsh Family,
I ran upon your blog about a week ago through a friend on facebook and have not been able to get layla off my mind. She is a beautiful child and having a son her age, I can’t imagine the pain you are going through as a family. My family and I pray for you every day and I have emailed my friends at work, church, and around the US to be praying for a miracle because they do exist!
I am going to continue sending everyone I know messages to pray pray pray for that miracle.
God Bless You.
My thoughts and prayers are covering Layla Grace and her entire family. Even little Evie.
I don’t know you…I have never met you…but am a friend of Kim Greene’s and she recently posted on facebook about your story. I wanted to write to you to let you know that I am lifting you and Layla Grace up to God and praying for peace and healing for your family.
I just found your website through a friend’s blog. I cannot imagine the depth of your pain right now. My heart aches for you and I wish so badly that your sweet Layla was not sick. I believe that God can heal her. And, I beg HIM to heal her quickly. I beg HIM to overwhelm you with a rush of peace right this very moment. I beg HIM to take away your pain. Oh, Lord, please be PRESENT!
I have followed Layla’s story for months now, praying and hoping. I continue my prayers for Layla Grace, that the little angelic miracle that she is, receives her own miracle.
I haven’t any magical words, or the right words, there are no right words. Know you can add one more prayer warrior to Layla Grace’s list, I get up in the middle of the night to check your tweets to see if she is okay and peaceful and without pain.
I will continue to pray for Layla, her sisters, and her amazingly strong parents.
I am spreading the word about Layla everywhere I can, to help seek more prayers for her, and support for your family and those trying to help your family.
Something about your precious little girl, Layla, has drawn me in, and I too am turning to God in prayer on the hour for Layla.
Love and Prayers,
Rebecca in ND
This sotyr brought tears to my eyes. I often I wonder why things happen, but I know God has a plan for everyone. I can’t begin to even imagine what you and your family are going through, but please know there are people out there who are praying for you and your family. I hope you all find the comfort in today and what the furture holds.
I spent half the afternoon reading Layla’s story from beginning to current. The beautiful thing about this little girl is that there will not be an “end”… she’s touched too many people. With that, I hope you and your family find comfort. She has two beautiful sisters that will help you through this, too. It’s amazing the power of family in tough times like these.
“Perhaps it is when we feel truly lost, groping our way somewhere between the in breath and the out breath, that God is most near and in control.” ~ Michael Jones
“The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.: ~Unknown
May you and your precious family find peace in the loving arms of our Savior.
An excerpt from The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer:
We, with Job and his friends, ask why bad things happen. God’s response is not to answer the questions with reasons because, I think, the reasons would not be satisfying. For every reason given there would always be another “Why?”, just as little children often continue to ask questions. No, the answer is not a reason or cause for a ‘Why?’ but instead the only satisfying answer is a ‘Who?’ God is the only satisfying answer to “Why?” Instead of endless reasons for why, God offers us Himself and that is enough.
It is only our relationship with God that satisfies our desire for an answer to “Why?” ‘Why?’ leads to endless discussion and philosophies. “Who?” leads us to a relationship with the ultimate entity in this life we live…and that is enough. In God we trust and…rest. We can have peace in the middle of the storm all around us because God is in the storm with us.
So…what is the connection between why all this bad stuff is happening and who God is? God doesn’t give us the answer to why. He gives us himself as the answer. Our relationship to him is so precious he is willing to ‘risk’ our moral choices and test our loyalties in order for our relationship to be proven genuine, real, and satisfying. This is whom we need and nothing else is sufficient. God is enough – more than enough.
Lord, we know you are holding Layla Grace, Your sweet, beautiful child. COMFORT her Lord, comfort her mom & dad & family. Hold them all in Your arms, like only You can.
I will NOT stop praying – for a MIRACLE of healing here on earth. Forgive me Lord if my prayers for a miracle are not Your will…but I must. You know our hearts Lord.
If He decides it’s time, I know there’s beauty coming for her…but, my heart is just so broken and hurting for you Shanna & Ryan. God bless little Layla who has touched and changed so many, God bless you Marsh family. I (and so many) am hurting for you.
Sweet Layla, you stay on my mind. I am praying so hard that God will allow you to stay.
Praying, praying, praying. For peace, for comfort, for understanding.
Praying for Layla Grace and your entire family, from outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Sweet Layla,Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and know that Miracles do happen.Your story has touched my heart more than you will ever know.I wish only the best for you.May God Bless and keep you close by his side!!!!
Thinking of you and saying prayers!!!I hope you feel the Love that is going all around you.
I lift Layla up in prayer. I pray for comfort and peace.
God Bless sweet girl.
Today is the day that we wait for our doctor’s conference call, although we already know what she will say- our two year old boy has autism. I’ve spent the past few months crying, asking God why. Today, as I sit and wait, I was led to sweet Layla’s story in a roundabout way.
Your child has brought me more peace and faith than anything has the past 8 months. I know that you would give anything to have my boy’s diagnosis and not Layla’s. How selfish of me! Her sweet smile has shown me how lucky we are, and how cowardly I have been in the face of despair. God has not forsaken me- but it took Layla to make me realize. I will be praying for your family. Just know Layla has forever changed my attitude, something no one else has been able to do. Thank you. God Bless.
I am praying for Layla and YOU,, I have been where you are right now with my little boy. Please email me anytime you want to talk
Praying for sweet Layla!
Words can not express how sorry I am for all that your family is going
through! I look at your beautiful family and the first question I ask myself is “why”? Somethings in life are so beyond comprehension! Today
I imagine you there holding your precious daughter; Pouring all your love,
prayers, memories, tears, and dreams into every minute! I cannot imagine what you are going through in these moments I can just imagine
what I would be doing if it was my sweet angel. I pray for her sweet and swift flight into heaven, and that all the pain disappears and the love and memories carry her into Jesus’s arms. I think each person who comes across layla’s story will embrace each precious moment they have with there family and children. I know as I think of her today I will give my own children one extra hug and kiss and an extra thankyou to God for one more day ! Because in this life we never know when our moment will be up!! In motherly love, hope, compassion and prayer God bless your family!
Erika Wise
I got down on my knees to pray for your sweet little Layla. God hear my prayers ~ Amen
You and your family are in my prayers.
Praying for sweet Layla. I learned about Layla from Brett Locandro. I pray that Layla is resting and not in any pain. I pray that you know God has her and he has the rest of your family. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Rest sweet Layla, rest.
Paulina Jonas
I walk this same walk when Caden Ledbetter was suffering from neauroblastoma cancer…
What a special soul Layla must be for God to choose her to bring so many people around the world in Faith, Hope and Love. She has done a brilliant job in just 2 years! What a miracle! I pray for her and your entire family.
on a little island in Canada, there is a woman, her family, and her enitre church praying for a miracle for little Layla. i am that woman, and i am a 23 year old neuroblastoma survivor. we are praying for healing, in whatever form it may come. we are praying for peace and for Layla to be free of pain. we are praying for comfort, love and understanding for the familly. we want you to know that this little girl’s story has touched many hearts and she will not be forgotten. everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.
You are in my prayers. God bless you sweet little Layla and your family.
I am thinking of you, your family and your little one. I hope goes well, and I hope you get that miracle you are praying for.
I am praying for your family I pray that Jenna has a happy birthday despite everything that is going on and that Layla has peace and healing. I pray for that miracle for you. I come from the hospice background being a hospice nurse and see cancer pts everyday but have never had a pts story hit me this hard. She is such a remarkable angel and really deserves her miracle.. I can not say I know what you are going through but I have a little girl that is a couple months older then her and I can not even imagine how I would handle the situation. I am so greatful that you have not given up your faith which I see a lot in pts families and know that I am praying for your sweet baby.
I AM SO SAD FOR YOUR FAMILY!!! WE WILL KEEP LITTLE LAYLA IN OUR PRAYERS. SHE IS SUCH A SWEET ANGEL
I am praying for healing for Layla, in whatever way God has planned. She has touch so many people and has helped to spread Faith, Hope and Love.
I pray for peace for you and your family as you continue to fight along with sweet Layla. I find so much comfort when reading what others have posted on here. It is truly amazing how our Lord works. We’ve always been told that the Lord works in mysterious ways. Your beautiful Layla has changed the way so many of us look at our day to day happenings. So many things we take for granted have been put to true perspective thanks to your sweet angel.
May the Lord continue to bless you with strength. Thank you for sharing Layla’s story with us all. I cannot express the hurt that my heart feels for Layla. She has touched so many lives and has educated us all on what it is to fight for your life and to have amazing courage.
God Bless you all.
My heart breaks as I read your twitter updates…I find myself trying to get an update all the time. I have two children, and I cannot fathom the idea of going through what you and your family are having to endure. I’m still praying for a miracle for little Layla. May God give her peace and may she always know how much she is loved. I pray for your other two daughters, what a horrible thing for them to have to experience at such a young age. May God bless you and your husband with peace, and may you stay strong in your faith. I know there are no words to comfort you at this time, but I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Our daughter made me s aware of Layla Grace and I have been so touched by your story. I continue to pray for her healing and for peace for your family. I also continue to admonish Statn to stay away from Layla Grace and your family. Blessedly life is eternal and that gives such hope.
Praying for you always.
I came across your website today and my heart is breaking for you and Layla Grace. I can’t stop crying. Thank you for sharing Layla’s story with all of us. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. May God be with you, Layla and the rest of your precious family. You will all be in my prayers for a very long time.
it’s so sad cause she is s little and not very big it makes me want to cry to see what all her mom blogs about layla she is so cute my best friend kellie wrote a poem about layla i love the name layla
I became aware of your blog yesterday when a friend of mine posted a link to it on facebook and I read your latest couple of entries and your twitter updates. I sat in my office and wept almost all morning, thinking of what you all must be going through. I have a 2 year old son and I truly cannot imagine how you must be feeling. You are all in mine and my husband’s prayers and we pray for healing for Layla, but if earthly healing is not God’s plan, we pray for God’s perfect peace to carry you all through this most difficult of experiences. I just wanted you to know that if you are ever feeling alone, there are people out here who are aware of what you are going through and who care, who, even though we have never met each other, are shedding tears for your precious daughter and lifting you all up to our Father in prayer daily. If there is anything more I can do, please email me.
i love layla hope she will b okay and live cause i would hate to see whats shes been through mauhhh love you layl even though i don’t know you i am 20 years old i feel so bad
My prayers are with your precious daughter and your family as well. I can’t fathom what it is that you are going through but I am sure that God and his angels are there with your daughter. My son will be 2 years old in april and was born with End Stage Renal Disease, which will require him to receive a kidney transplant, He has been on dialysis for 15 months now and we have now begun testing for donors. The difficult roads we have been on and the ups and downs of hospitals and doctors and such can be so disheartning, although the strength of our little ones is so amazing. I often ask God why Bryce? why such an innocent child to be chosen to go through such things….but just as Layla has and will continue to do, they bring us strength, and force us to live the life God intended for us…..I believe my son was given to me for great reasons, and will bring greatness and love to this world and I know that is true as well for Layla…..Please know that my family’s prayers are with you and Layla….God Bless.
i feel so bad for you i would be sad if i had to go through what you haveto go through
My sister came across your blog and forwarded it to me and my family. I have read every post and prayed for you the whole time. I will continue to pray for you, your family, and for sweet Layla on a daily basis. My heart goes out to you and I pray for your comfort in such a tough time and pray that God holds you and your family close to his heart and that you don’t lose sight of Him. With love from Louisiana, Sarah.
P.S. I also added a link to your blog on mine. I don’t have many readers, but I have asked the ones who do read to pray for each of you.
praying for peace
Reading your story has moved me to tears, I’m sending so many thoughts and prayers your way x
Please know how much of an impact your sweet little Layla has made… I think about her and pray for her every day. I’m a pediatric trauma nurse, and in order to do my job properly, I cannot become attached to my patients. Sometimes that makes me feel inhuman to force myself not to feel the things I naturally want to feel. Layla has given me an outlet to feel something that I can’t allow myself to at work. I’ve been praying for a miracle, but I can tell her time here is coming to a close. My little one is the same age, and he sits on my lap while I browse the internet. He loves to look at her pictures. We talk about her and how she’s sick. Compassion is a hard thing to teach a small child, but he is learning it through Layla. She will never be forgotten.
As the mother of a daughter who has fought cancer, my heart hurts with you. I wish I had the honor of personally knowing little Layla Grace, the pictures on your site show her to be a beautiful child – inside and out. What a gift you were given when she was born.
From the comments on this post alone it looks like you have an excellent support team. You are well loved! May Jesus continue to give you strength through this difficult journey, and may He give you peace.
Still praying and offering up moments in my day for
Layla and your family- Edmonton Canada
For some reason, I’ve found that my faith has been wavering a bit of late. I never felt that I lost it, I just did not feel it was as strong for some reason. Reading Layla’s story could have given me pause and made it waver even more, but I have found the opposite has happened. I can’t recall when I have prayed more openly and honestly and I’ve done everything I can to make those I love my true priority.
Although my heart breaks for your family and I wish your story took a different turn, I can truly say I am of stronger faith, a better mother, and more eternally grateful for every day I’m given thanks to your beautiful Layla Grace. May God bless you and keep you all.
Praying for all of you. My daughter, Molly, passed away in my arms when she was 19 months old. That was almost two years ago. Her big brother was 4 and half when his little sister left us. He remembers her, talks about her, and tells people about her. Sending hugs.
Im so sorry to hear what Layla is going through. I look at her pictures and see how happy she was. I can not imagin what you are going through right now. May God be with Layla and her family during this time. I will keep Layla and her family in my prayers.
wow…I can’t believe how positive you all are during this time. I am so very thankful that you shared Layla’s story. I am sure it is very hard for you, however I am betting you have made many of us appreciate our little one’s more today and forever. I wish I could do something to help you. We will pray for Layla. Sending prayer from Cincinnati, Ohio.
I just heard of Layla’s story … amazing story, not only about Layla, but also about Layla’s family.
There are miracles each day, sometimes, in forms unseen or unheard. My family and I will keep Layla and her family in our prayers.
A seemingly-healthy and active individual in the summer of 2005 I underwent several specialists and university testing for an unknown condition that had apparently deteriorated my internal organs for at least ten years already. I was told my ailing 75-year old father would outlive me. I would not feel anything, as my organs would eventually cease functioning.
Many prayers were said, many tears were shed … all by my wife and me as we didn’t want to alarm our kids, or family or friends.
In due time, after various MRIs, tests, and specialist visits, I fell to my knees when I was told that for the record they could not explain the fact that all scans show I had healthy internal organs for my age, and that everything they filed under my name were completely opposite of the recent results. I was once again a healthy male, to live out a long life. After further testing, I was told off the record that this was a miracle… a miracle reserved for my wife and me to value for the rest of our lives.
Layla, you and your family are a testament to the power of sharing and connecting with others. The struggles you overcome, the updates you post, the sharing of your Faith … thank you for sharing. We’re right there with you.
We pray for you and your family … you are not alone.
Blessings.
You and your family are in my thoughts daily. I pray for peace for you and may God continue to cover you. Sending love from Seattle.
We are all touched by what you have gone through and continue to go through. I hope every parent gives their child an extra hug and kiss and remembers your words,
“But I WANT interruptions. I WANT Layla to be under my feet asking for cookies. I WANT to hear her playing with her toys. I WANT to take 45 minutes to unload the dishwasher because she keeps trying to help. For every time I uttered the words “I just can’t get anything done with these kids under my feet all day” I am eternally regretful. The days that I looked forward to naptime so I could get a grocery list made, or finally fold all the piles of laundry…I regret those days too. If I could do it all again, I’d enjoy EVERY SINGLE WAKING MOMENT I had with her. I would never wish for her to sit still or take a nap or go to bed early. I would never look forward to the days when she could sit through an entire episode of Dora silently. I would treasure every second with her.”
We all take that so much for granted!
Ever heard of euthanasia?
I don’t know words that will make any difference here but want to let you know we’re praying for you and your family. This is happening to too many people given the advances we have in medicine today. My son has had at least 3 classmates diagnosed with cancer since he was 5 (he’s sixteen now). It breaks my heart that you and so many others have to go through this heartache.
I will be praying for your girl!!!! I DO BELIEVE in miracles and am seeking one of my own! And trust me, it’ll only be God that can perform the healing for the little girl that I’m asking for healing for.
I put a picture of Layla as my desktop background to remind me should I dare to forget. The girl that I am praying for has a name similar to your girl’s (Mikayla), so she definitely won’t be easy to forget.
May God show His Glory in miraculous ways!
Whenever I find myself complaining about life in general, I will remember Layla’s story. I truly have little to be sore about. I send you my prayers and ask that God give you the strength to endure what is happening now, as well as what is to come. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. May you continue to spend many seconds, minutes, hours, and days with your little angel.
We have been talking about Layla in our 8th grade class here in Texas. Mrs. Linsday Manfull is our teacher. She talks with us about how Layla is doing and telling us anything she knows. Our whole class has been praying and hoping for the best.
Thank you for sharing your sweet little daughter, Layla Grace. She is a precious little girl. May she be pain free. Your story has touched so many people and has made better parents out of all of us that care. Again, thank you! You are faced with the most difficult situation that any one person can be given. God is with you. God has and will continue to give you strength. My prayers are with you and your family.
I just came to your page by accident and then I began my journey through little Layla’s life. I read each of your posts last night. With each beautiful sentence that you and Ryan wrote, I could actually feel your love and compassion. Layla has instantly changed my life through your journal. I do not have children yet but I hope and pray that someday my children can impact the entire world in such magical way like your daughter has. I pray for Layla, but at the same time, I pray for you, Ryan and your other children. I also wanted to wish your other daughter a wonderful birthday. I hope that Layla was able to enjoy today. My heart is with you through this time. I have spent many moments today drifting off to think about your strong and hopeful family. Tonight I am praying for miracles for you. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. My life will forever be changed because of your little blessing.
Miracles DO happen, yes! Not always in the way that we hope for them to, or want them to, but they absolutely DO occur! JUSTBELIEVE.
Layla is in my thoughts and prayers, as is your entire family and support network.
God Bless…
With Love, Hope, Prayers, Comfort, and Peace…
Becky (@Smee81)
Our three girls go to Legacy Learning Center, and we learned about your family from Leah. We have been praying for Layla and your entire family. Layla is a beautiful and very special little girl. God Bless you all.
Many prayers coming your way from Boston MA… God Bless you Layla Grace.
Layla and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Layla’s story has brought tears to my life, and has made me treasure every minute that I have with my daughter.
I pray for peace for your family and will continue to pray for a miracle for you.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Marsh family,
First, thank you so much for sharing Layla’s journey with us! She has been a true blessing and a earthly angel to me. I have beome a better mommy because of her. She has touched so many in her 2 years, brought so many to their knees in prayer, and because of her some are believers again. Second, Happy Birthday Jenna! You are the best big sister Claire and Layla could ask for.
I have shouted to the Lord for your sweetbaby, prayed, cried and feel like I know her and your family! I will keep praying, keep crying and asking the Lord for his comfort for all of you! You are an amazing family, with an amazing amount of faith. thank you! God Bless and much love.
Dear Sweet Jesus, please comfort Layla, Claire, Jenna, Ryan and Shanna. Please Lord give them peace, comfort and your love. Lord, I know you hear our prayers, we love you and know you will never foresake us, in this I pray. Amen
Wow, I just came across your story on FB and while I dont know you or your family- I WILL be praying for peace for you and your amazing daughter. What a wonderful spirit and what an example you have set for Mothers everywhere.
Praying for the peace that only our Heavenly Father can give you all right now. I have been following your blog for about a month now and my heart just breaks for you. I know that God will carry you through this just like He will carry sweet Layla one day.
I am so devastated for you as your daughter makes the transition to be with God. I don’t know how you are able to be so strong – I think about my own kids and would come unglued from my grief at not being able to watch them grow up.
I can see what a special girl your little Layla is – her sparkling eyes and sweet smile. She really looks like she has a great sense of humor from those bathtub pictures.
I know others have mentioned how she has affected their own relationships with their kids, and I’ve been affected, too. I have found that my daughter does a great job of loading the silverware into the dishwasher, and I’m going to try to include her in as much as possible.
My heart just breaks for all of you during this difficult time, especially on Jenna’s birthday.
Your faith is strong, and I know that you are right, that she will be made perfect with God and she will be waiting for you when your time comes. She will be happy to be with you again, and she will be so thankful for the love and strength you provided and are still providing for her.
I pray that God provides you and your family and support group with comfort that surpasses all understanding and that your beautiful, sweet daughter is peaceful and comfortable. You and your family are a blessing to your daughter and to the rest of the world. Blessings on all of you.
God bless you all and continued thoughts and heartfelt prayers for Layla’s comfort and your strength. Loved seeing all the treasured pictures of Layla… and she is a treasure… what a beautiful family you have.
Praying, praying, prayng. Your daughter’s amazing soul has touched so many. Her gifts of this lifetime are like ripples in a pond.
I have to agree with what Tiffani said…..My faith as been lacking lately because of all the sickness that is around my family and friends. Since I heard about Layla Grace, I have also prayed more openly and honestly to God about your courage and strength. My faith has always been the one thing that I could on, now it is more real to me than ever before. I will continue to pray for Layla Grace and your whole family whatever the Lord has in store. It has also made realize to hug my kids and husband more and to realize each day is a wonderful gift from God and we need to be thankful for that. Thank you for sharing your amazing daughter with us. May the Lord comfort you and your family through these next few days and grant you the strength that all of you need. Will continue to pray for the miracle that God knows how to grant. Blessings to you all.
Words can not possibly describe the range of emotions I have felt reading your story. To say I am sorry for what Layla and your family have endured is not enough but my heart truly hurts for you. The only mother instinct I have is from being pregnant for a short time and so I find it so difficult to even comprehend what you are going through. I admire your strength eventhough I can imagine how weak you must feel. Please know that I will concentrate my prayers to Layla and hope she finds peace and comfort. God Bless Layla and Your Family!!
A candle is burning on a beautiful snowy night in the Adirondacks for your sweet, sweet angel. Wishing you all peace and strength through this night.
Praying, praying. praying for sweet Layla and her devoted family! You are constantly on my mind these last days and weeks- God’s peace
I just found your website and I haven’t stopped thinking {and praying!!} for you guys all day long. Know that one more person/family is storming the gates of heaven on your behalf! Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way!
ps…I hope Jenna had a great birthday!!
An Irish Blessing
(A Blessing from St. Patrick)
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Sweet Layla, you have fought so hard, now we will fight cancer for you in whatever we can so that no other precious babies have to endure what you have. Jesus – hold her in your hand and comfort her mommy, daddy and sisters as they share the last few moments with their daughter and sister. Sending you love and prayers from The Woodlands, Texas
Prayers and good thoughts coming your way. Special blessings to the family. Many hearts are with you all and the One whose heart holds us all will never leave Layla for an instant.
Beautiful little girl has brought so many people hope and happiness.
We are continuing to pray for your family. I pray for peace and comfort for Layla. May God hold you all very close during these times. God Bless you all!
In Christ’s Love,
C.O.L.E. Prayer Team
http://www.colesfoundation.com
Praying still. Peace & comfort for sweet Layla Grace.
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
for to You I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I cannot imagine what you must be feeling. May your strength, faith and fondest memories get you through. God bless precious, amazing warrior Layla Grace. She will indeed be a guardian angel!
I will pray for this child that all her cancer is taken away and that all her pain and suffering is also taken, If there is anything at all we could do in Alaska, we would, I will place this on my facebook to get more prayers, Just remember that we are all with you in our prayers and hope you can stay strong for her it must be so hard, you are a very amazing FAMILY>
WITH ALL OF OUR LOVE THE LEES IN ANCHORAGE ALASKA!!!!
My prayers are with your beautiful girl.
I just finished looking at the beautiful pictures of your family. They are pictures to treasure.
God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
All I can say is WOW.You are an amazing woman with amazing children. Your little Layla has been in my prayers since the day I heard of her story. Layla’s story as well as your own has opened my eyes to many things. I have read your blog and it made me want to be a better mom. Layla’s life has inspired so many. You mentioned miracles in your blog – I am a believer too. I am praying for Layla’s miracle.God bless you and your beautiful family. Your determination and stregth is inspiring.
I can’t help but cry for you and layla. It hurts my heart to see her sweet smile knowing she has such a short time with us. I do take comfort in knowing she will be made whole soon one way or another. You are so blessed to have this real life angel among you she is amazing.
I cannot put into words the emotions that I am feeling for Layla and her family. As a mother of a beautiful little girl, my heart aches for the pain you are all enduring. Your faith is a tremendous testimony of love for our heavenly Father and Savior. Your beautiful baby has been a disciple unto Christ.
“I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me, will have eternal life. John 6:47
Isaiah 11:6 …and a little child shall lead them.”
Oh Layla Grace, you precious, beautiful, little girl. You have led us so far on this journey of life in such a short time! I have read the words of your parents and strangers alike and you have changed lives all over including mine. Just breathe baby girl~God is in control.
Your faith is such a testimony and your daughters are simply beautiful. You remind all of us of the gifts and blessings that Christ gives us each day and to never take them for granted. Layla is simply beautiful and I pray for peace that transcends understanding as your family walks through the coming days.
“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
I just found your site and my heart is breaking for your entire family. It is times like these that I don’t understand the “whys”. I question it all the time yet am inspired by your writing.
I am in awe of your strength and Layla Grace! What an absolute miracle she is-such a precious little girl and what a pure blessing! I am praying for your family!!!
Reading through your posts makes me want to sit every single morning and read the same thing so I will remember not to take a minute for granted. I can not tell you how many days I am counting down the minutes to naptime. What a reminder that the next minute is not promised and we need to make the best of every second we have with those we love.
May you feel God’s love and grace in these coming days. May he give you the strength that you need to somehow make it through. I can’t imagine what you are going through and can only say that as a mother myself my love and prayers are with you!
Still checking in on Layla hourly, constantly praying for a release from the pain. I read this and thought of you. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 It is so hard to trust God’s purpose when it hurts so badly…so difficult to trust this is for the better good somehow, somewhere. I just can’t grasp it.
God’s grace is a wonderful thing isn’t it! He has given your family the insight to look at her journey, how very difficult it is, and find the blessings and grace he has given all of you in it. I have peace regarding your family just in knowing that you all are looking through God’s eyes at the situation that he handed you. Maybe not with ALL of the understanding, but with the faith that it is HIS plan.
My testimony: I have prayed at the urging of my mother since I can remember for two things regarding my father….one of them that he has a relationship with God and receives Jesus as his saviour. In February 2005 , my father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I never got mad with God, but leaned on him even more during my father’s 10 month battle with it. I didn’t know how I would have the strength to hold up for my father’s sake. God gave me the strength. There are so many blessings I recognized along the way, knowing it was in HIS plan. The day he slipped into a coma I should say. I got there in ICU while he was still lucid. Within 30 minutes my stepmother and I watched him slowly slip away from us here on earth. His body still worked for almost 36 hours longer but he wasn’t awake during that time. My witness, my stepmother, and I had the last conversation with my father before he slipped off. It went something like this……
Dad began staring off into the corner of the ceiling. I saw his brown eyes clouding over with white. We asked what he was looking at, and after asking twice he said finally “I’m looking at his face.” We laughed incomfortably thinking he was joking with us and said, “Whose face?” He said, “I’m looking at Jesus.” Again thinking it was weird that he would joke with us about this looked at each other and said, “What does it look like, we want to know?” He said, “I can’t see the details but I know it’s him.” He stayed a cold-natured person throughout his life and especially when he got sick. I asked him if he in fact was cold then randomly not knowing what else to say and he said, “No I feel great.” My dad believed there was a God but never went to church except a few times here or there on holidays like Easter sometimes. He grew to have a relationship with God while he was sick. But I KNOW that God put me in that room not only for me to be able to be with him before he slipped away, but because he knew that what I worried about most was if he would go to heaven when he died. We never talked about it, him and I, but God knew what I needed to get through losing him and that would be my small miracle and testimony in my life that I could never deny or question where my dad ended up. I know that it might be hard for others to truly believe how supernatural this moment was for me, but I have peace in knowing that was God putting his hand on my shoulder and telling me, “This moment is for you, so that you never doubt my presence in every situation in your life. I will always be with you and give you strength to get through it. And he did.” Yes there are angels, or even more Jesus is coming to receive Layla Grace when the time comes.” I know it will be a warm, wonderful, welcoming for her. Thank you for sharing your story and I pray for your family, and that you have strength and peace when the time comes to know she is in fact in a better place.
I just learnt about your story… I’m from Argentina (south america).
Miracles do happen, all the time and every day. But God is such a loving Father that He’ll surprise us with miracles we couldn’t even have dreamt of and that, for sure, will be what our hearts need the most at the time they happen. Is it hard to open our eyes and our hearts to them? It is for sure… but once you do, you’ll be overwhelmed by peace and love.
Having an angel in your lives -to have met her and loving her every day- is part of your miracle.
All my love and prayers for you!
Today is the first time that I have heard about Layla Grace. What a beautiful little angel God has blessed you with. The poem says so much, and hopefully your family can take comfort in all the words spoken from a woman’s heart. Your family has touched my heart to no end. From what I have read she is an amazing child, and no doubt you take so much pride in calling her your own. May your memories sustain you and your family, and may your hearts be healed by the wonderful gift that God has given you, the gift of unending love.
Just want you to know we are praying…
I am praying and thinking about your sweet Layla and hoping for a miracle. Ever since I started following I have been amazed by your strength and honesty through these posts. I think about Layla all the time. I will continue to think and pray for your sweet baby girl.
What a special photo shoot too, as I looked at the pictures I imagined how much you will cherish those special photos each and everyday. The pictures are breathtaking, thank you for sharing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrea
GORGEOUS! these pictures will be forever cherished. I am on my knees for a miracle..I have faith that miss layla will not leave us anytime soon
Keep your chins up & your hopes high!!!
I have to say thank you to you and your darling family Layla! I have only been following your story a short time now, but in that time you have managed to do so much for me and my family. We now spend more time together praying and loving one another.
Before bed my 2 oldest children (my son 5 and my daughter 3) kneel beside there beds and pray for Layla and ask god to bring you peace and bring you home no matter where that home may be. We pray and hope your home can be with your mommy for as long as possible but that it is there only without pain and suffering. The best part about all that is my children never prayed before now. My family never prayed before now.
You Layla have given my family the greatest gift anyone has ever given to us. The gift of faith and prayer.
And your family have given us the gift of strength and hope and love. II hope and pray there will be a miracle for little Layla Grace in any form that it may come. And I thank Layla for leading me back to God and all his glory. You Layla are and angel that has been put here to teach us all something. AND YOU DID!!! You taught us all so many things!! Thank you Layla Thank you!!
I will never again say that I wish it were nap time, or that these kids are driving me nuts! I will cherish every moment of chaos and insanity I am given. I will never again say why me when My son has a seizure or I find out that there is a new thing wrong in his amazing little brain! I will never again think a complaint about his condition or ask God what I did wrong. I will thank God everyday of my life from this point on that I was given this little boy to have on earth and for me to care for! I will thank god for believing that I was strong enough to handle this. And that is all Cause of your mommy and daddy Layla!! Your mommy and daddy’s strength have inspired mine and I am eternally grateful for God putting your story in front of me on titter. Cause I asked for a sign of him paying attention of him noticing the things I endure the things I have to go through moments later trough a RT I see your story and am led to your blog! Thank you Layla Grace! Thank you to your family!!
Our thoughts and prayers and blessings go out to everyday from this day through eternity!! I pray for a miracle for Little Layla Grace my family Prays for you and your family Layla!! No matter how the Miracle is reached let us pray that it is reached without pain and sorrow for anyone!
All our Love, The Taggart-Booth Family in Connecticut!!!
I am so humbled by reading through the last few months of your life. Tears streaming down asking myself could I ever face the loss of one of my children with such faith and grace? To focus on the beauty and promise of heaven and eternal peace…..such an encouragement to my heart. Thank you for your transparency while you walk through the valley of the shadow of death…you are fearing no evil for HE IS with you (and Layla). May his rod and staff comfort you. Praying that the Lord allows these final moments/days to be the sweetest. Blessings
Dear family,
Ive just read your site, and i am crying. I dont know your precious and i live far a way. But i just needed to write you. I cannot imagine what your going trough. I hope with al my heart that your familiy can feel the strenght layla and god brings. If could i would give your family al the strenght i have in my body right now to give you strenght to hold on to those few moments you have left with her.
I saw a lot of comment from carring people so imidiatly know what kind of soul layla has to reach so much people while she is fighting her unbelievel battle. Iam impressed by her strenght, by your strenght.
I hope you dont mind that ill leave a little message for your little girl in dutch!
Lief klein meisje je beseft niet hoeveel je je ouders geeft! vind je rust!
Youre all in my prayers
Sabine
omg, I just started reading your story, I have a k not in my throat. I don’t know what to say, I admire you for being such a strong woman, but as a mother of 4, am sadend by what your going thru with your baby, where is the long waited miracle for this preciouse angel, omg im so sorry for what your famiy is going thru my prayers are you with and your family, I will stop naggin with my kids, I will love every silliness and argument the have, and be greatfull to god for them
Your story has touched me so much and the strength you and your family are showing doing this time is inspirational. I have a 5 yr old that was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at 4 months. She has been in remission for 4 yrs now. I have you and your family in my prayers. Keep the faith because miracles do happen!
Your faith is strong and inspiring. I’m praying for Jesus, the Great Physician to perform a miracle healing in your daughter so that your family can have more time together on Earth. Expect miracles. They happen.
Love and peace,
Karen
Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with you all – God Bless you all
Your words, your strength and courage are truly inspirational. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey with all of us. My faith had been sorely tested lately. Your grace and the purity of your beautiful daughter have put me back on the right path. Her journey may be short, but her purpose is pure. My love and prayers are with you, your entire family and, most faithfully, with Layla Grace. My God bless you all and keep you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…
Just beautiful – your precious baby, your sweet family and the poem. I am praying for your family and sweet little one.
You’re darn right miracles happen! You are an amazingly strong woman that has inspired many people. Just look at all these comments! Stay strong and know that many people, myself included, are thinking about you.
My life is already so much better because of Layla Grace. I think about her all the time. Thank you for continuing to share her story, your story, your family’s story. I am still holding out for that miracle! My faith will not be shaken and I will not give up living a better life no matter the Earthly outcome. She has already helped to work miracles!
Remember that Isaac lay bound to an alter, Abraham with a knife in his hand, before God intervened. Do not lose hope. I continue to pray for her body to heal.
Hello from Vancouver – where the Olympics are right now! I heard about you & Layla on Ryan Seacrest earlier today and I have to say your story is remarkable. Sadly cancer is fair game to everyone – people can take their health and life for granted. It’s sad that it had to strike someone who is so young and has a bright future ahead of her. Lots of love, support and prayers to Layla and her family. I hope her story will help people to realize that all our days are numbered and we should try to live in the moment starting right now. God bless her, you and the rest of your family and just remember to stay strong and that a lot of people – including me – are keeping you in your prayers and thinking about you.
Wow, Don’t doubt have a ? on miracles now they do happen. Miracles are happening right now as you have shared the story of your Baby girl Layla Grace. I can’t imagine what thoughts that the devil has put into your mind these several months but you ask God if there’s ever a unbelief ask him to help you believe in the unbelieving Mark 9: 24. This scripture keeps coming to mind and heart James 5:14. Now that we all have prayed and not saying this to cease in prayer but lets start telling that Demon to be gone and quit claiming it and recieve GODS will which is the declaring healing now here on earth so she can bless even more people with her testimony speak what you want not what she has. I believe that God has all ready healed her recieve his promise. Command in the authority of Christ that this sickness departs. Mark 11:23. I will keep rebuking the devil and thanking God for this miracle. When we get up in the morning make that Devil dread seeing our feet hitting the floor. Be Bold and Confident in Lord Jesus our God and Savior Hallelujah!!!! I’M SORRY IF I OFFENDED ANYONE BUT THE DEVIL IS A LIAR.
Your family is in my prayers. May God send his loving grace to all of you, and all those who suffer with this terrible disease.
Please know that all of Zak’s Angels & I have been keeping our sweet Layla & you all in our prayers & will continue – you’re kept very close in our thoughts throughout these days & nights. Our love to you all… you are in our hearts! HUG! <3
cp: ZaksAngels
@Care_Aware
My heart is breaking for your family. Layla’s story has touched so many and we open our hearts and we lift her and your family up in prayer.
Dear Lord, we ask that you, The Great Physician, heal little Layla and rid the cancer from her sweet little body. We ask that your blessings overshadow Layla and each and every one of Layla’s friends and family. We ask that you embrace them with your loving arms and bring them comfort during this difficult time. We remember your word in Jeremiah 30:17 “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the LORD.” We ask for your peace and your mercy and that your love surrounds Layla and her family so they may remember the promises you have for them. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
I was recently introduced to sweet Layla’s blog yesterday by members on TheNest.com. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you and your strong family in the time to come after your beautiful angel Layla is welcomed into Heaven by God and the other angels. I know there is a special place for her. God Bless you all and wrap you in his arms to get you through this terribly difficult time. Peace to you all and sweet Layla. You have touched the hearts of many.
I just discovered Layla and her story about three days ago, and I have to keep checking in here to see if there’s been any changes. She has touched my heart so much! I love her! She’s so beautiful and as a Christian I don’t know what her job here is exactly, but I know that she’s doing some good for families with other sick children and for parents like myself that just want to hold our kids a little tighter after reading Layla’s story. She has made us all a little bit more aware of what is important. What an awesome job that a tiny baby girl has done! She is amazing! I keep praying for a miracle or at least peace for her. If the miracle doesn’t come, please keep telling yourself that what she’s done was truly awesome! I know that I’ll be thinking about her either way for a long time. Thank you for sharing her story! Sweet Layla, I’m sending you lots of hugs! ((((((Layla))))))
I have not stopped thinking about your baby girl since a friend of mine introduced me to your blog. My eyes fill with tears everytime I think of the pain Layla and your family is going through. I pray for a miracle or for at least peace.
GOD is MIGHTY !!!! We serve a HUGE GOD~ Lord I pray for Baby Layla that you use every doctor that touches her in your favor! I pray that every thing in her body that is not of you be removed and that YOU BE GLORIFIED!!! Lord, give every doctor the wisdom knowledge and understanding needed to bring forth your works of healing! I have seen you work MIRACLES where everyone around was in awe, I thank you Lord in advance for Layla to be healed from this cancer that’s taking over her beautiful body! I thank you Lord that you give her parents peace and they are able to enjoy her beauty more n more every day! In Jesus name, Amen! lots of hugs to Layla n to you as parents n family !
I feel very strongly for you. Ten days before my first child was born we lost her little cousin. She got that terrible decease when she was 4 and stopped breathing two months after her 6th birthday. She died, and yet is not dead because whe think of her every day. My children know her as their angel cousin Johanna, and my 5yearold says that “Johanna is my best friend in heaven”. We miss her like crazy, and I can´t believe that it´s been 5 years. The pain doesn´t go away but it somehow eventually becomes part of your life without completely tearing you to pieces. I know that your wonderful child will be welcomed in heaven by my wonderful niece.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lala and your family, I went threw this fight with the lords help as well when my son was 6 yrs old, thank god he healed him and I pray he will heal your little Lala as well! May you all find peace and comfort in our heavenly father! Miracles do happen!
Praying for your family and sweet Layla. Today was the first time I have read your story…it is heart touching! She has touched my heart, what a sweet precious child! I have seven children and all have been healthy and when I read your story my heart went out to you. The more I read the more I realized the amazing strength of your family and that precious little girl. Your faith and strength has been so uplifting and such an example! May God grant you peace and grace for what lies ahead! Praying for you all!
Love In Christ,
The Holt Family
I wish and pray for so much more that I could do. I have been praying all day. I know the Lord is hurting for His child, and no more wants this than you. We do not all understand God’s purpose and plan, and will not until the day we meet Him, but I trust in Him and pray for your comfort and understanding during this time. This, Layla’s journey, is having me search harder into my own relationship with the Lord. She is doing miracles, praise God!
I am constantly learning, researching, studying into God’s word. Through this I have come to some understanding of sickness as not being of God’s will, but is an affliction/oppression from the Devil. He does have dominion here on earth, but we have authority over him. I beg you to please lay your hands on Layla, and take authority over your child (which you have, as her parents) and remove these demons from her in the name of Jesus. Jesus said you can have anything in His will and in His name that is within the will and Glory of God. You must demand release of Layla from these evil beings and demand her health back. You already have the Faith in Christ, and you KNOW this can be done. This IS His will.
I am praying for you, your family, and sweet Layla unceasingly since learning of you all. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, that we may be there for you, and that Layla may be a testament of God.
I cannot wait to see my 3 year old Sara Beth in the new tie dye beanie I bought for her today. Each time she wears it, will be in honor of Layla, and will remind me of how blessed we all are. Thank you.
With love through Christ!
Andrea
I just found your blog and have been in tears reading your posts..
I read in your about page how suddenly this happened and at what age. Had she received any vaccinations at that time..? Do you think they could be linked..? I ask because they are linked to MANY things and if this is the case then maybe chelation (for heavy metals, namely mercury) could help.
bj_osterhout@yahoo.com
Not sure when you will be reading these messages, but it is so powerful to watch all the love and support your little angel has drawn from far and near. I have never met you and will never get the honor, however, you are at the top of my prayer list every night since I have heard of you and your family. Already, I have learned so much in terms of being graceful, loving my family, and having divine faith in God; all of those things are much stronger and mean so much more, Layla Grace has done that – what an angel. As parents, I hope that you will be able to have some peace at some day and time, your other daughters are beautiful and their loss is also unfathomable to me. Again, you are in my prayers and will continue to be so. Love and prayers for miracles, peace and strength,
Cass
Continuing to pray for a miracle for sweet Layla Grace the angel on earth.
Praying in Iowa,…. for miracles for Layla and her family.
layla grace has touched so many people’s lives and has made this world a brighter place.i will continue praying for her and i will keep her in my prayers
God heard your prayers…
Contact me if you’d like.
I just came across your blog and Layla’s story is truly unremarkable. Your family is very special. My prayers go out to your whole family and Layla. She truly is God sent. Keep strong and continue the faith. With God’s devine everything is possible. Much love.
Jessica
Still checking in and still praying for a miracle! I was so upset last night hearing about the pain this tiny baby was going through. I would have gladly taken some of it for her even though we’ve never met. Take care sweetie-pie! There are angels watching over you. To Layla’s Mommy and Daddy, I’m so sorry you’re going through this too. Take care and know that lots of people care out here in a world that can sometimes be so cruel. Lean on your family and friends and God for the help that you need.
Praying for a miracle for Layla. Reading your blog makes me remember reading my friend’s journal about her son’s final days-www.caringbridge.com,michael sparkman. Please take comfort in that you are not alone, and there are plenty of people available to help you heal as well mom.Cancer is such a horrendous thing and devastating when it involves a child. You are in our prayers
I just now came across Layla’s story. My heart just fell apart. Her poem needs to be published to share for all of us – those who have been down this road, and those of us who sometimes stay in denial and take life for granted. Know that my prayers are with you and your family and with you I will so much pray for a miricle. Hold God’s hand, even when you don’t understand. Just as we did with our parents when we were scared and unsure. Stay close with your family and friends, and draw as much strength as you need from all of us and most of all our God.
Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried at Boston College is studying the effect of dietary caloric restriction (DR) and the low carbohydrate, high fat, ketogenic diet on brain tumor growth, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.
Johns Hopkins Hospital has a ketogenic diet that has been used for years in children with epilepsy.
The idea behind it is tumor cells rely more on glucose and cannot use ketones as easily as normal cells so the diet should weaken the tumor cells.
It is something to try along with the current treatments.
All of thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
i was so touched when i read your story layla is a strong little girl.i have been following&checking in every couple hours to see how she is doing my whole family is praying for her day&night may god bless all of you&heal her. the williamson family in illinois
I came across your daughters story through a friend and her son’s fight with childhood cancer. Her story and courage at such a young age has touched me in so many ways. This just shatters my heart to just imagine what you must be going through. To answer your question, YES miracles do happen.. although we can’t control in what ways they are sent to us they do happen.
Ever since I came across this story I pray every night to Saint Padre Pio.. I’m not sure if you know of his miracles but has performed many.. I have great faith that He will see to it that your little one is cured in ways that we may not even know..
I will continue to pray every night
..
Miracles happen all the time at Lighthouse Bible Church in Bryan, TX. We have seen God heal many, many people of cancer, even in very advanced stages. Church starts at 10:30, and if you bring Layla, we will pray for her. We believe in God’s healing power and we believe that it is NOT God’s will for little children to die. If you cannot come to church, but you email me your address, we will mail you a prayer cloth. There are several instances in the Bible where God’s healing power was transmitted via cloth (one well-known example is when the woman in the crowd was healed by touching Jesus’ garment), so what we do is lay hands on the cloth and pray, then mail you the cloth. We have seen God heal cancer all over the nation through these cloths.
I am praying for Layla.
Your daughter is amazing. Your faith is inspirational.
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
To Layla’s mother:
Please lay your hands on Layla’s chest and say this prayer for me:
Dear Lord,
Please give my sweet daughter the strength to fight what has taken her over. Touch her with the gift of more life on this earth with the family that loves her. Give her supernatural fortitude to combat these tumors. Flush them out like the nothings that they are and make her whole. Give her happiness and health once more. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I continue to pray. Please. I know it sounds crazy. Believe it can happen.
Sincerely,
Barbara
Layla Grace has stolen and broken my heart. I will keep her in my prayers, Iam praying so hard for that miracle xxx.
I’m so sorry for your struggle and your impending loss. May God’s comfort embrace you through your sorrow.
Your story has touched my heart so deeply….I am praying for your daughter and your family…This has made me realize so much about the things that I take for granted with my own children and that some circumstances I go through and fret about so much are really just meaningless…My thoughts and prayers go out to you and I pray that through it all that God gives you peace!!!!
I’m new to your blog, to your story, to Layla. And I’m praying over your sweet child. Have you heard of Andrew Wommack? He has radically changed the way I pray and he’s seen great miracles. http://www.awmi.net/
I wish I could do more for you… I’ll keep praying.
Nell
Im so sorry that you and your family are going through this difficult and sad time. I found this site through my sister in law and this has really made me realize alot. I just recently had a little girl shes 4 months and couldnt even imagine the pain. I hope and pray that layla feels better and will be praying for you and your family. <3
I am so sorry… your sweet baby is in my prayers. May God guide you and her through this journey.
I know that I do not know you or your family, but please know that I am praying for you. I am so sorry for all that you are going through. My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was 16 and passed away when I was 22. It is so very hard to see someone you love suffer. Please know that I will continue to lift you and your sweet Layla Grace up to our Heavenly Lord. You have touched my heart.
You can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength. Phillipians 4:13.
Your story, Layla’s story… has humbled me beyond words. I have 2 children, ages 3 and 22months…. I can’t imagine watching them hurt so totally and having 1/2 the strength that you all seem to possess. You have turned a person who didn’t/doesn’t pray anymore to get down on her knee’s and pray. I pray for Layla to be blessed with a Miracle, I pray for her suffering to end, I pray for you and your family’s suffering to end and I pray that you know, however small comfort this may be, that sweet Layla Grace and your entire family have touched more hearts in short time she has been with you than any of us can hope to!
Know u all are loved from around the world and home again!
My heart pours out to this family for i have a 2 yr old as well and dont knpw what i would do i pray for layla and her loving family for i know she is God’s child and just like her mom i know she will oneday see streets of gold and feel no pain but also ask myself why why does this family have to hurt this way but God has a plan for this lil angel and she and her story has touched my heart i send this with lots of love to layla for i wish i could just rap my arms around her small body and tell her she is so strong and to her mom you have more strength then you know God is with you as well to help you carry this and also everyone is here for u all though prayer with God all thigs are possible!!!!!
Leah B- Beaumont Texas
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.” Rom 8:28
We as Christians know it isn’t about OUR way and God’s way can be different then ours, it’s beautiful to see how many other Christians this child has touched in such a short span of time, May God continue to Bless you and you’re family, as he has clearly been giving you strength and endurance throughout this rough time.
God Bless you
We are praying for your family. I pray for her healing, your strength and comfort through this trial. We may not understand the trials we go through until we reach heaven ourselves, but I know that God is control of EVERYTHING. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you and use your precious child to bring someone into his kingdom. I have a 2 and a half year old who was a miracle as well….I will tell others of your story and ask them to pray for you as well. In Christ’s love, Tonya and family
Praying for sweet Layla and your entire family. Praying for peace and healing and you strength through it all. I just found your blog, wish I would have known about it earlier so I could have been praying all along, but I will start now!!
I am 501 to leave a comment on your blog, atleast 500 and more lives hearts have been touched, inspired by your daughters courage and bravery, I’m having a hard time to find the words to write in this comment , what do you say to someone in this situation? My own son spent three months in the nicu, during that time my heart was on the outside of my chest, a person shared some advice and it helped me cope “God only sends his toughest trials to his strongest souls” Laya is one of his strong souls, there is not a person on this earth that could comprehend why this has taken place in her life, your last blog touched me deeply it made me cry, i wept right along with you a complete stranger…. her life her trials have not been in vain she has touched many lives.. I pray that she finds rest on the wings of an angel, my prayers are with you and your famly
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Layla is in mine and my families prayers every minute of everyday. Her pictures are of a beautiful little girl. She has touched the heart of everyone here in West Virginia and across the country. I pray constantly for a miracle that she will not have to keep suffering with this dreaded disease. God is wonderful and merciful and I truly believe that He has His loving hand on this angel right now. We also pray for rest and peace for your family. Prayer will never seize for little Kayla’s healing and for her pain to end.
We have been following Layla’s story for about 2 weeks now and have fallen in love with her. We (me and my 4 and 6 year old) have been diligently and passionately praying for Layla and family. I truly believe and am praying that God will turn this around so that Layla will be a living testament to so many of God’s power and love. Already she has touched so many. God Bless you!! *hugs* Kimberly
I just found out about Layla Grace today an I’m joining in praying for healing and mercy. I’m thinking of you and your family.
Love and Prayers,
Rae
Please call me:
303-547-4472
WOW I just received this link from my counsin who emailed it to me from Texas.. My heart goes out to you and your entire family.. Your children are simply beautiful, and I pray for strength for you and your family. This blog has really touched my heart.. I will be praying for you guys in this difficult time.
My heart aches for the five of you. Every waking hour for me is consumed by what you are going through. It is amazing how people I have never met have consumed my waking hours as well as in my dreams. You have a beautiful family and your faith is astounding given what you are currently going through. Many prayers are said for Layla, you; her parents and many going for Claire and Jenna that they may get through this unscathed and eventually learn to smile at the good times that they had with their sister. I find it amazing also at the fight that Layla is giving.
God Bless you all.
Marsh family,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You have 3 beautiful girls. I pray for little Layla everyday and for the rest of your family as well, that they will find peace and comfort through this rough time. She has touched the lives of so many<3.
My husband and I have been praying for your whole family. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. I cry everytime I read your blog. I have sent a prayer request to a few churches for your family. Your family is so beautiful. We will continue to pray…..
I have praying for you everyday, everytime. I cry everytime a see face of Layla and beautiful family. Layla is an angel God sent her to change soo many things in the world …………. love is one!
I am from Brasil and many people in my country are praying too.
God bless !
Lilian
i cant even begin to imagine you strong you must be thru all of this – hang in there God sees your trials — he will help – i dont know when or how or in what way but he will hugs –
It just seems so unfair!!!!! Even with my strong faith I find it hard to make sense of it. I can only imagine that God had a plan for your family and Layla. You’re strenght, even in this time of terrible grief, is uplifting. You were chosen to be Layla’s parents. Even though her time on earth may be short she will live forever in Heaven. And eventually, you will meet with her again. Layla’s story has touched my life in ways she will never know. I will continue to pray for peace and strength for Layla, her parents and her sisters. My brother lives in Heaven and our family knows he is our special Angel. I have prayed to him and asked him to help your family and to watch out for your precious Layla. I will continue to pray. Please know that your Layla is touching the lives of people she has not even met. Thank you for sharing your story.
Just heard about Layla on my facebook. Reading about her brings tears to my eyes and hurts my heart. You all have alot of prayers and thoughts for your little one. Remember Layla is God’s little Angel and that HE only gives speical Angels to very special families. God is watching over Layla and her family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
I am still praying for you and your family everyday, Especially for your dear sweet baby girl Layla Grace, I read your last post in tears, and as well as the others, I belong to your fan page on facebook as well and keep updated I can’t imagine what you are going through , I added Layla to our prayer list at our church, Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
As a mother of three I sit and read your families story, tears rolling down my cheeks. To imagine putting myself in your shoes is one thing, but to walk your journey is another. It is amazging how far faith can get us through trying times such as yours. I pray that in you and your husbands times of being alone that God wraps his arms around ya’ll and gives the hug the both of you so deserve. My prayer for Layla is that when she rests her head on that soft warm pillow that God peace fills her little heart. As for her sisters my prayer is for peace and understanding to flow right through them as they both walk through this journey along side their baby sister. My prayer are with your WHOLE family. Peace Strength Comfort Healing of hearts Healing and An Understanding that goes beyone our own. Love each one of you!
Maam and Sir,
I am so amazed by your strength and grace in the face of serious adversity. I am a complete stranger and have been reduced to tears over the sweet littel layla. I am 41 and I live in ky, but, I am a father and grandfather. One of my grandchildren is the same age as Layla, I could not even imagine. IF there is anything aside from the obvious, please do not hesitate to ask, heres my no 16063543028 or 16065161166 please I mean anything. God speed.
Layla & family,
I know you don’t know me but my 21 month old daughter, Kenzie, was diagnosed with cancer 4 months ago. We were diagnosed in FL but moved back to MO to be closer to family. I was asked to pray for your sweet Layla by Sammy Giltner’s family. You all are in my prayers constantly. I don’t understand why this is happening. I hurt all the time inside as i’m sure you all do. I have 2 other girls as well that i hardly ever see. Be strong for that precious baby and never give up. Reading your posts bring me to tears. I just don’t understand. I want a miracle so badly for your family. People tell me i am so strong for what i am going through. Well, honestly………….i feel like i have been kicked in the stomach 100 times eveyday when i wake up. This is the hardest thing i have ever dealt with. I don’t even know what to say other than i love your family and i don’t even know you all. Please know you are in my prayers. Give that sweet baby layla a kiss from me and my Kenzer. I wish she could open her eyes and look at my Kenzer’s picture because they look so much alike. My Kenzer is a very concerned little girl and when she saw the picture of Layla she said baby sick (not knowing she looks just like her with a precious little bald head) If my Kenzer were there she would sit next to Layla and pray with her and hold her……..that’s just the heart Kenzie has. PLEASE STAY STONG FOR LAYLA IF NOT FOR ANYTHING ELSE!!!!
My heart goes out to you and your family. Precious Layla….what a little soldier she is! Children have strength that we as adults will never comprehend. Your courage and love as a family, as well as continued prayer, deep faith and God’s presence & grace, will bring you peace through difficult days that lie ahead. God will translate your helplessness into the strength you need. I continue to pray for your little Layla, and your family. I pray you feel the love and thoughts from many…some in your shoes and others not, but we all continue to lift your sweet family up.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
– Psalm 31:24
We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
– Hebrews 6:18-19
I see Layla has touch everyone’s heart so deeply, including my own. I know that God is a healer and that you are standing for a miracle for your baby girl…She is so gorgeous and I just want to encourage you not to forget God’s benefits who heals all our diseases and redeems our lives from destruction and he crowns us with His loving kindness and tender mercy. I have a relative who grew up with sickle cell and has had numerous crisis and according to the doctors he should have been dead many years ago. He is still living today at 31 years of age with his own child. I believe in standing until the end. I will stand with your family for a miracle because God has performed many. (He will give strength to the weary. Be strengthened with the power of His Might as you walk out this process )
God bless her. I also have a baby her age, and couldn’t even imagine going through this. I know being strong is not easy. Your only human. Your family truly is amazing though. Little Layla, you can let go now, you no longer have to show us how strong you are. 50,000 people know that. Close your eyes angel and rest in peace. You will never ever ever be forgotten. Not in our family.
i think that is so sad a 2 year girl has to go through this. Its even sadder that her sisters are going through her suffering too. It must be hard for her mom and dad leaving 2 kids for 1 daughter who is not so independent.
I continue to pray for peace and comfort for your angel Layla………
I am praying for Layla, her parents and her sisters. God bless you all and especially that little angel. Lord please take little Layla into your arms quickly and lovingly.
i pray that God wrap his arms around Layla with full peace.
I am praying for you all! I am praying for you all. You are an inspiratioin to so many.
Sweet Layla. I pray for you to go be with the heavenly father in peace.Your parents and sisters will see you again one day. Don’t be scared or worried-Just remember you have done everything god sent you here to do.You have made my relationship better with god and my relationship has grown so much stronger with my own kids. I think of you as my own and have prayed so hard for a miracle and everyone will see that miracle come true just in a different way. Love and prayers coming your way…..
I am praying for God to show himself in all the earthly ways he can during this unimaginable experience your family are going through. Layla will be okay, God has promised us that. I see angels all around Layla Grace. Peace to you both tonight as you hold your Layla.
Your family is so strong. I have a two year old daughter and could not even imagine what you are going through. You are in my heart and prayers and know that God will take care of that Angel amongst man.
Our daughter Grace is 15 months and the light of our lives. After reading your story, it is easy to see that you feel the same about your Layla Grace. She is such a beautiful baby and it is hard to imagine the anguish that you all have to bear. I know we do not know you personally, but from parents to parents we are praying for your strength and peace.
You have an angel in your arms, love her, and your other daughters. Your family bond will help you through this unimaginable time. You and all your girls are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Messer’s
Meredith, Gary and Grace
I am praying for the peace and comfort of your family. You are so strong for your little girl, I am amazed by all of you. What great parents Layla was blessed with while on this earth… She will make such a beautiful angel in God Garden. She has done so much for everyone in her 2 years here. I can say for myself that she has brought me closer to my family. Thank God for Layla… We are praying hard tonight like every other night.
Layla is a true inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your strength!
IM A 25 YEAR OLD GIRL STUGGLING WITH A KIDNEY DISEASES AND GO TO TREATMENT FOR IT 2 TIMES A WEEK AND I WAS DEPRESSED THINKING IT WAS HELL WHAT I WAS GOING THROW BUT SINCE I FOUND LAYLA’S STORY ON TWITTER I REALZIED THAT WHAT IM GOING THREW WAS NOTHING COMPARING TO ALL THAT LAYLA HAS BEEN THREW I THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STRUGGLE WITH US I SEEING LIFE THROW A WHOLE NEW LIGHT BECAUSE OF YOU WORDS AND STRAIGHT I PRAY FOR YOUR BABY GIRL EVERYNIGHT FOR HER COMFORT THANK YOU
Layla and Family;
I sit here in the early morning hours thinking of you, your family and relate back to Harley and his last days here on earth. We prayed for a devine miricle to bring his health back so he would flurish here on earth; as I have prayed for you. I send you all my love and prayers; asking God to bring all of you comfort, strength and peace at this time; if the miracle we are asking for is not granted. We will only know the answers when we make our trip to heaven. On earth we walk in blind faith that God has a master plan for us all, if we follow his ways. Sometimes it makes us angry, happy or indifferent but in time the pain will lesson, love will abound we will all be granted peace and grace.
Know that in my mind I am holding you and speaking to you when I say you are a beautiful little girl, wonderful daughter and sister. You have done a good job here and you are loved and admired by many. You have touched more lives than most will ever do. You have brought childhood cancer to the forefront across the country and I know people will continue to support this issue. Your accomplishments are large in the few years you have been here.
I am sure Harley awaits you at the gates of heaven, if that is God’s will.
Much Love Nana Ruppert
If you knew the gift of God
and what Heaven is.
If you could hear the angels singing
and see me among them…
If, only for an instant, you could contemplate,
just like me,
the Beauty before which all beauties turn pale.
Trust me.
When the day, which god has stated and knows, arrives
and your soul, which has been preceded by mine,
enters this Heaven,
That day you will see me again,
you will feel that I still love you,
that I have always loved you
and you will find my heart
with all its love purified.
You will see me in transfiguration,
in an ecstasy of happiness.
No longer waiting for death,
but walking with you
and holding your hand along new paths of light and life.
So, wipe your tears away
and don´t cry, if you love me…
My best friend sent it to me few days after her 6 years old daughter went to heaven from an aneurism. When I read it I can feel God telling me how awesome heaven must be…
Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hope for a song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know theres much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could whoa yes
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe
[Mmmmmmmmmyeah]
Mmmyeah
In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now Im standing here
My hearts so full, I cant explain
Seeking faith and speakin words
I never thought Id say
There can be miracles
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill (Mmm)
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe
[Hey]
[Ooh]
They don’t always happen when you ask
And its easy to give in to your fears
But when you’re blinded by your pain
Can’t see the way, get through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says hope is very near, oh [Oh]
There can be miracles (Miracles)
When you believe (Boy, when you believe, yeah) [Though hope is frail]
Though hope is frail [Its hard]
Its hard to kill (Hard to kill, oh, yeah)
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve, oh)
When you believe somehow you will (Somehow, somehow, somehow)
Somehow you will (I know, I know, know)
You will when you believe [When you]
(Ohoh)
[You will when you]
(You will when you believe)
[Oohoohooh]
[Oh...oh]
[When you believe]
[When you believe]
When you Believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
I Believe and my family is praying for yours
good bless the family and layla …all my preyers to layla may god carried u threw this timeand keep you safe,,,alll my love …love shonty
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time—I can never imagine what you are going through—-Layla is such a little angel—-Be strong and know if the time comes God will take care of this special little angel.
I sat outside today in this beautiful weather and imagined your sweet Layla playing in heaven. Her story along with your entire family has helped me seek, once again, a faith in our Lord that can’t be seen. I know nothing can take away the pain brought on by this loss. Please know that prayers and thoughts are being sent your way today and in the difficult days to come. Not only has Layla rested in peace, but hopefully mommy and daddy can rest now as well knowing their baby is no longer in pain.
I have been following you on twitter for a couple of weeks now. I have been praying with you, smiling with you, crying with you. I am so sad Layla had to leave you so soon. This morning was a beautiful sunny morning in the Bay Area. Maybe a sign that she is indeed playing with the angels now. May she rest in peace, I hope she is in a better place now.
Much love and strength to the whole family. Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness around neuroblastoma.
Laure
rest in peace sweet girl. you can now watch over your whole family as they have watched over you. although i did not know you personally, you will never be forgotten.
Dear family. I know that word cannot bring you any comfort, but I just want to express my deepest condolences. Though i know it is nothing compared to yours, my heart broke today when I read of Layla Graces passing. I will not try to write empty words, I will leave you with this poem, and continue to keep this family in my prayers.
Mother’s Song
I’ve lost my baby daughter,
Though not misplaced.
I feel she’s somewhere
Bound by neither time nor space.
Perhaps she sits before the Throne
With radiant face.
She could be dancing happily
Like little girls do
With golden taps beneath
Each precious little shoe.
I know she must love music,
So I’m sure it’s true.
I’m grateful that in Heaven
She is healthy and strong
And that she’s lulled to sleep each night
By Heaven’s song,
But I wish I could hold her;
Is that terribly wrong?
I sang so often to her
While she was with me
And I will go on listening
For her harmony.
How sweet to know
I’ll hear it In eternity.
So very very sorry-wish I could somehow help you but Layla is so happy right now sitting on God’s lap or running on the streets of gold trying to find her mansion. I know it will never be better but it will be easier to tolerate one day. Safe to say that you’ve had people all across the entire country(maybe world-I saw Argentina) praying for your adorable baby and family. There was such a celebration in heaven this morning for this new member joining the flock gathered at His throne. Once again, I am sorry for the loss of your baby and wish I could help you deal with this. My prayers will be for you both and her sweet sisters as you begin your new normal which will never seem normal. You know she would want you to have fun and be happy and smile and play and love each other and God as deeply as possible. Love and prayers, Marianne in Nashville
Dearest Marsh Family~ Words are never enough when it comes to the loss of a precious child. My heart is heavy with sadness for the loss of precious Layla, as I know your entire family is breaking and trying hard not to. This impacted me so much in the few short days I knew about it. May God keep his loving arms around each and every one of you during this difficult time. I work at the Chili’s Mason Road where the benefit will be on Monday and I am just honored to be participating in such a great event for your precious baby. All of my love and prayers always,
This entire story has touched me deeper than I can say. For the past two years, my daughter has lived your story. We got our miracle and our Lila Jane is alive and cancer free after 3 brain surgeries, 8 months of chemo, a stem cell transplant and isolation. I know your heart breaks as you said goodbye to this angel. But, I know from reading all about your family that you know that she is at peace in the arms of Christ, Heavenly Father and the angels. You will see her again one day. Of this I know. This was the promise that kept us going throughout our Lila’s ordeal with this ugly disease. I only hope that your strength will touch those who are going through the same thing in children’s hospitals all over the world. May God bless you and your beautiful family during your grieving.
My family will keep yours in our prayers this night. God Bless you all for keeping your faith, I hope it strengthens you all in the days to come. I hope you feel the love that strangers from miles and miles away are sending to you. I will pray for your beautiful baby LaylaGrace, that she is now in the arms of her Heavenly Father, where she will wait to be reunited with you someday. God Bless You, Megan Jeffery and family in Minerva, Ohio
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5
Praying the Holy Spirit will comfort you in the days ahead. Celebrating with the angels that precious Layla is resting in her Father’s arms tonight. God bless you.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. It broke my heart to hear of Laylas passing. I prayed for her everyday since I first read her story and I will continue to pray for your family. Heaven will be a better place with her in it.
Rest In Peace, Layla Grace.
Please accept the heartfelt condolences of myself and family. We have followed your journey with hope and love. It may not seem like much to have stangers reaching out to you at this time, but in months and years from now you will look back and be so glad you shared your experience with so many. God bless your family and God bless Layla. Remember:
she flew to heaven on the wings of angels
passed the clouds and stars passed where no one sees
and she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting saying
Don’t Worry Bout me.—Alan Jackson Sissy’s Song
Dear Evie,
your loss is unobtainable knowledge. I hope you are cuddled often. Please never feel the cold and always remember how thankful others are of your presence.
Love Cosmo in Hong Kong
From my family to yours: We are praying for ya’ll…I am a mother of a 4yr old little girl, and a 21month old little boy. I couldn’t even imagine going through something like this. The story touched my heart deeply. She’s a strong sweet girl, and I have faith!! May God be with you & your family through these hard times.
Always always know that precious Layla is not suffering anymore she is in such a better place—God will take her by the hand and take care of her —she is now one of his special little angels—-My prayers are with you and your family and know I am so sorry for your loss
Dear Marsh Family,
I first heard about your touching story on Face Book and have been following up ever since. I can not even begin to imagine what your family is going through, but please know that this is now a time of happiness and Layla is pain-free and will look over your family until it is time to meet again! I have never met any of you and probably never will, but it hit me so close to home as I have a daughter who is 1 day older than Layla. Layla’s plan from God was to come here and give your family 2 precious years of love and then go back to be with God and become a beautiful angel! Her story has also brought many people closer to God and taught them to cherish every moment with your loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very hard time.
I’ve been crying with you for two days now. And so are many people. Your little angel has brought out the deepest emotions in thousands of people. The kind of empathy you don’t know you have, the kind of love you didn’t think you can have for a person you never knew or met. Little Layla will live forever in the hearts of many many people.
i alomost feel horrible i just heard of this wonderful little girl and what a strong family you have. i immediatley started to read what a stron family and my prayers are with you at this bitter sweet time. i could not imagine me going through that with my kids oh how i cherish every day with them. I wish you all well and my deepest sorry for your little big loss.
My sympathy is with your family. Layla has touched so many hearts and is a beautiful little girl. I have learned so much from her! She has definately made me a better person. She is the best angel that you all could have. She is going to be with you every day! I admire the strength you all have and all that you are doing to raise awareness of Neuroblastoma.
Take care and stay strong!
From Kansas,
Nancy
Please accept my sincere condolences too. Since I have read about Layla she has touched my heart. She is in heaven now and does not have to suffer anymore: That is my only comfort. My prayers are with you and your family.
As a mother of two children I can imagine how hard it is to lose a child.
I admire all your strength.
From Germany
Claudia
My friend had a message about Layla up on her facebook page. My friend’s Renee and Karl Allingham lost their son Kole at the age of 2 a year ago to the same form of cancer. He was their only child and it was so horrible and unfair. We will remember your family in our prayers and are so sorry to hear off your loss.
I have never prayed so hard for a miracle in my life. Layla touched my life like no one has before. I have thought so much about this, wondering and wondering why God couldn’t just heal her and give us all the miracle we wanted to see. I think the answer is that He did give us the miracle: he healed her yesterday. Now she is perfect. He made her cancer progress so she would die and be taken into his loving arms and be perfect. There has been an increase in love in my home because of little Layla and your family. Thank you for letting us in and allowing us to share the journey with you. I’m so glad you, like me, have faith in the Lord and that you can take comfort and have joy in the fact that Layla is an angel now. God bless you.
i have read your story and i just want to cry to i have a two yr oldson that was born 11/21/2007 and 9 month old daughter born 06/06/09 i could not imagine what my life would be like with out them i pray for your comfort in this diffcult time. now that the time has came you know that God has Layla and she is in not in pain anymore. god bless and i will keep your family in my thoughts
AM SO SORRY!!! MY PRAYERS R W U IN YOUR FAMILY!!!!
Miracles happen to be unexpected. You never wish for it but you’ll surprised that it comes. Miracle happens anytime and anywhere. As we live in our days it seems to be a miracle too.