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Hello, My name is Tammy Lightell. I have been involved with Angels' Place for six glorious years. I use the term glorious because with their assistance through the inspiration of God, we are all still alive, my children and myself. Daniel, my oldest, still has the brain tumor & it is still growing. His neuro-surgeon has stated that now that Daniel is 18, it is his decision as to when the tumor will be removed. Daniel is a very intelligent young man. However, when I was informed by my son that I could not do the living for him nor the dying, my heart broke into shattered pieces. When a child turns 18 most parents have only to worry about empty nest syndrome, all night parties, college tuition and all that goes with college life. I don't! I have to ponder when and if he will make the decision to have this life-threatening terminal illness, tumor, removed from his oh so precious body. The neuro-surgeon answered the many questions Daniel asked. The one question he couldn't answer is if my son will survive the surgery and will he live a fairly normal life. My son chose to wait knowing the dangers involved with his procrastination. His answer was that he was 18-in the prime of his life-and he wanted to live! I respect him for his decision but the woman inside me who carried him, the woman who hurt when he hurt, laughed when he laughed and shared his joy is dying inside.
I'm happy to say that Dylan is one year in remission from the removal of his brain tumor. The medicine given to him to assist in closing his skull had put extra weight on him - people can be cruel - I've called Anita several times & asked how to deal with this. In her loving manner she has helped me cope with each situation as it arises. Ava has been four years in remission, yet there were side effects to the surgery that we've had to come to terms with. These are just tiny incidents because the tumors have not grown back yet. Every six months they each have an MRI.
Tyler has had his own demons to deal with. His emotions run from guilt to anger because he sees his siblings suffer. Yet I feel as long as we are honest with him and constantly show that he is loved, not only by us, but by God then he will survive. During all this time, four people carried me with them. Angel wings attached: my husband, my father, my mother and Anita Gilford.
Angels' Place has provided us the means to deal with this incredulous life of ours. Through them, we are able to see the rainbow in the dark ominous clouds. I know how hard they're trying to help families like mine. Let me make something clear - no one is immune to what my family & the sixty other families are going through. This letter is not intended for those of you who have helped. I will never be able to repay you for what you've done for my family. Money won't buy your way to heaven. What it will do is help in building a home for families whose children will depart this earth soon. All the money in the world won't keep you from dying. However, You will make your guardian angel proud when they've seen how you helped these children. Here's a little secret - when these angels return to heaven, it will be God's ear they will whisper in how you've taken care of his babies on earth.
What we need at Angels' Place is a home with land - a place where these angels will make it easier for those they leave behind - A small piece of heaven on earth. I have been diagnosed with another brain tumor. I have four children - three of whom are terminally ill - I may not have much time left on this earth so I'm begging all the cynics and saints alike to please give generously to this organization. Your award awaits you in heaven!
God Bless - Tammy Lightell
Aug 17, 2002
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