Mikey has a special request for all of us.


Mikey visiting Tommy at St. Francis Hospital

(These updates are through the courtesy of Mikey's Dad)

Wed, Aug 2nd, 2000
Mikey is praying for a little boy named Tommy. We are just returning from visiting Tommy and his parents in Tulsa. Tommy is a precious six-year-old Native American boy who lives not far from us. He was infected with "Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" from a tick bite. He is in the same pediatric intensive care unit that Mikey was recently released from.

Tommy just came off the ventilator yesterday. He has had both legs, one hand and part of his remaining hand amputated. Tommy's blood count was low again today and he was receiving blood while we were there. He is scheduled for skin grafting tomorrow (Thursday). The "pediatric intensivists" say that such severe cases as Tommy's are documented as 100% fatal.

Tommy's parents are in the same predicament as we were.. living at the hospital.. far from home.. and praying that their son will survive. So.. everyone that will, let's pray for Tommy and his family this week.

Sat, Aug 5th
Tommy is still stable. He's kept sedated, due to stomach pain. The doctor is afraid that more tissue is dying and more surgery on Tommy's legs may be necessary Monday. Keep praying.

Tues, Aug 8th
I just found out from talking to Tommy's dad that Tommy has some brain damage. He's not even trying to respond or talk. They've done an MRI and know that there is brain damage, but are not certain of the extent, or if it is reparable. This of course is terrible news.

Tommy's dad says that all he needs right now are prayers for his son. I know how he feels.

We feel helpless, but we're not...we shall keep praying.



Sunday, Aug 13th
Tommy and his family need urgent prayer. I just spoke with Tommy's father, and his condition is grave. He has lost a lot of blood.. his kidneys have shut down.. he's been on dialysis.. his heart stopped and he was revived and he's back on the ventilator and full support. When things looked so dire for us, we didn't give up on Mikey and I told Tommy's father that we wouldn't give up on Tommy either.. We hold Mikey closer and tighter today, as we pray harder for Tommy. Pray with us.

Saturday, August 19th
I'm SO sorry to report that I spoke with Tommy Carlson's mother in Tulsa this morning via telephone, and she gave me the sobering news that Tommy has lost his battle.
Tommy's parents have been in the hospital at his bedside for over a month. Our Mikey will start school Monday.. but, we are so sad that Tommy's school will have an empty chair. Our prayers go out to this family. We have not told Mikey, yet.
Today we hold Mikey even more tightly and we count our blessings. Anyone wishing to send a card to the family.. it would be alright to mail them to Mikey's address and I'll see that they get to the family. Mikey's address is still PO Box 180033, Ft. Smith, AR 72918

From Peg: Tommy fought a valiant battle -- now the brave little warrior has gone home to rest and reap the rewards of his fight. May God bring comfort and solace to Tommy's family and friends. And God bless Mikey, for being a friend to Tommy in his time of need. Thank you for all of your prayers; pray now that the family find the comfort and strength that they need.

"There's a New Star in Heaven Tonight"

"I'll lend you for a while
a child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as
solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay;
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
in my search for teachers true;
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
and not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
to take him back again?"
I fancied that I that I heard them say,
Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.

~Edgar Guest

From Mikey's Dad
Heaven is a little brighter today. Tommy left for his heavenly home Saturday morning. Incredibly, Tommy's mother gave birth to another little boy yesterday morning.. less than 24 hours after Tommy's death. Although he wasn't expected until next month, we understand that both mom and the new baby are doing alright.

From Peg
I can't help but feel that this little guy made his entrance to our world early because he knew how very badly his folks needed something to hold onto just now. Not to "replace" Tommy, but to give Mom and Dad a reason, and the will, to carry on.
God bless them all!



Tommy's mother, Nancy Carlson, says, "I have two sons.
Tommy always said he wanted to be an angel. Now he IS one."