10/22/2026
Two Different Seasons. One Faithful God.
One port coming out. One port going in.
I’ve been thinking a lot about two families who are part of our Hometown Health System family. Two mothers, two children, and two very different moments in their journeys with leukemia.
For Kaelan and her family, today was a day of celebration. After the treatments, hospital visits, sleepless nights, uncertainty, and countless prayers, Kaelan reached a milestone that means so much more than most of us could ever understand. She was having her port removed.
For Hudson and his family, today looked very different. Hudson was having his port placed, taking another step into a journey that no parent ever wants their child to face.
One mother looking back at how far they’ve come. Another looking ahead, praying for strength for the days to come.
I haven’t been able to get those two moments out of my mind.
Because somewhere today, one family is celebrating an answered prayer while another is still asking God for one. One family is looking back at a mountain they never thought they could climb, while another is standing at the bottom wondering how they’ll ever make it to the top.
And I believe God is present in both places.
When I asked these mothers if I could share their stories, both wanted to use their experiences to spread awareness, encourage others, and share the hope they’ve found in Jesus.
I asked Kaelan’s mother what she would tell a parent just beginning this journey. Her words were powerful.
“You are stronger than you know, braver than you feel, and never walking this road alone. There is a light at the end of this tunnel, even when the bend in the road makes it hard to see.”
Those words carry a little more weight when they come from someone who has walked the road.
When I asked Hudson’s mother what has helped her through these first difficult days, she shared how much the love and prayers of others have meant to her family. She talked about the reassurance from doctors and nurses, praying with the anesthesiologist and nurses before Hudson’s procedure, and listening to the song “Still Waters” over and over while praying it over her little boy.
I keep thinking about that moment in the hospital. A mother preparing for her child’s procedure, surrounded by medical professionals, taking a moment to pray together.
Sometimes we look for God in the extraordinary, but I wonder how often He’s reminding us of His presence through the people He places around us.
That song, “Still Waters,” brings me to Psalm 23. David reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd, leading us beside still waters and restoring our souls. But he also reminds us that even when we walk through the darkest valley, God is with us.
The same Shepherd who leads us beside peaceful waters walks with us through the valley.
Kaelan’s mother also shared Scriptures that have meant so much to her family. Luke 1:37 reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to be strong and courageous because He will never leave or forsake us. And Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us.
Those verses don’t promise that life will always be easy. They remind us that we never have to face it alone.
I don’t understand why children like Kaelan and Hudson have to experience something like leukemia. I don’t know why parents who would give anything to protect their children sometimes have to stand beside a hospital bed feeling helpless.
But I do believe God meets us in those moments. I believe He uses people to carry us when we don’t have the strength to keep going. And I believe our greatest hope is found in Jesus Christ, who gave His life and rose again so that through faith in Him, we can have forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternity.
Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.
Today, that Scripture feels especially meaningful.
We have an opportunity to celebrate with Kaelan’s family while standing beside Hudson’s family. To be thankful for one milestone while praying for the journey ahead. To remind both families that they are loved, supported, and never forgotten.
And maybe that’s what I hope we all take away from their stories.
Hold your children a little longer. Be thankful for the ordinary moments. Check on the people you love. Pray for those who are hurting. And when you have the opportunity to help someone, don’t wait for the perfect words. Just show up.
Because somewhere tonight, Kaelan’s family is looking back with gratitude at how far they’ve come, while Hudson’s family is looking ahead with faith, hope, and prayers for healing.
Two mothers who love their children more than words can express. Two families walking through seasons they never would have chosen.
One port coming out. One port going in.
Two different seasons. One faithful God.
The God who walks with us through the darkest valleys is the same God who stands with us in our moments of celebration. He’s not only there when our prayers are answered. He’s there while we’re still waiting.
Please join me and our Hometown Health System family in praying for Kaelan, Hudson, and every child battling leukemia. Pray for healing, strength, peace, and the families who are walking beside them.
And remember, even when we can’t see what’s around the next bend in the road, we can trust the One who is walking beside us.
Sometimes, that’s enough to give us the strength to take one more step.
