06/20/2026
10 years ago today, the Higgins family received the news no family is ever prepared to hear. Carson’s scans showed lesions in both his lungs and liver, meaning the cancer had spread quickly despite treatment. Doctors shared that Carson was terminal and that, outside of a miracle, he would not survive.
In the days that followed came more scans, tests, uncertainty, and heartbreak as the family faced the reality of what was ahead.
Carson’s dad, John, later shared that he sat on the patio in Memphis prayed for strength, courage, comfort, and guidance. That night, he wrote a poem titled:
“Walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death...”
As I ponder my existence
and the fate that awaits my son,
I think of You, my Lord,
and the great things You have done.
You taught me long ago to trust,
even when I could not understand.
Today, my heart is grieving
at the words the doctors had to say.
I thank You for Your unfailing love,
for Your strength, and for the promise of eternity.
I ask that Carson would be spared,
and if not his life, then spare him from pain.
Though we now walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I know every breath belongs to You.
If Your plan is to take Carson home,
give us strength and courage, for we are not alone.
I do not fear death, because I know
Your love endures forever.
My heart does grieve,
so I ask Your Spirit to carry us through
and bring us to a better place.
