Friday, December 31, 2010

Looking Back - Leaning Forward







Where to begin...December seems like a blur. With all of the wedding preparations and the usual hustle and bustle of the Christmas season it seems like time has once again slipped quickly away from us. We will start with the wedding...what a great day! Lindy and Cameron were married on December 18th in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. It was a cold day, but we were definitely kept warm by support and love of family and friends. It was especially awesome because Madey was feeling good enough to come to the Temple and she also participated in the wedding dinner and pictures. Lindy was a beautiful bride and Cameron cleans up pretty good too. It was heart warming to see so many family members in attendance, thanks especially to those that traveled long distances to attend. Lindy And Cam are now living in Logan UT, and will start back to school at Utah State in January.
In addition to the wedding we really enjoyed Christmas. We had a memorable Christmas Eve with all of the children in attendance. Landon and Hillary helped us review the Christmas story from Luke 2 and we enjoyed the warm feelings that come as you take time to think of the birth of our Savior. We also laughed a lot as everyone shared their Christmas memories, it was heart warming to hear all of the kids stories about Christmas's past, even about the 'regular orange and a peach too.' Christmas day did not disappoint either. Hillary started waking people up around 7 am, once we got everyone into the living room and Madey settled into her lazy boy recliner we began opening gifts. It was sure fun to see peoples reactions to their gifts. I think everyone got something they wanted and there was a definite feeling of gratitude present. I am always amazed at the good feelings that accompany Christmas and the giving and receiving of gifts. We were especially blessed by many Christmas elves who took a special interest in our family this year and shared timely gifts that will help ease the burden of our battle with cancer.
With all of the good feelings of the holidays still in our hearts, we were again reminded that we cannot escape the challenges of mortality. Madeline has been experiencing more pain than normal lately and having difficulty walking without assistance. We met with her Dr. on Thursday and found that the chemotherapy treatments she has been undergoing are not working. Madeline's cancer has continued to grow and advanced to the point that any treatment she has from here on out will be solely for temporary relief of pain. We are obviously heartbroken and disappointed. The unfairness of it all feels at moments as if it will crush us, and yet we find comfort in our family, our friends, and our faith. Thursday morning before we met with the Dr. Madey wanted to have prayer with us, in the prayer she was promised that we would receive answers to her lingering questions even if those answers were not in line with our personal desires. The answers were definitely not in line with what we want, but we know that God has a plan, and that each of us are part of that plan. Although we don't understand our role in that plan right now, the time will come when we will. We also know that regardless of what happens our family is an eternal family. Our hearts are hurting, and yet we still laugh, we still smile, we still play, we still plan, and most importantly we are still comforted by the love we have for each other and the pure love that God has for each of us.
We wish you all the happiest of New Year's, and thank you for the many prayers, gifts, hugs, smiles, and warm wishes you have sent our way this year.

29 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear the latest. I miss the time we spent together on the court and in the batting cage and so looked forward (and still do) to the time we can once again enjoy those times. We'ev talked about attitude being verything and you are an example to all of us that it's true. We pray for you daily and want you to know you are loved by all. You are a true inspiration to all of those who know and love you.
    Love, Coach Ron Osborn and all your teammates, present and past.

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  2. Candece and Todd HadleyJanuary 1, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Words cannot express the love we feel for your family. Our hearts are full with so many emotions right now. I am continually amazed by the courage Madey has shown through this trial. She is truly inspiring to so many.

    Your family is an amazing example of strength, courage and a testimony of the Gospel and our Savior. Please know that we are here to help you - in any way.

    We love you so much and are so grateful for the special friendship our families share.

    We love you!
    Candece & Todd
    Stephen, Morgan, Maddie & Tevis

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  3. As I read this, I can't help but wonder if the title of this post should be "Looking back, PRESSING forward"...

    Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

    We love you all!

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  4. With tears pouring down my face, I want you all to know that a little family in Boston continues to pray hard--over and over throughout each day. With every part of my heart, I know that our God is completely aware of Madey and all will be well in the end, no matter the outcome, but my heart is broken for you all. What an absolutely beautiful, faithful post. I don't think you could ever know how your family has touched so many lives and will continue to touch lives. We love you all! Especially Madey. Please know that. With great love, Linn

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  5. Allison and James MikkelsenJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    There are no words to better say what you have all ready said. Know that our family continues to keep you in our prayers. May the spirit continue to bring comfort and peace.

    Love you!
    the Mikkelsens

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  6. Your family and Madey are always in our prayers. Our children pray for her every day. You will continue to be in our prayers as you go through this difficult time.

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  7. Your family's example and attitude throughout this blog and Madey's trial has been a great example to me and my petty, so-called problems. Please know we love you.

    Dave & Holly Kunz

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  8. I am continually in awe of how you write your experiences, how you move through this huge trial. I have such great love and respect for all your family but so much for Hillary and Madey. What examples of goodness they are. My prayers are love are with you.

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  9. Sending lots of love today and every day from the Turek-Randquist family. There are no adequate words so please know you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

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  10. "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and you shall find me; ask and you shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you." D+C 88:63 We can all feel the Saviors love during trails and oppositions. Isn't wonderful what we can obtain through the Atonement of Our Savior Jesus Christ. We know that we can obtain everything even Eternal life and Eternal Families. Know that your family is always in our prayers and thoughts. Love Helen Zimmerman

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  11. We love the Slaughter family! What a great family! Madey is and always has been a great friend to Erin. We look up to you. You may never comprehend how much of an influence you and your family have been to us and others around you. We have learned a lot from all of you. Again, we love you, even if you "don't really like salad" (we're looking at you, Landon).

    Ashmeads

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  12. It's hard to imagine broken hearts and cheerful spirits existing simultaneously, but your family is an example of this to all of us. Your faithfulness has reminded us of one of our favorite verses found in Mosiah 24:14-15: “I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” Your family is an example of the subsequent verse that mentions how cheerfully they submitted to the Lord. May the Lord bless you all for your continued faith. You have been, and will continue to be in our prayers daily. Love, Scott, Sherry, and the Wilde kids

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  13. Not that I can see through the tears very well..but we love you so much...your example through these tough times shows us all the importance of relying on our Lord for support and love through faith...even when we don't know all the answers!

    I cant even understand the heartbreak you might be feeling...but it has awaken my own feelings to spend more quality time with family...so thank you again for sharing your precious feelings and experiences with us...

    Much Love!!

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  14. Grandpa and Grandma HillJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    In this seemingly dark moment, it is such a peaceful feeling of knowing the promises of a God and Saviour and the love that abounds on both sides of the veil. What a privilege it is to be a parent and a grand-parent to this family unit. 'Nuf said.

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  15. Once upon a time there was a Bishop and his wife who were such a strong comfort to a family who had to say good bye (for now) to their daughter. Now that family is here for you, ready and willing to help, uplift and comfort in any way then can. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that we love you!

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  16. Brother Slaughter,
    I had you for my seminary teacher and I think the world of you and your sweet family. I am so sorry to hear of the struggles you are faced with at this time. You are such a strong person, one that I truly look up to and admire you in so many ways. I pray for your family during this time of hardship, that your burdens may be lighten in some way. With love, Emily (Mathison) Tingey

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  17. My heart goes out to you guys! In dark moments in my own life, this scripture has brought me comfort: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." I will pray for you and Madey...that she may find relief from her pain.

    Warm regards...Jeb (husband of Amy Summers)

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  18. I probably should not have read this at work, as it is now hard to compose my emotions. I don't know your family very well, but Lindy was one of my all time favorite employees and I miss her tremendously. I know through her example what a great and awesome family you all are. My prayers and hopes are with all of you at this time. I just wanted to share a post that I came across on my kids facebook accounts. This went widespread and I thought what an awesome way for the youth to pull together. "everyone....we don't care if you go to Layton, Davis, Northridge, Clearfield....everyone should wear blue every Monday from here on out in support of Madey Slaughter and her family and their fight against cancer" I found myself choosing blue from my closet that next morning and thought to myself, what I would'nt give to be in the halls of the high schools to witness these students pulling together for a common cause. Madey, know that there are many who love and support you. Some you may not even know and who do not know you other than from what they read and hear, but you have set such an awesome example with your battle against this horrendous monster called cancer. Be brave and press forward....there is no end to our journey, only our earthly journey.

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  19. I read this post a few days ago, but it's taken me some time to be able to put into words what is in my heart, and even then I don't think I can. The slaughter family has been such a huge example of love to me and mine. Bishop you made it possible for my oldest son to see through his dreams and he continues to want to be like you. I thank you for that. I thank you for being the bishop that told me that I needed to ask for help and know when to ask. Thank you. Our families hearts are full and we think and pray for all of you.
    love the Castro's

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  20. Libby Fry, our daughter sent us an update on Madey and we were sadden to hear that she is in so much pain. May God bless all of you and give Madey a peaceful journey and may God hold her close and answer her questions and make her at peace.
    Donna and Ron Mustaine

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  21. Words cannot express how sorry i am about how Madey is doing. I will continue to pray for your family and Madey. I think of you often and hope and pray that all works out well for you!
    Love from Heather G.

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  22. What an example your dear sweet family has been and continues to be for me! My granddaughter, Taylor Moore, plays for Fairfield Jr. and I was blessed to be a part of of the "Team" and their support for you Madey during basketball last year. Everytime I look at my #55 bracelet I thank Heavenly Father for you and your family and what I have learned from you. I just want to share one statement that Elder Maxwell shared with my Nephew several years ago as he was struggling with a brain tumor. He called him one day and said,"Jeff, don't you dare give up hope until you take your last breath, because everything is in Heavenly Fathers' hands and only He knows your future." Madey and family, thousands of people are never giving up hope for you, and we all pray for you continually. You are a beautiful family and I thank you for the way you have touched my life. I pray for Heavenly Fathers' choicest blessings to be with all of you!

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  23. We are thinking of you and pray the spirit will bless you with peace and that the Atonement will bring you comfort.
    With love, the Williams

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  24. George and Michelle,

    I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I learned from a friend on Facebook. Little did I know who she was until I was lead to your family website. It has been a long time since 1986-87 at Ricks College. My heart grieves for each of you. Please know you all will be in my prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you all.

    Shelly Cook Rawlins

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  25. Maddy, I will miss you so much. You meant a lot to me, you became an inspiration and a hero. The loss of you had me in tears. In heaven I hope you feel a lot better and have freedom that you didn't have before. I love you and you will always be in my heart. :)

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  26. George and Michelle,
    May the Lord keep you all and bless you all with the peace at this time.
    It has been a long time. I had been thinking of you both the last few weeks and not sure why. Not until someone sent me message about your daughter and I didn't know it was you until it all came together.

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  27. Brother Slaughter - Linn Allen just emailed me and told me about your sweet daughter. I am so so sorry. I understand a bit of what you are feeling, my oldest daughter died 7 years ago. It is so hard, and so terrible a loss. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
    Much love...
    Kim (Shaner) Borchert

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  28. Our love and prayers are with you. So sorry to hear about Madey and hope that the light of the gospel and the love of our Heavenly Father will help you all through this time of grieving.

    Jana (Price), Dawn Harvey,and Rhylie Taylor

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