Thursday, May 27, 2010

postheadericon In Memory of Olivia Culpepper

Olivia Culpepper was an amazing little girl, but even more remarkable is her mother, Cindy, who has braved this illness right along with her beautiful daughter. She has recently posted a journal entry at caringbridge.org and I thought I would share it with you this morning.

Please keep the Culpepper family in your prayers as they struggle with the loss and rejoice in the knowledge that Olivia is once again "Painting Rainbows!"

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 9:56 PM, CDT

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16 (KJV)


We have certainly felt your prayers and outpouring of love. We have not lost Olivia; we know precisely where she resides. She never once felt sorry for herself, and she lived every day to it's fullest potential. She was loved tenderly and taught me more in 7 years than any elder ever could. We have all been so very blessed.

Not sure what's going on with CB, I've lost this post 4 times. So sorry for the lack of updates; I've simply been swamped with tasks and decisions, and haven't been near a 'puter and had little sleep over the past 14 days. Some of the family is having a very hard time. Please keep my big kids, and Olivia's little friends and fellow warriors, in your prayers today. It is very hard on these kids when one of their own goes to heaven. Momma is OK; Olivia is sorely missed, but we will play together again soon.



We would be honored for all who are able to join us in
A Celebration of Life, Olivia Style


Visitation:
Thursday, May 27, 2010
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Watson-Hunt Funeral Home
1208 Main Street
Perry, GA

Memorial Service:
Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Henderson Baptist Church
2813 Highway 41 S.
Elko, GA

We intend to host a very kid-friendly service. Olivia loved bright colors, especially Aqua! Please, dress for your comfort with these ideas in mind. She would've liked that.


She never really liked cut flowers, only the ones which needed planting and care. In lieu of flowers, we'd ask all those who are interested bring a DVD, Lego set, craft kit or similar activity for donation to The Children's Hospital in Macon. And donations to your favorite charity are always gratefully appreciated. 

I would like to say a special thanks to the organizations who've helped us so much over the past 4 years. You have made what could have been a hard road so much more bearable:

The Ronald McDonald House of Macon, Atlanta, and Houston
Jay's Hope
The JoAnna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation
The National Childrens Cancer Society
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation
Henderson Baptist Church
And all of Olivia's friends, family, and followers, I hope I've not left anyone out.

We will never know exactly what started this past episode; the Doc's best guess is a lingering viral infection that was stripping her bone marrow, allowing her WBC's to fall dangerously. Which allowed a bacteria to enter her lungs and/or eye and then into her blood stream. Her battered immune system was unable to fight a battle on two fronts. This caused septic shock, which means her blood pressure bottomed out, which further shocked her bone marrow and organs, including her brain; she lost the ability to clot blood properly and blood vessels in her head became more fragile. she had a slowly-growing brain bleed or 'had a stroke'. She had very confusing symptoms, but it was unmistakable on the CT. Our Olivia would not have wanted to live like that. Surprisingly, she was not relapsing, her bone marrow was recovering but not quite fast enough. I've prayed for hope or peace. I have both. I never said goodbye; only "I'll see you in a little while". I would not be surprised if she is sassing the Lord upstairs right now. Maybe she will paint a rainbow.


See ya later, alligator. Momma C.

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