History

Sunday, July 25, 2004 6:24 PM CDT

More than 100 family and friends of Hannah Grace gathered at Camp Allen, the Episcopal church camp, at lakeside on May 8th to dedicate a new canoe center in her memory. Hannah's Hut was made possible with donations from Church of the Holy Apostles, friends of Camp Allen, the medical team that worked with Hannah, and friends of the Hensons. Hannah's love for Camp Allen will continue through all the children who will use Hannah's Hut to launch their canoes or explore the heavens from the telescope on the porch. The idea for Hannah's Hut was conceived by Debbie Vickery, and the Rev. Robbie Vickery conducted the dedication ceremony. Participants all laid their hands on the new structure as Rev. Vickery said prayers and then white roses were floated on the lake in her memory. It was a special day and one that Hannah would of loved. Thank you everyone for making it possible.

Wednesday, December 3, 2003 9:41 AM CST

Here is the front of the service bulletin for Hannah's

funeral. The image is a painting of Hannah done by Diane

Russell. The wording was given by God in a dream to

Hannah's hospital chaplain and friend, Stephanie Warfield,

several weeks before Hannah died. We will be ever thankful

to Diane and Stephanie. Their sensitivity captured

Hannah's spirit. As many have said, Hannah is now dancing

with and for God.

Wednesday, November 26, 2003 8:08 AM CST

On Monday, November 24, nearly 900 people gathered in a service of thanksgiving for the life of Hannah Grace Henson.

Weeks earlier, after she was diagnosed to have only days or weeks to live, Hannah and her family began to plan the service. Hannah wanted to include a Powerpoint slide presentation of her favorite photos to be shown while songs she selected were played. In essence, the message of the presentation was, "I have had a wonderful life but I am now ready to move on." Her family believes it was yet another powerful example of her rock solid faith in Jesus. In addition to the audio/visual presentation, Hannah also selected the majority of the songs to be sung at her service.

A few people who were there have posted their impressions of the service in the guest book section. They describe an event of overwhelming joy and wonder. Hannah would have liked it. And to the extent that anyone's faith was strengthened, her intent was achieved.

We have posted some new photos of Hannah. They came out very large but they depict Hannah before cancer. We tried to post the cover to her service but it did not work. We will try again later.

In these photos and postings, you have gotten insight into the person Hannah was. We want to leave you with one last glimpse into her heart and mind.

On July 22, when we still had hopes for recovery, Hannah made an entry into her personal journal. Here is a portion.

"I want to be a little kid again, to be safe and protected from getting hurt. To be free to play all day and not have any cares or worries. But I can't go back in time or be a little kid again, so I guess I will just have to deal with everything and know that life isn't perfect.

But I can look forward to having a life similar to a child's someday. That will be the day I go to Heaven. I will never hurt again. I will play with Jesus all day and never worry again. I will praise God and worship the Lord of Lords for the rest of eternity.

I look forward to that day."

Wednesday, November 19, 2003 4:07 PM CST

A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Hannah Grace Henson will be held at 4:30 PM on Monday, November 24 at the address shown below.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her name can be made to:

Church of the Holy Apostles
1225 W. Grand Parkway, South
Katy, TX 77494

Donations will be allocated among four causes that were important in her life. These are: Camp Allen (for Hannah's Hut), Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House at Texas Children's Hospital and Gateway Mission Training Center.

Hannah's family continues to be thankful for the prayers and support of visitors to this site. We are strengthened by each entry.

We hope to post some final Hannah photos soon.

Monday, November 17, 2003 8:56 PM CST

At 3:25 PM, Hannah Grace Henson ended her earthly pilgrimage.

If ever a death can be described as a good death, it was hers. Throughout the day, friends and loved ones came to say, "See you later." Most, if not all, had an opportunity to spend a few minutes alone with Hannah to express their love.

At the end, her room, indeed the house, was filled with people who loved her and whose lives were touched in some way by her endearing personality, exemplary character and Christian witness. It is particularly noteworthy that Hannah refused to leave her mortal body until her brother Jon arrived from College Station. Her strong will was intact until the very end.

Although her family is devisted at our loss, and will suffer with a Hannah shaped void for the rest of our lives, we recognize the hand of God in the midst of our sorrow.

For a reason we will never know, Hannah was chosen to bear a particular witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She didn't do it through words as much as through the utter confidence she had that death would only be a passageway to a glorious life with her Lord Jesus.

Hannah had no fear of death. At no time was she the least bit frightened by the end of her earthly journey and the beginning of eternal life. Quite the contrary, she expressed unwavering certainty that she would soon be running and playing and, most of all dancing.

This confidence along with the joy that flowed from Hannah seems to have made an impact on many lives. For that, we are most thankful.

Hannah is now free from the broken body that had suffered so much for so long. The surgeries, the chemo, the cancer had left her a scarred shell of her former self. Her pain is now gone.

We are thankful to everyone who has taken the time to post a few words in Hannah's guest book. You have no idea how this encouraged her and how it strengthened her family. To see that her suffering was not meaningless but, instead, served to inspire others, is a source of great comfort.

We want to thank Caring Bridge for making this site available. We will be making a contribution to it and hope that you will consider doing likewise.

The service for Hannah will be at Church of the Holy Apostles in Katy. We will post the time and date when it is available.

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

Monday, November 17, 2003 7:25 AM CST

Hannah is now in the final stages of this life. Her journey is near an end. Soon she will be free from the pain and suffering that she has braved over the past many months.

She has lapsed into a near comatose state and is unable to communicate effectively. Every so often, she crys out, "Mom". She is in very little pain and what pain she has is being managed by medications.

Hannah's closest friends are now coming to say their good-byes. It is a bittersweet time.

Hannah's mom and dad are so proud of her. We couldn't have asked for a more delightful child. We are thankful for the sixteen wonderful years.

We are also thankful for all the prayers for and kindnesses extended to Hannah and our family during her struggle. In particular, we have been blessed by the Christian community far and wide. We have been strengthened for this hour.

The people of Church of the Holy Apostles have been remarkable. The prayer vigils, the fasting, the food, the trip to New York, the love have blessed Hannah and our family beyond measure. You have no idea what it has meant to us.

We are also thankful for the doctors, nurses and staff at Texas Children's Hospital. We are so thankful that you not only cared for Hannah's medical needs but also loved her.

Now Hannah is about to enter larger life where she will not need crutches or medication. She will be able to play and run and dance for our glorious Lord Jesus. She always danced for him. But now, it will be face to face.

Hannah, we love you and will miss you. But it is now time. You are free to go. We will take good care of your cats.

"Blessed is the man (girl) who perseveres under trial because when he(she) has stood the test, he(she) will receive the crown of life that God has prepared for those who love him."
James 1:12

Monday, November 17, 2003 7:25 AM CST

Friday, November 7, 2003 11:15 AM CST

Greetings one and all. I sit here today continuing to spend my time with friends and family. I pass the days going out to lunch when health permits it and just sharing time with those I love. Also, my dear friend,Stephanie Warfield, and I have been working together to write a book. It is about teens struggling with cancer, hope, and hardships in life.
Thank you for you continued strength,love, and encouragement. Prayers for my friends and family that they may find peace and comfort during this time of waiting.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:7,9-12,23-24)

Thursday, October 23, 2003 2:03 PM CDT

My journey continues as I await the meeting with my Savior. The past few weeks have been filled with love and joy as I have been able to see many relatives and old friends. My health has been sustained fairly well, as long as I stay on my medicines. Although there are some bad days, the Lord continues to cradle me in His arms.
As many of you may know, it has always been a dream of mine to go to New York City. Well, with the help of my church family, this dream was made into a reality. I just got back from a 2 day trip to New York. I was able to see 2 great shows, Hairsray and 42nd Street, and stayed in the most beautiful hotel one could ever imagine, The Waldorf Astoria. Everything was picture perfect, a dream come true. So, thanks to all who helped pull it all together, it meant more me than you will ever know.
Also, I would like to thank everyone for the continued amount of entrys in the guest book. They are filled with comforting words that warm my heart. It is amazing to see names from all over the world. Mind boggling really. Thank you all once more for all of the support and love.
Until we meet again, God Bless.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 31b, 35, 37-39)

PS. Pictures will soon be posted of my New York trip.

Wednesday, October 8, 2003 10:47 AM CDT

My journey has finally come to its end as we discovered three new tumors have gone to my brain. I have been given anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to live. Although I am aprehensive about the next few days to come, I know that I will not be alone. I will be in good hands.

I would like to thank all of you for you support and strength through all of this. You all are the reason I have made it this long. The love I have for you all is so immence. You are what has made these last sixteen years of my life so meaningful and filled with love. It has been an honor and a joy to know each and every one of you, and I can't wait to meet you in heaven.

Prayers for my family and friends during this time.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of rightousness which the Lord will award to me that day." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Tuesday, October 7, 2003 10:39 AM CDT

Today I am going to have a cat scan of my lungs and head
and have some lab work drawn. We have decided to start the drug SDX102. The good news is that I can stay at home and take this medicine. Please pray for good results.

The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:1,3-5)

Friday, October 3, 2003 2:34 PM CDT

Today we found out that my tumor is lacking the substance MTAP. This means I will be able to start a new type of chemo called SDX102. We have not decided whether we want to start this drug or not though. It is still being tested and is not guaranteed to work, but now we have the option to use it. Please pray that God will give us wisdom on what drug to use.

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. (Isaiah 26:12)

Thursday, October 2, 2003 7:51 PM CDT

Home Sweet Home. I arrived home today about 4:00. It feels great to be home. I will be returning to the hospital Monday for a check up and may possibly stay for more chemo depending on what the doctor says. I have been having some back pains, so please pray that the pain will subside.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Wednesday, October 1, 2003 3:38 PM CDT

Today I am just awaiting the results of the MRI and ultrasound I had yesterday. I continue to be fever free and feel better everyday. I hope to return home soon. Please continue praying that I will stay fever free and that my leg will also continue to heal.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Monday, September 29, 2003 10:03 PM CDT

Today I met with doctors to discuss 2 new treatment options. Both drugs are still being tested, but I have qualified to be in the study and receive them. To use one of the drugs, SDX102, my tumor must lack a substance called MTAP. We will find out this week if it does lack this substance, but if it does not, I will not be able to receive it. I did not get to have my MRI today because they were too backed up, however I should be able to do it tomorrow. The swelling in my leg is almost completely down and I am still fever free. Praise God. Please pray that these 2 new drugs will be effective and that I will continue to have no fever.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
Psalm 62:1-2

Saturday, September 27, 2003 6:48 PM CDT

Another day in room 35 at the hospital. I will be meeting with doctors on Monday to discuss 2 new treatments I will be starting soon. The swelling in my leg seems to be going down slowly which is good news. I also have not had fever all day. Please pray that I will continue to be fever free and that the swelling will continue to subside.

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:17

Friday, September 26, 2003 5:38 PM CDT

After a biopsy on Monday, I returned to the hospital Tuesday, September 23 due to fever and swelling of the leg. The pathology report came back saying that there was a reoccurance of tumor, however it was 90% dead, which is good news. I will be having a MRI on Monday to see if there is an infection and to see how to further treat me.
Please pray for the swelling in my leg to go down and that there will be good results from the MRI on Monday. Also pray for the doctors and nurses who are treating me. God Bless.

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side."
Psalm 3: 5-6

Monday, August 11, 2003 11:09 AM CDT

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