Bennett's Light

My hands tremble and my heart aches as I write these words.

Sweet Bennett is now dancing with the angels.

We were so blessed to have been given the chance to live, if only briefly, in the presence of this amazing little girl. 

You didn't have to be around her long before you were awed by her intelligence and boldness.  The mere sound of her sweet little voice would captivate your attention. And that beautiful grin of hers was undeniably contagious... just take a peek at one of her pictures for proof.

A few weeks ago Katie Anne, Bennett and Diana came to the Ronald McDonald House to celebrate Cohen's birthday with us. It meant so much to us to have them come, especially since Bennett had not been back since she left for home last winter.

Katie Anne wasn't sure how Bennett would react to going back but when they pulled up to the house she told her mommy, 

                   "I'm not afraid at all."

Bennett helping Cohen open his presents.

 They weren't there long when Bennett noticed Cohen's backpack for his TPN. She tugged at me and said words that will echo in my heart forever. Although, they were very simple words... they represented so much.

 "I used to have a backpack like that... WHEN I was sick."

Katie Anne gave a chuckle and said, "Yeah, WHEN she was sick."

The beauty I found in that moment was that Bennett was no longer living in her illness. She no longer saw herself as sick anymore. 


What a blessing to know that in the eyes of this beautiful little girl her illness was a thing of the past and all she knew at that moment was joy. 

When they left Cincinnati her parents were forced to make an unimaginable decision.  

Their decision meant discontinuing extremely aggressive treatments and taking Bennett home to enjoy whatever time they had left with her. 

Doctors told them that they would most likely have only a few weeks to a few months left together... but God had a different plan.

At the time they had no idea if they were making the right decision for their daughter, what parent would, but that prayerful decision proved mightily to be the right one.

Their decision ended up allowing Bennett to be Bennett again. She got her spunk back and was able to live in a world free of hospitals and medical treatment again. They took trips together and spent hours playing, cherishing every moment they had together. And when she had a bad day... she was able to retreat to her own room with her own toys... She had her coveted independence back.

It was the faithfulness of her heartbroken parents that gave her those gifts.

December 13, 2011- October 26, 2015

Katie Anne and Billy are amazing parents, who have chosen to share the beautiful story of their little blue-eyed girl in hopes of helping others. 

And OH how Bennett's story has done that.. and so much more. The light that shined  from this little girl has brought joy to those who knew her, hope to those who hurt, and compassion to those who have never walked this kind of journey. 

Because of Katie Anne and Billy's unwavering faithfulness Bennett's light will continue to shine farther than anyone could have ever imagined. Lives have... and will continue to be touched by the legacy of this beautiful little girl.

Make no mistake about it, Bennett's light has not gone out, in fact it is shining even brighter now from it's position in heaven.

How can our aching hearts not be filled with joy when we imagine you dancing with the angels?  I can almost hear you speaking those sweet words again... "I'm not afraid at all."

Now is your time to dance sweet girl... your shining light will forever guide the rest of us towards home.

B is for Bennett



The Story of the Lamp

Bennett's CaringBridge Journal

Parker's Light

 It's amazing to me how something that never changes, nor moves can look so different at times.

At the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati there is this one little lamp perched high above the heads of those walking by below, peeking out of the same window day after day.

Yet, somehow every time it is turned on it looks dramatically different. Each glow of it's light represents a special little life, and for that reason alone it takes on an entirely different appearance with each click of its switch. In fact it goes much further than simply it's appearance, even the ownership over this lamp changes each time it is called to duty.

Those that know of this lamp understand all to well the powerful metamorphic change that takes place with each illumination of it's bulb. They understand that the job of this lamp exceeds the job of any other lamp, casting so much more than just light on those that view it. Now this lamp shines again but this time it is Parker's light.

When you live in a world of coexisting strangers going through difficult times a wonderfully amazing thing happens.... these perfect strangers become family.

Over a year ago Parker's family became our family.  Throughout this year we have shared a house with them, meals with them, laughs with them.... and now tears.


Parker's mama, Amber, grew to be a dear friend of mine. When I needed an understanding ear, God would allow our paths to cross. Whether our visits took place on the way to the hospital cafeteria or an early morning coffee pot, our time together would always leave me feeling hopeful and encouraged. 

Amber has always been an inspiration to me and so many others, even now through her grief she continues to inspire so many people. 

God has great plans for Parker's light and the amazing family that has allowed it to shine so proudly for all of the world to see. Throughout their journey they have remained faithful to God, giving Him the glory every step of the way. 

And now even in their heartache, when it appears to the world that there is no glory to give, the Brown family holds tight to the hope that is in Jesus Christ by sharing His light through the life of their son.

Ryan and Amber, may we all live up to your example of faithfulness and help you shine Parker's Light on this world for years to come.

John Parker Brown

Parker dance with the angels sweet boy, free from pain... 

one day we will join you. 

We will forever be Team Parker!

For the story of  lamp follow the link This Little Light