Callie

I grew up in the same ward with Mary Butler. When it came time to start going to early morning seminary, our moms use to carpool together, so I was able to get to know her better. Then, sometime in our later teenage years, she and her family moved to Southern California. Mary and I corresponded through the mail for years and years.

So where am I going with this?

On Sept. 8th, Mary's 20 month old niece, Callie, was run over in her parents' driveway by a close family friend driving an SUV. Callie is the 13th and youngest child of Mary's brother Jeff and his wife Dana. She still has not woken up completely but they expect her to.

Callie before the accident.
"Callie-fornia" as her sister Ashley calls her.
Callie with her parents, Jeff and Dana.

Every night for the past couple weeks, after I go to bed, when all is quiet, I think of little Callie and what her family must be going through. I think how fragile life is and how quickly it all can change. I think how my Mom use to say often, "What a difference a day can make."

I know this family feels very blessed that Callie is still alive and that she is ever so slowly progressing. They continue to hope and pray for a miracle.

Callie's grandmother was quoted in their Arizona newspaper:

"We are thrilled with the prayers and all the help. A lot of people have been so supportive and we wanted to say that we are so grateful for all the prayers that have been offered on her behalf, and our friend. I can't even imagine being in his place,"
The friend, whom she requested not be identified, is "devastated."
"My daughter and son-in-law don't blame him at all. It was a tragic accident," she said."

They are being protective of the friend who accidentally ran over Callie.
To me, this says volumes about this family.

We will continue to pray for Callie and her family.
If you would like to keep on her progress go here.

For you who remember the Butlers, here is a picture taken about a year ago when Jeff and Dana's oldest son got married. This shows all 13 of their children.

(Callie's siblings, in the order of birth: Justin, Ashley, Jamison, Micah, Amber, Marcus, Elise, Burke, Emma, Haley, Hayden, and Brinley)

9 comments:

Lisa said...

What do you say to something like this? There are no words. The hope is that this family will recieve strength and hope beyond their own and that the friend and child will heal in whatever capacity is necessary for a complete restoration.

Mary said...

Thank you, Jill--this is a lovely post, and we welcome all the prayers we can to join with ours! Please feel free to include links to the blogs where those who are interested can follow Callie's progress and even participate in fundraisers in her behalf if they wish. Dana, Ashley, and I happily invite any and all to check out our blogs. Thanks again. Much love to all!

Anonymous said...

Jill~
I cried and cried after reading your post. How precious our life here is! What a sweet baby!...I will pary for them.
Ammy

Mary said...

Here's an exciting addendum! Today (Thursday) for the first time, Callie tried to open her eyes! My brother Jeff (her daddy) described it as "wide open slits." This is a good sign that she may recover control of her eyes! Thanks so much for your prayers!

Grandma Honey said...

That is an EXCELLENT sign Mary! I read that it happened right when they were announcing the raffle winners. What hope this brings!

Blackeyedsue said...

That just breaks my heart. You can tell about the caliber and the integrity of Callie's family by protecting the friend who was involved in the accident. What amazing people!

You are such a good friend to Mary! You two are lucky to have each other!

Jan said...

That is the most heart wrenching story Jill. So sorry. It sounds as though there is hope in here. I read a comment expressing such. That is a blessing. The prayers will be heard this much we know.

grandmapeg said...

This is a very touching story and I know that with faith and prayers miracles do happen. I hope for the best with Callie and her family. Thanks for sharing this story.
Peggy

The Gage Cage said...

That story will help me keep things in perspective. I hope EVERYBODY involved in that experience heals physically and emotionally. Some accidents are so tragic.

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