I have wanted to write about this family for a while now, but every time I sit down to type their story my eyes fill with tears and no progress is made. But finally, here we go...
One of my sweet friends here in Fort Worth told me recently that her closest friend's husband was in a motorcycle accident on March 31, 2012 leaving him paralyzed from beneath his arms down. Cassandra and Auston Mallory, and their adorable son Tripp, are suddenly dealing with a life-changing situation that no one ever imagines they will find themselves in. Cassandra has started a blog - the Auston Mallory Benefit Fund - to record what their days are like, and after reading the posts start to finish, what I am most moved by is her unwavering faith in God.
"It's crazy the things we take for granted each day. Before this, I would have never thought twice about thanking God for the ease at which I can blow my nose or sit up in bed but now I find myself thanking God for every little thing. I know that what happened to my sweet, amazing, caring husband is a terrible tragedy and the hardest thing that we have ever had to deal with but I thank God every single day that Auston is still with me. I thank God that he still has the use of his big strong arms to hold me close to him and to scoop up his son and love on him. I thank God that he still has the use of his brilliant mind and still has the same gentle heart and soul. So, when people ask me if I'm angry with God for letting this happen, I tell them no, it has just given me more things to be thankful for."
............ If that does not display strength beyond description I don't know what does.
If you have the time, I encourage you to spend about 30 minutes reading through Cassandra's posts. Tears will be brought to your eyes, but moreover you will be moved and inspired by her and Auston's courage and strength. This is truly an instance of helping us remember to appreciate the little blessings in life that are actually the biggest blessings of all and, as Cassandra says, that we so often take for granted.
I did not post about this with the aim of asking for donations for their family, however I have decided to mention it as there are so many unexpected expenses that come along with an event like this that every little bit helps. Living expenses while at the rehabilitation facility, a home that must be updated for wheelchair accessibility, new transportation and numerous medical expenses are just a portion of what the Mallory's are now facing. If you wish to donate anything to the family, simply go to the right hand side of the blog and do so via the PayPal link, or mail a check to the address shown. I know that Cassandra, Auston and Tripp would appreciate anything. If you are unable to contribute monetarily, I know that including them in your prayers would be just as meaningful. I am sure that any encouraging stories about those who are told they will never walk again...and that end up proving everyone wrong...would be extremely uplifting for them to hear as well.
I will be praying for a miracle <3

This is incredibly touching, thank you so much for sharing!! I never would have known about them had you not posted it.
ReplyDeletePraying , praying , praying!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing their story and blog. I am certainly overwhelmed with emotion thinking about the strength and love radiating from this gorgeous family.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo pierced right through my heart.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mallory was my 7th grade math teacher! I love her and I'm praying <3
ReplyDeleteDear Sheridan, I read your blog every week but never comment much because sometimes I would love to be able to express myself better to do it. I'm Portuguese and my english vocabulary does not have enough words to tell you how amazing you are for writting and sharing some of these stories to us. This last picture was enough to fill my eyes with tears even before going to Mallory's blog. Thank you for sharing. I'm praying.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting, that was really thoughtful. This family is truly amazing! Reading their blog and seeing the love this family has for one another, their determination, and their unwavering faith in God just brings tears to my eyes. Each word of this blog has touched my heart. -Amy Fierke
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly moving story; thank you for sharing. I'll be praying for the Mallory's and a miracle!
ReplyDeleteSheridan- Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope many people are touched by Cassandra's blog as I have been. The Mallorys are truly precious people. The kindest, sweetest, most genuine people you would ever meet. This is a terrible tragedy...you can't imagine what they have to face on a daily basis. But, the Lord has been so faithful, He has opened so many closed doors and given them peace when they desperately needed it.
ReplyDeleteSheridan, Both Auston and I are overwhelmed with your kind words and your amazing post about our family. We are touched that you would write about our situation on your blog. We have been so blessed by everyone's unending prayers and support and I just wanted to thank you for sharing our story with even more people. You have no idea how much this means to us. God has been so faithful and through this journey, He has taught me more about my faith and myself than I ever thought was possible. I know that something amazing is going to come out of all of this because so much good already has. Thank you again for strengthening our support system and giving us even more hope. Sincerely, Cassandra Mallory
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome Cassandra. I will keep reading and enjoying every word you write. Auston's and your spirit is amazing and inspiring <3 How exciting when I get to write about him taking his first step...! You will all stay in my prayers xoxo
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching story- I started to tear up thinking about how amazing their faith and courage is to hang in there as a strong family.
ReplyDeleteKatie