Our Last Move

cgb21

From the bottom of my heart I wish that I had better news, but the good Lord’s plans are far different from our own. A couple of weeks ago I was having a really hard time breathing, my color was off, and something definitely did not feel right. My wife was smart enough to contact my oncologist to ask her opinion and if emergency care was needed. Her advice was very clear, get to the ER as soon as possible. Britt and I jumped in the truck and headed up to Northside Hospital in Atlanta where my oncologist could administer care once I was admitted. We had gone in thinking that I had a serious respiratory infection or at worst, pneumonia. After the standard blood work and testing nonsense, they did a CT scan of my chest to get a good look at my lungs. Unfortunately, the ER doctors gave us some bad news that was further confirmed by my oncologist the next morning.

Although we may have been confident in the medications, the cancer in my lungs has continued to progress over the last eight weeks. One of the ER doctors even mentioned that I am down to only having 20% of my overall lung capacity. My oncologist is usually always optimistic and in a great mood but on the morning that she delivered this news, it was quite the opposite. It was with great heartache that she told us that there aren’t any other treatment options available and all that she could offer was to make me comfortable for the time that I have left. We, of course, asked what kind of timeline we are looking at and she said most people would be weeks but with the way my body fights back, it could be a couple of months. She then suggested that I start oxygen intake immediately.

After a long discussion and prayer, Britt and I decided that we are taking a final vacation to Michigan to be with my family. We will be here until my time comes to leave this earth. We packed up the pups in the Jeep, which Hunter drove while Brittany and I took the truck and made the drive in one night. We spent that night with the Moffett’s in Chicago who were such amazing and, as always, gracious hosts. Then we finished the journey with a three-hour drive over to Michigan. We are posted up at my Grandmother’s old condo that is very nice and comfortable.

Our plan is simple; I will continue to do blood transfusions weekly until they don’t seem to help anymore. That will be my sign that my body is shutting down. At that point we will start hospice care and they will handle home care from there. We have been in contact with my family and I plan on allowing them to visit whenever they can.

This journey has been trying, but it has also taught me so very much. It’s made me appreciate my life. It’s made me appreciate the relationships. It’s made me care about the people that stood next to me instead of the things that I have accomplished. Most of all, it has taught me that God’s plan is perfect. I am somehow at peace because I know I will leave every relationship saying everything that needs to be said and forgiving any wrong doings. I hold zero grudges, no resentment, and finally no regrets. This life has lead me down a crazy, fun, intense, and amazing rollercoaster but it has ultimately lead me to her. The one person I was waiting for. The one woman I was looking for….Brittany Jean Bird.

I lied about one thing up there, I am proud of one accomplishment, it has been my greatest accomplishment…it is the love that Britt and I have found.

I have reserved the rest of the time that I have left on this earth for my family. Please respect my precious time by only contacting us through Facebook messenger if absolutely needed. I am forever grateful for ya’lls support. Please don’t feel sorry for me, please think of me and smile, knowing I am surrounded by loved ones, and I am happy.

Truly all my best – Carson Grady Bird

Our Last Move

30 thoughts on “Our Last Move”

  1. Capt Amber DeRiggi says:

    Carson, this is beautifully written. You are such a fighter! You’ve left a lasting impact on everyone who is lucky enough to know you and you’re absolutely right – God’s plan IS perfect, and you’ve found one thing that most people search for forever – true love!! I pray you have peace and laughter in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for being an inspiration to your brothers and sisters in arms, and to all who have heard your story around the world. You are incredible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Momma Shep says:

    My GUY to the Moon and back, I love you. My family and I have received such a BLESSING TO HAVE YOU AND BRITTANY WHILE YOU WERE HERE WITH US, AND WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE YOU COME BACK HERE FOR VISITS. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER. REMEMBER, Momma Shep loves you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Marcellous Johnson says:

    Carson, you are such an inspiration to do many people. I will always charish the time you spent as a Northgate Viking. One of the BEST to ever come through the program. I love you brother.
    Coach Marcellous Johnson

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Elaine Hiett says:

    I have the highest respect and honor for you. Ive never met you but have kept up through FB on your journey. God bless you, Brittany and your family. Peace be with you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Gail Randle says:

    Carson, you played football with my son Austin, and I had the good fortune to meet you at the games and watch you play. Austin and Brandi have kept me up to date on your progress, and you have been in my prayers. As I read your blog, I am heartbroken for you, but I also find great strength in your words. You have lived a life that most people could never even dream of, so much living in such a short period of time. You have found true love, many people never do that. You have a fatih that sustains you, most people don’t understand that power. You have made wonderful and loyal friends, something that has bouyed you along the way. And you have a family that loves you and will continue to surround you with love until the very end. Just know that you have touched lives in ways that you will never understand, and my hope is that your friends and family will know Christ so they will see you again. My prayers for you, Brittany, and your family are for strength, comfort and peace. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and wrap you in his love. Gail Randle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Bolt Brotherhood says:

    My mother has had lung problems to the extent where she has 45 percent of her original capacity, just about to the point where she needed some O2. I did some research and suggested she look into systemic enzymes. Those seemed to have helped pretty well. Haven’t had the overall results confirmed yet, but she doesn’t cough near as much, and her overall health has improved (not just her bad lungs,but her diabetes as well). Just figured I would share this information, since it has helped my mom out a little. Here’s a sight for more info. http://systemicenzymes.net. Not trying to solicit, just want to help. Dr Wong’s brand is zymessence. Not trying to solicit, just want to help in any way I can. I’ll be praying for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Janette Ridge says:

    Carson I am so saddened by what you are going through. I am also so proud of the man you have become. So happy you found your soulmate and have no regrets in life. That in itself is quite an accomplishment. I will always remember your humor and similing face. Thank you for being Cooper’s friend because his life was made richer by having had you in it. I wish you and your family all the best. Will be thinking and praying for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. Krystal Moore says:

    Inspired by your love, strength and courage. Cancer is an ugly disease and takes so many far too soon. Praying for you, your wife, family and friends. May God’s will be done in all things. Peace, love, and comfort be with you. Above all, never let your faith waiver.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Mandy Burch Schlicker says:

    Praying for you guys. Strength and Peace. Supernaturally given to both of you. May you both ride upon the wings of God as he carries you through this process.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. Bob Eichner says:

    Carson you are truly an inspiration to all!
    Your strength and courage is unbelievable. Keep fighting#2 , my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! God bless you my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. Charlton Warren says:

    Carson you inspire me and others everyday! Love you and very proud to have had the pleasure of being your coach and friend. You have and are touching so many people in so many ways that you will live forever and never be forgotten. I wish I was half as brave as you are #2. God bless you and your beautiful bride, it was a true blessing and privilege to see and hang out with you earlier this year and I wish you nothing but peace!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Cheryl Owens says:

    Carson,
    I don’t know you. Michael Bryan shared your post on Facebook, and I’m friends with him.
    I just want to tell you thank you for showing how we can all live, and die, with grace. Your words inspire me to make the most of my life and count my blessings.
    May these next weeks ( months? Years????) be pain free. May you get to share all you want with your family and loved ones.
    None of us gets out of here alive. Your courage and grace and acceptance shows me how to do this journey the right way.
    God speed.
    Cheryl Owens
    Roswell, GA

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. Rosita says:

    Dear Carson. I’m from Holland and a dear friend of the Kaczmarek’s family. I read your story through Ken Kan.
    It gives me goosebumps 😢 I hope that our Lord gives you more time with your family than you expect and my prayers are with you and your loved ones 🙏🏼❤️😘 Rosita Jacobs

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Christie Roth says:

    Carson and Brittany, my heart is heavy. I only know that God is faithful and His plan is perfect. I will continue to pray for the two of you.
    Carson, you are one lucky man, I have never met your bride but I stand in awe of her.
    Give your momma a hug for me. I think of her so often. Still have emails from her on my phone and her in my contacts. It keeps me close to her.
    I want you to know that I look up to you both and hope I can learn from your journey and follow your lead.
    Love and blessings, chris

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Mark Richards says:

    Carson iam the father of Katie an Kelly Richards I watched you play a lot football at Northgate and a few at AFA thank you for the moments you shared and didn’t no you did with me your words touched me gods plan is different than ours I wish you peace They need good cournerback in heaven

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Cindy George says:

    Carson, I feel as though I know you through my daughter and Kip and all that I have read and heard about you. It would have been wonderful to have met you at some point. You have touched so many with your strength, courage, faith and amazing character. I am in awe of you and the fight that you have fought. Life is not fair but you are handling what has been dealt you with such grace and character. You are truly an inspiration and have left a lasting impression on so many, even those as myself that did not have the honor of knowing you. Blessings to you and your sweet, lovely wife.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. diane and dale dekker says:

    Hello Carson! We are celebrating that we are one in Christ. We will always remember you as one of those young aspiring Falcons! Our heart is with you. See you in heaven! dale, diane, travis, paige and luke dekker 2018!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. Ira Cline says:

    Carson and Brittney…I don’t know you, but you are so inspiring to me. You’ve impacted so many people’s lives for the better…how many, you’ll never know. Thank you for sharing your story and teaching me to more fully appreciate this blessing we have called life. Thank you for sharing your faith in God…He is our foundation. You are His precious children and I must say…you two rock! Will be praying for you both.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  29. Lisa Gibson says:

    Carson, The world needs more people like you and all that you stand for – Strength, integrity, courage, intelligence – You and your beautiful bride have shown many people what it means to live life to the fullest…And, that the things that matter the most are our Friends and Family. I guess to put it simply, you have shown us all the meaning of Love.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. Yesterday, I was absolutely floored by hearing that Capt Bird was given months to live. Not only is it shocking but just humbling how this man, who i only know through seeing briefly throughout basic is looking at his final days. How is it that a man who has seen war, graduated from the Academy, married the love of his life, and still has many more things that he probably wants to accomplish has such a short time here on earth? I am completely floored and just heartbroken. I honestly could not stop thinking about his blog post and how sweetly he phrased how much everything meant to him and how humble he was with accepting what was happening to him.

    This man has lost his leg, he has been battling cancer, and spent countless hours in the hospital. Yet, he looks at things in such a way with a heart full of Jesus. Its amazing how this man was able to touch me and I, not even really know him. I have such a deep feeling of why’s and what if’s but ultimately I think I am wasting time just thinking about why it is him and not someone else. Is that a righteous thought? is it even fair? Would God look at me questionable about his Will?

    I have always been a curious minded person. Curious about silly things and curious about serious things and though at times I question the Man himself, I now realize God places people in your life to change you, mold you, and make you realize that things are in His hands and you have to let Him do his work and not fight it. If we spent our lives trying to fight him on every situation, every issue, every problem, then why have faith? Why pray to Him in the wee hours of the morning begging for forgiveness?

    We freeze when put in situations we aren’t comfortable in, we back out, and we hide. There is a rhyme and a reason for why you are there. Open yourself to the new adventure. Easier said than done, I know, but you have to believe there is a reason. God has a plan and one day when it is your time to join Him you will see His masterpiece and be able to see why every brushstroke, every little smudge, made the YOUR own million dollar piece you are looking at. So take the trip to a place you have never been, love endlessly, be picky in who you trust, and live a full life for the people who have left this world a little earlier than you have. Run faster, when someone says “ gym at 0430” don’t second guess it and go, cliff dive into the beautiful ocean? YES, sometimes money comes into play but if someone or something is calling out to you, make your life meaningful.

    ~

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment