DeVyn’s song for Branson -“Hope is having you”
DeVyn Coker & Branson Wayne picture in the hospital
From the second I met DeVyn, I knew she was special. She has the kind of smile that makes you can’t help but smile right back and a heart of pure gold! I got the joy of helping lead a retreat with Blue Skies Ministries this past week, a ministry that takes families facing pediatric cancer on beach and mountain retreats, where I had the joy of meeting DeVyn and her mom Brittany. All weekend long, DeVyn and I quickly became fast friends as we snorkeled for seashells and little fish, played “get ready for the Grammys” (she won one of course) in the pool, and got to hear glimpses of her battle with T-Cell Leukemia. On the last day of camp, I asked DeVyn if she had ever written a song and if she wanted to… her answer was a huge “YES”! The song wrote itself when the second I asked DeVyn what gave her hope during her cancer journey, she immediately said her friend Branson Wayne. She recalled a story of the time she saw a double rainbow on the way to the hospital and recalled how that encouraged her and gave her so much hope - that God was not only looking out for her but also her amazing friend Branson! We wrote the song as an attempt to put into words how much Branson has meant to her and to say thank you for being such an incredible friend to walk this journey with. After writing the song, Brittany, DeVyn, and I had tears streaming down our faces and allowed there to be space to take in the weight of what they have both been through. In that silence, there was room to grieve yet also take hold of the beautiful hope that we have in Jesus and that we have in the gift of the ones He places in our path to help us know we are never alone.
“Maybe hope is having you - having someone else to say me too. Maybe hope is the arch in my rear view - a double rainbow... one for me and one for you”
After finishing the song, we shared the first recording with Branson’s mom who wrote such a beautiful response that is far better than anything I could ever put into words. After all, this is their story. So I wanted to share what Branson’s mom wrote and other ways you can support both DeVyn and Branson as they walk through their journey with cancer. Here are her words:
“There are no words big enough to explain what this means to us. I’ve sat here sobbing, not just because the song is beautiful but because of who it came from and the heart behind every single lyric.
Branson’s “chemo sister,” DeVyn, wrote this song for him alongside her incredible mama, as a way to process and pour out all the emotions they’ve carried through this journey. With the help of a sweet young woman who sat down with DeVyn to talk through her feelings, this early version was recorded using her voice. DeVyn will soon go into the studio to record her own version, but even now… hearing these words come to life has absolutely wrecked us in the most emotional, healing way. We sobbed… like full on, snot bubble kind of crying.
It’s real. It’s raw. And it’s them.
DeVyn is still fighting her own battle with T-Cell Leukemia, yet she continues to be one of the brightest lights in our lives. She and Branson met shortly after his diagnosis and instantly became inseparable. They held hands through treatment. Shared holidays in hospital rooms. Sometimes even squeezed into the same chair for chemo. They gave each other strength in moments when everything else felt like it was crumbling.
In April, DeVyn and her mama drove 8 hours to surprise Branson for his birthday at MD Anderson because that’s just the kind of people they are. The most beautiful souls inside and out. They radiate light and positivity, even in the darkest places. You feel it the second you’re around them.
Her mom was actually one of the very first people I called when Branson relapsed. She didn’t hesitate. She was at the hospital faster than I could blink, holding me, praying over me and showing up in a way I will never forget. We clicked the moment we met. Now we talk every day. We cry together, laugh when we can and love each other’s babies like our own. They’ve walked this road beside us in a way no one else could because they truly understand.
And now… this song. Their gift. Their love. Their hearts poured out in music and melody.
Hope is having you… Having someone else who can say me too. Hope is the sight in my rear view… a double rainbow, one for me and one for you.
Please take a moment to listen. Let these words soak into your heart. And please follow and support Devyn on her journey as she’s still in this fight and she and her family deserve every bit of love this world can offeDeVyn's DelegationXIfr
We love you, Dev. And we love you, sis. This song is a part of Branson’s story now and we’ll carry it with us forever.
Vocals and music: Mary Grace Smith”
Thank you Nicole for your beautiful words and for sharing Branson & DeVyn’ story. I will forever be marked by their courage, story, and love for one another. I am honored to have helped this song come to life and am praying for both Branson and DeVyn’s complete healing!
Here’s how you can follow along:
Branson’s support page - “Branson’s Brave Battle”: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16QmWSrFjy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
DeVyn’s support page - “DeVyn’s Delegation”: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16dMWJS29S/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Watch video below:
