I try to keep this blog upbeat. (Plug in 'Pollyanna' in my search box at the top left and scads of posts will pop up). But it's hard to be upbeat today and well, there is that 'weeping with those who weep' thing, after all.

I'm talking about the death yesterday of John and Kelly Travolta's 16-year-old son, Jett. This one hit me hard, which may sound odd, but stick with me.

Years ago I was channel surfing and landed upon the Montel Williams Show , the episode with Kelly (Preston) Travolta. She told how she and John had taken their 2-year-old son to the hospital after his having a seizure (I believe it was that). 

At first, the doctors were mystified, but eventually they diagnosed him with Kawasaki disease. They said he'd have to take seizure medication the rest of his life.

But I also remember Kelly saying that she, along with other parents of Kawasaki children, were given an extensive survey to fill-out, one designed to discover any possible causes of this disease. The only thing all the survey results had in common? Each of the households had used carpet cleaning services-- I believe both professional and the type you rent from stores, yourself. That was it, the only common factor.

Kelly said she felt so guilty that she'd been such a clean freak after her baby arrived and how, now, because of that, her son would have to take medication forever. And how this could affect the types of jobs he held as an adult, as well, and who knew what else?

I felt horrible for her. I vowed never to use carpet cleaners again (not chemical-laden ones, anyway) and renewed my efforts to keep using baking soda and vinegar as household cleaners. In fact, Kelly was, at that time, traveling around the Country, spreading the word about chemical dangers in the home, advertising a line of natural cleaners as well. Soon after, she appeared on Oprah for that reason.

I told Naomi about that episode of Montel and the carpet cleaning solution thing and, about a year later, she called me from her job to remind her of the details because a co-worker planned on having her rugs cleaned and she had small children. I also told a few other people, but well, you know, that sort of thing can go either way. You find some people who take you seriously and then there are others who say, "My mother had her carpets cleaned, like, every week and look how I turned out. I'm fine!"

But whichever type of person you may be, I'm just saying--because I feel I must--please take chemicals seriously. Try to use as few as possible in your home, especially around children. Especially around yourself or anyone else you may care about.



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Read the article about the Travoltas' son here.

Please pray along with me that this couple will turn to Jesus at this devastating time for the comfort only He can give.


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