Back at it

I'm not sure where the time is going, but our life has been very busy. I haven't done a good job keeping everyone updated--sorry! Mitchell is doing REALLY well. His mobility improves each day and his PT and OT are very impressed. His left knee still locks back, which affects his gait and steadiness. PTs don't quite know what to do since it's really a neurological issue. He is doing well with his chemo too. He has caught colds the week after his temodar the last few months, which is kind of annoying for him, but all in all it's not a big deal.

Our big news is we got to go on his Make-A-Wish trip this past week and it was so wonderful! We travel occasionally and I've felt the blues that come at the end of vacations before, but I have to say I was downright depressed leaving Florida. It was a magical time for our family, and I'm sure we'll go on more fun trips together, but this time was different because for a few days we all escaped from our responsibilities and worries and enjoyed each other. Plus, Make-A-Wish gave us a trip we could never buy. I appreciate what we got, but selfishly wanted more--just a few more days at least! Here is a sneak preview picture until I have time to post more.

Finally, I've been meaning to post a follow-up for a while to the previous post about Mitchell's conversation. I saw an interview with a gal who was severely burned in a plane crash. Her name is Stephanie Nielsen and she said that while she was unconscious, she had a vision and was given a choice. She said, "I was with somebody who told me that I could choose to live and have a hard life, you know, embarrassing at times and painful. Or, I could just stay there, and there's a lot of work to do there too, but I thought of my children and husband, and it was easy. An easy choice."

This quote struck me, because I've thought a lot about how Mitchell must have known and accepted this life's challenge before he came to earth and wondered if even now he knows. He may have a difficult life physically/intellectually, etc. but I think he's up for the challenge. He can do a lot of good here--we all need people like Mitchell in our lives. He always amazes me for so many reasons. Even simple things, like manners, are never forgotten. He had an accident on the airplane (he just woke up and was rushed onto the plane) and kept saying, "I'm sorry I had an accident. Thank you for cleaning me up." He's always doing things like that. When I think of what Mitchell's life might be like should he live, I worry it will be hard for him, but then the scripture in Isaiah always comes to my mind, "He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief...despised and rejected of men...the chastisement of His people was upon Him..." and I think that no matter what, the Lord knows who Mitchell is, what He needs, and what He will go through. He will never be left to do it alone, and no matter what people might say or do to him, Mitchell will be okay. Luckily he has a family who adores him. I told Chad I worry more about what I would do if anyone ever made fun of him! Kids can be so mean.

I'll try to update soon. We have another MRI in a month, so please remember to pray and/or fast for him. We have a lot of hope and faith that things will continue to go well.