One Year Ago....

...Chris and I were sitting in the surgical waiting area of a children's hospital in STL.  Our Benjamin was in the middle of having a cancerous tumor removed from the back of his knee.  We were being covered with SO much prayer.  Soon Dr. G. came to us with the best news ever.  The tumor had literally peeled right off the nerve, in one complete mass, with a very clear margin.  There was no damage to the surrounding tissue or nerve, the mass was out.  GONE! 

We had a few ups and downs after that, initially fairly confident that the mass was benign, but later we received the devastating news that it was cancerous.  It was such a rare form of cancer, that really only a couple of other cases had ever been reported.  Our one-in-a-billion kid felt a tad special, yet in many respects it's not that great to be so rare. 

This last year has been one of continued steps of faith and trusting in His care for Benjamin.  We have rejoiced after each of his 3-month check-ups that have showed clear results.  We are so very thankful for the wonderful care that has been available to us, for the many prayers that have been offered on our family's behalf, and for the "normal" lifestyle that Benjamin has been able to lead.  He is beating cancer and we are hopeful that this cancer will never return.

It's easy to forget what we faced a year ago, but I never want to forget and take for granted a single day.  Each day is a blessing, and for that we are forever grateful!