Turning a Corner

We feel like we have turned a corner and can see the end in sight!  It is such a great feeling!  

On January 4th, we headed back to Primary Children's for Joshua's post chemo MRI.  We were hoping for good news, and that is exactly what we got!  His MRI looked clear and his lumbar puncture came back clean so they gave him the green light to move ahead with Radiation.  I think Josh was more excited to get his PICC line removed than he was to be done with Chemo!  He was eager to pose for his first PICC free picture!  

We were able to meet with the Radiation Oncologist before we came home and get Josh all set for Radiation.  Our boy walked away from that appointment with 5 little tattoos and a desire to NEVER get another one!  He was surprised at how badly they hurt.  The little "freckle" tattoos serve as mapping points for the laser beams.  He will have his head and spine radiated for 20 days and it will be done in Utah at LDS Hospital.  We have had a full week to be home and we have enjoyed each day!  Josh, Kyler and I will be staying in Utah during the week and coming home on the weekends.  We are so grateful for everything falling into place and know that it is NOT coincidence.  We have seen the Lord's hand throughout this journey and are so grateful to Him for His wisdom, love, mercy and patience with us.  We are so grateful that our son's life has been spared and know that this experience has served a great purpose.  It has changed us, taught us and we desire to be better people because of it.  This experience in and of itself has brought more joy into our lives.  We hold on to hugs a little longer.  We say, "I love you" more often.  We appreciate the little things and truly understand the great gift that life is!  How can we not be grateful for this trial?


While we were in Utah, we got see my sweet niece, Marissa, be baptized.  It was such a treat to be there and see her take this great step in her life.  She was literally glowing.  She was so happy!  I am happy for her.  One of the great things about living in Utah for the next month is that I will get to see a lot more of Marissa and her family!!  I love you Riss!