No news is good news...

No news is good news, and we have been having an amazing summer! I haven't completely forgotten about this blog, but every time I think, I need to write a blog, its at a time when I can't stop and write. For those that still check up on Noah, I apologize for not updating; the good news is, things have been quiet, and unusually normal - there hasn't been a need to request specific prayer for him or inform of his health status. Right now he is doing great, as far as we can tell! He remains full of energy - if you have met him, you can attest to that. People ask me all the time, "Does Noah ever stop moving?" Yes, but only when he is asleep! He is constantly a joy as well as a frustration. And don't judge me for saying he is a frustration!! :) He is so stinking cute and funny to make up for all the trouble he gets into! It's in the times when I am so frustrated that I have to remind myself...remember what he has been through. Remember that it is a gift that he is still here. Stop being completely selfish and don't act in your anger. Remember to live in every second and don't take it for granted. I didn't expect today's blog to turn into a confessional, but the farther out we get from treatment, the harder it is for me to be patient with Noah, and with just about anything, to be honest. I feel like the Lord was giving me an extra dose of grace during the hardest times, but now we are in a "normal" season of life and in its own way, it is just as hard. Maybe that sounds crazy, but regular doctor visits, hospital stays, spending most of my time driving back and forth to Birmingham and caring for a special needs child WAS my normal. It's hard to integrate back into society once you've been changed like that. Or maybe it's just hard for me. Anyway, life is normal, and good - full of 3 year old antics, bad attitudes, and hilarious statements that make you think, where did THAT come from??  (For example, as I typed the last sentence, Noah found John's chocolate-covered espresso beans and ate one. God help me when that kicks in!) He is not in school this summer, and he will start back to a half-day class in August. 
He has an MRI on Wednesday, July 20th. Because we haven't been to Birmingham in a while, it's easy for me to push the bad stuff to the back of my mind. The closer we get to July 20th, the more the "what-ifs" creep to the forefront. I am doing my best to stand on the promise that all things will work together for our good, meaning that Noah will be healed on this earth and live a long life, honoring the Lord and sharing his testimony of healing. But sometimes that promise means that your good = an early departure to eternity with Him. So many parents with cancer kids have to accept the latter promise...I can't imagine how hard it must be to accept that. There is a sweet young girl named Lindsey that I have written about before, and her parents are grasping for every second they can have with her. Please, please remember them in your prayers, especially Lindsey as she is suffering. You can read her story here. 
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There is no easy way to transition from the depression of thinking about Lindsey and all that she has been through, to being excited for some future trips we are planning. John and I use such sobering news to remind us, as I have mentioned above, that each day and even each second is a gift to be honored, cherished, and put to use. So, we will be traveling to Florida for a beach retreat, provided by an organization called Lifehouse Family Retreats, just before Noah's MRI in July. We also have a few short trips planned for Atlanta, Chattanooga, etc. and hope to go on some of those before summer is over. We have been so blessed to be given such opportunities to share in fun family activities and make some wonderful memories. We appreciate all who have contributed to allowing us to do this! Once again I have to reiterate how thankful we are for the love and support we continue to receive...even though life has been uneventful and I have neglected to update regularly, I know that you all are still sending love and prayers, and we appreciate you and love you back! If I fail to update before Noah's MRI, rest assured that you will be informed of the outcome of the MRI asap.