Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Looking back on 2008, we clearly see God has taken us through a year we will never forget.  Especially for Ben!  In June Ben was faced with a diagnosis that changed his life, and for the past 6 months of the year we have been adjusting to a new life style.    

For the past month Ben has been exceeding all expectations.  He is gaining weight, staying health (for the most part), and living an active, normal 2 year old life.  Ben has continued to do treatments twice a day.  He is also currently getting over a cold which was a concern for awhile.  We are grateful his cold has not got worse, especially since so many viruses are going around at this time of the year.  But thankfully Ben has not had to go back on antibiotics due to the decline in his cold symptoms.

Also, looking back on 2008, we clearly see the hand of God on Ben's life.  God has continued to strengthen our lives, our faith, and our hope for the future!  

Philippians 3:14  -  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

And for YOU!  Thanks you for being interested in Ben's life.  Thank you for being a prayer partner and helping Michelle and Paul carry the burden.  Thank you for investing your time to be a part of Ben's life.  

And now as we look forward to the year 2009, we strain toward what is ahead; we press on toward the goal and to look heavenly bound.  Our eyes are on the Lord for the year 2009, therefore we know Ben's life is in good hands!  

Happy New Year!               

Cutting down the Ferguson Christmas tree was a fun adventure. The boys just wanted to chop trees down. They weren't really into my desire to find the perfect family tree like Michelle. Paul started his basketball season so the whole family has spend many hours in the Wheaton Academy gym. Ty, Ben and Caleb love it and can't get enough!  Also, recently Michelle rented the movie Kung Fu Panda and it's the new obsession in the house.  Everyone now karate chops each other, Caleb included.

 

Ben is doing well. His throat culture came back normal which is another answer to prayer. Please continue to pray for Ben's health this winter.

Exodus 15:2-3  -  The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  

He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.  

The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.

Good news for which we are thankful!

Ben had a CF clinic visit this week.  He has grown more and his BMI had increased from 30% to 42%.  He has almost reached his goal of 50%.  Also, his lungs sounded clear which is a praise!  He has had a couple of colds over the previous 2 weeks, so Dr. Prestridge put Ben on a 3 week oral antibiotic. Patients with CF always have a some amount of bacteria in their lungs (non-CF people would not have any) so when Ben gets a virus/cold the bacteria levels in his lungs increase. So even if he doesn't have a lung infection, Dr. Prestridge wants to make sure the bacteria growth in his lungs is contained.

Michelle and Paul talked with Dr. Prestridge about getting a lung function test for Ben. They only can do toddler testing at Children's Memorial in Chicago which is called an IOS (impulse spirometor).  There are plans being made to do this test in January. It will give us a guideline on how Ben's lungs are doing as well as help us track his the health of his lungs as we move forward. Also, because of Ben's excellent growth over the past 2 months, the doctor increased his enzymes to 3 for a snack and 4 for meals.

 

Ben is doing really well. He is coorporating well with his treatments, enzymes, and medicine right now.  He is very active and plays non-stop with Ty.  They are best friends and it is such a blessing to watch.  Caleb tries to be involved but can't keep up with the older boys, even though he wants to!  One of their favorite activities is to go to the Wheaton Academy's gym.  The boys absolutely love to go see their Dad and run around the gym. 

Thank you for your prayers. The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. We continue to feel your prayers in our life.

Psalm 18: 30-32  -  As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. 

 He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.  For who is God besides the Lord?  

And who is the Rock except our God? 

 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

THANK YOU!!! Cruisin' For The Cure was a success!

A little fun with the committee members while setting up!

Ben passing out gifts!

Ben picking the raffle tickets for the winners!

Christina, the famous babysitter, came to see Ben!

Ben with the Lowe family!  Thanks for coming!

THANK YOU TO SHANE'S DELI AND WHOLEFOODS for the food!

Of course Grandpa could not be out of sight!

Me and Ben!

Paul and Michelle share their story!

The family on a motorcycle!

Sister love!

The T-shirts, registration, silent auction, and pictures of Ben.

The man of the hour!

Yay!  The first annual Cruisin' for The Cure was a success!  The total amount raised is not yet finished being counted, but for the first annual event we are very thankful for the support!  About 50-75 people attending the event as we ate lots of food, tried on our new sweet T-shirts, raffles with great gifts, and listened to Ben's story!  We are excited to see where Cruisin' For The Cure will go in the future as we hope to expand our awareness and get more and more people involved.  

We would especially like to thank the committee: Karen Crumback (the CFF event director), Mike Morrison, Fred Gizzo, Rob and Rebecca Wolgemuth, and the other Bollier/Ferguson members! 

Haha, that sounded like a Grammy award!!  Anyway, THANK YOU AGAIN for anyone and everyone who supported the event!  Every penny is being put to use to help find ways to improve Ben's life.  It's something so precious and valuable!  Therefore, we are so grateful for your support!   

Ben walking in ... VERY excited!  Please notice his high pitched voice!  It's the best!

One day at a time!

Ben's fingers are healing from his little accident!  The doctors are thinking that he will not need skin grafts anymore ... we're hoping and praying the status stays that way! 

We're also very excited about Ben's first fundraiser! We are praying every detail will work out and that God's name will be glorified through the event!  

Thanks for you prayers!

Psalm 34: 8  -  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

One Week Countdown!

One more week until CRUISIN' FOR THE CURE!

Mark it on your calendars, write it in ink!  

Come to Ben's first fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis ... and show the Fergusons your support!

NOVEMBER 8, 2008

*Refer to the blog below for more information!

11 more days!

11 more days till Ben's first Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising event!  Come support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Ferguson family!  

NOVEMBER 8, 2008 @ Zylstra Harley-Davidson Dealership

131 S. Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL

*See invitation below!

Health Update

Last week Ben visited the dentist.  His teeth are healthy and he has no cavities.  This is good news because CF patients tend to have more problems with their teeth.  

Also, two weeks ago Ben got his fingers caught in the treadmill and he went to see the doctor again last week. Sadly, there is a change Ben will need skin grafts on his hand.  More decisions will be made this week regarding the possibility of this procedure.

We are praying the doctors will make the right decision.  We also pray that Ben's adventurous attitude will not get him in trouble any more than it has!

CRUISIN' FOR THE CURE 2008

The first Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising Event in honor of Benjamin Ferguson!

You're Invited!!

To a family event and motorcycle ride

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Zylstra Harley-Davidson Dealership

131 S. Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL

Ride registration: 1:00 pm

Bikes leave: 1:30 pm

Rally reception and Ben's story: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Registration fee $25 (includes t-shirts)

Rider fee $10 (includes t-shirts)

General Admissions $5 - Come enjoy food and beverages!

Rev up your bikes and join us for the inaugural Cruisin’ For the Cure. This motorcycle ride and rally is to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Enjoy riding through scenic St. Charles (weather permitting) or just join us at the dealership to meet Ben and hear his story.  There will be food, beverages and prizes…it will be a great day for a great cause!!  

For more information on donations and sponsorship, please contact

Karen Crumback @ 312.236.4491 ext 104 or kcrumback@cff.org

Or Email myself at megan.bollier@student.indwes.edu

Also:   TO REGISTER

Visit this link:  http://grillinois.cff.org/cruisin08

Getting Involved!

These are pictures of Michelle and my dad (aka the famous "Papa") two weeks ago when they attended the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fundraiser called The Breath of Life Gala in downtown Chicago.  It was a great experience for both Michelle and my dad to witness the passion they have to find a cure.  Four months ago Ben was diagnosis with cystic fibrosis, and already we are beginning to get involved with the foundation to raise money for the cure!  

*More information to come soon about an upcoming event to raise money for CF, in honor of little Ben!

A Little Accident

Today Ben had a little accident involving  his fingers and a treadmill which resulted in a three sliced fingers and a trip the emergency room.  Ben was playing in the basement while my mom was running and before she knew it, mischievous little Ben had his fingers stuck in the belt part of the treadmill.  My mom immediately stopped the machine, pulled his fingers out, and began assessing his condition.  After a half an hour we decided to take him to the emergency room because he seemed to be in a lot of pain.  At first when we told him he was going to the hospital, he said "No more poke, poke."  We kind of chuckled and said he didn't have to worry about that!  At the hospital we were in and out with antibiotic medication, pain killers, and advice for a follow up visit to check his condition.  He was a pro at the hospital though and did very well!  Guess it's just another thing to add to the list!  

We just have to keep praying.  I'm sure there are many more surprised to come and we have to trust God with every minute!

Finally!

Ben is back to his baseline and he rarely coughs anymore.  It took him 3 weeks but he is back! Thank you so much for your prayers!

Exodus 14:14  -  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Dedicated Fans

Ben wakes up by 6am each morning and is quickly followed by Caleb. Either Paul or Michelle take them two downstairs for "vest and mask" time (Chest Therapy and Pulmozyme Nebulizer treatment). Ben wants to watch "Oh no You never let go," which is a DVD of Christian songs from Grandma Ferguson (Lannie). Ben has been watching this video 3 times a day for the past 2 weeks. Slightly obsessive?  I think so!  But it's a good obsession and the whole family enjoys it! Ben's favorite part of the song is, "Through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, you never let go. Lord, you never let go of me."  (When I go home this weekend, I'll get a video of it.)  What an amazing lesson for Ben to learn at a young age. We are so thankful that Ben is filling his soul with God's truth.  Please continue to pray for health for Ben's body as well as salvation for his soul. 

Ben seems to be doing well. Michelle and Paul are still continuing to do his vest treatments 3 times a day (which is increased from twice a day) and are closely watching him as he still has an increase of mucus. Michelle said she thinks it was less yesterday but they are still going to see how it is today and then talk with the Nurse Practitioner on Monday. If his mucus has not decreased, then they will take him to see Dr. Chung on Tuesday to make sure nothing more is going on. Ben doesn't seem to have anyother symptoms of lung infection, so we think it is just taking him a while to get over this cold.  Michelle also said she never expected him to struggle through a cold so much now that we have ways to help him.  But through it all we are reminded how important it is to protect Ben from exposure to illnesses and most importantly to bathe him in prayer. We are SO grateful for your prayers.  James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Last weekend my dad and Michelle went to a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fundraiser called the Breath of Life Gala. They gave me a full report, stating it was a very nice evening at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. They met some wonderful people from the CFF as well as the Foundation's President Robert Beall.  Dr. Beall spoke about the great strides in the care and life of CF patients. He shared the exciting advances that have been made and are in the process of being made.  These include protein repair drugs that would address the root problem of CF.  It was exciting for my dad and Michelle to hear about all the work the CFF is doing for the impovement of CF patient's lives and the extremely confidence that a cure is in grasp. 

WOW!  How cool to think about the possibilities God has in store for Ben!  He could be one of the first to experience these life saving strides for a cure of cystic fibrosis!

"Not our will, but Yours be done."  

Improvements...

Ben is getting better ... but still has a cough and extra mucous.  His appetite has increased, he has been sleeping better at night, and his energy level has increased.  Michelle said he still gets short of breath when he runs around while playing, but it isn't has bad as it was the last couple of weeks.  Yay!  Such a relief to know he is getting better!      

Progression

Ben seems to be taking a turn for the better.  He went to bed really early last night and felt rested when he woke.  He still has excess mucus and is coughing throughout the day.  His energy level is not back to normal and he is breathing harder than normal after activity.  The Pulmonary Nurse Practitioner Michelle and Paul consulted with thinks Ben probably has a viral infection and with CF it takes longer for the body to heal.  The antibiotics should protect Ben from bacteria infection.  Please pray for quality and quantity of sleep for Ben, healing of this infection and protection for other illness.  We deeply value your prayers.

Persistent Cough

Along with Ben's cold, he has a relentless cough and is having some digestive problems.  He is showing many of the same signs from his episode this summer.  Michelle and Paul are very concerned about his condition.  It's a learning process as they deal with Ben's health because we are so new to his disease that it's hard to know exactly when to take appropriate measures.  If things do not start to get better tomorrow, Ben will be visiting the CF clinic again!  We will keep you posted with his health!  Please pray for our little guy!    

Extra precaution!

Ben's cold has not improved and there is a risk unwanted bacteria will grow with the extra mucous in his lungs.  To prevent this from occurring, Ben was given antibiotics today for the next two weeks.  

Michelle and Paul are continuing to seek guidance for the best way to care for Ben and his newly diagnosed disease.  There are so many gray areas they have to consider about Ben's health.  We pray for wisdom as Michelle and Paul care for their two year old little boy who loves to be active and to know when to protect him.  There is a balance between living a normal toddler life and being smart about his condition.   

Despite our fears and concerns about Ben's life ... we must be reminded the real reason we have every breath to be thankful for.  We have one goal.  We have one purpose.  To live with Jesus Christ eternally!  It is easy to get caught up in every little detail of life, being concerned about every cough, cold, or chance that Ben will grow bacteria in his lungs ... but ultimately we must focus on the big picture!  

While writing this blog, I was listening to this song...

"I Will Rise" - Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know 

Though my heart and flesh may fail 

There's an anchor for my soul 

I can say "It is well" 

Jesus has overcome 

And the grave is overwhelmed 

The victory is won 

He is risen from the dead 

[Chorus:] 

And I will rise when He calls my name 

No more sorrow, no more pain 

I will rise on eagles' wings 

Before my God fall on my knees 

And rise 

I will rise 

There's a day that's drawing near 

When this darkness breaks to light 

And the shadows disappear 

And my faith shall be my eyes 

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 

"Worthy is the Lamb" 

And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 

"Worthy is the Lamb" 

Every Cold Is A Fight

Caleb got a cold last week.  When Michelle and Paul went to Ben's CF visit they talked with Dr. Chung about ways to help Ben through a cold. She does some homeopathic treatments (using natural substances) for those that want to try alternative medicine, which is one of the huge reason Michelle and Paul wanted her as their doctor.  She also told them to give Ben oscillococcinum 3 times a day when he shows signs of a cold or the flu.  This medication is homeopathic and relieves influenza-like symptoms.  Last week they gave it to Ben as he was showing signs of a cold.  They were hoping it would lessen his symptoms and strengthen his body to fight the cold.  So far Ben is mildly congested with some clear drainage and seems to be improving over the weekend.  Michelle and Paul are increasing his vest treatments to 3 or 4 times a today.  

Please pray for Ben's immune system to fight this virus off quickly and protection from all the bacteria who would love to live in the excess mucus of Ben's lungs. We are doing what we can to help Ben, but we trust in our great God and know that He alone is the great Healer.

Exodus 14:14  -  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Family Love

Romans 12: 9-13

Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

*Pictures taken by Katie Walser

2nd CF Clinic Visit

Ben visited the CF clinic Friday, September 12th for a 3 hour appointment.  The doctors were very thorough while assessing Ben, shared new laboratory results, and spent a big portion of the time informing Michelle and Paul about additional ways to care for Ben.  It began with the nurse as she measured how much Ben had grown.  He had gained another 2 pounds and grew taller as well. He is now is the 29.7% for weight and height.  They still consider Ben's nutritional status to be at-risk until he is over 50%, but they won't look at that seriously until he has been on enzymes for another 6 months. Michelle and Paul are diligently giving Ben healthy fats, protein, and lots of calories. Then they met with the nurse practitioner, Peggy Garvey, and she asked many questions about how Ben is doing and the treatments.  She also did a throat swab for a bacteria culture test. We will know the results of that in 3-4 days.  Doctor Chung was next as she listened to Ben's lungs and said he sounded great. She also gave us back the genetic test results. The tests indicate the homozygous presence of a known mutation of deltaF508 and its pair deltaF508.  It is the most common mutation in North America with about 50% of CF patients who have this homozygous mutation. It is typically characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and having lung infections.  The main concern with these results is acquiring pseudomonas organisms in their throat cultures.  The big deal with this genetic mutation is that it is harder to kill this bacteria.  Doctor Chung stressed to us the importance of his daily treatments, exercise, and good nutrition more so than anything else... And we know most importantly PRAYER!  

Next we saw the respiratory therapist.  Michelle had some questions concerning the cleaning and sterilizing of Ben's neubulizer and inhaler. There is so much to learn as Michelle and Paul pursue the most efficient ways to care for Ben.  Lastly they met with the dietitian which was the easiest part of the visit because Michelle and Paul have been persistent with Ben's diet.  There is definitely no problem in this particular area for Ben.  He is getting organic food, rich in every nutrient he will need to thrive!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for those reading this and who are PRAYING for Ben.  We are extremely grateful for those lifting Ben and our family up to the throne of our Lord God!  Please don't stop praying!  We don't know what the journey ahead of us holds... but we know whose hands hold them!

Jesus Heals Many

Matthew 8:14-17  -  When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.  He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.  This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

Jesus Calms the Storm

Matthew 8:23-27  -  Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us!  We're going to drown!"  He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Ben's life has taught me to be thankful for every breath.  Ben's life has taught us to look up.  We are not called to be comfortable in this world... we are called to trust that Jesus heals the sick and trust that Jesus will calm our storm.   

New Shoes!

Ben is doing great! Both Ty and Ben got new gym shoes, and like his father they are obsessed with their new purchase! We 100% thank the Lord for Ben's improvement and pray that his life will continue to bring glory to Jesus' name!

Matthew 6:33 - Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you.

Heavy Load!

This picture shows Ben eating a donut for his high calorie, high fat diet! I was home for the weekend and was very surprised when I picked up Ben because I could easily tell he has gained weight. This is a huge blessing and answer to prayer!

Psalm 26:3-4 -

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

Team Treatments

Besides having the vest treatment twice a day, Ben receives a medicine called pulmozyme via a neublizer once a day. It is an awesome drug that thins the mucus in Ben's lungs, thus helping to eliminate conditions in Ben's lungs that the bad bacteria like. Here are some pictures of Ben with his fish mask on. Ben's normal routine is to do the albuterol inhaler then vest then pulmozyme in the morning and then the albuterol inhaler and vest right before bed. The vest has a preset timer for 15 minutes. You can adjust the frequency and the amount of pressure depending on his age. The pulmozyme neublizer treatment takes about 15 minutes.
Michelle took Ben to see his Primary Care Physician last week and Ben gained a pound and grew a 1/4 inch in two weeks. Praise the Lord! The enzymes are working and we are on our way to getting Ben to a good weight and height. The doctors want him to be in the 50% for both. Paul and Michelle are trying to feed Ben as high fat, calorie and protein diet as possible. He eats a lot of nuts, wholesome fatty beef, heavy multigrain breads, eggs with spinach and coconut oil, veggies with butter. . . actually everything he eats gets added butter or olive oil! Please pray Ben will be able to gain and maintain the weight he needs. Praise God for his continued health!

Thank you for praying for Ben!

Ben receiving pulmozyme through the neublizer.

Ty is there with Ben for almost every treatment.

The family has developed a team mentality with Ben's Cystic Fibrosis.

They all do it together and encourage Ben along the way.

Prayer Request

Some days Ben will cooperate during his treatment and others Michelle and Paul have to fight Ben to do his routine. The whole family has to be flexible during Ben's treatment. Ty has done an especially good job of being patient and considerate during Ben's treatments.

Pray for the whole Ferguson family.

Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and his strength, seek His face always.

Ben occupying himself during his treatment.

Dr. Appointment

Ben went to a doctor appointment last week to receive his immunization shots and had an allergic reaction on his leg. Michelle took him back to the doctor and they said the reaction was not something to stress about. Other than the reaction, the doctors were very encouraged about Ben's health. He has continued to gain weight which is a huge blessing! God continues to work through Ben's life! Paul and Michelle are so thankful for everyone who is praying for Ben's health. Through the power of prayer, Ben's health continues to progress!

Travel Home

Paul, Michelle, Ty, Ben, and Caleb are traveling late tonight on a flight back to Chicago from their 6 day stay in New Hampshire. They had a wonderful trip while spending quality time with the Ferguson family. Paul and Michelle planned to go to New Hampshire during the 2 week period Ben was in the hospital, so they made arrangements to take their trip later in the summer. Please pray that the family will travel safe and the kids will not lose it at any point of the trip (which is hard to do!).

New Hampshire

Paul, Michelle, Ty, Ben and Caleb had a great time visiting Poppy and Lannie in New Hampshire. Michelle said that Ben had a lot of fun helping Poppy drive his boat, watching Lanny's puppet shows, playing with cousins Cole, Olive and Claire, and being amazed by Uncle Will's baseball moon-shots. They played a lot of baseball, went frog hunting (but returned unsuccessful because Ben and Lanny got stung by bees), looked at the boats coming into Wolfboro's harbor, and visited the famous ice cream stop Bailey's Bubble. Meghan, Cole and Olive drove from Boston to see them, which was a highlight for Ty and Ben. They went to a nature center/wildlife zoo that had deers, bobcat, mountain lions, bears, bald eagles, foxes, and hawks to look at and learn about. Will, Kim and baby Siena made the 6 hour trip from New York City to see them for the weekend. They really enjoyed meeting Siena for the first time and playing with Will and Kim. Aunt Kris, Uncle Steven, Claire and baby Haven arrived from Boston on Friday as well. Ty, Ben, and Claire ran around the house chasing each other, played with "blue guy", and had fun making smores together. It was a blessing to spend time with family and they had a relaxing and enjoyable time.

Lannie putting on a puppet show for the boys

Ben loves to be with Poppy!

Celebrating Tymon's 4th birthday with Aunt Meghan, Cole, and Olive.

Ty and Ben enjoyed playing baseball with Uncle Will.

Making smores with Uncle Steven, Aunt Kris, Lannie and Claire.

Another Vacation

The whole Ferguson family piled in the car this morning at 5 am to fly to New Hampshire to visit Paul's extended family. Even for a six day trip, they have so much stuff to pack with all of Ben's treatment equipment. We pray they will be safe, the kids will cooperate while they travel, and that Ben will not get any illness from the congested air on the plane.

My Personal Twist

Today I feel burdened about Ben's disease and what the future holds for his precious life. I have been following another blog called "Confessions Of A CF Husband" since last school year when my teacher shared their story. The author's wife has CF, unexpectedly got pregnant, had a double lung transplant around the same time of the birth of her daughter, and recently has been diagnosed with Post-Transplant Lymphoma (a serious type of cancer). This Christian couple has shown great faith through their journey and hardships...and it has been a true encouragement in my life since Ben has been diagnosed.

Lamentations 3: 22-25 - Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.

As I plan to leave for school at the end of the week, I have made arrangements with Michelle to send me pictures and updates regularly so you will continue to be updated with Ben's health, prayer requests, and most importantly how God is working through his disease. As I prepare to be 300 miles away from my little guy, I have reflected a lot on what has happened this summer, which is why today's blog is more personal rather than strictly focusing on Ben's health. I listened again to Ben singing "Step by Step" and cried when I heard his sweet voice sing the words, "Oh God, you are my God. And I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning. And will learn to walk in your ways. And step by step You'll lead me. And I will FOLLOW YOU ALL OF MY DAYS."

From the bottom of my heart I hope and PRAY that one day these will not just be words to Ben, but they will become his life. This summer, Ben's life has completely changed me. I have been searching and I have been stretched through witnessing Ben's diagnosis and struggles. At the end of the summer ... I come to realize I'm at the same place at where I started. I'm still the same broken, lost soul who is longing for someone, something, anything to save me. And through the times when I felt like I was in an empty room streaming and no one could hear me ... there was someone who closed my mouth, held me in His arms, and brought peace, hope, and joy back into my life. It was God, My Savior, Jesus Christ who comforted me and our whole family and who saved us from despair. If you do not believe in Him today ... don't miss the signs. Let Ben's life be the sign that life is too precious and too easy to miss the true meaning and the true reason we take every breath. Jesus Christ is the reason and we are in desperate need of his faithfulness!