MRI Clear !!!

We are thrilled to report that Ryan's MRI is clear ...... what a wonderful Christmas blessing. It is hard to put into words all of the emotions that wash over you when you hear the words that it is all clear ..... mostly you feel overwhelmed and humbled by God's graciousness, knowing that once again you have experienced His mercy - mercy that you haven't done nor ever will do a single thing to earn ..... you fall on your face before a Holy God speechless as there really are no words to express what you feel.

Ryan did very well - only towards the end did he start getting grumpy and complaining of being hungry or thirsty. Nurse Michele stepped in and they started coloring and drawing on the sheets. Nurse Michele has been with us since day one and we love her ..... she is truly and angel here on this earth .... she's funny and the kids love her!! We were thrilled to deliver over 900 pairs of "silly socks" - a friend of ours, Lisa Ferrell was inspired by Ryan's love for "silly socks" and how happy they make him. Nurse Michele started "Silly socks for Sick Kids" - she gives out silly socks and make these kids smile. Ryan got a pair of Halloween socks on the day he was diagnosed and it was such a HUGE thing for him .... who would think that a pair of socks could make such a difference, but they do. It keeps the focus off of the MRI and on what cool socks he will be getting. Lisa did a Christmas project with Merrol Hyde Magnet School where the kids collected these socks - lots and lots of socks and Lisa spent many, many hours keeping this going. Thank you all for doing this ...... there will be lots of happy little feet thanks to you guys!! Thanks to silly socks - Ryan will never wear a pair of solid color socks again ... they are just too boring :). We also were able to deliver 3 baskets of goodies for 3 other children who will be having radiation treatments during Christmas - Michele started this as well - the children get to open a present each day before radiation - such an incredible blessing for these kids - Ryan's memories of radiation are good ones because of that basket and because of the special people taking care of him - I am so thankful for that. Thank you Ann, Tiffany, and LaDona for doing that on such short notice (they'll be mad that I mentioned their name, but in one day these girls bought and wrapped 35 presents for each child (that's 35 X 3) - right here in the middle of Christmas - all I could think about on Friday morning were those precious children and how excited they were going to be when they saw those baskets loaded with presents - it makes me all teary just thinking of it now. If any of you reading this would be interested in doing a "Friendship Basket" for a child - let me know - unfortunately it's always a need.

Hezekiah's MRI was clear and last I heard Max was still keeping that temp. down (I think his momma is keeping him dressed in the bare minimum - ha!). Please pray it stays away. We rejoice in our good news - but our hearts and thoughts are always thinking of the incredible families we have met along the way ..... ones who will be in the hospital over Christmas, ones who know that their time left with their precious one is very short, and ones who would give all that they have for one more snuggle, one more giggle, one more mess to clean up again ......... hug your sweet babies, kiss them goodnight - praise Him for the messes they make (I know - it's hard!!) - but it is so true - where there is Mess - there is Life - I read that on a friends blog recently and it is so true.

We are off to Cookeville tomorrow for Christmas with the extended family - looking forward to some good food thanks to my Mom!!

Thank you all for praying ...... your prayers are the greatest blessing you can offer.
(Keep going for more pictures - I didn't know how to add all the pictures to the same one -ha!)