A parent shares their emotional and spiritual journey with their son Joel, who has been battling a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Joel has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and despite being given a short time to live, he has miraculously survived and is still alive 22 months later. The parent reflects on the experience, sharing their fears, hopes, and prayers, and how it has taught them to appreciate the present moment and find strength in their faith. Throughout the journey, they have learned to trust in God's plan and to find joy in the small miracles, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The speaker has a son named Joel who has a rare and aggressive brain tumor.
2. Joel underwent a month of radiation, which made him very sick.
3. Joel's parents prayed for him to stop being nauseous, and he stopped vomiting after that.
4. Joel's MRI results were clear for 10 months, but then the tumor came back.
5. The doctor told Joel's parents that the tumor's return was a tragedy and that Joel had only two weeks to four months to live.
6. Joel's parents were advised to consider hospice care, but they chose not to.
7. Joel's next MRI showed that two of his tumors were gone, and the third one was shrinking.
8. Joel has been off all cancer treatment for six months, and his MRI results have been clear.
9. Joel is almost four years old and does not talk in a meaningful way.
10. Joel still laughs and has a good quality of life despite his illness.
11. Joel's parents have four sons, and Joel is the one with the brain tumor.
12. Joel's parents have to take him for regular MRI scans to check on the tumor.
13. The doctor's report from Joel's latest MRI shows that his brain looks fine, but there are some issues with his spine.
14. Joel's parents are grateful for the time they have with him and are thankful for the miracles they have experienced during his illness.